Overview
The Samsung 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD that pushes the interface to its limits. With sequential read speeds of 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, it dramatically reduces game load times and accelerates large file transfers. The drive features Samsung's in-house Pascal controller and an improved thermal solution. It is officially compatible with the PS5 internal storage expansion slot, making it an excellent choice for both PC gamers and console users.
Key Features
- Sequential read up to 7,450 MB/s and write up to 6,900 MB/s
- Samsung Pascal controller for low power consumption and high efficiency
- Nickel-coated and heatsink-equipped models for effective thermal management
- Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption support
- Samsung Magician software for easy firmware updates and performance optimization
Compatibility Guide
The 990 Pro uses the M.2 2280 form factor and works with any PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot. It is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots, but speeds will be limited to around 3,500 MB/s. It fits directly into the PS5 internal storage expansion slot and is listed on Sony's official compatibility list. The heatsink model is designed to fit under the PS5 cover without additional cooling modifications.
Ideal Builds
- PC gamers who want the fastest game load times
- PS5 owners looking to expand internal storage
- Creators working with large video files or 3D rendering projects
- Anyone seeking top-tier random access performance for an OS drive
Upgrade Considerations
Since the 990 Pro fully utilizes PCIe 4.0 bandwidth, check that your motherboard's M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0. Using it in a PCIe 3.0 slot halves its speed, so if you plan to upgrade your motherboard soon, it may be better to wait until then. For OS drive use, enable TRIM and garbage collection via Samsung Magician to maintain long-term performance. If you are concerned about heat, choose the heatsink model or properly attach your motherboard's included heatsink.