What To Know
- The AORUS has slightly faster random read speeds (up to 650K IOPS) than the 980 PRO (up to 600K IOPS), while the 980 PRO has a slight edge in random write speeds (up to 500K IOPS vs.
- The 980 PRO has a TBW rating of 600TB for the 250GB model, 1200TB for the 500GB model, 2400TB for the 1TB model, and 4800TB for the 2TB model.
- The AORUS has a higher TBW rating for the 1TB and 2TB models, while the 980 PRO has a higher TBW rating for the 500GB and 2TB models.
In the realm of NVMe SSDs, the Gigabyte AORUS and Samsung 980 PRO stand as two of the most formidable contenders. Both offer lightning-fast speeds, ample storage capacities, and advanced features, making them ideal choices for gamers, enthusiasts, and professionals. However, which one should you choose? In this comprehensive showdown, we will pit the Gigabyte AORUS against the Samsung 980 PRO, examining their key specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications and Features
Form Factor and Capacity
Both the Gigabyte AORUS and Samsung 980 PRO come in the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with most modern motherboards. They offer a wide range of storage capacities, with the AORUS available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options, while the 980 PRO offers 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.
Interface and Controller
Both drives utilize the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and feature advanced NVMe controllers. The AORUS employs the Phison E18 controller, while the 980 PRO uses Samsung’s in-house Elpis controller. These controllers provide exceptional performance and reliability.
NAND Type and Cache
The AORUS uses TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash, while the 980 PRO employs MLC (Multi-Level Cell) NAND flash. MLC offers better endurance and performance, but it is also more expensive. Both drives have a large DRAM cache (1GB for the AORUS and 1GB or 2GB for the 980 PRO), which helps improve performance by storing frequently accessed data.
Performance
Sequential Read/Write Speeds
The Gigabyte AORUS boasts impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 7000/6850 MB/s, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers slightly faster speeds of up to 7000/6400 MB/s. In real-world usage, both drives provide blazing-fast file transfers and loading times.
Random Read/Write Speeds
Random read/write speeds are crucial for demanding applications like gaming and video editing. The AORUS has slightly faster random read speeds (up to 650K IOPS) than the 980 PRO (up to 600K IOPS), while the 980 PRO has a slight edge in random write speeds (up to 500K IOPS vs. 450K IOPS for the AORUS).
Endurance
The AORUS and 980 PRO offer comparable endurance ratings. The AORUS has a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating of 1800TB for the 1TB model, 3600TB for the 2TB model, and 7200TB for the 4TB model. The 980 PRO has a TBW rating of 600TB for the 250GB model, 1200TB for the 500GB model, 2400TB for the 1TB model, and 4800TB for the 2TB model.
Features and Software
Heat Dissipation
Both drives feature robust heat sinks to dissipate heat effectively. The AORUS has a large, graphene-based heat spreader that covers most of the drive, while the 980 PRO has a more compact aluminum heat sink.
Warranty
The Gigabyte AORUS comes with a 5-year limited warranty, while the Samsung 980 PRO offers a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Software
The AORUS SSD ToolBox software provides monitoring, optimization, and firmware update capabilities. The Samsung Magician software offers similar functionality, including secure erase and performance optimization tools.
Pricing and Value
The Gigabyte AORUS and Samsung 980 PRO are priced competitively. The AORUS is typically slightly cheaper than the 980 PRO, but the price difference is negligible. Both drives offer excellent performance and features for their respective price points.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Drive
Ultimately, the best choice between the Gigabyte AORUS and Samsung 980 PRO depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw speed and random performance, the 980 PRO is a solid choice. However, if you want a slightly more affordable option with a longer warranty and a larger heat sink, the AORUS is a compelling alternative.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which drive has the highest sequential read/write speeds?
A: Both drives offer up to 7000 MB/s sequential read speeds, but the 980 PRO has slightly faster sequential write speeds (6400 MB/s vs. 6850 MB/s for the AORUS).
Q: Which drive has better endurance?
A: The AORUS has a higher TBW rating for the 1TB and 2TB models, while the 980 PRO has a higher TBW rating for the 500GB and 2TB models.
Q: Which drive comes with a longer warranty?
A: Both drives come with a 5-year warranty.
