SK Hynix Platinum P41 compared to Samsung 990 Pro
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Choosing the right SSD can be a daunting task, especially with so many high-performance options available today. Among the top contenders are the SK Hynix Platinum P41 and the Samsung 990 Pro, both of which promise cutting-edge technology and impressive speeds. This article aims to break down their specifications, performance metrics, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Both the SK Hynix Platinum P41 and Samsung 990 Pro are high-end Gen 4.0 NVMe SSDs, representing the pinnacle of technology from their respective brands. Notably, both utilize proprietary controllers and NAND flash, leading to remarkable firmware optimization and efficiency. The P41 features SK Hynix's V7 TLC NAND flash, while the Samsung 990 Pro is equipped with the advanced V8 TLC V-NAND, providing a significant edge in speed and performance.
In terms of raw performance, the differences between these two drives can be decisive. The P41 boasts sequential read speeds of 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of 6,500 MB/s, while the 990 Pro advertises slightly higher specifications of 7,450 MB/s for reads and 6,900 MB/s for writes. This article will delve deeper into their theoretical specifications, benchmark scores, and other crucial factors to help you determine which SSD best suits your needs.
Theoretical specifications comparison
When comparing theoretical specifications, the Samsung 990 Pro emerges as the more advanced drive. With its newer NVMe 2.0 interface and an efficient Pascal controller built on a 8nm process, it offers superior performance compared to the P41's Aries controller, which is designed on a 12nm process. Here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
- Sequential Read Speed: 990 Pro - 7,450 MB/s vs. P41 - 7,000 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 990 Pro - 6,900 MB/s vs. P41 - 6,500 MB/s
- Controller Technology: 990 Pro - Pascal (8nm) vs. P41 - Aries (12nm)
- NAND Type: 990 Pro - V8 TLC vs. P41 - V7 TLC
In summary, while both SSDs deliver excellent performance, the Samsung 990 Pro generally holds an edge in raw throughput and efficiency, making it ideal for power users and heavy multitaskers. On the other hand, the P41 still provides commendable performance, especially for everyday users looking for high speeds without the premium price tag associated with Samsung.
Benchmark scores comparison
To assess how these SSDs perform in real-world applications, benchmark tests are crucial. This section will explore their performance based on various benchmarks, focusing on the 2TB variants of both drives.
PCMark 10 Full Drive Benchmark
The PCMark 10 Full Drive benchmark evaluates an SSD's performance in real-world applications, including photo and video editing, as well as document handling. The Samsung 990 Pro outperforms the P41 in this test, achieving a score of 4,651 compared to the P41's 3,850.
- 990 Pro Score: 4,651
- P41 Score: 3,850
This performance translates into faster application launches and smoother multitasking, making the 990 Pro the better option for users requiring maximum responsiveness.
3DMark Storage Test for Gamers
For gaming-related performance, the 3DMark Storage Test provides insights into how well each drive handles gaming tasks such as installation, loading, and streaming. The Samsung 990 Pro again takes the lead with a score of 4,678, while the P41 scores 4,436.
- 990 Pro Score: 4,678
- P41 Score: 4,436
This slight edge in performance indicates that the 990 Pro is better suited for demanding gaming scenarios, although the P41 remains a strong performer for balanced everyday usage.
CrystalDiskMark Sequential Read/Write Performance
CrystalDiskMark tests provide insights into sequential read and write performance. In the 1MB QD8 read test, the P41 slightly outperforms the 990 Pro, scoring 7,171 MB/s against 7,153 MB/s. However, in write tests, the 990 Pro excels, particularly in the 1MB QD1 write, where it reaches an impressive 5,860 MB/s, about 9.8% faster than the P41.
- P41 QD8 Read: 7,171 MB/s
- 990 Pro QD1 Write: 5,860 MB/s
This analysis shows that while the P41 handles low-queue-depth reads well, the 990 Pro is superior for sustained write-heavy workloads.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
In terms of power consumption, the SK Hynix P41 demonstrates better efficiency, delivering 490 MB/s per watt compared to the 990 Pro's 467 MB/s per watt. Both drives operate similarly under load, but the P41 performs better when idle.
- P41 Idle Power Consumption: 753 mW
- 990 Pro Idle Power Consumption: 839 mW
This efficiency makes the P41 an excellent choice for laptops or energy-sensitive builds, while the 990 Pro favors raw speed.
Price-to-performance ratio
When considering price-to-performance ratio, the SK Hynix P41 stands out as a more affordable option. While brand loyalty may lead some consumers to prefer the Samsung 990 Pro, the P41 provides exceptional value without sacrificing performance. Here are the current prices:
- 1TB P41: $79.99
- 1TB 990 Pro: $109.99
- 2TB P41: Approximately $40 less than the 2TB 990 Pro
Given these price points, the P41 offers a compelling choice for consumers seeking quality SSD performance without the higher costs associated with the Samsung brand.
TBW, DWPD, MTBF, and warranty
In terms of endurance and reliability, both SSDs are closely matched. The 1TB P41 offers a higher TBW (Terabytes Written) rating of 750 compared to the 600 TBW of the 990 Pro. For the 2TB variants, both drives share a TBW rating of 1,200, and both have an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 1.5 million hours.
- P41 1TB TBW: 750
- 990 Pro 1TB TBW: 600
- Both 2TB TBW: 1,200
This slight advantage in TBW and the higher DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating for the P41 suggests it may be better suited for users with heavier write workloads. However, the 990 Pro's 4TB variant doubles the TBW, which could be essential for users needing extra endurance.
Technical specifications
Examining the technical specifications, the Samsung 990 Pro features advanced components, including the Pascal controller and 236-layer V8 NAND, which provide enhanced density and speed compared to the P41's Aries controller and V7 NAND. Here’s a comparison:
| Specification | Samsung 990 Pro | SK Hynix P41 |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Pascal | Aries |
| NAND Type | V8 TLC | V7 TLC |
| Layer Count | 236 | 128 |
| Memory Speed | 2,400 MT/s | 1,600 MT/s |
Overall, the P41's larger SLC cache helps maintain high write speeds over longer data transfers, while Samsung’s smaller but faster cache balances performance with efficiency. Both drives are equipped with LPDDR4 DRAM, supporting full encryption and compatibility with gaming consoles like the PS5.
Price
As of the time of writing, the prices for both drives are as follows:
- 1TB P41: $79.99
- 1TB 990 Pro: $109.99
This pricing reflects a significant savings when opting for the P41, especially for users looking to get the most out of their budget while still enjoying high-performance speeds.
SK Hynix Platinum P41 vs Samsung 990 Pro: A closer look
To further understand the strengths and weaknesses of these two SSDs, consider the following aspects:
- Performance: While both drives perform exceptionally well, the 990 Pro is suited for users requiring peak performance and responsiveness.
- Value: The P41 presents a better price-to-performance ratio, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- Brand Preference: Some users may prefer the Samsung brand due to its established reputation in the SSD market.
Ultimately, both the SK Hynix Platinum P41 and Samsung 990 Pro are excellent choices, each catering to different user needs. If you're looking for top-tier performance and don't mind paying a bit more, the Samsung 990 Pro is the way to go. However, for those who want excellent performance without breaking the bank, the P41 is a fantastic alternative.
For more insights into the SK Hynix P41, check out this video review:
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