I'm on the hunt for a new SSD that will primarily be used as a data drive for backing up my most important files. I don't need it to be a boot drive, and my performance requirements aren't super high since it will mostly be used occasionally when my auto backup tool kicks in. I'm also considering using it for some photos on the side but won't be running any programs or games from it, so high read/write speeds aren't essential. What I'm really looking for is something that offers longevity and reliability. Here's what I have in mind:
- M.2 form factor
- 1TB capacity
- Size 2280
- PCIe Gen 4 x4 compatible (my machine doesn't support Gen 5)
I've been eyeing the Samsung 990 PRO, which is touted as the best on the market, but I'm a bit puzzled by the pricing. I see that the WD Black SN7100 is priced significantly lower than the 990 PRO, yet it has similar TBW ratings and only slightly lower speeds. There are also drives from brands like Kingston, Crucial, and Adata that are priced even lower. I'm concerned about the reliability of these cheaper options, but I want to avoid overpaying for the 990 PRO if I won't be utilizing its full potential. I'm considering the FireCuda 530R as it claims higher TBW than the 990 PRO and WD Black series. I'd love to hear any additional opinions or recommendations! Thanks! 🙂
3 Answers
If you're looking for something that competes with the 990 PRO, check out the WD SN850X. While the SN7100 is cheaper, the SN850X is close in price and performance. Samsung usually has the highest price point because people consider it the best, which can inflate their costs a bit.
At this point, I'd recommend grabbing whatever is in stock at a reasonable price. Don't wait too long; SSD prices tend to go up, and you don't want to miss out. Timing is everything!
For me, the SN850X is the way to go. The 1TB version isn't much more expensive than the SN7100. I had a faulty Samsung drive once, and their warranty support wasn't great. Sure, their high-end drives perform well, but I wouldn't trust them completely.
That's interesting! My experience has been the opposite; I replaced a couple of WD drives recently, but I've never had to replace a Samsung due to faults. Guess it varies from user to user!