Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD vs Samsung 980 Pro: Which is the Ultimate Storage Solution?

Choosing the right NVMe SSD for your PC can be a daunting task, especially when faced with top contenders like the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro. Both boast impressive performance and cutting-edge technology, making it difficult to decide which one truly reigns supreme. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, performance benchmarks, and overall value proposition of each drive, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.

Performance: A Close Race with Subtle Differences

Both the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro are PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, offering blazing-fast speeds that significantly enhance your PC’s responsiveness. However, there are subtle differences in their performance characteristics:
Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD:

• Sequential Read: Up to 7000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 6800 MB/s
• Random Read: Up to 1000K IOPS
• Random Write: Up to 1000K IOPS

Samsung 980 Pro:

• Sequential Read: Up to 7000 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 5000 MB/s
• Random Read: Up to 1000K IOPS
• Random Write: Up to 1000K IOPS

While both drives achieve similar sequential read speeds, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD edges out the Samsung 980 Pro in sequential write speeds. However, the Samsung 980 Pro offers slightly better random read and write performance, making it ideal for tasks that involve frequent, smaller file access.

Capacity and Endurance: Catering to Different Needs

The Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro are available in various capacities, catering to different storage requirements.
Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD:

• Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.

Samsung 980 Pro:

• Available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.

Both drives offer a high TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, signifying their endurance and reliability. The Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD offers a slightly higher TBW for the same capacity, making it a better choice for users who frequently write large amounts of data.

Features and Design: A Focus on Aesthetics and Functionality

Both drives offer a range of features designed to enhance performance and user experience.
Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD:

• Aorus RGB Lighting: The drive features customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of style to your PC build.
• Advanced Thermal Design: The drive incorporates a thermal pad and a heatsink to maintain optimal performance under heavy workloads.
• Aorus SSD Tool: This software allows for monitoring drive health, managing storage space, and customizing RGB lighting.

Samsung 980 Pro:

• Samsung Magician Software: This software provides performance optimization, firmware updates, and drive health monitoring.
• Nickel-Plated Controller: The drive features a nickel-plated controller for enhanced thermal dissipation.
• Samsung’s V-NAND Technology: This technology ensures high performance and reliability.

The Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD stands out with its RGB lighting and dedicated software for customization, appealing to users who value aesthetic appeal. The Samsung 980 Pro prioritizes performance and reliability with its advanced technologies and user-friendly software.

Price and Value: Weighing the Costs and Benefits

The pricing of both drives varies depending on capacity and retailer. However, in general, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD tends to be slightly more expensive than the Samsung 980 Pro.
Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD:

• Pros: Higher sequential write speeds, RGB lighting, dedicated software.
• Cons: Slightly higher price.

Samsung 980 Pro:

• Pros: Slightly better random read and write performance, wider capacity range.
• Cons: Lower sequential write speeds, no RGB lighting.

The best value proposition depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize sheer speed and aesthetics, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD might be a better choice. If you value overall performance and a wider capacity selection, the Samsung 980 Pro offers compelling value.

Choosing the Right Drive: Factors to Consider

When deciding between the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro, consider the following factors:

• Performance Requirements: If you need the fastest possible sequential write speeds, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD is the better option. However, if you prioritize random read and write performance, the Samsung 980 Pro might be a better fit.
• Capacity Needs: The Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD offers up to 4TB of storage, while the Samsung 980 Pro offers up to 2TB. Choose the capacity that suits your storage requirements.
• Budget: The Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD is slightly more expensive than the Samsung 980 Pro. Consider your budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you.
• Aesthetics: If you value RGB lighting and customization, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD is the clear winner.

Beyond Performance: A Look at Durability and Reliability

Both the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro are known for their durability and reliability. They utilize advanced technologies like 3D NAND flash memory and error correction codes to ensure data integrity and longevity. However, it’s important to note that no drive is completely immune to failure. Regular backups are always recommended to protect your valuable data.

The Verdict: A Close Call with Subtle Differences

Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD and the Samsung 980 Pro comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. If you prioritize fast sequential write speeds and RGB lighting, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD is a solid choice. If you value overall performance, a wider capacity range, and a proven track record, the Samsung 980 Pro is a reliable option.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which drive is better for gaming?
A: Both drives offer excellent performance for gaming, with minimal loading times and smooth gameplay. However, the Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD might have a slight edge due to its faster sequential write speeds, which can benefit game installations.
Q: Which drive is better for video editing?
A: Both drives can handle video editing tasks seamlessly. However, the Samsung 980 Pro’s slightly better random read and write performance might be advantageous for tasks that involve frequent file access, such as rendering and previewing.
Q: Which drive is more reliable?
A: Both drives are highly reliable, offering a long lifespan and robust data protection features. Samsung has a reputation for producing high-quality SSDs, but Gigabyte’s Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD is also a reliable choice.
Q: Which drive is better for everyday use?
A: Both drives are suitable for everyday use, offering fast boot times, quick application loading, and responsive performance. The choice ultimately depends on your budget and preferences.