Samsung 950 PRO M.2 SSD review - Specifications & Features

Samsung SSD 950 Pro Specifications & Features

Samsung is to offer two versions of the 950 PRO initially, the 256GB and 512GB models. The largest M.2 size currently is 512GB (otherwise the PCB would get too long and they would need to divert to a larger form factor). So the sample that have arrived in our test lab is the 256GB M.2 version of the drive. The 950 Pro series will come with MLC NAND flash memory from Samsung's 2nd revision V-NAND node.  

So what is V-NAND? 

V-NAND is physical vertical NAND cell stacking not to be confused with chip stacking in a multi-chip package. In V-NAND, NAND layers, not chips, are stacked in a single IC. The good news is continued cost reduction, smaller die sizes and more capacity per NAND chip. Also, installed NAND toolsets in the wafer fabs can, for the most part, be reused, thereby extending the useful life of fab equipment. Current V-NAND stacks have 32 cell layers vertically over one another, rather than decreasing cell dimensions to fit onto a fixed horizontal space, resulting in higher density and better performance with a smaller footprint. With the M.2 form factor SSDs, more consumers with desktops or ultra-thin PCs can benefit from best-in-class performance and reliability of the technology.

So what is NVMe?

NVMe is also known as Non-Volatile Memory Express or the Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface Specification. The idea behind NVMe is to improve the storage stack by optimizing the way an application accesses a Flash device. NVMe cuts corners by removing components within the I/O path like that good old fashioned RAID controller. To be able to make use of the new NVMe based devices inside your PC you have to have a proper driver installed, this can be downloaded at the Samsung website. This enables NVMe devices to function within the existing operating system I/O stack protocol.

On the next page we'll talk a little more about NVMe.

Let's have a quick peek at the key specifications:

Yeah, if that doesn't impress you I don't know what will. As you can see, the 950 PRO is a direct derivative from the OEM version of the SM951. There are differences though in NAND type used and power consumption, but overall... it's more of the same being tweaked. The reason you have seen so few SM951 reviewed is that this product was released for OEM only, and thus the units ended up in pre-fabricated laptops and PCs, not in retail.

I just pulled some numbers from some online etailers. Making your own SSD with your own controller, own PCB, own cache chips and own NAND flash memory does have advantages as Samsung is able to keep the prices very competitive as this product is made 99% in-house.

• 256 GB costs 199 EUR / 199 USD
• 512 GB costs 369 EUR / 349 USD

 
The Samsung 950 PRO M.2