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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Corsair Force MP510 and Samsung 970 PRO are both M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs built for PCIe Gen 3 x4, and their advertised sequential read speeds are almost identical. The MP510’s maximum write rating is higher than either 970 PRO capacity’s, but the useful choice depends on the exact drive SKU, your computer’s M.2 support, endurance needs, and whether you can find a genuine drive with applicable warranty coverage.
MP510 vs Samsung 970 PRO at a glance
The figures below are manufacturer specifications, not results from a controlled, same-system benchmark. Corsair notes that MP510 performance depends on the platform and use; Samsung’s figures come from its 2018 970 PRO datasheet.
| Specification | Corsair Force MP510 | Samsung 970 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor and interface | M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe (Corsair product page, accessed 2026) | M.2 2280, PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe (Samsung datasheet, 2018) |
| Sequential read, maximum | 3,480 MB/s (Corsair product page, accessed 2026) | 3,500 MB/s (Samsung datasheet, 2018) |
| Sequential write, maximum | 3,000 MB/s (Corsair product page, accessed 2026) | 2,300 MB/s at 512GB; 2,700 MB/s at 1TB (Samsung datasheet, 2018) |
| Endurance by listed capacity | Original MP510: 400 TBW (240GB), 800 TBW (480GB), 1,700 TBW (960GB), 3,120 TBW (1,920GB), 6,820 TBW (4TB). MP510B: 360 TBW (480GB), 720 TBW (960GB). (Corsair endurance table, accessed 2026) | 600 TBW (512GB); 1,200 TBW (1TB). (Samsung datasheet, 2018) |
| Published warranty | Five years for listed MP510 models (Corsair endurance table, accessed 2026) | Five years or the drive’s TBW limit, whichever comes first (Samsung datasheet, 2018) |
Which drive is faster?
Sequential reads
The advertised maximum read rates are effectively neck and neck: 3,480 MB/s for the MP510 and 3,500 MB/s for the 970 PRO. A 20 MB/s difference between manufacturer maximum ratings does not establish that the Samsung will feel faster in ordinary use. These are not head-to-head test results, and actual performance depends on the host system and workload.
Sequential writes
Corsair rates the MP510 at up to 3,000 MB/s write. Samsung rates the 970 PRO at up to 2,300 MB/s for 512GB and 2,700 MB/s for 1TB. The capacity must be part of any comparison: Samsung does not specify one write maximum for both versions. The published figures alone cannot predict performance in a particular application or sustained workload.
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Check compatibility before choosing either M.2 drive
Both models use the M.2 2280 shape and PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe interface. The shared physical dimensions do not guarantee compatibility: an M.2 socket can be SATA-only, or the system may not provide the PCIe support and lanes these drives need.
- Check the computer or motherboard manual for M.2 NVMe/PCIe support, rather than relying on the socket’s shape alone.
- Confirm the slot supports PCIe x4 and determine whether installing a drive affects lane allocation or disables another port.
- Verify that the device has room for an M.2 2280 drive and that any heatsink or cover fits.
Corsair lists the MP510 specifications on its Force MP510 product page; Samsung’s interface and capacity specifications appear in the 970 PRO datasheet. Use the manual for your specific host to verify slot support.
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Compare endurance by exact model and capacity
TBW, or terabytes written, is a published endurance limit—not a prediction of how long an individual drive will last. Corsair’s table gives original MP510 models 400 TBW at 240GB, 800 TBW at 480GB, 1,700 TBW at 960GB, 3,120 TBW at 1,920GB, and 6,820 TBW at 4TB. It separately lists MP510B at 360 TBW for 480GB and 720 TBW for 960GB. Samsung lists the 970 PRO at 600 TBW for 512GB and 1,200 TBW for 1TB.
Because MP510 and MP510B endurance ratings differ at the overlapping capacities, do not infer the rating from a family name alone. Check the exact SKU and capacity in Corsair’s SSD endurance table. Samsung’s values are in its 970 PRO datasheet.
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Warranty and buying older stock
Corsair lists a five-year warranty for the MP510 models in its endurance table. Samsung specifies five years or the 970 PRO’s TBW limit, whichever comes first. Those published terms do not by themselves establish that coverage transfers to a second owner or still applies to a particular used or old-stock listing.
Before buying, verify the exact model, seller, region, proof-of-purchase requirements, and warranty status with the manufacturer or seller. A listing that says “970” may be for a 970 EVO or EVO Plus, not a 970 PRO; likewise, an MP510B is not interchangeable with the original MP510 for endurance comparisons.
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- 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****
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Availability depends on region and listing
These are older product lines, so availability can vary. At the time of the cited page check in 2026, Corsair’s US page showed the MP510 960GB out of stock. Samsung Australia’s product page stated that the 970 PRO 1TB was no longer available in that region. Those observations describe specific pages and regions, not worldwide inventory. Check the exact SKU and current seller stock before purchase; Samsung’s regional availability notice is on its Australia 970 PRO 1TB page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
- Choose the MP510 if you find the exact original MP510 SKU in suitable condition and its capacity-specific endurance and warranty terms work for you. Its manufacturer-rated sequential write maximum is higher than the 970 PRO’s listed maximums.
- Choose the 970 PRO if you have verified that the listing is truly a 970 PRO, and the capacity-specific performance, TBW limit, and remaining or applicable warranty suit your needs.
- Choose neither based on the headline speed alone if your system’s M.2 slot is SATA-only, does not support NVMe/PCIe, or lacks the required lane support.
For either drive, the decisive purchase checks are host compatibility, exact SKU and capacity, condition, seller, and warranty—not a small difference between advertised read maxima.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
