Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 vs Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III
The Samsung 980 is significantly faster and offers better endurance, making it ideal for users prioritizing speed and longevity, while the Crucial MX500 is a more budget-friendly option suitable for general use where extreme speed isn't critical.
AI Verdict
Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 wins overall.
By the numbers
Performance
Pick A wins
The Samsung 980 boasts sequential read/write speeds of 3500/3000 MBps, vastly outperforming the Crucial MX500's 560/510 MBps due to its NVMe PCIe 3.0 interface.
Value for money
Pick A wins
Despite being slightly more expensive, the Samsung 980 offers a substantial performance increase and higher endurance for only a $10 premium, providing better value for its capabilities.
Power efficiency
Pick A wins
NVMe drives generally consume less power than SATA SSDs, especially during idle states, making the Samsung 980 more power-efficient.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
The NVMe PCIe 3.0 interface of the Samsung 980 is the current standard for high-performance storage, offering better compatibility with modern motherboards and future upgrades compared to SATA III.
Pick A if…
- • You are building a new PC or upgrading an existing one with an M.2 slot and want the fastest possible storage for your budget.
- • You frequently transfer large files, edit videos, or play demanding games where load times are critical.
- • You prioritize long-term drive endurance and performance, as indicated by the higher TBW rating.
Pick B if…
- • You are on a very strict budget and need a reliable 1TB SSD for general computing tasks.
- • Your motherboard only has SATA III ports available, or you need a 2.5" drive for a specific form factor (e.g., older laptops).
- • You primarily use your computer for web browsing, office applications, and light gaming where extreme storage speeds are not noticeable.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | A: 980 1TB | B: MX500 1TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1000 GB | 1000 GB |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 | SATA III |
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Common questions
Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 vs Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III — which should I buy?+
The Samsung 980 is significantly faster and offers better endurance, making it ideal for users prioritizing speed and longevity, while the Crucial MX500 is a more budget-friendly option suitable for general use where extreme speed isn't critical.
When does Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 win?+
You are building a new PC or upgrading an existing one with an M.2 slot and want the fastest possible storage for your budget. You frequently transfer large files, edit videos, or play demanding games where load times are critical. You prioritize long-term drive endurance and performance, as indicated by the higher TBW rating.
When does Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III win?+
You are on a very strict budget and need a reliable 1TB SSD for general computing tasks. Your motherboard only has SATA III ports available, or you need a 2.5" drive for a specific form factor (e.g., older laptops). You primarily use your computer for web browsing, office applications, and light gaming where extreme storage speeds are not noticeable.
Are the prices live or MSRP?+
MSRP is shown as a reference baseline. Click either product card to see live retailer pricing — we pull current prices from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy and other retailers on demand, cached for 30 days. Prices localize automatically for US, Canada, and India.