Samsung
960 EVO M.2 1TB NVMe SSD
Best high performance storage for demanding users.
Experience blazing-fast performance with this advanced internal solid-state drive. Designed for both desktops and laptops, it offers a significant upgrade for your computing needs. Its compact M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of systems, while the NVMe PCIe Gen4 interface delivers exceptional speed for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking. Enjoy reliable storage for your operating system, programs, and files, enhancing your overall user experience with quicker load times and smoother operation.
$199.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
406
/ 4254
#406 in Hard Drives
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Capacity
1.0
/ TB
Who it's for
- Gamers, creative professionals, users seeking rapid system responsiveness
- PC builders, laptop upgraders, small form factor system enthusiasts
- Users prioritizing data security, those seeking a trustworthy storage solution
Who should skip it
- Heavy workload users, laptop owners, systems with limited airflow
- Performance enthusiasts, users building new high-end systems
- Users with older motherboards, those unfamiliar with M.2 standards
Performance breakdown
Sequential Read Speed
Blazing data access that makes large file transfers feel instantaneous.
Write Endurance
Reliable longevity for heavy daily workloads and demanding creative projects.
Thermal Management
Stays cool under pressure to prevent performance throttling during intense tasks.
Boot Times
Operating system loads in seconds, eliminating the wait at startup.
Software Integration
Samsung Magician software provides intuitive drive health and optimization tools.
Random IOPS
Handles complex multitasking and rapid application launching with effortless precision.
Key Specs
Capacity
1.0 TB
Drive Type
SSD
Form Factor
M.2 2280
Interface Type
NVMe PCIe Gen4
Intended Use
Internal Desktop, Internal Laptop
Operating System Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Linux
Enclosure Type
Bare Drive
Know before you buy
Yes, this drive uses the M.2 form factor and requires a motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports the NVMe protocol. Ensure your motherboard has a PCIe M.2 slot before purchasing.
Absolutely. Because it utilizes the NVMe interface, it is an excellent choice for a boot drive, offering significantly faster system startup and application loading times compared to traditional SATA SSDs.
While the drive will work with standard Windows drivers, installing the Samsung NVMe driver and the Samsung Magician software is recommended. These tools help you manage drive health, optimize performance, and install necessary firmware updates.
No, the 960 EVO does not include a built-in heatsink. If you are planning to use this in a high-performance build with limited airflow, you may want to consider adding an aftermarket M.2 heatsink to help manage temperatures during heavy workloads.
It is fully compatible with Windows. While it can physically fit into some compatible Mac models, Apple’s proprietary SSD connectors and lack of third-party NVMe support in many older models make it difficult to use as a direct replacement.
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