Tag: NVMe SSD

  • Samsung 1TB 990 Pro SSD Price Cut on Amazon and Best Buy

    Samsung 1TB 990 Pro SSD Price Cut on Amazon and Best Buy

    Key Takeaway

    – The 1-TB 990 Pro is on sale for $249.99 (down from $339.99), offering fast sequential read/write speeds and low thermals without a heatsink.
    – PC component prices have stabilized somewhat in recent months, with small drops observed in the US.
    – Real-world 1TB 990 Pro performance averages around 5.09 GB/s read and 5.28 GB/s write (AS SSD) across tested machines.

    Pricing note and sale context

    If you’ve been holding out on upgrading or increasing your storage space in your system of choice due to the ongoing memory, storage, and hardware crunch, which caused tech prices to skyrocket, then you might be in for some relief because the 1-TB 990 Pro is currently on sale for $249.99, down from $339.99, making it a good option for users who don’t need ample storage but want lightning-fast read and write speeds and top-tier performance.

    Market trends and price fluctuation

    SSD prices have been on the higher side for a while, along with DDR5 and DDR4 memory, leading to a rise in counterfeit items among other consequences. However, the past few months have been somewhat stable, leading to a small drop in certain PC component prices in the States.

    Performance figures and efficiency

    While far away from the theoretical limit of the PCIe 4.0 interface of 7.9 GB/s, our tests show the average 1-terabyte 990 Pro delivers sequential AS SSD read speeds of 5.09 GB/s with writes even higher at 5.28 GB/s (19 machines tested in total), which is solid. Best of all, it operates efficiently and produces low thermals without needing a heatsink.

    Historical pricing and model context

    It must be noted that SSD prices haven’t fallen back to what they once were just yet. The 1-TB and 2-TB variants of the Samsung SSD were released in 2022 for $169.99 and $289.99, respectively. The 2-TB model is currently discounted, too in the States, but it’s not a good price.

    Disclaimer and note on deals

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.

    Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • GTA 5 Mod Reduces File Size to 2.5GB Amid Rising Storage Costs

      GTA 5 Mod Reduces File Size to 2.5GB Amid Rising Storage Costs

      Key Takeaways

      1. Rising Storage Costs: Increased demand from AI data centers is driving up storage costs, impacting gamers.

      2. Modded Game Size Reduction: A dedicated player managed to reduce GTA 5’s size from over 100GB to just 2.5GB, but with major compromises in graphics and performance.

      3. Visual and Performance Trade-offs: The mod results in flat textures, clipping issues, and low frame rates, making the game less visually appealing and harder to control.

      4. Installation Size Growth: Continuous updates have expanded GTA 5’s installation size to 105GB, requiring better hardware for optimal performance.

      5. Potential Solutions for Future Games: Sony’s recent patent for cloud streaming may offer a way to reduce file sizes without latency, possibly benefiting future titles like GTA 6.

      While memory shortages are making news, the rise in storage costs is largely driven by the demand from AI data centers. Gamers, faced with the hefty 100GB+ installations of GTA 5, often find themselves needing to make tough choices. One dedicated player has tackled this dilemma by reducing the size of the Rockstar Games title to just 2.5GB. However, this modification comes with significant trade-offs in both visual fidelity and overall performance.

      Mod Showcase on Social Media

      Synth Potato showcased the effects of this mod in a video shared across social platforms. It’s quite an impressive feat, considering the game remains somewhat playable. Nevertheless, the iconic San Andreas and its beloved characters are hardly recognizable anymore. Despite the drastic size reduction, players may experience frame rates dropping to mere single digits.

      Downsizing the Game

      To create this smaller version of the crime saga, the GTA 5 mod removes parts of the game’s map, alongside certain missions and audio files. The final product features flat textures, noticeable clipping issues, and stuttering animations.

      Even with the significant decrease in graphics quality, players can still engage in combat and partake in various activities. The footage shows a player recklessly driving, firing a rocket launcher, and even going skydiving. However, it seems much more challenging to steer clear of accidents due to the laggy controls.

      Installation Size Growth

      Once upon a time, Rockstar’s title was much leaner, but continual updates have resulted in larger installations. The specifications for GTA 5 Enhanced indicate it needs 105GB of space on a drive that supports DirectStorage.

      Gamers using traditional spinning hard drives have reported decent performance. However, those equipped with NVMe SSDs generally experience fewer pauses and quicker loading times. Unfortunately, just like memory modules, these components have become quite pricey.

