Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB ($239) vs WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB ($249). $/TB analysis, performance, and use-case recommendations.
When generations cross paths in a comparison like this one, the older-spec drive almost always wins on value while the newer one wins on benchmarks. Whether that benchmark advantage matters depends entirely on what you do with the drive.
Hardware-wise, the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB runs on Samsung's Piccolo controller — DRAM-less with PCIe 4.0/5.0 dual-mode support. The WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB pairs the proprietary WD G2 silicon, optimized for the WD_BLACK line.
Cache architecture differs: WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB has DRAM hardware, Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB uses HMB. For OS, gaming, browsing — indistinguishable. For databases, large file ops, or 4K video editing — DRAM has a small but consistent edge.
For PS5 expansion, both are PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 drives that meet Sony's minimum spec (7,250 MB/s read). The console can't take advantage of speeds beyond that, so save money by choosing the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB. The Gen 5 Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB pulls ahead on sequential bandwidth, but Gen 5 advantages rarely surface during everyday tasks — most software hasn't been rewritten to exploit 14,000+ MB/s pipelines. Both drives use the 2280 form factor, which is too long for Steam Deck or ROG Ally — you'd need a 2230 variant if either manufacturer offers one, or a dedicated handheld-format drive instead.
Market context: the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB ranks #2 of 6 Gen 5 1 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB ranks #3 of 4 Gen 4 1 TB drives. One of them is genuinely among the cheapest options in its class, so this matchup includes a real value pick.
As of September 7, 2026, these tracked drives undercut both the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB and WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB on $/TB:
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($239 vs $249), and better $/TB economics ($239.00/TB) matter to you. The 990 EVO Plus uniquely supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 modes — useful flexibility if you might upgrade motherboard generations.
The WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB is the right call if a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. WD_BLACK's SN850X earned its reputation through consistent sustained performance under gaming workloads — fewer micro-stutters during open-world streaming than budget alternatives.