Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 vs Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III
The Samsung 980 is better for users seeking high performance and speed, while the Crucial MX500 is suitable for those prioritizing cost and compatibility with older systems.
AI Verdict
Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 wins overall.
By the numbers
Performance
Pick A wins
The Samsung 980 offers significantly higher read speeds of 3500 MB/s and write speeds of 3000 MB/s compared to the Crucial MX500's 560 MB/s read and 510 MB/s write.
Value for money
Pick B wins
The Crucial MX500 is priced lower at $69, making it a more budget-friendly option for users who do not require NVMe speeds.
Power efficiency
Pick B wins
The SATA III interface of the Crucial MX500 generally consumes less power than the NVMe interface of the Samsung 980.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
The Samsung 980's NVMe PCIe 3.0 interface provides better future-proofing for high-speed applications compared to the older SATA III standard.
Pick A if…
- • You need high-speed storage for gaming or content creation.
- • Your motherboard supports NVMe and you want to maximize performance.
- • You require higher endurance with a TBW of 600.
Pick B if…
- • You are on a tight budget and need a reliable SSD.
- • Your system only supports SATA drives.
- • You want a drive with DRAM for better performance in certain workloads.
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 better for users seeking high performance and speed, while the Crucial MX500 is suitable for those prioritizing cost and compatibility with older systems.
When does Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 win?+
You need high-speed storage for gaming or content creation. Your motherboard supports NVMe and you want to maximize performance. You require higher endurance with a TBW of 600.
When does Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III win?+
You are on a tight budget and need a reliable SSD. Your system only supports SATA drives. You want a drive with DRAM for better performance in certain workloads.
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.