Samsung 970 EVO Plus
PCIe M.2 · PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 · Samsung Phoenix
Specifications
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3 |
|---|---|
| Controller | Samsung Phoenix |
| NAND Type | Samsung 96-layer 3-bit MLC V-NAND (TLC) |
| DRAM Cache | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Seq Read | 3,500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Seq Write | 2,300 MB/s |
| Rand Read | 250,000 IOPS |
| Rand Write | 550,000 IOPS |
| Endurance | 150 TBW |
| Seq Read | 3,500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Seq Write | 3,200 MB/s |
| Rand Read | 480,000 IOPS |
| Rand Write | 550,000 IOPS |
| Endurance | 300 TBW |
| Seq Read | 3,500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Seq Write | 3,300 MB/s |
| Rand Read | 600,000 IOPS |
| Rand Write | 550,000 IOPS |
| Endurance | 600 TBW |
| Seq Read | — |
|---|---|
| Seq Write | 1,750 MB/s |
| Rand Read | 620,000 IOPS |
| Rand Write | 560,000 IOPS |
| Endurance | 1200 TBW |
Overview
The 970 EVO was the best-selling SSD in the M.2 segment throughout 2018. In 2019, Samsung updated it with the 970 EVO Plus. Compared to the predecessor, the main difference is new and improved NAND memory. Its parallel in the OEM market is Samsung's PM981a.
Overview: Memory Type, Controller and Cache
The primary difference between the EVO and PRO variations of the 970 remains: Samsung uses MLC (multi-level cell) NAND Flash memory for the PRO lineup, whereas the EVO series is equipped with less durable TLC (triple-level cell) NAND.
In the 970 EVO Plus, however, the 64-layer 3D TLC NAND (V4 V-NAND) has been upgraded to newer, 96-layer 3D TLC NAND (V5 V-NAND) produced by Samsung.
Cache sizes remain the same and the 970 EVO Plus uses the same Samsung Phoenix controller as its predecessor.
Performance
Other than a higher density, Samsung's 96-layer NAND in the 970 EVO Plus comes with a variety of efficiency optimizations that improve performance. A comparison of the 970 EVO/EVO Plus:
Power Consumption (Laptop Suitability)
Thanks to the increased memory density, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers some slight improvements in terms of power efficiency as well. As usual, the larger capacities are less efficient, but in comparison, the 250 GB capacity is down from e.g. 5.4 W to 5.0 W in active read mode.
Warranty and Endurance Rating
Warranty and endurance ratings remain the same, with Samsung offering a 5-year warranty and identical endurance ratings in TBW (terabytes written) as the 970 EVO.
- 150 TBW for 250 GB model
- 300 TBW for 500 GB model
- 600 TBW for 1 TB model
- 1,200 TBW for 2 TB model
Reviews
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“The Samsung 970 Evo Plus is an even better cheaper alternative to the 970 Pro than last year’s 970 Evo. The new SSD stands out in almost every aspect compared to its predecessor.”
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“Yep Samsung made it faster. The performance that the new Plus model is really good.”
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“Among the enthusiast-class drives on the market however, the SSD 970 EVO Plus is easily among the best options available, especially at its higher capacities.”