The Tool Desk
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Check compatibility and choose the right 990 PRO
The Samsung 990 PRO is an M.2 2280 NVMe 2.0 drive using a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface. Your motherboard must have an M.2 socket that accepts NVMe/PCIe drives; an M.2 socket that supports only SATA is not sufficient. Check the board manual for compatible socket types, location, and any lane-sharing limitations that may affect other devices. Samsung identifies the drive as backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, but maximum performance requires a compatible PCIe 4.0 system. Actual performance depends on firmware, hardware, and configuration. See Samsung’s 990 PRO support page and the 990 PRO with Heatsink product page for regional product and support information.
Bare drive or heatsink version?
Choose based on your board’s M.2 cover or heatsink, available clearance, exact drive SKU and capacity, and the PCIe generation supported by the socket you plan to use. The heatsink version may not fit under a motherboard cover or near a graphics card. Samsung lists maximum dimensions of 80.15 × 25 × 8.88 mm for the 990 PRO with Heatsink; verify clearance in your own case and motherboard manual.
Samsung explicitly says not to remove the heatsink preinstalled on the heatsink version: “The 990 PRO with Heatsink has a pre-installed heat sink and it should not be removed as it can damage the device.” The manufacturer also warns against overtightening during assembly. Do not assume the two variants use interchangeable clearances or that every region offers the same capacities and model codes; check the exact SKU’s current listing.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
What performance to expect
Samsung’s revision 2.0 heatsink datasheet published sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s for the 1 TB and 2 TB heatsink models. This is a manufacturer maximum specification, not a guaranteed result or an independent benchmark; Samsung says actual performance varies with firmware, system hardware, and configuration. Consult Samsung’s current documentation for capacity-specific specifications rather than treating that figure as universal.
Prepare before opening the PC
- Check the motherboard manual for the M.2 socket that supports NVMe/PCIe, its location, lane-sharing restrictions, and the required standoff, screw, latch, or tool-less retention method.
- Use the manual to determine whether a graphics card or motherboard cover must be removed, and how the board’s heatsink and thermal pad should be handled. Follow any instructions about removing protective film from a thermal pad.
- Shut down the computer, disconnect power, and follow the safety instructions from the PC and motherboard manufacturers.
- Have the manual’s specified retention hardware ready. A precision screwdriver is needed only if the board’s method calls for one; many boards use other retention mechanisms.
There is no universal desktop disassembly sequence: access to the socket and the cover-removal procedure depend on the exact motherboard and case.
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Install the SSD using the motherboard’s mounting method
- With the PC shut down and disconnected from power, open the case as described by its manufacturer. Remove a graphics card or M.2 cover only if the motherboard manual says it is necessary.
- Locate the selected M.2 socket and prepare its standoff or latch for the 2280 mounting position, following the board manual. Do not relocate hardware based on a generic diagram if the board’s instructions differ.
- Align the SSD with the socket and insert it at the angle specified by the motherboard maker. Lower the drive to its mounting point and secure it with the board’s screw, latch, or tool-less mechanism. Do not overtighten.
- If reinstalling a motherboard heatsink, follow the manual’s instructions for the thermal pad and cover. Do not remove the preinstalled heatsink from the 990 PRO with Heatsink, and check that the assembled parts have adequate clearance.
- Reassemble the PC, reconnect power, and start the system.
Confirm detection before initializing or formatting
Check the system’s firmware setup or operating system’s storage tools to see whether the SSD is detected. The exact menu labels and operating-system steps vary by board and OS, so use the motherboard manual or OS guidance for your configuration. If the 990 PRO is not detected, recheck that it is fully seated, that the selected socket supports NVMe/PCIe, and that the board’s manual does not describe a relevant lane-sharing or firmware setting.
If the SSD is new and intended as secondary storage, use the operating system’s disk-management tool to initialize and partition it as appropriate. Formatting or initializing can erase data; do not do either if the drive may contain files you need. If the SSD is a boot drive or replaces an existing drive, the next steps depend on how the operating system will be installed or transferred, so do not treat secondary-drive initialization as a universal step.
Rank #3
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****
Use Samsung Magician and handle firmware updates cautiously
Samsung Magician 8.1’s installation guide, revision 1.6 from March 2024, lists both the 990 PRO M.2 and 990 PRO with Heatsink M.2 as supported models. It also says an internet connection is needed for firmware and software updates. Software support can change, so check Samsung’s current support page for the latest Magician release and model-specific firmware rather than assuming that guide is the current version.
A firmware update is not a required step for every installation. If you choose to update, back up important data first: Samsung warns that firmware updating carries a risk of data loss, and says not to disconnect the SSD while an update is in progress.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OUR ULTIMATE SSD: Reach near max performance with PCIe 4.0*; The in-house controller's smart heat control delivers our best power efficiency while maintaining ferocious performance that always keeps you at the top of your game
- MAXIMIZED PCIE 4.0 SPEED: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS and read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s for gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, data analysis and more**
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Get more performance while using less power; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO***
- THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller delivers thermal control and prevents performance drops from overheating; 990 PRO with Heatsink is a perfect fit for PlayStation 5, desktops, laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard****
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: A more than 55% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games; With RGB LED lights, Heatsink’s futuristic design adds style to function*****
Rank #4
- High-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for high-end PC gaming as well as 4K video and 3D editing, data analytics and more.
- Exceptional speed: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively for all variants from 1 to 4 TB of storage capacity.
- High reliability and long-lasting performance thanks to Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to protect against overheating
- Storage capacities of up to 4 TB in compact M.2 form factor (2280), Ideal for high-performance (gaming) PCs and notebooks/ultrabooks
- Easy drive management, with user-friendly Samsung Magician software for drive updates and performance optimisation
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