I'm looking to upgrade my computer's storage and I've been considering an SSD purchase now due to rising prices. Currently, I have a Samsung 990 Evo as my main SSD and I plan to transfer my data to the new SSD while using the Evo as a secondary drive. My main question is whether getting the 9100 Pro is worth it. Additionally, should I invest in a heatsink for it? I've read that faster SSDs can overheat and their lifespan might be shortened without proper cooling, but I'm seeing mixed opinions on how necessary a heatsink actually is.
2 Answers
It really boils down to your motherboard compatibility. If you're running a Ryzen 9000 series CPU, then the first slot supports PCIe 5.0, which is ideal for the 9100 Pro. But if you're not on that, the NVMe will only operate at PCIe 4.0, so you won't be utilizing its full potential.
The 9100 Pro is really only beneficial if you have a PCIe Gen 5 motherboard. On a Gen 4 system, you won't see much improvement in real-world performance. For most users, including gamers and casual users, the 990 Pro is the better option. As for the heatsink, it’s recommended for the 9100 Pro, but for the 990 Pro, it’s optional since the motherboard's heatsink typically suffices.
Yeah, I’ve heard that too! Makes sense if you have the right setup.
I actually have the Asus Tuf Gaming B850M-PLUS, which I think does support Gen 5.