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Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus is not simply “1.5x faster” in every respect. Compared with the 990 EVO, Samsung rates it for up to 45% faster sequential reads and up to 50% faster sequential writes; its top rated sequential read speed is 7,250 MB/s on the 2TB and 4TB models. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent benchmark results, and actual speeds depend on the computer and workload.

How much faster is the 990 EVO Plus than the 990 EVO?

Samsung’s global launch material claims up to 45% faster sequential reads and up to 50% faster sequential writes for the 990 EVO Plus versus the 990 EVO. The U.S. announcement summarizes the improvement as up to 50% faster performance. These figures describe Samsung’s stated comparison, not a universal 1.5x speed increase across every task.

The specific rated maximum varies by capacity. Samsung’s datasheet lists sequential reads up to 7,150 MB/s for the 1TB model and up to 7,250 MB/s for the 2TB and 4TB models. Sequential writes are rated up to 6,300 MB/s across all three capacities. These are manufacturer-rated maxima; they are not guaranteed speeds on every system.

990 EVO Plus capacity Maximum sequential read Maximum sequential write
1TB Up to 7,150 MB/s Up to 6,300 MB/s
2TB Up to 7,250 MB/s Up to 6,300 MB/s
4TB Up to 7,250 MB/s Up to 6,300 MB/s

Figures in the table are Samsung’s specifications in its 990 EVO Plus datasheet. Samsung’s percentage comparison is against the 990 EVO, not the older 970 EVO Plus; the 990 EVO was separately compared with that older model.

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Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4 | 5x2 M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s
  • GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks faster than ever.
  • LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0's enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
  • EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Keep your cool as you work—or play—without worrying about overheating or battery life. The efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance.
  • OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Optimized to support the latest technology for SSDs—990 EVO Plus is compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2. This means you get more bandwidth and higher data processing and performance.
  • NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software. Stay up to speed with the latest firmware updates, extra encryption, and continual monitoring of your drive health–it works like a charm.

What the speed claims mean in everyday use

Sequential speeds measure reading or writing data in a continuous stream. They can matter when transferring large files or working with large media projects, but they do not predict every app’s loading time or a PC’s general responsiveness. The cited specifications do not establish actual performance for a particular workload, computer, or sustained transfer.

Samsung attributes the Plus model’s performance to 8th-generation V-NAND and a 5nm controller, and says a nickel-coated heat shield helps minimize overheating. Those are manufacturer explanations; the cited materials do not independently validate them. Samsung also reports up to 73% higher power efficiency than the predecessor, but the comparison basis is not specified here, so that figure should not be treated as a general power-saving guarantee.

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Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 1TB, PCIe Gen 4x4 | 5x2 M.2 2280, Up to 7,150 MB/s
  • GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,150/6,300MB/s*. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks faster than ever.
  • LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0's enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
  • EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Keep your cool as you work—or play—without worrying about overheating or battery life. The efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance.
  • OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Optimized to support the latest technology for SSDs—990 EVO Plus is compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2. This means you get more bandwidth and higher data processing and performance.
  • NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software. Stay up to speed with the latest firmware updates, extra encryption, and continual monitoring of your drive health–it works like a charm.

Will the 990 EVO Plus work in your laptop or PC?

The drive is an M.2 2280 NVMe SSD supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, with NVMe 2.0. Your computer needs a compatible M.2 NVMe slot, and its documentation should confirm support for the drive and available physical space. An M.2 slot alone does not establish NVMe compatibility.

Samsung notes that PCIe support affects whether the drive can reach its maximum performance. A host system that supports a lower interface capability may still be compatible, but the drive will not necessarily achieve the published maximum speeds. Check the computer or motherboard specifications before buying; the official product material does not establish compatibility with every laptop or PC.

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Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 4TB, PCIe Gen 4x4 | 5x2 M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s
  • GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks faster than ever.
  • LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0's enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
  • EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Keep your cool as you work—or play—without worrying about overheating or battery life. The efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance.
  • OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Optimized to support the latest technology for SSDs—990 EVO Plus is compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2. This means you get more bandwidth and higher data processing and performance.
  • NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software. Stay up to speed with the latest firmware updates, extra encryption, and continual monitoring of your drive health–it works like a charm.
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Which capacity should you choose?

Samsung offers the 990 EVO Plus in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. The 2TB and 4TB versions share the highest listed sequential read rating, while the 1TB version is rated slightly lower for reads; all three have the same listed maximum sequential write speed. Choose capacity based on the storage you need and the price you can verify for your market, since current pricing and availability are not established by the cited Samsung material.

For the full specifications and capacity options, see Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus product information. Confirm your device’s slot and interface support before selecting a model.

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Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
  • 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
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Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
  • 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

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.