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Samsung PM981 SSD Review

  • SSD
  • 13 min read
high performance samsung pm981 ssd
Top Rated
Samsung 990 PRO M.2 SSD for Gamers
Amazon.com
Samsung 990 PRO M.2 SSD for Gamers
Must-Have
Samsung 990 EVO 1TB NVMe Solid State Drive
Amazon.com
Samsung 990 EVO 1TB NVMe Solid State Drive

The Samsung PM981 SSD has garnered significant attention in the market, boasting impressive specs that promise to revolutionize storage capabilities. With its substantial 1000 GB capacity and support for the NVMe 1.3 protocol, this SSD is poised to deliver exceptional performance. But what exactly sets it apart from its competitors, and does it live up to its claims of rapid data transfer speeds and enhanced system responsiveness? As we explore the features, benefits, and customer experiences associated with this product, a more detailed picture begins to emerge, raising important questions about its value and potential applications.

Key Takeaways

  • The Samsung PM981 SSD features 1000 GB storage capacity, NVMe 1.3 protocol support, and fast sequential read speed up to 3000 MB/s.
  • It offers robust design, durable build, and extensive warranty coverage, ensuring high-quality performance and efficiency.
  • Ideal uses for this SSD include gaming, video editing, heavy data storage needs, and everyday computer tasks that require rapid data access.
  • The SSD provides rapid data transfer speeds, enhanced system responsiveness, and consistent performance with V-NAND technology.
  • Overall, the Samsung PM981 SSD offers exceptional performance, compact design, and competitive pricing, making it an outstanding value for storage upgrades.

The Samsung PM981 SSD, part of the PM961 Polaris series, is a high-performance storage solution designed to provide fast data access and reliability. When it comes to performance benchmarks, the PM981 SSD boasts impressive read and write speeds, making it an ideal choice for users who require rapid data transfer. However, some users have reported installation challenges, citing difficulties with driver updates and compatibility issues with certain devices. Despite these hurdles, the majority of users have reported seamless installation experiences, with many praising the SSD's ease of use. Overall, the PM981 SSD's exceptional performance and reliability make it a top choice for those seeking to upgrade their storage solutions.

Top Rated
Samsung 990 PRO M.2 SSD for Gamers
Lightning-fast speeds for intensive tasks
The Samsung 990 PRO SSD delivers incredible read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, making it perfect for gaming, video editing, and demanding applications. Enjoy efficient power consumption while maintaining top-tier performance for all your computing needs.
Amazon price updated: July 26, 2025 10:59 am

Features and Benefits

The Samsung PM981 SSD boasts an impressive array of features that contribute to its exceptional performance and efficiency. Particularly, the drive offers a spacious 1000 GB storage capacity, ensuring ample room for data storage and retrieval. Additionally, the PM981 SSD supports the NVMe 1.3 protocol, facilitating fast sequential read speeds and low power consumption mode, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance storage solution.

000 GB Storage Capacity

With a substantial 1000 GB flash memory size, the Samsung PM981 SSD offers ample storage capacity to accommodate large files, programs, and operating systems, thereby enabling users to store and access their data efficiently. This generous storage capacity provides numerous upgrade benefits, allowing users to store more data without the need for external storage devices. In comparison to other SSD models, the Samsung PM981 SSD offers a significant storage advantage, making it an attractive option for users who require substantial storage space. The increased storage capacity also enables users to take full advantage of the SSD's high-speed performance, further enhancing the overall user experience.

NVMe 1.3 Protocol Support

Moreover, by supporting the latest NVMe 1.3 protocol, the Samsung PM981 SSD guarantees seamless and efficient data transfer, maximizing the full potential of its flash memory to deliver exceptional performance and responsiveness. This advanced protocol enables the SSD to take full advantage of its hardware capabilities, resulting in improved performance comparison to previous models. Additionally, the NVMe 1.3 protocol allows for firmware updates, ensuring that the SSD remains optimized and up-to-date. Compatibility testing has shown that the PM981 SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, and driver installation is straightforward, making it easy to integrate into existing systems. Overall, the NVMe 1.3 protocol support is a key feature that sets the Samsung PM981 SSD apart from its competitors.

Fast Sequential Read Speed

Capable of reaching astonishing speeds of up to 3000 MB/s, the Samsung PM981 SSD's fast sequential read speed enables users to access and transfer large files rapidly, greatly reducing wait times and boosting overall system productivity. This high-performance capability is particularly beneficial for applications that require rapid data transfer, such as video editing, 3D modeling, and data analytics. With the PM981 SSD, users can experience seamless data transfer, allowing them to focus on their tasks without interruptions. The SSD's fast sequential read speed also enables faster boot times, making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts who require high-performance storage solutions.

Low Power Consumption Mode

The Samsung PM981 SSD's Low Power Consumption Mode guarantees that users can leverage the drive's exceptional performance while minimizing energy expenditure, an important consideration for mobile professionals and organizations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint. This feature enables the SSD to operate at a lower power state, resulting in significant energy efficiency benefits. The power saving mode impact is substantial, with reduced heat generation and lower battery drain, making it ideal for laptops and other mobile devices. This mode also helps to prolong the lifespan of the SSD, reducing the risk of wear and tear. Overall, the Low Power Consumption Mode is a valuable feature that enhances the overall user experience while promoting eco-friendliness.

