by 63 reviews.
SAMSUNG PM991 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Your System
If you're looking to upgrade your system's storage with a reliable and high-performance SSD, the SAMSUNG PM991 (MZVLQ256HBJD) 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe Internal Solid State Drive is a strong contender. Designed for speed and efficiency, this SSD is perfect for desktops and compatible devices, offering a seamless computing experience. With its compact M.2 form factor and NVMe interface, it promises faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and improved overall system responsiveness. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Performance and Speed
The SAMSUNG PM991 SSD shines when it comes to performance. Customers have praised its lightning-fast data transfer speeds, which significantly outperform traditional SATA SSDs. One user mentioned that after installing this SSD in their Dell Latitude, they noticed a dramatic improvement in boot times and overall system responsiveness. Another user highlighted its efficiency in handling their operating system and essential programs, leaving plenty of storage space for additional files.
However, some users pointed out that the 256GB storage capacity might not be sufficient for heavy gamers or those who work with large files. One reviewer noted that while the SSD is excellent for general use, it falls short for gaming due to the massive storage requirements of modern games.
2. Installation and Compatibility
The installation process for the SAMSUNG PM991 SSD is straightforward, but it does require some additional components, such as a caddy and thermal plate, depending on your laptop model. One user shared their experience of discovering a hidden M.2 slot in their Dell Latitude and successfully installing the SSD with the help of a cloning utility called DiskGenius. They emphasized the importance of cloning the original drive to avoid the hassle of reinstalling the operating system.
On the flip side, a few customers reported compatibility issues. One user mentioned that Samsung Magician, the software used to manage and update the SSD's firmware, did not work with this model. This limitation could be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize firmware updates for long-term performance.
3. Build Quality and Durability
Samsung is known for its high-quality products, and the PM991 SSD is no exception. Customers have praised its durability and consistent performance over time. One reviewer shared that they used four of these SSDs without encountering any issues, highlighting their reliability for everyday use.
However, there were a few isolated complaints about the SSD's longevity. One user reported that their drive stopped working after a short period, raising concerns about its durability under heavy usage.
4. Value for Money
The SAMSUNG PM991 SSD offers excellent value for its price, especially for users who prioritize speed and efficiency over storage capacity. Many customers appreciated its compact design and high performance, making it a worthwhile investment for upgrading older systems or building new ones.
That said, some users felt that the 256GB storage capacity was too limited for their needs, particularly for gaming or storing large files. For these users, opting for a higher-capacity SSD might be a better choice.
Conclusion: Is the SAMSUNG PM991 SSD Worth It?
The SAMSUNG PM991 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe SSD is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their system's performance without breaking the bank. Its compact design, lightning-fast speeds, and reliable build quality make it an excellent option for general use, operating systems, and essential programs. However, its limited storage capacity and occasional compatibility issues may deter heavy gamers or users with extensive storage needs.
Final Verdict
If you're seeking a high-performance SSD for everyday computing tasks, the SAMSUNG PM991 is a fantastic choice. But for gaming or large file storage, you might want to consider a higher-capacity model. Overall, this SSD delivers on its promises and is a worthy addition to any system.
Specification SAMSUNG PM991 (MZVLQ256HBJD) 256GB M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Bulk OEM Tray:
Comments from Amazon:
This Samsung SSD is worth it for me. I bought this to go in with my SSD Enclosure to carry with me to use only for a USB storage to store my documents and Homework and I have to say its worth it. it came very fast in One day, the storage is Very nice. for gaming I only give it 2 stars because 256GB Is not going to cut it for games. games in todays world the storage Amount it takes up is insanely ridiculous. I would go for 1Tb + if you are going to buy this for games. But for me this is exactly what I was looking for. But Overall its all 5 Stars + For me. I would definitely recommend buying from this dealer. Thank you again!
This drive came with a Windows 10 install on board, uses a SATA connection, not NVME, and is made by Western Digital, not Samsung. This device is clearly a random used disk, and is therefore a scam.
I used 4 of these. No issues except that Samsung Magician would not work with it. That means we can't upgrade the firmware in the future. It is what it is.
Although the storage capacity was small, there are always bigger SSDs on the market. It was easy to install and works like a charm. I recommend it as the drive to handle your OS while you can store larger files on other larger drives.
No issues so far
Stopped working after a hot minute
I have a Dell Latitude and was not aware of a hiding m.2 PCIe slot behind the original HDD. Since I decided to upgrade a few things (on a budget too), I searched long and hard to find this particular product. My original HDD was 500 GB, but it turned out I only was using 80 in total. This is because, nowadays everything is streamed online so there's really not a whole lot of use for excessive personal space. Just to let you know there is a caddy and thermal plate that each laptop will need to properly install a new SSD. The MFR will have the part listed and surely you will find it on Amazon (https://a.co/d/4ne5GG3). Secondly, reinstalling the OS on the new drive is treacherous. I opted to heed online advice and go ahead and clone the drives. That part went without a hitch, I didn't have to set up anything else after. I even used a free cloning utility called DiskGenius. It will accommodate two different sized drives and partition them correctly. Once again you may not be able to tell when you are shopping but many of these products are actually name-brand and super high quality, such as this one. Think of your size requirements too. SSD drives have to Defrag like hard drives, only they call it TRIM and basically that means overwriting old data like HDDs, SSDs have to erase the block and rewrite it. I know I am a data hoarder but think of what you really need. You can always upgrade the size. 256 GB is a fast dream, holds my OS, programs I really dont need, and many of my steam Games with still plenty to spare. Most laptop chassis have a hidden spot for more storage if you need it. But you won't.