Computer Forum
Samsung 990 SSD (Image © Videocardz)
The Samsung 990 differs from high-end models in that it does not have a dedicated DRAM cache. Instead, it uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to handle storage tasks. The drive is based on Samsung V-NAND and an in-house controller, which optimizes the hardware for efficiency—as opposed to the raw performance found in professional-grade drives.
The data taken from the specifications suggests high throughput for an entry-level model. The 1-TB version delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7,150 MB/s and write speeds of 6,450 MB/s. The 2-TB model shows a slight increase in read performance, reaching peak speeds of 7,250 MB/s, while the write speed remains at 6,450 MB/s. Additionally, the 2-TB version handles random read and write operations at 850,000 and 1,200,000 IOPS, respectively.
Compared to the 990 PRO, there is a notable difference in terms of lifespan. The Samsung 990 comes with a 3-year limited warranty. In terms of lifespan, the 1-TB model is rated for 400 Total Bytes Written (TBW), while the 2-TB model is rated for 800 TBW. With these figures, the drive’s lifespan falls below that of Samsung’s premium performance class.
Market Situation
Although Samsung has not yet announced an official global release date or consumer prices, the product has already appeared at some B2B retailers. In some listings, the device is classified as an entry-level NVMe solution. The prices currently listed by these vendors appear to be placeholders for business-to-business transactions and may not reflect the final MSRPs for end consumers.
