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Manufacturer: Samsung Last updated: September 11, 2026
Samsung 980 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Budget Samsung NVMe) Review
The Samsung 980 offers Samsung's reliability and support reputation at a budget-tier PCIe 3.0 price point, positioned below the flagship 990 series covered elsewhere on this site for buyers who don't need PCIe 4.0 bandwidth.
At up to 3,500 MB/s read and 3,000 MB/s write, this drive's numbers reflect its PCIe 3.0 ceiling, still a meaningful upgrade over SATA storage while carrying Samsung's brand reputation and support network. Against the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, covered elsewhere on this site, that PCIe 4.0/5.0 hybrid drive delivers substantially higher speed for a moderate price premium. Against the Crucial P3, also covered elsewhere on this site, both target budget-conscious buyers on older PCIe 3.0 platforms.
Performance and Speed
At up to 3,500 MB/s read and 3,000 MB/s write, this drive's numbers reflect its PCIe 3.0 ceiling, still a meaningful upgrade over SATA storage while carrying Samsung's brand reputation and support network.
Comparison to Sibling Products
Against the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, covered elsewhere on this site, that PCIe 4.0/5.0 hybrid drive delivers substantially higher speed for a moderate price premium. Against the Crucial P3, also covered elsewhere on this site, both target budget-conscious buyers on older PCIe 3.0 platforms.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 980 |
| Series | Samsung 980 |
Interface and form
| Drive Type | Internal |
|---|---|
| Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe |
| Bus Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
Sequential performance
| Sequential Read | 3500 MB/s |
|---|---|
| Sequential Write | 3000 MB/s |
Controller and cache
| DRAM Cache | DRAM-less |
|---|
NAND
| NAND Type | TLC, DRAMless |
|---|
Power and thermals
| Heatsink | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Heatsink | Not Included |
Physical and commercial
| Warranty | 5 Years |
|---|
| Capacity Options | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
|---|
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Buyers on PCIe 3.0 motherboards who specifically want Samsung's brand reliability and support. This drive delivers Samsung's reputation at a genuinely accessible price.
Not for
- Not for buyers with a PCIe 4.0-capable motherboard. The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, covered elsewhere on this site, makes better use of that available bandwidth.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Samsung 980 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Budget Samsung NVMe)?
The Samsung 980 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Budget Samsung NVMe) is a component from Samsung. Key specs: Interface PCIe 3.0 x4, NVMe, Sequential Read 3500, Sequential Write 3000, NAND Type TLC, DRAMless, Capacity Options 250GB, 500GB, 1TB.
Who is the Samsung 980 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Budget Samsung NVMe) best suited to?
It suits buyers on pcie 3.0 motherboards who specifically want samsung's brand reliability and support. this drive delivers samsung's reputation at a genuinely accessible price..
What are the drawbacks of the Samsung 980 (PCIe 3.0 NVMe/3,500 MB/s Read/3,000 MB/s Write/Budget Samsung NVMe)?
It is a poor fit for not for buyers with a pcie 4.0-capable motherboard. the samsung 990 evo plus, covered elsewhere on this site, makes better use of that available bandwidth..
Compare and read more
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