The Samsung 9100 Pro Gen 5 SSD sets a new standard for high-performance storage, designed for creators, professionals, and power users pushing massive data throughputs. Whether you’re editing 8K video, training machine learning models, or transferring hundreds of gigabytes, this PCIe 5.0 beast is ready.
Specifications & Performance
Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe 2.0
Form Factor: M.2 2280
Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB (8TB arriving later in 2025)
Controller: Samsung “Presto”
NAND: 236-layer V8 TLC
DRAM Cache: LPDDR4X (1GB to 8GB depending on model)
Sequential Read/Write: Up to 14,800 MB/s read, 13,400 MB/s write
Random IOPS: Up to 2.2M read / 2.6M write
Endurance: 600 TBW (1TB) to 4,800 TBW (8TB)
Warranty: 5 years
These are elite-tier specs—practically workstation-grade—delivering bleeding-edge bandwidth and responsiveness.
Real-World Use
In heavy-duty workflows, like transferring a 60GB game or large media files, the 9100 Pro outpaces PCIe 4.0 SSDs significantly. Transferring a 61.5GB folder took only 20 seconds in one benchmark.
However, everyday users (e.g., gamers) might not feel a major upgrade unless loading times or file processing are bottlenecks in their current setup.
Thermal Considerations
Samsung includes optional models with integrated heatsinks, and you’ll want one. Under full load, the drive’s temps spike—unsurprising given its high power draw at peak performance. Without a heatsink and airflow, thermal throttling is likely.
Australian Pricing & Availability
Based on current exchange rates and local retailer markups:
| Capacity | AUD Price (Est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | ~$299 AUD | Entry-level for Gen 5 |
| 2TB | ~$459 AUD | Best value per GB |
| 4TB | ~$839 AUD | High-performance option |
| 8TB | ~$1,649 AUD (TBA) | Not yet widely available |
(Prices vary slightly by retailer and depending on heatsink configuration)
Pros
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Blazing fast sequential and random performance
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Built-in DRAM cache and Samsung-quality controller
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Available in large capacities up to 8TB
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Great endurance (TBW) across the lineup
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Optional heatsink version prevents thermal throttling
Cons
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Requires PCIe 5.0 support to fully benefit
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Heats up quickly under load
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Overkill for average gaming or office use
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Premium pricing in AUD
Final Verdict
The Samsung 9100 Pro Gen 5 SSD is an exceptional drive—if you have a compatible Gen 5 motherboard and a workload that can harness its power. For professionals working with big data, ultra-high-res media, or serious I/O needs, this is a worthy investment. For casual users, the price-to-benefit ratio is less convincing.
Rating: 4.5
, this review covers specs, thermals, and value.){kind=link}