4.40 by 39 reviews.

OEM Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe SSD Review: A Budget-Friendly Storage Upgrade

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to upgrade your system's storage, the OEM Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe SSD might be on your radar. This compact and efficient solid-state drive promises high performance and reliability, making it an attractive option for both casual users and tech enthusiasts. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details and see what customers have to say.

Product Overview

The Samsung PM9B1 256GB NVMe SSD is designed for speed and efficiency, featuring a PCIe Gen 4x4 interface and an M.2 2280 form factor. With a 256GB capacity, it’s perfect for storing your operating system, applications, and frequently accessed files. The drive is compatible with both laptops and desktops, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of systems. However, as an OEM product, it comes in bulk packaging without additional accessories like screws or cables.

Key Features:

  • 256GB Storage Capacity
    Ideal for everyday use and light multitasking.
  • PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe Interface
    Delivers fast read/write speeds for improved system performance.
  • M.2 2280 Form Factor
    Compact and easy to install in compatible devices.
  • M Key Design
    Ensures broad compatibility with modern systems.
  • 2-Year OEM Warranty
    Provides peace of mind for long-term use.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

Performance and Speed

Many customers praise the Samsung PM9B1 for its performance, especially considering its affordable price point. One user mentioned that the drive works flawlessly and has been running without issues for over a year. Another noted that it’s a great option for general use, though it may not be the fastest SSD on the market due to its dram-less design. This means it relies on your system’s memory for caching, which could slow it down on devices with limited RAM.

Pros:

  • Fast boot times and quick file transfers.
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
  • Affordable price for a Samsung-branded SSD.

Cons:

  • Slightly slower than high-end SSDs due to the lack of DRAM.
  • Not ideal for memory-constrained systems.

Installation and Setup

The installation process is straightforward for most users, but there’s a catch: the drive often arrives with pre-existing partitions and software. Several customers reported that the SSD contained partitions from an HP system, suggesting it may have been pulled from a laptop. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does require some extra steps to delete the partitions before use. One user mentioned that removing the small GPT partition was particularly challenging.

Pros:

  • Easy to install in compatible M.2 slots.
  • Recognized immediately by system BIOS.

Cons:

  • Requires manual deletion of existing partitions.
  • No included accessories like screws or cables.

Durability and Longevity

Samsung is known for producing reliable storage solutions, and the PM9B1 is no exception. Customers have reported that the drive works like new, even after extended use. One reviewer noted that the drive had only 2-3 hours of usage when they received it, making it practically brand new. Another user confirmed that the SSD has been running without errors for over a year, highlighting its durability.

Pros:

  • Durable and reliable for long-term use.
  • Low usage on second-hand units, making them feel like new.

Cons:

  • Being an OEM product, it may lack the same level of support as retail versions.

Value for Money

At around $25, the Samsung PM9B1 256GB NVMe SSD offers excellent value for money. Customers appreciate the affordability of a Samsung-branded SSD, even if it’s an OEM product. However, some users caution against using it for critical files, recommending regular backups to ensure data safety.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly price for a high-quality SSD.
  • Great for budget builds or system upgrades.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for storing critical data without backups.

Final Verdict

The OEM Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe SSD is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their system’s storage on a budget. It delivers reliable performance, fast speeds, and Samsung’s trusted durability, making it a great option for everyday use. However, the need to delete pre-existing partitions and its dram-less design may be drawbacks for some users.

Who Should Buy This SSD?

  • Budget-conscious users
    If you’re looking for an affordable SSD from a reputable brand, this is a great option.
  • Casual users
    Perfect for general computing tasks, light gaming, and everyday use.
  • System builders
    A cost-effective choice for budget builds or upgrades.

Who Should Avoid This SSD?

  • Power users
    If you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, consider a higher-end SSD with DRAM.
  • Critical data storage
    Always back up important files, as this drive may not be ideal for mission-critical applications.

In conclusion, the Samsung PM9B1 256GB NVMe SSD is a reliable and affordable storage solution that delivers excellent value for money. While it has a few quirks, its performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for most users.

Specification OEM Samsung PM9B1 256GB M.2 PCI-e GEN 4X4 NVME SSD Internal Solid State Drive 80mm 2280 Form Factor M Key:

Internal Ssd
Yes
M 2 Nvme
Yes

Comments from Amazon:

Some contain a small GPT partition which is difficult to remove

The product contains partitions and software which must be deleted before use. Some contain a small GPT partition which is difficult to remove.

It works! I would probably keep critical files backed up elsewhere to be safe!

Nothing particularly outstanding with this OEM drive, but I paid nearly $25 and it is exactly what I paid for. It works! I would probably keep critical files backed up elsewhere to be safe!

Hours on the drive show that it is practically brand new with only 2-3 hours on it

Plugged in the drive with an external NVME enclosure, and see the drive was taken from a laptop. Hours on the drive show that it is practically brand new with only 2-3 hours on it.

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Works great!

A year later no issues or errors! Samsung is one of the better oems

It works well but arrived with existing partitions for an HP system

The drive works arrived well packaged in good condition. It works well but arrived with existing partitions for an HP system. Either the drive was used or, being OEM, was preinstalled with HP OEM software. The PC BIOS correctly recognized the drive and installing the OS proceeded without problems after the existing partitions were deleted.

It may be bit slow due to it dram-less design, but it's ok for general use

This used SSD come with low usage, it works like a new one. It may be bit slow due to it dram-less design, but it's ok for general use. Just keep in mind that it will use your own memory as cache, so it's not good for device that is low on memory

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