Question 2TB NVMe - help me choose

[eco_bach]

Can any NVMe experts help me cut thru the marketing jargon in my purchase of a new 2TB NVMe? Its to replace my current 512GB Samsung C drive.
I'm inclined to go with the 990 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BHJJ9Y77
after reading the review here
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-ssds,3891.html

but there is also the 990 HS (Heat Sink??) which is almost $100 cheaper. And also a 980 model. Is it basically more $ = better performance?

Should I check first to confirm my MOBO supports PCIE4.0?
I have an older ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme. https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-zenith/rog-zenith-extreme-model/

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Lafong]

When the smoke clears....how many NVMe drives will be on this machine?

Which of them will have the OS?

That board supposedly includes one heat sink.

Yeah, try to find out if that board supports PCIe 4.0.

Even if it does not, you might want to buy a 4.0 drive in anticipation of when you might change to a board that does support 4.0..........although real world performance differences are minor and may not be noticeable.

If I had a 4.0 drive on a 4.0 board, I'd probably try to put it under a heatsink, but that would be mostly a "why not, the board has one built in" deal.

Are you average nervous about drive temps? Or highly nervous?

I would think a third party add-on heatsink could be found if you think you need one for whatever reason.

I have no idea about the differences between 990 Pro and 990 Pro Heatsink model. What specifically confuses you in the specs?

 

[eco_bach]

3 500GB NVMe drives currently. Samsung EVO 950 and 960
I want to upgrade just the C drive to 2TB for now.
drive temps? Is that the only reason for the Heat Sink model?
To be honest not sure why I might be nervous about drive temps.
But curious why the HS version is almost $100 cheaper since it seems to have the same specs.
It should be more, not less, expensive, no?
And if I compare prices here
https://www.newegg.ca/samsung-2tb-9...DGEK170307&cm_sp=product-_-from-price-options

the 4TB with HS is over $100 cheaper but other sizes its just the opposite. Why?
Is it all supply and demand or?

It looks like my MOBO does support PCIE 4.0.
Only concern going with the HS model is potential spacing, compatibility issue.
That was one of the negative comments I read at Amazon. Not sure if I should be concerened.

https://imgur.com/a/Jr1kjns

View: https://imgur.com/a/Jr1kjns

 

[Lafong]

I'm not sure your board has an "ordinary" NVMe port. I can't find it in your picture.

It does have that "DIMM.2" riser card thing.....which says PCIE 3.0 per your green circle on the picture. NOT PCIE 4.0.

https://www.techpowerup.com/229448/asus-dimm-2-is-an-m-2-riser-card#comments


That's a weirdo board....EATX. Not seen much.

Beware of confusion between Canadian dollar pricing and US dollar.

I have no idea where you are or what currency you will use.

Price both in US currency or both Canadian if you are in Canada.

The only purpose of a heat sink is to relieve temps.....to cast off heat. Like a radiator. I suppose some people might like the looks of a heatsink.

I cannot think of a reason why a "heatsink" model of a drive would typically be cheaper than "non-heatsink" of the same drive. I say typically. Anything can happen in a sale or unusual situation.

 

[cgilley]

dude, you are overthinking it. Go with what works. There is simply not enough price difference to worry about it. I'm typing this on a laptop that is 5+ years old running a Samsung NVMe 512GB SSD. No issues. Make a decision, have backups and move along.

 

[Bob.B]

Can any NVMe experts help me cut thru the marketing jargon in my purchase of a new 2TB NVMe? Its to replace my current 512GB Samsung C drive.
I'm inclined to go with the 990 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BHJJ9Y77
after reading the review here
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-ssds,3891.html

but there is also the 990 HS (Heat Sink??) which is almost $100 cheaper. And also a 980 model. Is it basically more $ = better performance?

Should I check first to confirm my MOBO supports PCIE4.0?
I have an older ASUS ROG Zenith Extreme. https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-zenith/rog-zenith-extreme-model/

Thanks for any feedback!

Your mobo comes with 1 m.2 slot with a built in heat sink.
I don't think you want a ssd that comes with a heat sink.

 

[SkyNetRising]

It looks like my MOBO does support PCIE 4.0.

No, it doesn't.
Max supported PCIE version is 3.0.
Any PCIE 4.0 drive will run at PCIE 3.0 speeds.

Only concern going with the HS model is potential spacing, compatibility issue.

Get 970 Evo or 970 Pro 2TB model.
Without a heatsink.

Models with a heatsink will not fit under existing motherboard heatsink. You'll have to disassemble it (remove heatsink).
And on adonn DIMM2 card, heatsinked M.2 drive may interfere with ram modules.

 

[eco_bach]

Thanks for the feedback!