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Samsung 960 EVO M.2 1TB NVMe SSD review
Posted by: on: 11/15/2016 05:00 PM [
29 comment(s) ]
A month after the Pro release Samsung releases the 960 EVO. The (slightly) more wallet friendly M.2. SSD promises to be roughly as fast and versatile as the Pro model, a product once again based on a Polaris based controller. These new M.2 EVO units can now be purchased in volume sizes up-to 1TB and use the latest iteration of the nvm express (NVME) 1.2 protocol which is even faster anno 2016. NVMe Storage technology is advancing with extremely fast paces and steps.
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Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 06:35 PM
I would say a lot cheaper boss but definitely not cheap!
I paid €190 for the 950 PRO 256GB around 8 months ago.
Which translates to ~€0.74 vs the €0.48(€120/250GB) for the 960 EVO from the same e-store!
That's quite a difference I would say!
Black is the new green!
Btw neither the previous generation NVMe SSD 950 PRO was green. Just saying.
Compared to the launch price of the 950 Pro the 960 EVO series is a tiny bit cheaper, but definitely not cheap.
I would say a lot cheaper boss but definitely not cheap!
I paid €190 for the 950 PRO 256GB around 8 months ago.
Which translates to ~€0.74 vs the €0.48(€120/250GB) for the 960 EVO from the same e-store!
That's quite a difference I would say!
It's a good thing the PCB isn't plain green. Decent mobos don't sport that historical green colour anymore.
Black is the new green!
Btw neither the previous generation NVMe SSD 950 PRO was green. Just saying.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 06:57 PM
If I'm not mistaken on Z97 boards the M.2 slot is connected to the chipset PCIe lanes and not to the CPU one's.
So basically I think you would be running at PCIe 2.0 x2 speeds which the actual throughput is <1GB's(~800-850MB).
Unless otherwise stated or has an Ultra M.2 port.
And to answer your question, it will work fine as it's backwards compatible but not at ful speed.
It will still be faster than an SSD and of course can used in a future upgrade.
If no upgrades are planned, maybe a 2TB 850 EVO would be a better option vs the 960 EVO 1TB or a 500GB EVO vs the 960 250GB.
So will not work in my Z97 board with a PCI-E 3.0 x2 slot?
If I'm not mistaken on Z97 boards the M.2 slot is connected to the chipset PCIe lanes and not to the CPU one's.
So basically I think you would be running at PCIe 2.0 x2 speeds which the actual throughput is <1GB's(~800-850MB).
Unless otherwise stated or has an Ultra M.2 port.
And to answer your question, it will work fine as it's backwards compatible but not at ful speed.
It will still be faster than an SSD and of course can used in a future upgrade.
If no upgrades are planned, maybe a 2TB 850 EVO would be a better option vs the 960 EVO 1TB or a 500GB EVO vs the 960 250GB.
MasterBash
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Posted on: 11/15/2016 08:13 PM
would this be faster than the 850 pro for loading windows/games using Ultra M.2? Looking at the benchmarks, there isnt much if any differences when it comes to 4k... So I am kinda guessing it wont.
would this be faster than the 850 pro for loading windows/games using Ultra M.2? Looking at the benchmarks, there isnt much if any differences when it comes to 4k... So I am kinda guessing it wont.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 08:16 PM
Marginally measurable? Probably. Perceivable? Probably not.
would this be faster than the 850 pro for loading windows/games using Ultra M.2? Looking at the benchmarks, there isnt much if any differences when it comes to 4k... So I am kinda guessing it wont.
Marginally measurable? Probably. Perceivable? Probably not.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 08:52 PM
I have the Asus Maximus Gene VII. Not sure what gen it is but I know it's 2 lanes.
....
It's PCIe 2.0 x2. My previous comment stands.
I have the Asus Maximus Gene VII. Not sure what gen it is but I know it's 2 lanes.
....
It's PCIe 2.0 x2. My previous comment stands.
Hilbert Hagedoorn
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 35901
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 35901
Posted on: 11/15/2016 09:30 PM
This is misleading.
No it's 100% accurate. There is backwards compatibility but at major loss of performance. If you install a 960 EVO you'll be limited to either 10 Gbps or 32 Gbps. In your case you'll see ~800MB/s max throughput (10Gbps). You'll not get full 960 EVO speed as it's 32 Gbps(PCie Gen 3.0x4) on a properly supported motherboard and processor.