Product Quality

Crafted with a robust design, the Samsung PM981 SSD features a durable build that guarantees reliable performance and longevity. This solid construction is backed by an extensive warranty coverage, providing users with peace of mind in case of any defects or issues. Moreover, Samsung's commitment to quality is evident in its regular firmware updates, ensuring that the PM981 SSD stays optimized and secure over time. These updates not only enhance performance but also address any potential security vulnerabilities, giving users confidence in their data storage. With its robust design and reliable warranty coverage, the Samsung PM981 SSD is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality storage solution.

What It's Used For

The Samsung PM981 SSD is designed to cater to a range of demanding applications, including gaming and video editing, which require rapid data access and processing. Additionally, it is well-suited for heavy data storage needs, providing ample space for storing large files and data sets. In everyday computer tasks, the PM981 SSD's high-performance capabilities also make it an excellent choice for users seeking to enhance their overall computing experience.

Gaming and Video Editing

Professional content creators and gaming enthusiasts alike can harness the power of the Samsung PM981 SSD to accelerate their workflow, thanks to its exceptional read and write speeds that can handle demanding applications such as 4K video editing and high-resolution gaming. According to performance benchmarks, the PM981 SSD delivers sequential read and write speeds of up to 3000MB/s and 2000MB/s, respectively, making it an ideal choice for resource-intensive tasks. User experiences have shown that the SSD notably reduces loading times and improves overall system responsiveness, resulting in a seamless gaming and video editing experience. With its impressive performance capabilities, the Samsung PM981 SSD is an excellent investment for those seeking to upgrade their workflow.

Heavy Data Storage Needs

Its massive 1000 GB storage capacity makes the Samsung PM981 SSD an ideal solution for users dealing with large files, such as 4K video footage, high-resolution images, and massive datasets. This SSD is particularly suited for professionals who require efficient data management strategies to handle enormous files. The NVMe interface guarantees rapid data transfer rates, making it an excellent choice for data-intensive applications. According to performance benchmarks, the Samsung PM981 SSD delivers exceptional read and write speeds, making it an excellent option for users who need to store and access large files quickly. With its impressive storage capacity and fast performance, this SSD is an excellent solution for heavy data storage needs.

Everyday Computer Tasks

Beyond heavy data storage needs, the Samsung PM981 SSD also excels in everyday computer tasks, providing users with a seamless and responsive computing experience. The drive's exceptional multitasking efficiency enables users to effortlessly switch between applications, ensuring a smooth user experience. Internet browsing is also notably faster, with web pages loading rapidly, even with multiple tabs open. Additionally, file management tasks, such as copying and moving files, are performed at impressive speeds, making the Samsung PM981 SSD an ideal choice for daily computing needs. With its exceptional performance, the SSD enhances overall system responsiveness, making it an excellent upgrade for users seeking to improve their everyday computing experience.

Must-Have
Samsung 990 EVO 1TB NVMe Solid State Drive
Boost your PC's storage and speed
The Samsung 990 EVO SSD features impressive read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s, helping you effectively load games and files with ease. Its advanced thermal control and power efficiency make it an optimal choice for enhancing your system performance.
Amazon price updated: July 26, 2025 10:59 am

Product Specifications

The Samsung PM981 SSD boasts an impressive set of product specifications, headlined by its 1000 GB flash memory size and NVMe hard drive interface. This SSD is designed for high-performance computing, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications. The installation process is relatively straightforward, with compatibility testing showing seamless integration with various devices.

SpecificationDetail
Flash Memory Size1000 GB
Hard Drive InterfaceNVMe
ManufacturerSAMSUNG – IMSOURCING

The PM981 SSD's technical details, such as its PC hardware platform and PC1066 computer memory type, further underscore its capabilities. With a compact design and lightweight construction, this SSD is perfect for upgrading laptops and desktops. Overall, the Samsung PM981 SSD's product specifications make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and high-performance storage solution.

Who Needs This

Professionals and gamers seeking high-performance storage solutions to enhance their workflow and gaming experiences will greatly benefit from the Samsung PM981 SSD. This target audience includes content creators, video editors, and gamers who require fast data transfer rates and low latency to optimize their performance. Regarding customer demographics, the Samsung PM981 SSD is ideal for individuals who value high-speed storage and are looking to upgrade their existing systems. This may include tech-savvy individuals, business professionals, and enthusiasts who require reliable and efficient storage solutions. With its exceptional performance and compact design, the Samsung PM981 SSD is an excellent choice for those seeking to elevate their computing experience.

Pros

Boasting exceptional read and write speeds, the Samsung PM981 SSD offers unparalleled performance that greatly enhances system responsiveness and data transfer rates. This improved performance translates to increased customer satisfaction, as users can quickly access and transfer large files. Some of the key benefits of the PM981 SSD include:

  1. Rapid Data Transfer: With read and write speeds of up to 3000MB/s and 2000MB/s, respectively, users can transfer large files in a fraction of the time.
  2. Enhanced System Responsiveness: The PM981 SSD's high-speed performance enables faster boot times, reduced lag, and improved overall system responsiveness.
  3. Consistent Performance: Samsung's advanced V-NAND technology guarantees consistent performance and reliability, even in demanding environments.
  4. Seamless Compatibility: The PM981 SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it an excellent upgrade option for users seeking improved performance.

