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To install a Samsung 990 PRO, first confirm that your motherboard has an M.2 socket supporting NVMe over PCIe, check the socket’s location and clearance, then fit and secure the drive according to the motherboard manual. The 990 PRO is an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0 SSD; it can work in a PCIe 3.0 system, but the host system affects performance. The exact slot, retention method and heatsink steps vary by motherboard.
Check compatibility and choose the right 990 PRO version
Before opening the PC, look up your motherboard model and read its manual. Confirm that a slot supports an M.2 NVMe/PCIe drive; an M.2 socket’s physical shape alone does not establish that it supports NVMe. The manual identifies compatible slots, their locations, any graphics-card or cover removal needed for access, and possible lane-sharing limitations.
The 990 PRO uses the M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface. Samsung says it is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, but maximum performance requires a compatible PCIe 4.0 system. Actual results depend on firmware, hardware and configuration. Samsung’s revision 2.0 heatsink datasheet lists sequential reads up to 7,450 MB/s for its 1 TB and 2 TB models; this is a manufacturer-published maximum, not a guaranteed result. Samsung’s product page lists a newer revision 3.0 datasheet dated September 21, 2026, so check the current regional listing for the exact SKU and capacity rather than treating older specifications as universal. Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink product page · Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink datasheet, revision 2.0
Bare drive or version with a heatsink?
Choose based on your board and case, not on a blanket assumption that one version is better. Check the exact drive dimensions, the motherboard’s M.2 cover or heatsink, and clearance around the graphics card. Samsung lists the 990 PRO with Heatsink at up to 80.15 × 25 × 8.88 mm. Samsung explicitly says not to remove its preinstalled heatsink: removal can damage the device and void the warranty. If the motherboard has its own M.2 heatsink, consult both manufacturers’ instructions before assembly; do not assume the preinstalled drive heatsink can be removed to make it fit.
#1 Best Overall
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
Prepare the PC and the work area
- Back up any data on the SSD if it is not new or empty. Installation and later setup should not be treated as permission to erase a drive.
- Shut down the computer, disconnect power and follow the PC and motherboard makers’ safety instructions.
- Keep the motherboard manual open to its M.2 installation instructions. Locate the specified socket and check whether a graphics card or board cover needs to come out.
- Have a small precision screwdriver available only if your board uses a screw. Some boards use a latch or tool-less retainer instead.
Install the SSD using the motherboard’s mounting method
- Access the M.2 socket. Remove only the components or cover the motherboard manual says to remove. If the board has an M.2 heatsink, follow its instructions for removal and later reassembly.
- Set up the retention hardware. Check that the standoff is in the position for an M.2 2280 drive, or prepare the board’s specified latch or tool-less system. Do not guess at screw placement.
- Insert the SSD. Align the connector with the socket and insert the drive at the angle shown in the motherboard manual. It should seat in the connector before you lower its free end toward the mounting point.
- Secure the drive. Use the board’s screw, latch or other retainer to hold the SSD in place. Tighten only as directed; Samsung warns against overtightening the 990 PRO with Heatsink.
- Reassemble the heatsink and PC. If reinstalling a motherboard cover, follow the board maker’s directions for its thermal pad and any protective film. Make sure the drive and cover fit without force, then reinstall any removed components and close the case.
Confirm detection, then set up the drive for its intended use
After reconnecting power, check the computer’s firmware setup or operating system storage tools to see whether the drive is detected. The exact menu names and steps depend on the motherboard and operating system. If the drive is missing, shut down and disconnect power before checking that it is fully seated, secured and installed in a compatible socket; also review the manual for lane-sharing or slot restrictions.
What to do next depends on whether the SSD is a new secondary drive, a boot drive or a replacement. Initialize, partition or format it only when it is new or you intend to erase its contents. If it may contain data you need, do not format it; investigate detection and recovery options first. Boot-drive migration or OS installation steps are specific to the system and are not the same as adding an empty secondary drive.
Rank #2
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Use Samsung Magician and firmware updates cautiously
Samsung Magician 8.1’s March 2024 installation guide lists both the 990 PRO M.2 and 990 PRO with Heatsink M.2 as supported. Software support and available firmware can change, so use Samsung’s current support page for the correct model and downloads. Samsung’s UK support page for the 1 TB non-heatsink model lists firmware and Magician downloads: Samsung 990 PRO 1 TB support. The guide also says internet access is needed for firmware and software updates. Samsung Magician 8.1 installation guide, revision 1.6
A firmware update is not a required step for every installation. If you decide to update, back up important data first: Samsung warns that firmware updates carry a risk of data loss. Do not disconnect the SSD while an update is in progress.
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Best Value
- OUR ULTIMATE SSD: Reach near max performance with PCIe 4.0*; The in-house controller's smart heat control delivers our best power efficiency while maintaining ferocious performance that always keeps you at the top of your game
- MAXIMIZED PCIE 4.0 SPEED: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS and read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s for gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, data analysis and more**
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Get more performance while using less power; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO***
- THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's nickel-coated high-end controller delivers thermal control and prevents performance drops from overheating; 990 PRO with Heatsink is a perfect fit for PlayStation 5, desktops, laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard****
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: A more than 55% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games; With RGB LED lights, Heatsink’s futuristic design adds style to function*****
Rank #4
- High-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for high-end PC gaming as well as 4K video and 3D editing, data analytics and more.
- Exceptional speed: Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively for all variants from 1 to 4 TB of storage capacity.
- High reliability and long-lasting performance thanks to Heat Spreader and Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to protect against overheating
- Storage capacities of up to 4 TB in compact M.2 form factor (2280), Ideal for high-performance (gaming) PCs and notebooks/ultrabooks
- Easy drive management, with user-friendly Samsung Magician software for drive updates and performance optimisation
Rank #3
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****
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