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 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, making it superior for demanding tasks.
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 under load, giving the Samsung 980 an edge in power efficiency.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
PCIe 3.0 NVMe is the current standard for high-performance storage, making the Samsung 980 more future-proof than the SATA III Crucial MX500.
Pick A if…
- • You frequently transfer large files or work with demanding applications like video editing or gaming.
- • Your motherboard has an available M.2 NVMe slot and you want the fastest possible storage.
- • You prioritize long-term drive endurance and performance for a small price difference.
Pick B if…
- • You are on a strict budget and need a reliable 1TB SSD for general computing tasks.
- • Your system only has SATA III ports available or you need a 2.5" drive for a specific enclosure.
- • You primarily use your PC for web browsing, office work, and light gaming where extreme speeds aren't 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 for general use where extreme speed isn't critical.
When does Samsung 980 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 win?+
You frequently transfer large files or work with demanding applications like video editing or gaming. Your motherboard has an available M.2 NVMe slot and you want the fastest possible storage. You prioritize long-term drive endurance and performance for a small price difference.
When does Crucial MX500 1TB SATA III win?+
You are on a strict budget and need a reliable 1TB SSD for general computing tasks. Your system only has SATA III ports available or you need a 2.5" drive for a specific enclosure. You primarily use your PC for web browsing, office work, and light gaming where extreme speeds aren't 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.