When choosing a storage drive for your computer, speed might seem like a top priority, but in reality, most users won’t need the absolute fastest SSD available—especially when building a gaming PC. However, if your workload involves transferring large files, high-performance storage can make a significant difference. For those who demand extreme speed, Samsung has officially announced the 9100 Pro, its first full PCIe 5.0 SSD, and it’s claiming the title of the fastest consumer SSD in the world.
Samsung’s First Full PCIe 5.0 Drive
Samsung previously introduced a PCIe 5.0-compatible drive with the 990 Evo, but it wasn’t a fully upgraded Gen 5 SSD. That model only utilized two PCIe lanes at the latest standard, limiting its full potential. In contrast, the new Samsung 9100 Pro is a full PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD, utilizing all four lanes of the latest-generation interface. The drive comes in the widely-used M.2 2280 format, making it compatible with most modern desktops and high-performance laptops.
This means the 9100 Pro is entering direct competition with other high-end PCIe 5.0 SSDs, such as the Crucial T705, which currently holds the performance crown among consumer drives. But Samsung is aiming to take the lead by delivering higher speeds across all capacities.
Blazing-Fast Performance Across the Lineup
According to Samsung’s specifications, the 4TB and 8TB models of the 9100 Pro reach sequential write speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s, slightly surpassing the Crucial T705’s 14,500 MB/s rating. Even the 1TB and 2TB models aren’t far behind, with speeds hitting 14,700 MB/s. Samsung also highlights improved efficiency, claiming that the 4TB model consumes just 9 watts under load, which is notably efficient for a high-performance SSD.
While Samsung’s numbers suggest a clear speed advantage, real-world performance will ultimately depend on factors such as controller efficiency, thermal throttling, and workload type. The Crucial T705, despite having slightly lower advertised speeds, still holds the record for the highest sustained PCIe 5.0 SSD performance at 14,100 MB/s in independent benchmarks. Whether Samsung’s drive outperforms it in practical scenarios remains to be seen.
Pricing and Availability
Samsung will offer the 9100 Pro in both standard and heatsink-equipped variants, catering to different cooling needs. The 2TB version (without heatsink) will start at $200, while the 4TB model with a heatsink will go up to $570. The 8TB versions are expected in the second half of 2025, though Samsung has yet to announce pricing for those models.
The Samsung 9100 Pro officially launches in March 2025, giving high-performance users and enthusiasts another compelling PCIe 5.0 option. With the SSD market becoming increasingly competitive, it will be interesting to see if Samsung’s latest offering can maintain its claim as the fastest consumer SSD available.
