Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB SSD Review: Bigger, Faster, Better
▼ Summary
– Samsung released the 9100 Pro SSD to compete in the high-end PCIe 5.0 market, offering strong performance and efficiency but initially lacking an 8TB model.
– The 9100 Pro is not the fastest drive but excels in efficiency and benefits from Samsung’s aggressive pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness.
– Samsung has adapted by emphasizing capacity, as seen with the 4TB 990 Pro and now the 8TB 9100 Pro, which uses double-sided design and dense flash packages.
– The 8TB 9100 Pro has high specifications, including speeds up to 14,800 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write, but comes at a premium price of $999.99 without a heatsink.
– Despite strong competition from drives like the WD Black SN850X, the 8TB 9100 Pro targets early adopters seeking top-tier performance, with potential discounts expected over time.
Samsung’s latest 9100 Pro 8TB SSD enters the market as a high-capacity powerhouse designed to challenge competitors and reclaim dominance in the PCIe 5.0 storage segment. While not the absolute fastest drive available, it delivers impressive efficiency, consistent performance, and the kind of reliability that has long been associated with the Samsung brand. This model represents a strategic move by the company to address growing demand for larger storage solutions without compromising on speed or quality.
Samsung has a history of producing drives that excel in random read latency and overall stability. The 9100 Pro continues this tradition, building on the foundation laid by its predecessors like the 990 Pro and 980 Pro. What sets this iteration apart is its aggressive pricing strategy and the introduction of an 8TB variant, a clear response to rivals like the WD Black SN850X. Samsung’s willingness to release a double-sided design underscores its commitment to leading the high-capacity market.
Pricing for the 8TB model sits at $999.99 for the bare drive, with an additional $20 for the heatsink version. While this may seem steep, it’s important to note that there are currently no other high-end PCIe 5.0 drives offering 8TB, making Samsung’s offering a unique proposition. The drive boasts sequential read and write speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s and 13,400 MB/s respectively, along with random read/write IOPS of 2,200K and 2,600K. Endurance is rated at 4,800TBW, backed by a five-year warranty.
Competition from well-priced alternatives like the SN850X means Samsung must justify its premium. Users gain Gen 5 bandwidth with the 9100 Pro, but the value proposition depends heavily on individual needs and budget. For those who require top-tier performance and maximum capacity now, the drive represents a compelling, if expensive, option. More patient buyers may benefit from waiting for potential discounts.
Samsung’s Magician software remains a standout feature, offering comprehensive drive management including health monitoring, firmware updates, and backup utilities. It’s widely regarded as one of the best SSD toolkits available.
The physical design of the 8TB model is notably double-sided, incorporating four dense NAND packages using Samsung’s 236-layer V8 TLC flash. This construction allows for higher capacity but may present compatibility issues in some devices. However, given that PCIe 5.0 drives are primarily suited for desktops rather than laptops, this is less of a concern. The included heatsink is specifically designed for double-sided cooling, making it a worthwhile addition for thermal management.
Under the hood, the Samsung proprietary Presto controller faces stiff competition from newer options like the Phison E28 and SMI SM2508. While these controllers may offer better efficiency or peak performance, Samsung’s solution is praised for its maturity and consistency. The company appears to have learned from past issues with earlier models, applying those lessons to ensure the 9100 Pro, especially the 8TB version, delivers reliable operation.
In summary, the Samsung 9100 Pro 8TB SSD is a bold and capable entry into the high-capacity storage arena. It combines robust performance, strong endurance, and the backing of a trusted brand, albeit at a premium price. For users who need immense storage without sacrificing speed, this drive stands as a compelling choice.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
