# Samsung PM9E1 1TB SSD technical specifications (2026)

The Samsung PM9E1 1 TB packs PCIe 5.0 performance into an M.2 2242 module, reaching sequential reads up to 14,500 MB/s with Samsung's in-house Presto controller and V8 TLC NAND.

Quick answer: The Samsung PM9E1 1 TB is a unique product: a PCIe 5.0 SSD in the compact M.2 2242 form factor. Its 14,500 MB/s read speed and 12,600 MB/s write speed outclass every other 2242 SSD on the market, most of which are limited to PCIe 4.0.

## Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 1 TB |
| Interface | M.2 5.0 x 4 |
| Controller | Samsung Presto |
| Memory type | Samsung V8 TLC |
| DRAM cache | Yes |
| Sequential read | 14500 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 12600 MB/s |
| Random read IOPS | 1800000 |
| Random write IOPS | 1600000 |
| Endurance | 600 TBW |
| MTBF | 2000000 |
| Warranty | 3 years |

## Performance

The Samsung PM9E1 1 TB reaches sequential read speeds up to 14,500 MB/s and sequential writes up to 12,600 MB/s over PCIe 5.0 x4. Random performance is rated at approximately 1,800K read IOPS and 1,600K write IOPS. These figures are competitive with full-size M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 drives, which is impressive given the compact 2242 form factor.

The 1 TB capacity means fewer NAND dies than the 2 TB and 4 TB models, so sustained write performance after the SLC cache fills will be lower than the larger capacities. For gaming and general use on laptops and handhelds, the SLC cache is more than adequate. 4K random read performance benefits from the Presto controller's improved firmware and the low latency of V8 NAND, delivering snappy system responsiveness in OS boot and application loading. Power consumption is managed through Samsung's integrated power management IC, which helps maintain efficiency in thermally constrained devices. Under sustained heavy writes, the small 2242 form factor provides limited heat dissipation, so throttling may occur during extended benchmarks or large file transfers.

## Endurance, TBW & Warranty

As an OEM drive, Samsung does not offer a direct consumer warranty on the PM9E1. Warranty coverage depends on the system manufacturer or reseller from which the drive is purchased. The rated endurance is 600 TBW for the 1 TB model, which translates to approximately 548 GB of writes per day over three years. Samsung rates the drive for a 2 million hour MTBF. For consumer buyers purchasing through resellers, check the specific warranty terms offered at the point of sale, as these vary by vendor. Some resellers offer their own limited warranty that may range from one to three years on OEM components.

## Pros and Cons

**Pros:**

- Up to 14,500 MB/s sequential read speed
- Compact M.2 2242 form factor for thin devices
- Samsung Presto PCIe 5.0 in-house controller
- 236-layer V8 TLC NAND flash
- 600 TBW endurance at 1 TB capacity
- Low power consumption for mobile use
**Cons:**

- OEM drive with limited retail warranty
- Only available through third-party resellers
- M.2 2242 limits NAND density and sustained writes
- Higher cost per GB than full-size 2280 drives
- Not all motherboards support PCIe 5.0 on 2242 slots


## Verdict

The Samsung PM9E1 1 TB is a unique product: a PCIe 5.0 SSD in the compact M.2 2242 form factor. Its 14,500 MB/s read speed and 12,600 MB/s write speed outclass every other 2242 SSD on the market, most of which are limited to PCIe 4.0.

This drive is best suited for users of compact laptops, handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, and mini PCs that only accept M.2 2242 modules. Desktop users with M.2 2280 slots should consider the Samsung 990 Pro or full-size PCIe 5.0 alternatives instead, which offer better pricing and wider availability. The PM9E1 is an OEM product, so retail buyers must rely on third-party resellers and accept the warranty terms those sellers provide.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the Samsung PM9E1 1 TB compatible with PS5?

No. The PS5 requires M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs with at least 5,500 MB/s sequential read and a maximum size of 110 x 25 x 11.25 mm with heatsink. The PM9E1 uses the M.2 2242 form factor, which physically fits but the PS5's M.2 bay is designed for 2280 modules. Additionally, the PM9E1 is a PCIe 5.0 drive that exceeds the PS5's power specifications.

### What devices support the Samsung PM9E1 M.2 2242?

The PM9E1 fits any device with an M.2 2242 slot that supports PCIe NVMe. This includes many ultrabooks, handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, mini PCs, and some desktop motherboards that include both 2280 and 2242 M.2 slots. Verify your device supports the M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe form factor before purchasing.

### What is the Samsung Presto controller?

The Presto is Samsung's first in-house PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD controller. It succeeds the Elpis controller used in the Samsung 990 Pro and supports eight NAND channels with DRAM caching. Samsung designs and manufactures the Presto in-house, which allows tight integration with its V-NAND flash for optimized performance and power efficiency.

### What is the TBW endurance of the Samsung PM9E1 1 TB?

The Samsung PM9E1 1 TB has a 600 TBW endurance rating. This allows approximately 548 GB of writes per day over a three-year period. For typical laptop and handheld workloads of 10 to 30 GB daily, the endurance provides substantial headroom. TBW scales with capacity: the 2 TB model offers higher endurance.

### What is V8 TLC NAND?

V8 is Samsung's 8th-generation V-NAND (vertical NAND), also known as 236-layer TLC. It stacks 236 layers of memory cells vertically to achieve high density in a small footprint. TLC (triple-level cell) stores three bits per cell, balancing performance, endurance, and manufacturing cost. This generation provides improved performance and energy efficiency over earlier V-NAND versions.

### Can I use the PM9E1 in an M.2 2280 slot?

Yes. M.2 2242 modules are physically shorter than M.2 2280 but use the same connector. Most M.2 2280 slots will accept a 2242 drive, though you may need a standoff adapter depending on your motherboard. The drive will work at full PCIe 5.0 speed if the slot supports it. Some motherboards only route PCIe 5.0 lanes to specific M.2 slots, so check your motherboard manual.

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Last updated: 2026-06-13. Source: https://ssdrive.net/samsung-pm9e1-1-tb