Samsung 990 PRO versus 980 PRO: the exact 1 TB specifications
Compare 1 TB model identities, interfaces and manufacturer performance conditions. Do not turn headline sequential rates into measured game-loading or value claims.
Updated:
The 990 PRO has higher listed sequential ceilings, not a universal speed guarantee
For the exact 1 TB models, Samsung lists up to 7450 MB/s sequential read and 6900 MB/s sequential write for 990 PRO, compared with up to 7000 and 5000 MB/s in the 980 PRO datasheet. Both use a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe path and M.2 2280 format. Those are documented manufacturer claims under different stated source conditions, not a fresh head-to-head benchmark by this site.
A replacement decision therefore needs the host path, workload and complete quoted cost. An older drive that already meets the workload may not need replacing simply because another model has a larger ceiling. Conversely, a sustained transfer requirement cannot be settled from a short peak specification. This page publishes no current UK price or stock claim and does not declare a performance-per-pound winner.
Keep capacity and exact model code aligned
The current UK 990 PRO page is MZ-V9P1T0BW. The 980 PRO Rev. 2.1 datasheet identifies the 1 TB model as MZ-V8P1T0, with MZ-V8P1T0BW among its boxed model codes. Do not substitute the 250 GB, 500 GB or 2 TB row: the older document gives different sequential-write ceilings across capacities.
The 990 PRO UK page specifies NVMe 2.0, while the 980 PRO sheet specifies NVMe 1.3c. That version difference does not itself prove a workload advantage or establish support in a particular OEM machine. The system’s permitted interface, mounting length, firmware and thermal arrangement remain relevant.
| Exact 1 TB comparison | 990 PRO MZ-V9P1T0BW | 980 PRO MZ-V8P1T0BW |
|---|---|---|
| Form / interface | M.2 2280 / PCIe Gen4 x4 | M.2 2280 / PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| NVMe version listed | 2.0 | 1.3c |
| Sequential read, maker up to | 7450 MB/s | 7000 MB/s |
| Sequential write, maker up to | 6900 MB/s | 5000 MB/s |
| Listed write endurance | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Published dimensions | 80 × 22 × 2.3 mm | Maximum 80.15 × 22.15 × 2.38 mm |
The source conditions prevent a simple application-speed ratio
The 980 PRO sheet describes IOmeter testing with the SSD as a secondary drive and qualifies results by firmware, system hardware and configuration. Its write performance uses Intelligent TurboWrite under specified transfer-size conditions. The 990 PRO product page also qualifies performance by hardware and configuration. These are not identical independent test procedures that this library reproduced.
Dividing 6900 by 5000 does not predict a game-load improvement or the result of a long write after cache behaviour changes. For a workload-sensitive decision, seek a comparable independent test using the same capacity, host and relevant workload. Marketing comparisons and user reviews embedded on the product page are not substituted for such evidence here.
Photographs separate model, capacity and mounting identity
The actual 980 PRO photograph shows 1 TB and model MZ-V8P1T0, matching the older model and capacity in this comparison. The independently photographed 990 PRO shows 4 TB and MZ-V9P4T0. It is a different capacity from the 1 TB MZ-V9P1T0BW table, so the photograph is only a family and identity example. We have not obtained a photograph of the exact compared 1 TB 990 PRO, and no table performance or endurance value is transferred from the photographed 4 TB drive.
The separate M.2 screw photograph shows packaged mounting hardware, not a compatibility certificate for either SSD or an unspecified board. A bare M.2 module differs from a cased SATA drive, and the socket outline is only one part of compatibility. Confirm any heatsink version and total envelope separately. Do not transfer a bare-module dimension to a version with an added heatsink or assume all host covers leave the same space. The photographed screw does not establish the required thread, length or host support.
Use endurance and warranty without treating them as a backup
Both cited 1 TB sources list 600 TBW and a limited five-year warranty framework. The 980 PRO datasheet explicitly states time or TBW, whichever comes first. Retain the detailed warranty terms applicable to the exact region and product; a threshold is not a promise of individual drive life or protection against losing files.
For a UK order, record the exact model, capacity, physical version, seller terms and any additional mounting or cooling requirements. Compare an authorised complete quotation only after those agree. The documented distinction is clear: 990 PRO has higher listed sequential ceilings, while both require a suitable Gen4 NVMe host and an evidence-based workload assessment before a value or real-world speed conclusion.
