As the world leader in advanced memory technology, Samsung Electronics produces a wide range of SSDs that offer users the performance they need to take their PC experience to the next level. In this article, we’ll walk you through the types of SSDs you’ll find in the company’s catalog – including consumer, portable and data center SSDs – help you pick the right one for your needs, and show you how a relatively small upgrade can make a big difference.

1. Consumer SSDs

Whereas HDDs have high-risk moving parts and fragmented files that can bottleneck speeds, NAND flash-based SSDs, such as Samsung’s 860 Series and the 970 EVO Plus, feature no moving parts to slow you down.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Samsung’s standout options.

The Jack-Of-All-Trades Drive: the 860 EVO

If you’re in the market for an SSD that’s fast, reliable and easy on the wallet, we’d recommend the 860 EVO.

Featuring Samsung’s V-NAND technology, 10nm mobile DRAM, sequential read and write speeds of up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s, respectively, and up to four times faster boot speeds than conventional HDDs, the 860 EVO is the ideal option for PC and laptop users who are interested in enhancing their computer’s everyday performance.

The 860 EVO’s fast transfers and all-round premium specs make multi-tasking a breeze, and transform everything from browsing the web to document management, to video editing and online gaming.

The Bang-For-Buck Option: the 860 QVO

PC users who are interested in a high-quality, high-capacity SSD at a reasonable price point should look no further than Samsung’s 860 QVO.

When it comes to storing terabytes (TB) worth of data, PC users have historically turned to HDDs because they saw high-capacity SSDs as being too expensive. That all changes with the 860 QVO – a terabyte SSD that delivers faster, more stable performance than conventional HDDs, at a price point that won’t break the bank.

The 860 QVO comes with Samsung’s latest 4-bit MLC NAND flash technology, as well as a new, SATA-optimized MJX controller, and offers sequential read and write speeds of up to 550 MB/s and 520MB/s, respectively. This makes the 860 QVO’s speed comparable to that of the conventional 3-bit SATA SSDs.

The 4TB 860 QVO costs $549.99, while the 2TB and 1TB models cost $259.99 and $129.99, respectively.

The Professionals’ Choice: the 970 EVO Plus

If you were looking to build the fastest computer in the world, the 970 EVO Plus would be the SSD you’d need to help make it happen.

Featuring blazing-fast sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,500MB/s and 3,300MB/s, respectively – which makes this drive approximately six times faster than conventional SATA SSDs – the 970 EVO Plus offers the fastest speeds among NVMe-based (non-volatile memory express) M.2 SSDs. With peak random read and write speeds of 620,000 and 560,000 input/output operations per second (IOPS), the 970 EVO Plus is capable of storing a (3.6GB) full HD movie file in a single second.

The 970 EVO Plus features, among other innovations, Samsung’s V-NAND technology, a powerful Phoenix controller that’s coated with nickel for enhanced heat protection, Intelligent TurboWrite technology for faster sequential write speeds, and reliable autonomous temperature management.

The SSD’s game-changing speeds and premium specs make it the perfect choice for tech enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and professionals who require a drive that offers unrivaled performance, superior reliability, and best-in-class capacity – whether it be for playing high-performance games like Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, or running professional video editing or 3D modeling software.

2. Portable SSDs

Super-fast portable SSDs like Samsung’s Portable SSD T5 and Portable SSD X5 offer you the freedom to take your entertainment, coursework and games with you wherever you go. They’re designed to easily slide into a pocket or purse, and they offer tons of storage as well as fast data transfers to laptops, smartphones, game consoles and more.¹

For Those with a Need for Speed: the Portable SSD T5

The Portable SSD T5 offers users the perfect blend of speed and style.

Featuring Samsung’s V-NAND flash technology and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, the T5 supports rapid transfers of 4K videos, movies, graphic-intensive games and more, and boasts greater speed and stronger security than cloud storage alternatives.

Peak transmission speeds of up to 540MB/s make the T5 roughly five times faster than external HDDs, and with its compact form, it’s as small as a credit card. The SSD is available in a variety of stylish colors, and features an aluminum body that’s not only luxurious to the touch, but durable enough to withstand the bumps and drops that come with everyday use.²

The T5 is perfect for those who’d like to supplement their laptop or game console’s limited storage without compromising performance. The T5’s fast speeds ensure that programs and games installed on the drive run smoothly, and its compatibility with portable devices including Android-based smartphones allows users to enjoy seamless data transfers when they’re on the go.

The Creators’ Choice: the Portable SSD X5

In an era where people are constantly creating and sharing dynamic content, technology that supports fast data transfers has become more necessary than ever.

Samsung’s Portable SSD X5 was built with the revolutionary Thunderbolt 3 interface, which supports the fastest data read and write speeds currently available. The X5 leverages technological synergies between Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe technologies to offer users remarkably fast performance.

