The Samsung 970 Pro is a third generation NVMe PCIe SSD which replaces the 960 Pro. It comes in a M.2. form factor and features Samsung’s latest Phoenix controller and 64 layer proprietary 3D MLC NAND. MLC NAND has better write consistency but is more expensive than the TLC NAND found in the 970 Evo. The 970 Pro demonstrates a 16% increase in peak sequential write speed over the 960 Pro. There are also improvements in random read and write speeds. Interestingly this iteration of Pro SSDs come with a price cut, with the 512GB retailing at just $250 and the 1TB at $500, whilst at the time of writing, the 512GB 960 Pro is $315. The 970 Pro targets professionals who may rely on Samsung’s 5 year or 600TBW warranty and who may need its extended write performance. But, for most users who rarely transfer more than 22 GB at a time (this is the size of the SLC cache the 500GB 970 Evo), the cheaper 970 Evo may represent better value for money. [May '18SSDrivePro]
The MX500 is Crucial’s current flagship consumer SATA SSD featuring their latest second generation 64-layer 3D TLC NAND. It’s available in 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB capacities in a 2.5-inch form factor. All but the 2 TB version will also be available in M.2 (2280) form in the future. The MX500 features a Silicon Motion SM2258 controller which is a change from the Marvell 88SS1074 controller featured in the MX300 (it’s nearly two year old predecessor). Performance is around 30% better than on the MX300 which currently retails at the same price. The MX500 has an SLC cache which increases with drive capacity. Consequently, the larger capacities are better able to sustain high sequential write speeds. The 250 GB version has 250MB of SLC cache, the 500 GB has 512 MB, the 1 TB has 1 GB and the 2 TB has 2 GB. Extended sustained write performance tests show that even though speed does drop off after the cache has been exhausted, it is still maintained at very respectable levels. The MX500’s five year warranty is in line with Samsung’s 850 Evo and exceeds it in terms of endurance (just 75 TBW for the 250 GB 850 Evo versus 100 TBW for the 250 GB MX500). It doesn’t quite match up to the Samsung’s 850 Evo’s performance (effective speed 8% slower), however at current prices it is about 20% cheaper, and on balance offers better value for money. [Mar '18SSDrivePro]
Welcome to our 2.5" and M.2 SSD comparison. We calculate effective speed for both SATA and NVMe drives based on real world performance then adjust by current prices per GB to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top SSDs. [SSDrivePro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.