What the reviews support
Fast random and application behavior is more relevant than a single headline transfer speed.
Tom’s HardwareTechPowerUpStorage & NAS / Review roundup
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB
2TB M.2 NVMe, without heatsink
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 3 assessment sources
What reviewers found
Fast storage, but do not overpay for the headline speed
The 2TB 990 Pro is a strong PCIe 4.0 drive for a demanding PC, supported by Samsung’s management software. Ordinary loading times may not justify a large premium over another good Gen4 SSD. Compare it with the SN850X at the same capacity and include a heatsink if your system needs one.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
A mature high-performance PCIe 4.0 desktop or laptop SSD
The catch
A premium SSD may add little to ordinary loading times
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
Affiliate links · We may earn a commission.
Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Strong PCIe 4.0 performance
- Samsung management software
Cons
- No heatsink in this variant
- Peak rates are not sustained-write guarantees
In depth
What changes the experience
Choose cooling and capacity before comparing offers; the heatsink version is a different purchase.
Tom’s HardwareTechPowerUpBefore you buy
For basic game loading, compare a cheaper drive before paying for flagship storage performance.
Tom’s HardwareTechPowerUpFast in many workloads, not all of them
StorageReview’s 2TB tests add a useful qualification to the peak-speed specifications: sequential transfers were strong, but some virtual-desktop workloads were weaker. For ordinary gaming, a higher benchmark number alone is not a reason to pay a large premium.
StorageReviewMeasurements & observations
Published measurements include their original test conditions.
Review observation · Reported review observation
Qualitative findingTom’s Hardware highlights efficiency and random performance in its 2TB sample; this is a review assessment, not a retest.
Tom’s HardwareMeasurement · Blackmagic sequential read
5.67 GB/sStorageReview, 2TB sample, Windows 11 consumer platform, 2022 review. Separate from its server-platform VDBench tests.
StorageReviewMeasurement · Blackmagic sequential write
5.943 GB/sSame StorageReview 2TB sample and Windows 11 Blackmagic test; not a sustained full-drive write guarantee.
StorageReviewSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Capacity
- 2 TB
- Form factor
- M.2 2280
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 ×4
- Protocol
- NVMe
- Flash family
- TLC
- DRAM cache
- Present
Features & compatibility
- Heatsink
- Not included in selected variant
- Sequential read claim
- Up to 7,450 MB/s
- Sequential write claim
- Up to 6,900 MB/s
- Endurance claim
- 1,200 TBW for 2TB
- Limited warranty
- Five years or endurance limit; check regional terms
Still unknown
- No long-term failure-rate study in this synthesis.
Published reviews & comparisons
Tom’s Hardware · Review ·
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB review ↗
The 2TB sample combines strong random performance with good efficiency. Peak sequential claims do not describe every workload.
Test scope
2TB sample; random performance, efficiency and sustained behavior
Publisher group: Future
TechPowerUp · Review
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB review ↗
The exact 2TB application and transfer tests provide a second view of performance; consult workloads rather than pooling scores.
Test scope
Exact 2TB review with application and transfer tests
Publisher group: TechPowerUp
StorageReview · Review
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB review ↗
StorageReview found strong random and sequential performance, with weaker results in some VDI workloads. Its separate Windows 11 Blackmagic test measured 5.67GB/s reads and 5.943GB/s writes. These are historical test results, not current firmware retests.
Test scope
2022 review of the 2TB drive; VDBench and separate Windows 11 Blackmagic testing
Publisher group: StorageReview
Alternatives to consider
ModelChoose it forThe catchCompare
Samsung 9100 Pro 2TB2 reviewsFor sustained transfers on a machine with a proper Gen5 slot and cooling.Gen5 hardware and cooling needed; Little benefit for many ordinary workloadsCompare →
WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB2 reviewsCompare this with the 9100 Pro for a demanding Gen5 workstation.Premium price for ordinary workloads; Cooling and slot compatibility matterCompare →
WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB2 reviewsGaming and general high-performance PCIe 4.0 storageA fast specification does not guarantee better game loadingCompare →