The Samsung 990 is a step up from the 990 EVO, boasting improved PCIe 4.0 performance and a higher-than-average TBW rating. However, its write rate plummets when secondary cache runs out, making it slower than its predecessor, the 990 EVO Plus.
The 990's performance is a mixed bag, with it delivering good read speeds and decent sequential throughput in CrystalDiskMark 8 tests. However, its 4K performance and write speeds are not on par with other high-end SSDs like the Lexar Play 2280.
The 990 uses a host memory buffer (HMB) design, relying on around 64MB of system memory for primary caching and 20 percent of total capacity for secondary caching. This design choice may contribute to its performance drop-off when secondary cache is exhausted.
The 990 is priced similarly to the 990 Pro and 9100 Pro, which may be a concern for consumers. It also lacks a five-year warranty, which is offered by the TLC-based 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus.
A notable feature of the 990 is its 400TBW per 1TB capacity rating, which is still a significant amount of writing capacity. However, this rating is lower than the 600TBW per TB rating offered by the 990 EVO and EVO Plus.
The 990's pricing is also a point of contention, with a 1TB model costing $270 and a 2TB model costing $530. This is comparable to other high-end SSDs on the market, but may be a barrier for some consumers.
Overall, the Samsung 990 is a solid improvement over the 990 EVO, but its performance drops off when secondary cache is exhausted. It also lacks a five-year warranty and is priced similarly to other high-end SSDs. While it may not be the best option for consumers, it is a step in the right direction for Samsung's NVMe SSD lineup.
The 990's performance in real-world scenarios is likely to be satisfactory for most users, but it may not be the best choice for those who need high-performance SSDs. The 990 EVO Plus remains a better option for those who can find it, but the 990 is still a viable choice for those in need of a reliable NVMe SSD.
When it comes to testing, the drive is subjected to a range of synthetic and real-world benchmarks, including CrystalDiskMark 8 and Windows Explorer drag and drop tests. These tests are designed to simulate real-world usage and provide a comprehensive picture of the drive's performance.
In conclusion, the Samsung 990 is a solid addition to the NVMe SSD market, but it has its limitations. While it may not be the best option for high-performance enthusiasts, it is a reliable choice for those in need of a fast and efficient NVMe SSD.
