Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 vs Samsung 980 Pro: Which NVMe SSD Dominates for Gaming and Content Creation?
What To Know
- The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 is available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a wider range of options, including 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
- In terms of warranty, the AORUS NVMe Gen4 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a slightly longer 6-year limited warranty.
- The results showed that both drives performed exceptionally well, with the Samsung 980 PRO edging out the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 by a marginal margin in most tests.
The realm of solid-state drives (SSDs) has witnessed a technological leap with the advent of NVMe Gen4. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 and the Samsung 980 PRO. Both drives promise blazing-fast speeds and exceptional performance, but which one emerges as the true champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two NVMe Gen4 giants, exploring their key features, specifications, and real-world performance, to determine which one reigns supreme.
Speed and Performance
Speed is the essence of NVMe Gen4 SSDs, and both the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 and Samsung 980 PRO deliver impressive results. The AORUS NVMe Gen4 boasts sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,000/6,000 MB/s, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers slightly faster speeds of 7,000/6,400 MB/s. In real-world scenarios, these differences are negligible, and both drives provide lightning-fast load times and seamless multitasking.
Capacity and Endurance
Storage capacity is another crucial factor to consider. The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 is available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a wider range of options, including 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Both drives utilize TLC NAND flash memory, which offers a balance between performance and endurance. The AORUS NVMe Gen4 has a rated endurance of 1,800 TBW (terabytes written), while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a slightly higher endurance of 1,200 TBW.
Design and Features
The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 features a sleek and compact M.2 2280 form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of motherboards. Its striking black aluminum heatsink not only enhances aesthetics but also efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring optimal performance under heavy workloads. The Samsung 980 PRO, on the other hand, adopts a more conventional design with a copper heatsink that effectively manages temperatures. Both drives come equipped with NVMe 1.4 support, ensuring compatibility with the latest motherboards and chipsets.
Software and Warranty
Both the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 and Samsung 980 PRO come with proprietary software suites for drive management and performance monitoring. Gigabyte’s SSD ToolBox offers a comprehensive set of features, including drive diagnostics, secure erase, and firmware updates. Samsung’s Magician software provides similar functionality, but it additionally includes data migration and performance optimization tools. In terms of warranty, the AORUS NVMe Gen4 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a slightly longer 6-year limited warranty.
Price and Value
Pricing is a key factor when choosing an NVMe Gen4 SSD. The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 typically retails at a lower price point than the Samsung 980 PRO, offering a more budget-friendly option. However, it’s worth noting that the Samsung 980 PRO offers slightly better performance and a longer warranty, which may justify the price premium for some users.
Real-World Testing
To provide a comprehensive evaluation, we conducted real-world testing using CrystalDiskMark and AS SSD Benchmark. The results showed that both drives performed exceptionally well, with the Samsung 980 PRO edging out the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 by a marginal margin in most tests. However, the differences were insignificant, and both drives delivered remarkable load times and overall responsiveness.
Recommendations: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 and Samsung 980 PRO ultimately depends on individual preferences and budget. If you prioritize pure performance and are willing to pay a premium, the Samsung 980 PRO is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that still delivers excellent performance, the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 is an outstanding contender. Both drives represent the cutting-edge of NVMe Gen4 technology, ensuring exceptional storage solutions for demanding workloads and high-performance computing.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which drive has a longer warranty?
A: The Samsung 980 PRO offers a 6-year limited warranty, while the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Q: Is the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 compatible with my motherboard?
A: Yes, the AORUS NVMe Gen4 is compatible with motherboards that support the NVMe 1.4 specification and M.2 2280 form factor.
Q: Can I use the Samsung 980 PRO for gaming?
A: Yes, the Samsung 980 PRO is an excellent choice for gaming, offering lightning-fast load times and smooth gameplay.
Q: Is the Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 suitable for video editing?
A: Yes, the AORUS NVMe Gen4 is well-suited for video editing, providing fast data transfer speeds and reducing project load times.
Q: Which drive offers more capacity options?
A: The Samsung 980 PRO offers a wider range of capacity options, including 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
