Samsung 9100 Pro SSD Review: An In-Depth Analysis for Professionals

The Samsung 9100 Pro SSD marks Samsung’s latest foray into the high-performance PCIe 5.0 solid-state drive market, succeeding the Samsung 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus, which featured a more limited utilization of the PCIe 5.0 interface. The initial impression from the TechRadar review highlights the drive’s potential, showcasing sequential read speeds nearing 12,500MB/s. This immediately positions the 9100 Pro as a contender in the upper echelon of available SSDs. However, the review also points out that this tested speed falls short of the advertised 14,800MB/s, a discrepancy that warrants further examination throughout this analysis.

This new drive is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities at launch, with a higher capacity 8TB model anticipated in the latter half of 2025. The 1TB version starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $199.99. This pricing and the range of capacities suggest that Samsung aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of users, from those requiring fast primary storage to professionals dealing with substantial data volumes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and fact-based analysis of the Samsung 9100 Pro, primarily drawing upon the TechRadar review and corroborating its findings with other available data to understand the drive’s capabilities and limitations ofully.

Unpacking the Specs: A Detailed Look

The Samsung 9100 Pro is an M.2 2280 form factor SSD utilising the PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 protocol. The TechRadar review emphasises its “full-fat” PCIe 5.0 x4 nature, distinguishing it from previous Samsung models that offered a more restricted implementation of the newer interface. This architectural choice theoretically allows for a significant increase in bandwidth, positioning it as a proper next-generation storage solution. The theoretical maximum sequential read and write speeds for PCIe 5.0 x4 are around 15,000MB/s and 14,000MB/s, respectively.   Samsung officially advertises the 9100 Pro as achieving sequential read speeds of up to 14,800MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 13,400MB/s. 

Samsung’s in-house Presto controller powers the drive and utilises Samsung V-NAND TLC (V8) flash memory. These components are crucial in determining the drive’s performance and endurance. The available capacities at launch include 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, each with a corresponding endurance rating measured in Terabytes Written (TBW). For instance, the 1TB model is rated for 600 TBW, indicating the total amount of data that can be written to the drive under warranty. Higher capacity models typically feature proportionally higher TBW ratings, reflecting their increased storage and potential for more write cycles. Notably, the Samsung 9100 Pro also offers an optional heatsink. This is a significant feature for high-speed PCIe 5.0 SSDs, as they can generate considerable heat, potentially leading to thermal throttling and reduced performance if not adequately cooled.

The table bbelow elowsummarizess the key specifications of the Samsung 9100 Pro across the currently available capacities:

  Performance Under the Microscope: Analyzingg Benchmark Results

The TechRadar review provides crucial insights into the real-wor9100 Pro. In Pro’s real-world performance initial “two-minute review,” the maximum sequential write speed achieved was 13,066MB/s, closely aligning with Samsung’s advertised 13,400MB/s. However, the maximum sequential read speed only reached 12,427MB/s, a notable shortfall compared to the promised 14,800MB/s. This initial finding suggests that the drive’s read performance might not match the manufacturer’s claims under the specific testing conditions employed.

Further comparison within the TechRadar review reveals that the Crucial T705, another PCIe 5.0 drive tested on the same platform, achieved a significantly higher sequential read speed of 14,390MB/s. This direct comparison indicates that the Samsung 9100 Pro might not be leading the pack in all aspects of PCIe 5.0 performance. Interestingly, the TechRadar review also notes that in certain specifics, the older Samsung 990 Pro, a PCIe 4.0 drive, still outperforms the 9100 Pro, specifically in exact andduplicateondary drive copy times, as well as random read and write speed.  This suggests that the performance benefits of the 9100 Pro are not universally superior across all types of workloads.

More detailed CrystalDiskMark results within the TechRadar review present a slightly different picture, showing a sequential read speed of 14,671.08 MB/s and a write speed of 13,470.69 MB/s. The read speed in this more comprehensive testing is much closer to the advertised figure, highlighting the potential impact of different testing methodologies or the state of the drive during testing. This variation underscores the importance of considering multiple benchmarks and testing scenarios when evaluating SSD performance.

Corroborating these findings with other independent reviews provides a more complete understanding. PCGamesN reported CrystalDiskMark sequential read speeds of 14,725MB/s for the 4TB model and 14,645MB/s for the 2TB model, with a sequential write speed of 13,450MB/s for the 2TB version. KitGuru recorded even higher speeds, with 14788.88 MB/s for sequential reading and 13449.44 MB/s for sequential writing Club386 also found strong performance, measuring 14,604MB/s for sequential reading and 13,325MB/s for sequential write on the 4TB model. The consistency of these results across multiple reputable tech publications, particularly the higher read speeds in more detailed testing compared to the initial TechRadar finding, suggests that the Samsung 9100 Pro delivers sequential read and write performance, often closely aligning with its advertised specifications.