The SSD features maximum read and write speeds of 2,800MB and 2,300MB, respectively, and is capable of storing a high resolution (20GB) 4K UHD video in just 12 seconds. That’s over 25 times faster than conventional HDDs. The X5’s premium specs also mean that content creators who run video and image-editing programs directly through their drive will enjoy the level of fast, stable performance they need to do what they do best.

3. Data Center SSDs

It’s not just consumers and professionals who are reaping the benefits that come with making the switch to Samsung SSDs. Enterprises, too, are utilizing Samsung’s solutions to add efficiency to their data centers’ server systems.

The Budget-Friendly Option: the 860 DCT

SSDs utilized in enterprise data centers need to be durable enough to operate at a high level 24 hours a day, and engineered to meet the evolving needs of today’s small and medium businesses (SMBs). Samsung Electronics offers a diverse lineup of SSDs that cater to a wide range of budgets, and offer SMBs fast, reliable performance, high capacities, and of course, enterprise-class security.

Samsung’s 860 DCT is a solid option for businesses who are interested in lowering their data centers’ TCO (total cost of ownership), as it’s more cost-effective in this area than HDDs. It’s optimized mainly for ‘read intensive’ systems, available in capacities ranging from 940GB to 3.84TB, and ideal for content delivery network systems.

Other entries in Samsung’s data center SSD lineup include the 883 DCT, 983 DCT and 983 ZET. Together, the SSDs in this comprehensive portfolio allow businesses to choose the device that suits their unique needs.

¹ Compatibility with host devices may vary.

² During Samsung’s internal tests, the T5 was shown to safely withstand drops of up to two meters (6.6 feet).

“Our consumers want beautiful, modern devices that let them do more of what they want, when and where they want,” said YoungGyoo Choi, Senior Vice President of the PC Business Team, Mobile Communication Business at Samsung Electronics. “By offering two different PCs that are modern and sleek, put a premium on design and deliver Samsung’s signature cutting-edge performance, we’re offering our consumers even more choices so they can pick the PC that is specific to their needs.”

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is re-designed for consumers looking for a beautiful device that brings out their own unique style and keeps up with the pace of everyday life. Along with its cool metal exterior and fashionable diamond-cut edges, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is packed with performance that delivers ultra-fast processing, so you’ll never have to wait on your PC again.

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro takes advantage of a breathtaking display, reduced bezels, and dual 1.5W stereo speakers with Thunder Amp to increase maximum volume output, while offering a fully immersive experience as you create, work, or enjoy. It also features a customized LED Indicator Bar, a comprehensively redesigned keyboard and 14 hours of battery life^*, so you can get things done faster and better, wherever you are.

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro runs on a Windows 10 Home operating system, and is built for creative-minded professionals who are looking for products to bring their ideas to life. And the Active Pen – with more than 4000 levels of pressure sensitivity – that comes included in the box will inspire users to write, draw, and create both for work and fun.

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is perfect for creators looking for a top-of-the-line PC that doesn’t sacrifice style for performance.

Samsung Notebook Flash

Accessibility and speed are joined together with the Samsung Notebook Flash, a laptop with modern features available at an affordable price point. Equipped with cutting-edge Gigabit-Wifi technology, the Samsung Notebook Flash runs at blazing fast speeds whether you’re streaming or just surfing the web. It also lets users log-in instantly with a fingerprint scanner so you can get to your work immediately and securely and offers expandable storage (sold separately) with a Universal Flash Storage/MicroSD Memory slot so you can take all of your files and apps with you on the go.

Available in charcoal color in the US, the Samsung Notebook Flash combines style and durability, boasting Samsung’s sturdy build quality, with a unique textile-patterned chassis, all in a compact 13.3” package. With a fun retro design including a typewriter keyboard, multiple port options to suit a variety of needs, and 10-hour battery life^*, the Notebook Flash offers users a high-end personalized experience at an accessible rate.

The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro and Samsung Notebook Flash will be available in early 2019.

Product Specifications

	Samsung Notebook 9 Pro	Samsung Notebook Flash
Processor	8th Gen Intel® Core i7-8565U	Intel Celeron N4000 Intel Pentium Silver N5000
Memory	8G LPDDR3	4GB
OS	Windows 10 Home	Windows 10 Home
Storage	256G PCIe NVMe	64GB eMMC
Wireless	802.11ac 2×2 (Giga)	802.11ac 2×2 (Giga)
Graphics	Intel® UHD 620 graphics	Internal
Power	55Wh, Fast Charging	39Wh
Weight	2.84 lbs	3.02 lbs
Dimension	12.1” x 8.1” x .55”	12.69″ x 8.64″ x 0.67″
Ports	Thunderbolt 3 x2, USB-C x1,3.5mm, microSD	USB-C x2, USB 3.0 x1, USB 2.0 x1, HDMI x1, 3.5mm, UFS & MicroSD Combo
Material	Full Metal	Plastic
Display	13.3” FHD, 6.7mm  bezel, 350 nits	13.3″ FHD LED Display (1920 x 1080), Anti-Glare
Camera	HD Camera	Web Cam
Speaker	1.5W x2, Thunder Amp	1.5W x2
Stylus	Active Pen (included)	N/A
Security	Fingerprint	Fingerprint
Keyboard	Backlit	Typewriter

^*  Battery life may vary depending on usage and settings.