      A less drastic approach to reducing file sizes could have provided a more appealing answer to the growing storage costs. This task is notably tougher on consoles, as Rockstar restricts extensive modifications. On a brighter note, a recent patent from Sony might offer some promise for GTA 6. The company has suggested a cloud streaming method that could reduce file sizes without introducing latency.

      Source:
      Link

       

      Tags: , ,
    • Reddit User Wins $6,000 in Free Samsung 9100 PRO SSDs Due to Error

      Reddit User Wins $6,000 in Free Samsung 9100 PRO SSDs Due to Error

      Key Takeaways

      1. A Reddit user received an unexpected delivery of two boxes of Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe SSDs, valued at over $6,000, instead of the two SSDs they ordered.
      2. The user humorously considered how to manage the surplus SSDs, thinking about creating a NAS or selling them.
      3. Amazon customer support confirmed that the user could keep the extra SSDs due to a regulation from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
      4. Other Reddit users suggested checking the authenticity of the drives and shared their own experiences with unrequested bulk items.
      5. Some skeptics questioned whether the event was a marketing ploy due to recent price increases in memory products.

      A fortunate Reddit user has hit the jackpot, or rather, a massive haul of NAND Flash memory. An unanticipated delivery from Amazon gifted this Redditor with two complete boxes of Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe SSDs, valued at over $6,000.

      Christmas Surprise

      User 1trollzor1 shared their amazing tale just before Christmas on the r/pcmasterrace subreddit regarding their Amazon order. Initially, the Redditor thought they were getting two Samsung 9100 PRO 2 TB SSDs, which are known for their speed and reliability, priced at $250 each.

      To his surprise, he ended up with two entire boxes filled with Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB NVMe SSDs, worth an impressive $6,000. He shared a picture showing a collection of 9100 PRO NVMes on his gaming chair and desk, captioned, “Brothers, I have been blessed.”

      A Windfall of Storage

      It seems the user was gearing up to enhance their PC when they were surprised with an abundance of SSDs. They humorously expressed their dilemma, saying, “My steak is too juicy and my lobster too buttery. Whatever will I do?”

      Now, the Redditor is unsure how to handle the surplus of SSDs he received for free. He considered several options, like creating a 9100 PRO all-SSD NAS for personal use or selling the large stockpile to finance new ventures.

      Confirming the Good Fortune

      Feeling a bit guilty about this unexpected bounty, the user contacted Amazon customer support to ask whether he should keep the SSDs or send them back.

      Amazon’s customer support assured him that he could keep the extra Samsung 9100 PRO NVMes. This is due to a regulation enacted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which indicates that recipients do not have to pay for or return items they didn’t order.

      What could’ve turned into a logistical nightmare for the Redditor became a remarkable win, making his Christmas even brighter.

      In the subreddit, other users advised him to check the authenticity of the drives with Samsung’s Magician software. On the other hand, some reminisced about their own experiences with receiving unrequested bulk items.

      However, there are skeptics who wonder if this might be a marketing ploy or a staged event, especially with recent price hikes in high-capacity memory and RAM due to supply chain troubles and manufacturers focusing on more profitable enterprise clients.

      Source:
      Link

       

      Tags: , ,
    • SanDisk WD Blue SN5100 NVMe Drive Hits 7,100 MB/s Speed

      SanDisk WD Blue SN5100 NVMe Drive Hits 7,100 MB/s Speed

      Key Takeaways

      1. Performance Boost: The WD Blue SN5100 NVMe offers up to a 30% increase in performance compared to the previous WD Blue series.

      2. Specifications: Built on PCI Express 4.0, the drive features DRAM-less architecture, BiCS8 quad-level cell NAND, and is available in M.2 2280 format, making it suitable for laptops.

      3. Speed Metrics: The 1 TB and 2 TB versions achieve read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 6,700 MB/s, with the 500 GB variant reaching read speeds of 6,600 MB/s.

      4. Endurance and Warranty: Endurance ratings remain unchanged with 5-year warranty, covering up to 1,200 TB written for the largest 4 TB model.

      5. Price Increase: Prices have risen by 22 to 36 percent compared to the previous generation, with suggested retail prices ranging from $54.99 for 500 GB to $299.99 for 4 TB.

      SanDisk has launched the WD Blue SN5100 NVMe, aimed at creators and power users needing high performance for extensive tasks, rapid application launches, and swift file transfers. According to SanDisk, this new model offers up to a 30% boost in performance compared to the earlier WD Blue series.