The following table compares the sequential read and write speeds of the Samsung 9100 Pro as reported by various reviews:

  The Professional Perspective: Why the 9100 Pro Targets Professionals

The TechRadar review explicitly states that the Samsung 9100 Pro is particularly well-suited for professional users who frequently handle large files. The reviewer highlights the drive’s “best-in-class sequential write performance” as a significant advantage for saving large media projects. The review quantifies this, noting that the 9100 Pro offers up to 39% faster sequential write performance compared to the Crucial T705, its closest competitor in this category. This substantial increase in write speed directly translates to tangible benefits for professionals, such as significantly reduced project autosaving times, enhanced workflow efficiency, and minimising disruptions. 

This focus on professional applications is echoed in other reviews as well. StorageReview. emphasises the 9100 Pro’s suitability for demanding tasks like AI inference, editing massive 8K video files, and streaming game assets. These workloads require high sustained write speeds and the ability to handle large data volumes efficiently. Tom’s Hardware characterises the 9100 Pro as a “safe” and reliable high-end storage option, implying a level of performance and stability professionals expect. The recurring mention of AI workloads and 8K video editing across various sources further reinforces the professional target audience for this SSD. These applications are known for their intensive storage bandwidth requirements, especially when writing and manipulating large files.

Another factor that makes the Samsung 9100 Pro appealing to professionals is the availability of high-capacity options, reaching up to 8TB shortly. For professionals dealing with extensive libraries of high-resolution media, large datasets for analysis, or complex project files, having a high-capacity, high-speed drive like the 9100 Pro is a significant advantage. The combination of substantial storage space and exceptional sequential write performance makes this SSD particularly attractive for workflows that involve handling and manipulating huge files regularly.

Gaming Performance: A Secondary Consideration?

The TechRadar review suggests that gamers might not find the Samsung 9100 Pro the most compelling option compared to other SSDs. The reviewer explicitly states that gamers could likely find better value and performance with other PCIe 5.0 drives or even more affordable PCIe 4.0 options. This conclusion is partly based on the finding that the Samsung 990 Pro, a previous generation PCIe 4.0 drive, outperformed the 9100 Pro in 3DMark’s SSD benchmark, which is specifically designed to test storage performance in gaming scenarios. Furthermore, the 9100 Pro also lagged behind the Corsair MP700 Elite, another PCIe 5.0 SSD, in the same gaming benchmark.

However, PCGamesN’s review presents a more nuanced picture of the 9100 Pro’s gaming performance. Their testing showed that the drive excelled in-game loading times for titles like Battlefield V and Overwatch, even topping their comparison charts for these specific metrics. This indicates that the 9100 Pro can deliver speedy game loading, a key benefit for gamers seeking to minimise wait times. Conversely, PCGamesN also found that the 9100 Pro performed less impressively in the game installation test for The Outer Wilds, which was slower than the Crucial T705 and the Corsair MP700 Pro. This suggests the drive’s architecture might be better optimised for specific gaming workloads, such as loading already installed games, rather than the sustained write operations involved in game installations.

Considering these mixed results, the Samsung 9100 Pro’s suitability for gaming appears to be somewhat conditional. While its fast loading times are undoubtedly a plus for gamers, its underperformance in certain specific benchmarks compared to both its predecessor and competitors like the Crucial T705 (which PCMag noted achieved the highest score ever in the 3DMark Storage benchmark) and the Corsair MP700 Elite suggests that it might not be the absolute best choice for all gaming scenarios. Dedicated gamers might find more consistent and potentially better overall gaming performance and perhaps better value by opting for explicitly optimised drives.

Heat Management: Keeping the Speed Sustainable

The TechRadar review provides initial insights into the thermal 9100 Pro, not the Pro’s thermal performance. It notes that the 4TB review unit did not include a built-in heatsink and relied on the cooling provided by the motherboard. As a result, the reviewer could not offer extensive commentary on the effectiveness of a dedicated heatsink for this particular drive in their initial assessment.

More detailed thermal testing was conducted by PCGamesN, which revealed that the 4TB model reached a concerning temperature of 84°C when running without a heatsink under heavy load. However, with an included PCIe 5.0 SSD heatsink attached, the temperature dropped to a more reasonable 70°C. The 2TB model, which was tested with Samsung’s slimline heatsink, performed even better, peaking at only 68°C without any signs of thermal throttling. These findings strongly suggest that while the 2TB model appears to manage heat effectively with its included heatsink, the higher capacity 4TB model likely requires a heatsink to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential thermal throttling, especially during demanding workloads.

Samsung does offer the 9100 Pro with an optional built-in heatsink, indicating their awareness of the thermal demands associated with this high-performance drive. Club386’s review reported a peak operating temperature of 61°C for the 4TB model under their testing conditions. This temperature is notably lower than PCGamesN’s result without a heatsink, highlighting the potential influence of different testing environments, system airflow, and the cooling capabilities of the specific motherboard used.