“With consumer-focused innovation, we will continue to strive for design that can create meaningful value in the everyday lives of our customers,” said Dontae Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics.

Samsung received the Gold award:

• Wireless Audio Visual Identity System – it delivers a consistent branding message by visually expressing the powerful audio and unique design characteristics for the Millennial generation.

Samsung won six Silver awards:

• Dual Cook Flex – the premium oven with a soft and minimalist design. The oven has a flexible door system to conveniently cook more than two dishes at the same time without excessive heat loss.
• Built-in Chef Collection Cooking Package – the premium built-in kitchen appliances with a pro-refined commercial design consisting of an oven, cooktop, pro-range, hood and dishwasher which have a seamless professional look. The chef-inspired features enabled by the internet of things (IoT) give a great cooking experience.
• Emergency Services Network (ESN) device –­ a handheld mobile device that is fully optimized for the emergency environment, supporting all emergency services’ functionality and critical voice services. Ruggedized for use in the field, the device also features IP68 water and dust resistance.
• CJ79 Thunderbolt 3 QLED Curved Monitor – a 34-inch ultra-wide, 21:9 aspect ratio curved display that offers an optimal immersive and comfortable viewing experience with a natural curved design.
• The Frame – the new beautiful TV experience that brings walls to life with “Art Mode” which incorporates new inspiration into everyday life.
• VL5/VL3 Wireless Audio Series – the wireless audio system with unique design which allows easy installation around the house and brings the true essence of sound experience.

Samsung also won two Bronze awards:

• Galaxy S8/S8+ and Galaxy Note8 – the combination of bezel-less Infinity Display and symmetrical, curved design creates a more immersive smartphone experience.
• The Frame Visual Identity System – the concept of blending into home clearly communicates the real value of the Frame with consumers.

Organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the IDEA began in 1980. Product submissions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of design innovation, user experience, benefit to the client, benefit to the society and aesthetics.

Kuala Lumpur, 3 January 2018 – At CES 2018, Samsung Electronics will expand the connectivity and performance capabilities of its signature curved display line-up with the debut of its new CJ791 monitor, the first curved monitor to feature Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Designed for entertainment and business audiences, the 34-inch CJ791 model aligns single-source power and processing speed with an exceptional picture quality for a comfortable and productive user experience.

Through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable, CJ791 users can link and dock their monitor and laptop without extensive wiring. The Thunderbolt 3 connection provides processing speeds of up to 40 Gigabits per second (Gbps) – a rate nearly four times faster than USB alternatives – allowing users to enjoy connectivity across a full ecosystem of docks, displays and peripheral devices including Macs, USB type-C laptops, and other desktop accessories like storage drives or external graphics cards. The Thunderbolt 3 interface also enables the CJ791 to provide up to 85 watts (W) of laptop charging power.

“As the pioneer of the curved monitor industry, Samsung continues to seek new ways to refine our displays and exceed consumers’ expectations on heightened performance and presentation,” said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The CJ791 aligns Thunderbolt 3 connectivity with our best-in-class curvature and QLED picture quality to captivate and engage users, while also promoting improved organization and productivity. We are thrilled to demonstrate the full capabilities of our innovative new display to CES 2018 attendees.”

Efficiency at Work

The CJ791’s clear, detail-rich design empowers business users to complete a range of tasks more efficiently. A 21:9 aspect ratio provides more screen real estate for multitasking, while a complementary 3440×1440 ultra-wide QHD resolution elevates content and imagery with nearly 2.5 times the pixel density of full HD alternatives. In turn, professionals can view large files, spreadsheets and data tables in a more readable format, and without extensive scrolling or zooming.

Professional users can also enjoy the flexibility to customize the CJ791 to their unique workspace. Along with the wire-reducing Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the CJ791’s slim-depth and narrow-bezel design accommodates multi-display setups without sacrificing content consistency or visual appearance. The display’s height-adjustable stand and tilt functionality also empower users to customize positioning and work within their most comfortable viewing parameters.

Ahead of the Game

Samsung’s CJ791 showcases content with brilliant and realistic detail, guaranteed to entice gamers and entertainment enthusiasts. The display’s QLED presentation technology precisely reflects colors across a 125 percent sRGB spectrum, and creates visual intrigue through deeper blacks, brighter whites and pristine shades. This refinement, coupled with the industry’s sharpest 1,500R curvature and ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angle, gives users a complete view of their surroundings, and ensures full immersion in every scene.

A host of integrated gamer-friendly features also gives users an extra edge on their adversaries with Game Mode, which contains a dynamic gamma setting that intuitively adjusts color and contrast of each individual scene to produce a true-to-life environment. The CJ791’s four milliseconds (ms) response time also ensures smooth transitions between scenes, making it ideal for racing, flight simulation and first-person battle games.