      Specifications and Design

      The drive is built on PCI Express 4.0 and comes in the M.2 2280 format. It features a DRAM-less architecture with Host Memory Buffer and utilizes BiCS8 quad-level cell NAND across all sizes. SanDisk’s nCache 4.0 organizes writes in single-level cell blocks before transferring data to quad-level cells during idle periods. Its single-sided layout also makes it suitable for laptops.

      Performance Metrics

      When it comes to performance, the 1 TB and 2 TB versions can reach read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds reaching 6,700 MB/s. The 500 GB variant still provides read speeds of up to 6,600 MB/s. In terms of random performance, you can expect around 1 million reads and 1.3 million writes IOPS. SanDisk claims this delivers up to 29% faster read speeds and up to 34% quicker write speeds compared to the WD Blue SN5000.

      Endurance and Warranty

      Even with these speed enhancements, the endurance ratings have stayed the same: 300 TB written for the 500 GB version, 600 for 1 TB, 900 for 2 TB, and 1,200 for 4 TB. The warranty period remains at 5 years. Additionally, SanDisk includes Acronis True Image for straightforward cloning, and its Dashboard utility allows you to keep an eye on health, performance, and firmware updates.

      Real-World Performance

      Wondering about actual speeds? The interface used can greatly affect performance. For instance, placing a 2 TB SN5100 in a Thunderbolt enclosure with APFS formatting could yield write speeds around 3,125 MB/s and read speeds near 3,057 MB/s. However, if a standard USB enclosure is used, speeds may drop to about 1,000 MB/s due to connection limitations.

      Price Comparison

      The SN5100 is significantly quicker than the SN5000’s top 4 TB model, which maxes out at 5,500 MB/s read speed and 5,000 MB/s write speed. Yet, the pricing has increased as well. Suggested retail prices are $54.99 for 500 GB, $79.99 for 1 TB, $149.99 for 2 TB, and $299.99 for 4 TB. This indicates a price hike of about 22 to 36 percent compared to the previous generation for equivalent storage capacities.

      Source:
      Link

       

      Tags: ,
    • SanDisk Unveils Ultra-Fast Gen5 Gaming SSD WD_Black SN8100

      SanDisk Unveils Ultra-Fast Gen5 Gaming SSD WD_Black SN8100

      Key Takeaways

      1. The WD_Black SN8100 NVMe SSD features PCIe Gen 5.0 for high performance, targeting gamers and content creators.
      2. It offers impressive read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds of 14,000 MB/s, significantly faster than previous PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs.
      3. The SSD achieves over 2,300,000 IOPS for random performance, enhancing quick access to small data chunks.
      4. It boasts a durability rating of up to 2,400 TBW for the 4 TB model, suitable for demanding applications.
      5. The WD_Black SN8100 will be available in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB sizes, with an anticipated 8 TB version coming by late 2025, and includes a five-year warranty.

      SanDisk has launched a new premium SSD under the WD_Black label. The WD_Black SN8100 NVMe SSD employs the PCIe Gen 5.0 connection and is specifically designed for high-performance PC users, which includes serious gamers, content creators, and professionals who need superior storage capabilities.

      Performance Specs

      This SSD comes in the M.2 2280 size and boasts impressive read speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds reaching 14,000 MB/s, as claimed by SanDisk. These speeds position it among the quickest models on the market, offering a notable edge over SSDs based on PCIe 4.0. Notably, the read speed is reported to have more than doubled when compared to the earlier SanDisk PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD.

      Random Performance

      The SN8100 also delivers exceptional random performance metrics, exceeding 2,300,000 IOPS for both the 2 TB and 4 TB versions. This is crucial for quick access to small data chunks. SanDisk incorporates its proprietary BiCS8 TLC 3D CBA NAND technology in this model. Besides its speed, the SSD is claimed to be over 100% more energy-efficient than the previous generation, with an average power draw during use estimated to be below 7 watts.

      Longevity and Availability

      Regarding durability, the company states a figure of up to 2,400 TBW (terabytes written) for the 4 TB model. This aligns with the typical lifespan for high-end SSDs and should adequately support demanding applications like gaming, video editing, and AI tasks.

      When it debuts, the WD Black SN8100 will come in sizes of 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. By late 2025, a larger 8 TB version is anticipated, which will be available with or without a heatsink, priced about $20 more than the version lacking cooling features. SanDisk backs the WD Black SN8100 with a five-year warranty.

