This article covers Samsung 970 EVO Plus Series.

Overview

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is a well-established NVMe SSD that has earned a solid reputation among PC builders. This 500GB model (MZ-V7S500B/AM) uses a PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface and delivers sequential read speeds up to 3,500MB/s and write speeds up to 3,200MB/s. With Samsung V-NAND 3-bit TLC and a proprietary Phoenix controller, it offers reliable performance for everyday computing, gaming, and light creative workloads. Even years after its release, it remains a cost-effective mid-range choice.

Compatibility Guide

This drive uses the M.2 2280 form factor and requires an NVMe-capable M.2 slot. It is designed for PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 but works in Gen 4.0 slots as well. Compatible with both desktop and laptop PCs that have an M.2 slot supporting NVMe. Some older motherboards may need a BIOS update to recognize it as a boot drive.

Product Info

Launched in 2018, the 970 EVO Plus features Samsung's 64-layer TLC V-NAND and a Phoenix controller with a DRAM cache (512MB for the 500GB model). It occupies the mid-range market segment — not as fast as PCIe 4.0 drives like the 980 PRO, but more than enough for most gaming and productivity tasks. The drive carries a 5-year limited warranty, subject to TBW limits.

Best Use Cases

Primarily, it's ideal as a gaming drive to speed up level loading and system responsiveness. It also suits creative professionals who work with medium-sized media files. For budget-conscious builders, it offers a reliable starting point before upgrading to a PCIe 4.0 drive. ## Alternatives
Direct competitors include the WD SN570 (DRAM-less, slower random performance) and SK hynix Gold P31 (DRAM-cached, more power-efficient, better for laptops). The 970 EVO Plus stands out with its proven track record and consistent performance across varied workloads.

Things to Consider

The 970 EVO Plus is limited by PCIe Gen 3.0 bandwidth — if you frequently transfer massive datasets, a Gen 4.0 drive would be faster. The 500GB capacity can fill up quickly with modern games and OS files. Consider a 1TB variant if you need more headroom. Also, as this model has been on the market for several years, ensure you are buying from an authorized retailer to avoid counterfeit or grey-market units.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: サムスン(SAMSUNG)
  • Seller: 世界まるごとマルシェ (インボイス対応）
  • Fulfilled by: 世界まるごとマルシェ (インボイス対応）
  • ASIN: B07M7Q21N7
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.