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
Buy whichever 2TB drive costs less from a trustworthy seller, provided its exact version fits your system. The Samsung 990 PRO has slightly higher published sequential-speed maxima, but those ratings do not prove it will feel faster in everyday use. For a PS5, pay particular attention to the heatsink: WD explicitly identifies the SN850X heatsink model as compatible.
How the 2TB drives compare
Both are premium PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, not PCIe 5.0 drives. Their top-line specifications are close, and neither manufacturer’s peak figures are a direct, matched test against the other drive.
| Specification | Samsung 990 PRO 2TB | WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface and form factor | PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0, M.2 2280 | PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280 |
| Sequential read, rated maximum | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 7,300 MB/s |
| Sequential write, rated maximum | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 6,600 MB/s |
| Random read/write, rated maximum | Up to 1.4M / 1.55M IOPS | Up to 1.2M / 1.1M IOPS |
| Endurance at 2TB | 1,200 TBW | 1,200 TBW |
| Warranty | Five-year limited warranty, subject to the time or TBW limit, whichever comes first | Five years or maximum TBW, whichever comes first; regional terms apply |
| Heatsink options | Heatsink and non-heatsink variants; check the exact SKU | Heatsink model WDS200T2XHE and non-heatsink model WDS200T2X0E |
Samsung’s figures come from its published 990 PRO specifications; its write-speed rating uses Intelligent TurboWrite, which applies only within a specified transfer size. WD’s figures are manufacturer ratings and can vary with host, use conditions, and capacity. Firmware, cooling, configuration, and workload also affect results, so treat these as rated peaks rather than guaranteed sustained speeds or a promise of a visible difference. (Samsung 990 PRO datasheet; WD_BLACK SN850X datasheet)
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Does the Samsung 990 PRO feel faster for gaming?
Not necessarily. The Samsung has higher published sequential and random maximum figures, but those specifications alone cannot establish shorter game loading times or snappier everyday use. PC Gamer’s 2026 gaming SSD guide scores both 2TB drives 87% and says paying extra for the Samsung may be hard to justify when similar performance is available for less. Its assessment draws on synthetic benchmarks, a 30GB game-install copy, PCMark10, and a game-level load test; it is editorial guidance, not proof that every workload performs identically. (PC Gamer’s gaming SSD guide)
#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
If you regularly move large files, run storage-heavy creative work, or have another specific throughput-sensitive task, compare reliable independent tests for that workload and your platform. The available manufacturer ratings are not a common-lab head-to-head result, and the cited buyer guide does not provide a direct matched results table.
Which 2TB drive is better value?
Current October 2026 local prices, stock, and regional listings have not been established here, so compare the exact models at purchase time rather than relying on launch pricing or an old sale. If both fit and cost about the same, either is a defensible premium PCIe 4.0 choice. If one is meaningfully cheaper, the specifications do not by themselves make a strong case for paying extra for the other.
Rank #2
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
- Choose the cheaper drive when both exact versions fit and your workload has no specific feature requirement.
- Choose the 990 PRO if its current price is competitive and you prefer Samsung’s published peak ratings or Samsung Magician management software.
- Choose the SN850X if it costs less, its heatsink version suits the host, or WD_BLACK Dashboard and Game Mode 2.0 matter to your Windows setup. WD lists Dashboard as Windows-only.
Both drives publish 1,200 TBW endurance at 2TB and a five-year warranty period, with the applicable endurance or time limit ending coverage first. These figures do not establish either drive’s real-world failure probability. Check the warranty terms for your region. (Samsung 990 PRO product page; WD_BLACK SN850X datasheet)
Do you need the heatsink version for PS5?
Check the console’s installation guidance and the exact SSD variant before ordering. WD’s datasheet explicitly names the SN850X heatsink model as PS5-compatible; it does not make that statement for the bare model. Samsung’s product material describes the 990 PRO for PC and PlayStation 5 gaming, but confirm the particular configuration and fit rather than assuming every version is ready to install. A heatsink must fit beneath the host’s cover without obstructing installation. (WD_BLACK SN850X datasheet; Samsung’s 990 PRO announcement)
Rank #3
- PCIe Gen 3x4 interface with read speeds up to 2,200MB/s and write speeds up to 1,600MB/s
- TBW=1200
- The warranty terms on all of its SSDs are based on whether the warranty length or TBW limit occurs first.
- To support a Silicon Power PCIe SSD, the system must have an M. 2 connector with only an M key. The Silicon Power PCIe SSD does not have a b notch and therefore, the b key on the SSD connector will prevent it from being inserted
- Need Help? Contact U.S. Tech Support First! If your device isn’t recognized, can’t be formatted, or stops working. Our U.S. tech team can help fix the issue quickly. Email: USTech@silicon-power.com We support common problems like: Drive not showing up, Formatting errors, Device stopped working after short use, etc.
What to check before buying for a PC or laptop
Both are M.2 2280 drives, but that label alone does not guarantee a fit or full rated performance. Before purchase, verify:
- Your system has an M-key M.2 slot that supports NVMe, and whether it supports PCIe 4.0.
- The exact drive length and heatsink height fit the motherboard slot, laptop bay, or console enclosure.
- Whether the host already supplies a heatsink or cover, and whether the manufacturer permits removing a drive’s supplied heatsink.
- For a laptop, any stated single- or double-sided drive restriction, thermal limit, and supported PCIe generation.
A PCIe 3.0 slot or a platform with other restrictions may run a PCIe 4.0 drive below its advertised maximum. Compatibility cannot be inferred for a particular laptop or motherboard without checking that device’s specifications.
Rank #4
- 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.
Verdict: pick on price and fit, not a tiny spec-sheet lead
For most buyers choosing between these exact 2TB models, the lower-priced option from a reliable seller is the sensible buy once compatibility and heatsink needs are settled. The 990 PRO wins on published peak-speed figures; the SN850X can be the better deal and has a clearly identified PS5 heatsink model. Neither advantage makes one a universal winner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