      Source:
      Link

      Tags:

    • Prionman 5-Max Turns Raspberry Pi 5 into Dual NVMe Tower PC

      Key Takeaways

      1. Dual M.2 NVMe SSD Support: The Pironman 5-Max can support dual NVMe SSDs with RAID 0/1, enabling a high-speed NAS setup.

      2. Enhanced Cooling System: It includes a strong tower cooler with one PWM fan and two RGB fans, optimized for better airflow and low noise levels.

      3. Built-in OLED Display: The case features a 0.96-inch OLED screen for real-time system information, with an auto-sleep function and customizable options.

      4. Improved Connectivity: Maintains the same port setup as the Raspberry Pi 5, with additional features like an external GPIO extender and RTC battery support.

      5. Pre-order Availability: The Pironman 5-Max is available for pre-order at $71.24, with options to customize packages with various components.

      The Pironman 5 was released last year as a compact tower-like case for the Raspberry Pi 5. It made the single-board computer (SBC) much more versatile by including an NVMe PiP expansion board, a cooling system with a PWM fan, and a tiny OLED display. Now, SunFounder has unveiled the enhanced version of this case, called the Pironman 5-Max.

      Enhanced Features

      One of the significant upgrades is the capability to support dual M.2 NVMe SSDs with RAID 0/1, featuring a 2 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus, priced at $139.99 on Amazon. SunFounder mentions that this enhancement will enable users to create a “high-speed” NAS setup using the Raspberry Pi 5. Additionally, the Pironman 5-Max introduces support for the Hailo-8L AI Kit, which should provide a boost in performance for AI-related tasks.

      Improved Cooling

      It seems that SunFounder has also made improvements to the cooling system. The Pironman 5-Max reportedly includes a “strong” tower cooler, which comes with one PWM fan and two RGB fans. The design of the panel has been optimized for better airflow, and the company asserts that noise levels will remain low, even when the SBC is under heavy loads.

      Display and Connectivity

      The Pironman 5-Max features a built-in 0.96-inch OLED screen. This display can provide real-time system information, including temperature, memory, CPU usage, and disk status. SunFounder emphasizes that this screen has an auto-sleep function and customizable options.

      In terms of connectivity, the Pironman 5-Max maintains the same port setup as the standard version of the Raspberry Pi 5 case. It includes the following:

      Other important features of the Pironman 5-Max consist of an external GPIO extender, support for an RTC battery, and a layout designed for “clean” cable management. This new Raspberry Pi 5 case is currently open for pre-order, with the chassis priced at $71.24 on the official website. Customers can customize their package by adding SSDs, a SBC, a camera module, a power supply, and an AI kit.

      Source:
      Link

      Tags: ,
    • Western Digital Launches 4TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD in India

      Western Digital Launches 4TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD in India

      Western Digital has introduced the WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD in India, aimed at professionals and content creators. This M.2 2280 SSD is crafted to enhance the performance of PCs, particularly when dealing with multi-stream 4K videos, images, and audio files.

      Targeted Features for Creators

      The SSD is compatible with AI Data Cycle’s Stages 4 and 6, allowing for effective storage solutions for AI-driven content creation. It leverages PCIe Gen 4 technology along with Western Digital’s nCache 4.0 to guarantee seamless performance even during intensive tasks.

      Storage and Speed Enhancements

      The WD Blue SN5000 provides up to 4TB of storage, which is twice the capacity of the previous model. It achieves speeds reaching 5,500MB/s, marking a 24% improvement compared to its earlier version. This drive enhances file and folder copying speeds and supports multitasking capabilities via NVMe technology. It has a durability rating reaching up to 1,200 TBW (Terabytes Written).

      Performance Metrics of the 4TB Model

      The 4TB version is capable of sequential read speeds of 5,500MB/s and write speeds of 5,000MB/s. Additionally, it boasts random read-and-write IOPS of up to 690K and 900K. This SSD works with systems outfitted with an M.2 2280 port and includes a 5-year limited warranty.

      Pricing and Where to Buy

      The WD Blue SN5000 comes in various capacities from 500GB to 4TB, with prices ranging from Rs. 3,199 to Rs. 26,999. You can find it available on Amazon.in and at local IT retail stores starting today.

      Western Digital Launches 4TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD in IndiaWestern Digital Launches 4TB WD Blue SN5000 SSD in India
      Tags: