The 970 EVO was the best-selling SSD in the M.2 segment throughout 2018 and in 2019, Samsung updated it with the 970 EVO Plus. Compared to the predecessor, only the NAND modules have changed, but this has affected performance.
Overview: Memory Type, Controller and Cache
The primary difference between the EVO and PRO variations of the 970 remains: Samsung uses MLC (multi-level cell) NAND Flash memory for the PRO lineup, whereas the EVO series is equipped with less durable TLC (triple-level cell) NAND.
In the 970 EVO Plus, however, the 64-layer 3D TLC NAND has been upgraded to newer, 96-layer 3D TLC NAND produced by Samsung.
Cache sizes remain the same and the 970 EVO Plus uses the same Samsung Phoenix controller as its predecessor.
Performance
Other than a higher density, Samsung’s 96-layer NAND in the 970 EVO Plus comes with a variety of efficiency optimizations that improve performance. A comparison of the 970 EVO/EVO Plus:
| 970 EVO Vs. 970 EVO Plus Specifications | 250GB (EVO) | 250GB (EVO Plus) | 500GB (EVO) | 500GB (EVO Plus) | 1TB (EVO) | 1TB (EVO Plus) | 2TB (EVO) | 2 TB (EVO Plus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read | 3,400 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 3,400 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 3,400 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | N/A |
| Sequential Write | 1,500 MB/s | 2,300 MB/s | 2,300 MB/s | 3,200 MB/s | 2,500 MB/s | 3,300 MB/s | 2,500 MB/s | 1,750 MB/s |
| Random Read | 200K IOPS | 250K IOPS | 370K IOPS | 480K IOPS | 500K IOPS | 600K IOPS | 500K IOPS | 620K IOPS |
| Random Write | 350K IOPS | 550K IOPS | 450K IOPS | 550K IOPS | 450K IOPS | 550K IOPS | 480K IOPS | 560K IOPS |
Power Consumption (Laptop Suitability)
Thanks to the increased memory density, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers some slight improvements in terms of power efficiency as well. As usual, the larger capacities are less efficient, but in comparison, the 250 GB capacity is down from e.g. 5.4 W to 5.0 W in active read mode.
Warranty and Endurance Rating
Warranty and endurance ratings remain the same, with Samsung offering a 5-year warranty and identical endurance ratings in TBW (terabytes written) as the 970 EVO.
- 150 TBW for 250 GB model
- 300 TBW for 500 GB model
- 600 TBW for 1 TB model
- 1,200 TBW for 2 TB model
Expert Reviews
The Samsung 970 Evo Plus is an even better cheaper alternative to the 970 Pro than last year’s 970 Evo. The new SSD stands out in almost every aspect compared to its predecessor.
Yep Samsung made it faster. The performance that the new Plus model is really good.
Among the enthusiast-class drives on the market however, the SSD 970 EVO Plus is easily among the best options available, especially at its higher capacities.
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