Samsung Unveils the 990: A New Value-Focused M.2 NVMe SSD

Samsung has officially introduced the Samsung 990, a value-oriented M.2 NVMe SSD designed for users seeking high-speed storage at a competitive price point. Distinct from the similarly named 990 EVO, the new Samsung 990 leverages QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND flash technology, setting it apart from the TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND used in the EVO series. This strategic choice allows Samsung to offer larger capacities and lower costs, while controller-level optimizations help maintain strong performance metrics.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Samsung 990 is built in the popular M.2-2280 form factor and utilizes a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern desktops and laptops. At its core is the Samsung Piccolo-Q DRAMless controller, which works in tandem with Samsung’s proprietary V9 series 280-layer 3D QLC NAND flash memory. This combination is engineered to deliver impressive speeds despite the absence of onboard DRAM.

The SSD is available in two capacities:

  • 1 TB: Up to 7,150 MB/s sequential read, 6,450 MB/s sequential write, 700,000 IOPS 4K random read, and 1.1 million IOPS 4K random write.
  • 2 TB: Up to 7,250 MB/s sequential read, 6,450 MB/s sequential write, 850,000 IOPS 4K random read, and 1.2 million IOPS 4K random write.

These figures position the Samsung 990 as a strong contender in the value SSD segment, offering performance that rivals many premium models.

Endurance and Warranty Considerations

One of the key differences between the Samsung 990 and the TLC-based 990 EVO Plus lies in write endurance. The 2 TB Samsung 990 is rated for 800 TBW (terabytes written), while the 1 TB model offers 400 TBW. In comparison, the 990 EVO Plus provides higher endurance, with the 2 TB variant rated at 1,200 TBW and the 1 TB version at 600 TBW. Both capacities of the Samsung 990 are backed by a 3-year limited warranty, reflecting the typical endurance expectations for QLC-based SSDs.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung 990 is available at launch for $270 (1 TB) and $530 (2 TB), making it an attractive option for users who prioritize storage capacity and speed without the premium price tag of flagship models. With its blend of advanced QLC NAND technology, robust controller optimizations, and competitive pricing, the Samsung 990 is poised to appeal to a broad range of PC enthusiasts and professionals seeking reliable, high-speed storage solutions.