Samsung Finally Joins the PCIe Gen 5 Revolution
The arrival of PCIe Gen 5 SSDs has been one of the most significant advancements in storage technology, offering unprecedented speed and efficiency. While companies like Seagate and Crucial launched their first PCIe Gen 5 SSDs almost two years ago, Samsung has taken a more measured approach—until now.
In March 2025, Samsung will officially launch its first PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSD, the Samsung 9100 Pro series. This highly anticipated drive is built on the NVMe 2.0 protocol, marking a significant leap forward for Samsung’s consumer SSD lineup.
Storage Capacities and Pricing: Options for All Users
Samsung’s 9100 Pro series will launch with multiple capacity options, catering to different types of users:
- 1TB model – Starting at $199.99
- 2TB model – Available at $299.99
- 4TB model – Priced at $549.99
All three variants will be available in the M.2 form factor, the standard for high-performance SSDs. Additionally, Samsung offers configurations with or without heatsinks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of desktops, gaming laptops, and workstations.
Upcoming 8TB Variant: A Game Changer
For those needing massive storage capacities, Samsung has also announced an 8TB version of the 9100 Pro, making it the first Samsung NVMe SSD to offer this capacity. This variant is slated for release in the second half of 2025, likely targeting content creators, data scientists, and enterprise users who require large storage pools.
Breakthrough Performance: How Fast is the Samsung 9100 Pro?
The 9100 Pro is built using Samsung’s V-NAND TLC V8 technology, combined with a custom high-performance controller, enabling it to outpace previous generations significantly.
Random Read/Write Speeds: Doubling the Performance of Gen 4 SSDs
The most impressive aspect of the 9100 Pro is its random read and write performance, which is crucial for multitasking and handling multiple small files:
- 2,200K IOPS (random read speed)
- 2,600K IOPS (random write speed)
These figures double the performance of the Samsung 980 Pro, its previous PCIe Gen 4 flagship SSD. This means users can expect much faster application loading times, improved multitasking, and enhanced responsiveness in various computing environments.
Sequential Read/Write Speeds: Record-Breaking Transfer Rates
For those handling large files, such as 4K/8K video footage, game assets, or massive datasets, the sequential read/write speeds of the 9100 Pro provide a substantial boost:
- 14.8GBps sequential read speed
- 13.4GBps sequential write speed
Compared to the Samsung 980 Pro, these speeds represent an almost 2x improvement. They are also 2-3GBps faster than the earliest PCIe Gen 5 SSDs, making the 9100 Pro one of the fastest SSDs in its class.
Real-World Benefits: Who Will Benefit Most?
While everyday users may not immediately notice the performance jump, specific power users and professionals will see significant advantages.
Gamers: Minimal Benefit for Now
Although PCIe Gen 5 SSDs deliver much faster speeds, early testing (including comparisons with Seagate’s Firecuda 540 and Crucial’s T700) showed minimal improvements for PC gaming. Most modern games are optimized for PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 4 speeds, meaning the jump to Gen 5 won’t drastically improve loading times.
However, with the rise of DirectStorage technology, which allows games to load assets directly from the SSD into GPU memory, PCIe Gen 5 SSDs could become a game-changer for future titles.
Content Creators and Videographers: Faster File Transfers
Professionals working with high-resolution video editing (4K/8K), 3D rendering, and photography will greatly benefit from the increased sequential read/write speeds. Faster transfers mean shorter wait times when moving large files, enabling a more efficient workflow.
For example, a 100GB 8K video file that previously took over 10 seconds to transfer on a Gen 4 SSD could now be moved in just 5-6 seconds with the 9100 Pro.
Software Developers and Engineers: Handling Large Datasets with Ease
Developers working with big data, AI models, or massive project files will experience much faster compilation times, database queries, and simulations. Faster random read/write speeds improve the performance of virtual machines, cloud storage applications, and database-driven systems.
Future-Proof Enthusiasts: Staying Ahead of the Curve
For those building high-performance PCs and looking to future-proof their setups, the Samsung 9100 Pro ensures compatibility with next-generation technologies. While PCIe Gen 6 is already in development, PCIe Gen 5 SSDs like the 9100 Pro offer a solid performance foundation for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samsung’s 9100 Pro Series?
The 9100 Pro Series is Samsung’s first consumer-ready PCIe Gen 5 SSD, built with NVMe 2.0 technology, offering enhanced storage performance.
When will the 9100 Pro Series be available?
The series is set to launch in March 2025.
What storage capacities will be offered?
At launch, capacities include 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, with an 8TB option planned for the second half of 2025.
What are the starting prices for these SSDs?
Prices start at $199.99 for 1TB, $299.99 for 2TB, and $549.99 for 4TB models.
How does the 9100 Pro’s performance compare to previous models?
It offers theoretical maximum random read and write speeds of 2,200K and 2,600K IOPS, respectively, doubling the capabilities of the previous 980 Pro model.
What are the sequential read and write speeds?
The 9100 Pro achieves sequential read speeds up to 14.8GBps and write speeds up to 13.4GBps.
Who would benefit most from the 9100 Pro SSD?
Professionals handling large data volumes, such as videographers and software engineers, will find its high-speed capabilities particularly advantageous.
Is the 9100 Pro compatible with existing systems?
Yes, it uses the M.2 form factor and is available with or without heatsinks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
Will there be an 8TB version of the 9100 Pro?
Yes, an 8TB configuration is planned for release in the second half of 2025.
How does the 9100 Pro compare to other PCIe Gen 5 SSDs?
It offers faster sequential read and write speeds than some of the earliest PCIe Gen 5 SSDs on the market, providing a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Samsung’s introduction of the 9100 Pro Series marks a significant advancement in consumer storage solutions. With capacities ranging from 1TB to an anticipated 8TB, and boasting impressive read and write speeds, this series caters to both high-performance enthusiasts and professionals managing substantial data workloads. Its competitive pricing and enhanced capabilities position it as a compelling choice in the evolving SSD market. As technology continues to advance, the 9100 Pro Series exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to meeting the growing demands for faster and more reliable storage
