The Samsung SSD 990 marks the arrival of a new entry-level model in the popular 990 series. Unlike the well-known Evo, Evo Plus, and Pro variants, Samsung has completely omitted a model suffix this time. Product pages that briefly went live online—despite being quickly taken down—already reveal the key specifications: PCIe 4.0, no DRAM cache, and, in all likelihood, QLC storage.
Samsung SSD 990 Revealed Early
As reported by ComputerBase, the product pages for the new SSD appeared briefly but have since been taken offline by Samsung. The discovery is corroborated by screenshots as well as information from retailers who have already listed key specifications. International websites such as TechPowerUp also confirm the specifications based on the leaked data.
According to this information, the new M.2 SSD in the standard 2280 form factor will be available in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities and will exclusively feature a PCIe-4.0 x4 interface—unlike the 990 Evo Plus, which can also run on PCIe 5.0. This positioning is reminiscent of the Samsung SSD 980, which at the time was also positioned as a more affordable PCIe model below the Pro variant and, thanks to Host Memory Buffer (HMB), did not require its own DRAM chip.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Specifications | Samsung SSD 990 (1 TB) | Samsung SSD 990 (2 TB) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Form factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Read speed | up to 7,150 MB/s | up to 7,250 MB/s |
| Write speed | up to 6,450 MB/s | up to 6,450 MB/s |
| DRAM cache | Not available | Not available |
| TBW (write limit) | 400 TB | 800 TB |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | N/A | 55 mW |
Source of values: Retailer information, via ComputerBase and TechPowerUp. Official confirmation from Samsung is still pending.
QLC Instead of TLC: What This Cost-Cutting Measure Means for Buyers
The TBW figures provide the strongest indication of the type of memory used. At 400 TB (1 TB model) and 800 TB (2 TB model), respectively, the Samsung SSD 990 is about 50 percent below the values of the Evo and Pro models, which all use TLC memory. QLC flash stores four bits per memory cell instead of three, which enables higher storage densities at lower costs but comes at the expense of speed and durability—a trade-off users are already familiar with from the Samsung SSD 870 QVO in the SATA segment. The warranty is also shorter, at 3 years instead of the usual 5.
The SSD 990 remains competitive for sequential read and write speeds, however: With read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s, it performs on par with the significantly more expensive Samsung 990 Evo Plus. However, anyone who regularly writes large amounts of data—such as during video editing or when using a NAS—should keep the lower TBW values in mind.
Context: A New Entry Point in Challenging Times for the Storage Market
The timing of the announcement is likely no coincidence. As we previously reported regarding the rise in RAM and SSD prices in 2026, sustained demand from the AI sector is driving up the cost of flash memory. A more affordable QLC model without a DRAM cache should help Samsung maintain an affordable entry point despite rising NAND prices.
There is no official information yet on the price or launch date of the Samsung SSD 990. Retailer prices already circulating are considered unrealistic placeholders and should not be taken as a guide.
Conclusion
With the Samsung SSD 990, the popular 990 series gains a true entry-level model positioned below the Evo Plus. For system drives, where fast loading times are paramount, the model could still be attractive thanks to its high sequential transfer rates. However, anyone who regularly writes large amounts of data should opt for the 990 Evo Plus or Pro instead, given the lower TBW ratings and shorter warranty. Until Samsung officially unveils the SSD 990, the price and exact launch date remain speculative.