I assume if you are spending top dollar on a Ferrari you are not purchasing it to use it for a 4x4 drive on a gravel road.
This is misleading.
No it's 100% accurate. There is backwards compatibility but at major loss of performance. If you install a 960 EVO you'll be limited to either 10 Gbps or 32 Gbps. In your case you'll see ~800MB/s max throughput (10Gbps). You'll not get full 960 EVO speed as it's 32 Gbps(PCie Gen 3.0x4) on a properly supported motherboard and processor.
I assume if you are spending top dollar on a Ferrari you are not purchasing it to use it for a 4x4 drive on a gravel road.
Kaarme
Senior Member
Posts: 1595
Senior Member
Posts: 1595
Posted on: 11/15/2016 09:40 PM
Yeah, but the (relatively) affordable Intel M.2 NVMe SSD released not that long ago boasted a green PCB. I was mainly thinking of that when I wrote the post, as this review was also about a cheaper model.
Btw neither the previous generation NVMe SSD 950 PRO was green. Just saying.
Yeah, but the (relatively) affordable Intel M.2 NVMe SSD released not that long ago boasted a green PCB. I was mainly thinking of that when I wrote the post, as this review was also about a cheaper model.
Anarion
Senior Member
Posts: 13503
Senior Member
Posts: 13503
Posted on: 11/15/2016 10:18 PM
Ahh.... My CPU still handles things wonderfully but the motherboards just lacks connectivity (only two Intel SATA 6Gb/s ports, obviously no M.2 slots) and this platform just doesn't have enough PCI-E lanes.
Ahh.... My CPU still handles things wonderfully but the motherboards just lacks connectivity (only two Intel SATA 6Gb/s ports, obviously no M.2 slots) and this platform just doesn't have enough PCI-E lanes.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 10:24 PM
Oh right, what's with the tongue? do you think I'm bothered?
It's the freeing up of a sata port and the IOPS that I am interested in not file transfer times.
I was just being friendly and helpful. Didn't mean anything by it.
Oh right, what's with the tongue? do you think I'm bothered?
It's the freeing up of a sata port and the IOPS that I am interested in not file transfer times.
I was just being friendly and helpful. Didn't mean anything by it.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/15/2016 11:54 PM
/nvm
/nvm
Khronikos
Senior Member
Posts: 710
Senior Member
Posts: 710
Posted on: 11/16/2016 12:34 AM
Nice. Would have been cool to do a breakdown on temps under load for all the drives but that seems like a lot of work.
I know that the only reason I have a 1TB Pro in my PS4 Pro is because load temperatures on the EVO are way higher, and in that environment I need it as cool as I can get it.
These new drives though.... When I upgrade to Skylake--not going Win 10 just yet--I will definitely be looking for a version of this 960 or whatever comes next. Blazing fast.
Nice. Would have been cool to do a breakdown on temps under load for all the drives but that seems like a lot of work.
I know that the only reason I have a 1TB Pro in my PS4 Pro is because load temperatures on the EVO are way higher, and in that environment I need it as cool as I can get it.
These new drives though.... When I upgrade to Skylake--not going Win 10 just yet--I will definitely be looking for a version of this 960 or whatever comes next. Blazing fast.
mohiuddin
Senior Member
Posts: 756
Senior Member
Posts: 756
Posted on: 11/16/2016 08:03 AM
Only one questio.. When is 860 Evo coming?
Only one questio.. When is 860 Evo coming?
Nelis
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Posted on: 11/16/2016 09:37 AM
Can`t help thinking that a SATA SSd still remains the better value for money. Although it looks cool and is has the braggin rights but still a heafty pricetag.
Can`t help thinking that a SATA SSd still remains the better value for money. Although it looks cool and is has the braggin rights but still a heafty pricetag.
DrunkenDonkey
Senior Member
Posts: 204
Senior Member
Posts: 204
Posted on: 11/16/2016 11:09 AM
Yep, actually it is tad bit slower than 850 EVO for average user - 45 vs 50 mb/s. Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/samsung-850-evo-ssd-review,13.html
Yep, actually it is tad bit slower than 850 EVO for average user - 45 vs 50 mb/s. Source: http://www.guru3d.com/articles-pages/samsung-850-evo-ssd-review,13.html
TiredGeek
Junior Member
Posts: 2
Junior Member
Posts: 2
Posted on: 11/16/2016 10:49 PM
Any chance of a link to the newer NVMe driver? I can only find v1.1 on Samsung site
Any chance of a link to the newer NVMe driver? I can only find v1.1 on Samsung site
weasel
Senior Member
Posts: 676
Senior Member
Posts: 676
Posted on: 11/17/2016 12:37 PM
I think i'm in for one of these.Great review Hilbert!!!
