The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To update a Samsung 980 PRO, first verify the drive model and current firmware in Samsung Magician, then use Magician’s Update screen if it detects the SSD and offers an update. Samsung’s current consumer-storage listing identifies the 980 PRO firmware image as 5B2QGXA7 (27 MB); the listing gives no release date or specific change summary, so an update should not be treated as a guaranteed performance boost. If Magician cannot update the drive, Samsung documents a bootable-ISO alternative.
Verify that the drive is a 980 PRO and note its firmware
Open Samsung Magician and check the SSD’s model and firmware version before starting. Match the exact model family: Samsung’s product page identifies the 250 GB 980 PRO as model MZ-V8P250B, in family MZ-V8P250. Other capacities have their own product codes. Do not select firmware for the separate Samsung 980, which is a different drive.
Samsung’s consumer-storage firmware listing names the 980 PRO Series image 5B2QGXA7, with a download size of 27 MB. It does not state a 980 PRO release date or describe the release’s specific changes. Check the listing when you are ready to update, since firmware availability can change: Samsung consumer-storage firmware and tools.
If the SSD is connected through an enclosure, treat Magician’s firmware status cautiously. Samsung’s Magician 9.0.0 guide warns that an SSD in an enclosure can appear to have the latest firmware even when it is not actually up to date. If the status is unclear, verify the drive through a supported direct connection.
#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
Back up, then update with Samsung Magician
Back up important files before any firmware operation. For a supported Windows setup where Magician detects the 980 PRO and offers an update, Samsung’s recommended route is to use the application:
- Launch Samsung Magician and select Update.
- Look for the new-version notice for the SSD and choose the offered firmware update.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Keep the computer powered on and do not remove power or disconnect the SSD while the update is in progress.
- Allow the restart or shutdown requested by the update process before using the computer again.
Samsung’s instructions state, “Do not turn off your computer during the firmware update process.” Samsung’s Magician 9.0.0 installation guide (2025) documents an automatic PC shutdown after an update, preceded by a 20-second countdown. That behavior is specific to the guide’s version and should not be assumed for every Magician release. See Samsung’s firmware-update instructions and Magician installation guide.
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
Choose the update route that fits your setup
| Route | Use it when | Trade-offs and cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Magician | Magician detects the 980 PRO on a supported computer and offers firmware. | Direct, in-application route. Samsung Canada says Magician does not support internal SSD firmware updates on macOS or Android, and Linux is not currently supported. Keep the computer powered on and follow the prompts. |
| Samsung bootable ISO | Magician is unavailable, the operating system is unsupported, the SSD is not detected, or an update cannot run within the operating system. | Requires writing bootable media and restarting the computer. Writing the ISO can erase the selected USB drive; verify the target and firmware family first. |
The platform statements above come from Samsung’s Canadian instructions and apply to Samsung SSDs sold in Canada. Check Samsung’s guidance for your region and current software version before choosing a route: Samsung SSD support and Magician resources.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use Samsung’s bootable firmware ISO if Magician cannot update
Samsung describes the bootable ISO as an alternative when Magician is unavailable, cannot detect the SSD, or cannot update it while the operating system is running. Use the official 980 PRO firmware image from Samsung’s listing, not an image for another SSD family.
Rank #3
- Next-level SSD performance: Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for next-level computing. 980 PRO delivers 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0, while maintaining compatibility with PCIe 3.0.
- Maximum Speed: Get read speeds up to 7,000 MB s with 980 PRO and push the limits of what SSDs can do. Powered by a new Elpsis controller designed to harmonize the flash memory components and the interface for superior speed – with a PCIe 4.0 interface that’s 2x faster than PCIe 3.0 SSDs and 12x faster than Samsung SATA SSDs – every component of this NVMe SSD is manufactured by Samsung for performance that lasts.
- A winning combination: Designed for hardcore gamers and tech-savvy users, the 980 PRO offers high-performance bandwidth and throughput for heavy-duty applications in gaming, graphics, data analytics, and more. It's fast at loading games, so you can play more and wait less.
- Efficient M.2 SSD: The 980 PRO comes in a compact M.2 2280 form factor, which can be easily plugged into desktops and laptops. Due to its size and thus optimized power efficiency, it’s ideal for building high-performance computing systems.
- Reliable thermal control: High-performance SSDs usually require high-performance thermal control. To ensure stable performance, the 980 PRO uses nickel coating to help manage the controller's heat level and a heat spreader label to deliver effective thermal control of the NAND chip.
- Back up the SSD and download the 980 PRO image from Samsung’s firmware listing.
- Use a utility that can write an ISO image to removable media. Confirm the selected USB drive carefully: preparing it may erase its contents.
- Restart the computer and boot from the USB media, then follow Samsung’s firmware utility instructions.
- Keep the SSD connected and the computer powered during the update. Do not interrupt the process; allow any requested restart or shutdown to complete.
Samsung’s instructions do not make a specific third-party USB-writing utility necessary, so choose one appropriate for your system and follow its documentation for creating bootable media.
What the older 3B2QGXA7 issue means
In a 2023 support report, Puget Systems said Samsung had confirmed awareness of an issue affecting 980 PRO firmware 3B2QGXA7 and recommended 5B2QGXA7 as a preventive update. Puget also cautioned that updating would not repair a drive that had already failed into a read-only state. This is historical reporting by Puget, not a current Samsung advisory: Puget Systems’ 2023 report.
Rank #4
- Designed for hardcore gamers and tech-savvy users
- Offers high-performance bandwidth and throughput for heavy-duty applications in gaming, graphics, data analytics, and more
- NVMe SSD powered by V-NAND technology
- Designed with hardcore gamers and tech-savvy users in mind
If the SSD is missing, read-only, or critically unhealthy, do not assume a firmware update will restore it. Prioritize preserving data and diagnosing the drive; an update is not data recovery or a substitute for replacing failed hardware.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWill the update improve performance?
Samsung’s current listing identifies the 980 PRO firmware image but does not provide a release date or a 980 PRO-specific change summary. The cited manufacturer material also does not establish a measured performance gain. Update through Samsung’s supported path when the firmware is offered or when you need the documented preventive version, but do not expect a particular speed increase without a stated, verified change or benchmark for your drive and setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 PERFORMANCE: Supercharge your workflow and gaming with PCIe 5.0, boasting up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s* sequential read/write speeds. Tackle massive files and power up your gaming with Gen5—twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD.
- EVERY TASK, TURBOCHARGED: Speed past productivity limits. With random read/write speeds up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, enjoy fast game loads, seamless AI apps, and efficient multitasking. Virtually no lag, no limits—just nonstop performance.
- THINK FAST, CREATE FASTER: With random read/write speeds of up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS*, the 9100 PRO SSD fuels seamless AI content creation, swift loads, and smooth gameplay. Work, play, and create at lightning speed.
- SPEED, WHENEVER YOU NEED: From laptops to desktop PCs, experience blazing PCIe 5.0 speeds and up to 8TB of storage. Perfect for video editing, gaming, and creative tasks, with the compatibility to match your device.
- STAY COOL, RUN FAST: Push limits, not temperatures. A 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO SSD*, while advanced thermal control keeps performance smooth and reliable.
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.