Given these observations, it is advisable for users considering the Samsung 9100 Pro, particularly the higher capacity models or those planning on engaging in sustained, intensive professional workloads, to consider opting for a powerful heatsink version. Alternatively, ensuring that their motherboard provides adequate and effective cooling for the M.2 slot where the drive will be installed is crucial to prevent potential thermal throttling and maintain the drive’s advertised performance over extended periods.

The Competitive Landscape: How the 9100 Pro Stacks Up

Several distinctions emerge when the Samsung 9100 Prois compared to its key competitors, primarily the Crucial T705, the Corsair MP700 Elite, and its predecessor, the Samsung 990 Pro. severechRadar review concludes that the Crucial T705 might be a more compelling option for gamers and general enthusiasts due to its better overall performance, particularly in sequential read speeds, which more closely align with its advertised specifications. Potentially a lower price point  In contrast, the 91, according to TechRadar00 Pro, demonstrated a relative weakness in gaming optimization, as optimization formed the Corsair MP700 Elite in the 3DMark gaming benchmark, accord’s review hailed the Crucial T705 as the fastest internal SSD they had ever tested, achieving record-breaking throughput speeds in industry-standard benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark and 3DMark. This suggests that for users prioritizing appropriate speed across a range of applications, the T705 might hold an edge. On the other hand, PCGamer’s review of the Corsair MP700 Elite highlighted its remarkably calm opecalmon and excellent random 4K performance. This could make the MP700 Elite a desirable option for users concerned about thermal management or those whose workloads heavily involve random small file operations commonly shared in professional applications and gaming scenarios.

Interestingly, the TechRadar review also pointed out that the older Samsung 990 Pro, a PCIe 4.0 drive, still outperforms the 9100 Pro in specific benchmarks . This indicates that for users with certain usage patterns, particularly those involving mixed workloads or focusing on random access speeds, the latest generation might not always be the optimal choice, especially considering the price difference.

The competitive landscape reveals that the Samsung 9100 Pro, a capable PCIe 5.0 SSD, does not unequivocally lead in every performance metric. Its primary strength appears in sequential write speeds, making it well-suited for professional users. However, the Crucial T705 offers superior overall speed, especially in read operations and gaming, while the Corsair MP700 Elite excels in thermal efficiency and random 4K performance. The previous generation Samsung 990 Pro also remains a strong contender, particularly for its balanced performance and potentially lower cost.

The following table provides a comparative overview of the key specifications and benchmark results for these leading SSDs:

  Value Proposition: Price and Availability Considerations

The Samsung 9100 Pro is a premium product in the PCIe 5.0 SSD market. The 1TB model has an MSRP of $199.99, the 2TB is priced at $299.99, and the 4TB variant costs $549.99. The 8TB model is expected to launch in the second half of 2025, but its pricing has not yet been announced. The TechRadar review notes that the 1TB starting price of the 9100 Pro is approximately 30% higher than that of the Crucial T705. This observation is supported by Tom’s Hardware, which also suggests that the 9100 Pro’s pricing is somewhat elevated compared to the Crucial T705 and the Corsair MP700 Elite. 

While regional pricing can vary, the initial indications suggest that the Samsung 9100 Pro commands a premium over some direct competitors. This higher cost might be justifiable for professionals who heavily rely on the drive’s exceptional sequential write performance for their demanding workflows. The ability to rapidly write large files can lead to significant time savings and increased productivity, potentially offsetting the initial investment. However, for gamers or general users whose workloads might not heavily emphasize sequential write emphasize ,or who prioritize read speeds and oprioritizeanced performance, the higher price of the 9100 Pro might not translate into a proportionally better user experience compared to more competitively priced alternatives like the Crucial T705 or even high-performing PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Therefore, potential buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and budget when evaluating the value proposition of the Samsung 9100 Pro.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Professionals, But Not Without Nuances

In summary, the Samsung 9100 Pro SSD distinguishes itself with its outstanding sequential write performance and the availability of high-capacity options, making it a compelling choice for professional users who frequently work with large files. However, its sequential read speeds, while still very fast, do not consistently reach the advertised claims and sometimes lag behind those of competitors. Additionally, its gaming performance appears somewhat inconsistent, and its price point represents a premium compared to other PCIe 5.0 options.

As the TThear review aptly concludes, the Sa thatsung 9100 Pro is a very professional-specific drive. For professionals in fields like video editing, graphic design, and data science, the exceptional sequential write speeds can offer a tangible boost in productivity. However, for gamers and general enthusiasts, the benefits might be less pronounced, and other PCIe 5.0 drives or even high-end PCIe 4.0 options could provide a more balanced performance profile or better value. Ultimately, purchasing the Samsung 9100 Pro will depend on the user’s needs, workload, and budget. It is crucial to fully leverage this high-performance SSD’s capabilities to ensure that the system supports PCIe 5.0.