Cons

Upgrading to the Samsung PM981 SSD may not be a straightforward process for all users, as some may encounter compatibility issues or require additional hardware components. This can lead to installation difficulties, which can be frustrating for those who are not tech-savvy. Moreover, some users may experience performance drawbacks, such as slower write speeds or limited compatibility with certain devices. Here are some potential cons to take into account:

  1. Compatibility issues: The PM981 SSD may not be compatible with all laptop models or devices.
  2. Installation difficulties: Users may encounter problems during the installation process, such as firmware updates or driver issues.
  3. Performance drawbacks: The SSD may have slower write speeds or limited performance in certain scenarios.
  4. Additional hardware requirements: Users may need to purchase additional hardware components, such as adapters or cables, to ensure compatibility.

What Customers Are Saying

Despite some users encountering compatibility issues or performance drawbacks, the Samsung PM981 SSD has received largely positive feedback from customers, with many praising its exceptional performance and ease of installation. Customer satisfaction is high, with many users reporting significant improvements in their system's overall responsiveness and loading times. Upgrade experiences have been particularly impressive, with users noting that the PM981 SSD has revitalized their older systems. Many have also appreciated the drive's compact design and lightweight construction, making it an ideal upgrade option for laptops and ultrabooks. Overall, the PM981 SSD has demonstrated its capability to deliver fast and reliable storage, leading to high customer satisfaction and a strong reputation in the market.

Overall Value

With its exceptional performance, compact design, and competitive pricing, the Samsung PM981 SSD offers an outstanding overall value for users seeking to upgrade their storage solutions. When comparing longevity, the PM981 SSD boasts an impressive endurance rating, ensuring it can withstand heavy workloads and last longer than its competitors. Additionally, its price performance is exceptional, providing top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of similar high-end SSDs. When evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, the Samsung PM981 SSD is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and high-speed storage solution. Overall, its exceptional value makes it an attractive option for users looking to upgrade their storage solutions without breaking the bank.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

Optimizing the Samsung PM981 SSD's performance requires careful consideration of several key factors, including proper installation, disk fragmentation management, and smart data organization. To guarantee seamless installation, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and update your system's BIOS to support NVMe drives. Regularly defragmenting your disk and organizing data into categorized folders can also greatly enhance performance. Additionally, tweaking settings such as write caching and queue depth can further improve performance. When troubleshooting compatibility issues, make sure that your system meets the SSD's specifications and check for firmware updates. By following these installation tips, performance tweaks, and troubleshooting tips, you can maximize the full potential of your Samsung PM981 SSD and enjoy a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung PM981 SSD's outstanding performance, impressive storage capacity, and user-friendly installation process make it an attractive upgrade option for individuals seeking to breathe new life into their computing devices. In our final thoughts, the PM981 SSD has proven itself to be a solid choice for those looking to upgrade from traditional hard disk drives. When compared to other SSD models, the PM981's performance stands out, offering faster read and write speeds. Overall, the Samsung PM981 SSD is a reliable and efficient storage solution that is well worth considering. To wrap it up, our performance comparison highlights the PM981's exceptional value, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their computing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use This SSD as an External Hard Drive?

To utilize an internal SSD as an external hard drive, a portable enclosure with USB compatibility is required. This setup enables connection to a computer via USB, providing a convenient and portable storage solution.

Is the Samsung PM961 Compatible With Mac Computers?

The Samsung PM961 SSD is compatible with Mac computers, supporting Mac Boot, and is designed to work with various operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring smooth integration and peak performance.

Does This SSD Support AES Encryption for Data Security?

Like a fortified vault, modern SSDs prioritize data security. The Samsung PM981 SSD employs AES encryption, a robust encryption method, to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring robust data protection and fortified defenses against unauthorized access.

Can I Upgrade My Laptop's RAM Simultaneously With This Ssd?

When upgrading your laptop, it's important to also upgrade RAM and install an SSD at the same time, but verify compatibility and consider a Dual Channel RAM configuration for peak performance, making this a great opportunity for a Laptop Refresh.

Does Samsung Provide a Cloning Software for Easy Installation?

"Well begun is half done," as the adage goes. Samsung indeed provides migration tools, including their proprietary Samsung Magician software, which facilitates drive imaging and cloning, making the installation process seamless and hassle-free for users.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Author

Hi, I'm the author behind Mini PC Reviewer. With a passion for technology and a deep fascination for mini PCs, I created this website to help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the perfect pint-sized computer. As our tagline suggests, we believe in big power in a tiny package. At Mini PC Reviewer, I aim to provide you with all the necessary information about mini PCs, their functionalities, comparisons to other devices, and the essential features to consider when purchasing one. From budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models, let me be your trusted source for all things mini PC.