Samsung 990 Pro

Pros

• Exceptional endurance, with reports of exceeding rated TBW (Total Bytes Written) significantly more than mid-range models.
• Top-of-the-line performance for PCIe 4.0, making it a preferred choice for fresh Windows installations and boot drives.
• Available in high-capacity 4TB configurations.
• Strong brand reputation for reliability in high-end workstation contexts.

Cons

• Significant price premium and high volatility, with some users reporting costs doubling or tripling in certain markets.
• Diminishing returns for gaming; many users suggest that cheaper NVMe drives provide a nearly identical experience.
• Historical firmware issues that previously caused drive degradation (though often cited as a past concern).

Caveats

• Users warn of sophisticated 'scam' listings and Chinese knockoffs appearing at regular suppliers; verification of controller chips is recommended.
• Requires firmware monitoring to ensure historical reliability bugs are patched.
• Pricing is highly regional, with significant differences reported between US and European markets.

Best for

• High-end workstation builds requiring maximum PCIe 4.0 speeds.
• Primary OS and application boot drives.
• Users who prioritize high write endurance for heavy data workloads.

Avoid if

• You are on a budget-conscious gaming build where a mid-range SSD would suffice.
• You are looking for PCIe 5.0 speeds (this is a 4.0 drive).
• You want the best price-to-performance ratio.