I think i'm in for one of these.Great review Hilbert!!!
Hilbert Hagedoorn
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 35901
Don Vito Corleone
Posts: 35901
Posted on: 11/17/2016 01:02 PM
Sure, added here:
http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/samsung-nvme-ssd-driver-download.html
Any chance of a link to the newer NVMe driver? I can only find v1.1 on Samsung site
Sure, added here:
http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/samsung-nvme-ssd-driver-download.html
TiredGeek
Junior Member
Posts: 2
Junior Member
Posts: 2
Posted on: 11/17/2016 10:53 PM
Cheers Hilbert
Great review as always
Cheers Hilbert
Great review as always
Agent-A01
Senior Member
Posts: 11356
Senior Member
Posts: 11356
Posted on: 11/18/2016 04:58 PM
Can you compare the 960 PRO nvme 2.0 driver to the windows driver?
Can you compare the 960 PRO nvme 2.0 driver to the windows driver?
MasterBash
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Posted on: 11/18/2016 07:11 PM
I might actually buy the 256gb one to replace my 840 pro. I know I will see no difference but it will eliminate some power supply/sata cable clutter. I have been looking for a SSD to put into a laptop so I think I will go for it.
To be honest, its a bit sad that SSD are still hovering around 35-37MB/s @ 4k
My 850 pro is like 37 or something. A bit faster than the 960 evo...
I might actually buy the 256gb one to replace my 840 pro. I know I will see no difference but it will eliminate some power supply/sata cable clutter. I have been looking for a SSD to put into a laptop so I think I will go for it.
To be honest, its a bit sad that SSD are still hovering around 35-37MB/s @ 4k
My 850 pro is like 37 or something. A bit faster than the 960 evo...
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/18/2016 07:23 PM
I will do a test now of the NVMe 2.0 driver vs NVMe 1.4.7.17 driver as reported in Magician.
I will test it using AS-SSD, Magician and Anvil's Storage.
Be back in a bit.
Can you compare the 960 PRO nvme 2.0 driver to the windows driver?
I will do a test now of the NVMe 2.0 driver vs NVMe 1.4.7.17 driver as reported in Magician.
I will test it using AS-SSD, Magician and Anvil's Storage.
Be back in a bit.
Agent-A01
Senior Member
Posts: 11356
Senior Member
Posts: 11356
Posted on: 11/18/2016 09:47 PM
To be honest, its a bit sad that SSD are still hovering around 35-37MB/s @ 4k
My 850 pro is like 37 or something. A bit faster than the 960 evo...
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
To be honest, its a bit sad that SSD are still hovering around 35-37MB/s @ 4k
My 850 pro is like 37 or something. A bit faster than the 960 evo...
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Senior Member
Posts: 2837
Posted on: 11/18/2016 11:24 PM
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
Damn that's fast!
Here's mine to compare.
I also tested NVMe driver v1.4.7.17 vs 2.0.0.1607 and performance is nearly identical.
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
Damn that's fast!
Here's mine to compare.
I also tested NVMe driver v1.4.7.17 vs 2.0.0.1607 and performance is nearly identical.
MasterBash
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Senior Member
Posts: 816
Posted on: 11/19/2016 12:23 AM
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
Guru3D review says 35.64MB/s for the 960 Evo 1TB. However, I am definitely not looking to buy the 960 Pro because its more expensive. But yes, there is a large variation, I do hope its driver related.
Where do you see that?
AS-SSD has a picture of 960 pro using windows driver.
I've seen 960 pro hit mid 60/mb/s on the NVME Samsung driver.
Such a large variation between review sites, probably driver related.
Guru3D review says 35.64MB/s for the 960 Evo 1TB. However, I am definitely not looking to buy the 960 Pro because its more expensive. But yes, there is a large variation, I do hope its driver related.
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Senior Member
Posts: 1595
It's a good thing the PCB isn't plain green. Decent mobos don't sport that historical green colour anymore.