# Samsung 980 500GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD (2026)

The Samsung 980 500GB is the capacity sweet spot in Samsung's DRAM-less NVMe lineup, offering 3,000 MB/s writes and 263 TBW endurance with Host Memory Buffer technology.

Quick answer: The Samsung 980 500GB is the best value in Samsung's DRAM-less NVMe lineup, offering PCIe 3.0 saturation on reads and 3,000 MB/s writes at a capacity that handles OS, applications, and a decent game library. The lack of DRAM is a fair trade-off for the price. Buyers who want DRAM-level consistency should step up to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB. For budget builds on modern platforms, the 980 500GB is a solid pick.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 500 GB |
| Interface | M.2 3.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Samsung Pablo |
| Memory type | Samsung TLC |
| DRAM cache | HMB |
| Sequential read | 3500 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 3000 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 500000 |
| Random write IOPS | 480000 |
| Endurance | 263 TBW |
| MTBF | 1.5 |
| Warranty | 5 years |

## Performance

Samsung rates the 500 GB 980 at 3,500 MB/s sequential reads and 3,000 MB/s sequential writes, with 500,000 random read IOPS and 480,000 random write IOPS. The drive uses an SLC write cache for burst performance, with TLC-native writes settling at a lower speed once the cache fills.

In real-world testing, independent reviewers found the 980 500GB competitive with more expensive DRAM-equipped drives in sequential workloads. The HMB mechanism provides enough mapping cache for most consumer workloads, though sustained random writes under heavy multi-tasking can expose the DRAM-less limitation. For gaming, the 980 delivers load times indistinguishable from the 970 EVO Plus at the same capacity.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

The Samsung 980 500GB ships with a five-year limited warranty and a 263 TBW endurance rating. At 20 GB of writes per day, 263 TBW translates to approximately 36 years of use. Samsung's Magician software monitors drive health, TBW consumption, and provides firmware updates.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- 3,500/3,000 MB/s sequential read/write
- HMB design keeps cost down
- 263 TBW endurance with five-year warranty
- Single-sided M.2 2280 fits laptops
- 500 GB capacity suits boot + applications
**Cons:**

- No on-board DRAM; HMB requires compatible system
- Random IO dips under heavy multi-tasking
- PCIe 3.0 interface caps at 3,500 MB/s
- No hardware encryption support


## Verdict

The Samsung 980 500GB is the best value in Samsung's DRAM-less NVMe lineup, offering PCIe 3.0 saturation on reads and 3,000 MB/s writes at a capacity that handles OS, applications, and a decent game library. The lack of DRAM is a fair trade-off for the price. Buyers who want DRAM-level consistency should step up to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB. For budget builds on modern platforms, the 980 500GB is a solid pick.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the Samsung 980 500GB good for gaming?

The 980 500GB handles gaming well with its 3,500 MB/s read speed ensuring fast game loads. The 500 GB capacity holds the OS and several AAA titles. The DRAM-less design does not meaningfully impact game load times or in-game performance, as gaming is predominantly a read-heavy workload.

### What does HMB mean on the Samsung 980?

HMB stands for Host Memory Buffer, an NVMe feature that lets the SSD borrow a small portion of system RAM (around 32 MB) to cache its flash translation layer. This replaces the dedicated DRAM chip found on more expensive drives. HMB requires Windows 10 or later and a compatible motherboard. Without HMB support, the drive's random IO performance degrades.

### Is the Samsung 980 500GB compatible with the PS5?

No, the PS5 requires a PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with recommended reads of 5,500 MB/s or higher. The Samsung 980 is a PCIe 3.0 drive rated at 3,500 MB/s reads and does not meet Sony's requirements.

### What is the TBW endurance of the Samsung 980 500GB?

Samsung rates the 500 GB 980 at 263 TBW (terabytes written) under its five-year warranty. At a typical consumer write rate of 20 GB per day, this translates to approximately 36 years before reaching the endurance ceiling.

### Does the Samsung 980 work in older laptops?

The 980 uses a standard M.2 2280 single-sided form factor that fits physically in most laptops with an M.2 slot. However, the HMB feature requires NVMe 1.2 or later and OS support (Windows 10+). In laptops running older operating systems or with legacy NVMe controllers, the drive will work but random performance may be reduced without HMB.

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Last updated: 2026-05-17. Source: https://ssdrive.net/samsung-980-500-gb