Looking for a fast, reliable SSD upgrade? You’re not alone.
The 1TB NVMe category has become the sweet spot for laptops, desktops, and even handheld gaming systems. But with so many options claiming 7,000 MB/s speeds, choosing the right one can be tricky.
Today we’re comparing three of the most popular models in Canada:
- Crucial P310 (CT1000P310SSD801)
- WD_BLACK SN850X (WDS100T2X0E)
- Samsung 990 EVO Plus (MZ-V9S1T0B/AM)
We’ll look at specs, user and expert feedback, and practical recommendations so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Comparison
| SSD | Interface | Read / Write (MB/s) | Endurance (TBW) | Cache | NAND Type | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial P310 1TB | PCIe Gen4 x4 | 7,100 / 6,000 | 220 | DRAM-less (HMB) | QLC | 5 years |
| WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB | PCIe Gen4 x4 | 7,300 / 6,600 | 600 | DRAM cache | TLC | 5 years |
| Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB | PCIe Gen4 x4 or Gen5 x2 | 7,150 / 6,300 | 600 | DRAM-less (HMB) | TLC | 5 years |
Crucial P310; The Budget Performer
Ideal for: Everyday users, budget builders, console or secondary storage.
The Crucial P310 is Micron’s latest Gen4 NVMe drive powered by the Phison E27T controller. It’s DRAM-less but uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to stay responsive. Despite being built on QLC NAND, Crucial managed to squeeze in some serious performance.
- Sequential speeds: 7,100 MB/s read, 6,000 MB/s write
- Endurance: 220 TBW
- Power efficiency: One of the most efficient Gen4 SSDs in its class (Tom’s Hardware)
- User reviews: 4.8★ average on Amazon and Best Buy, praised for value and reliability
Verdict:
If your PC or console needs a fast and affordable upgrade, the P310 delivers great real-world speed for the price. Just note that QLC NAND and DRAM-less design make it less suited for heavy write workloads like large-scale video editing.
WD_BLACK SN850X; The High-Performance Flagship
Ideal for: Gamers, creators, and professionals who need sustained speed.
The SN850X remains a favorite among performance enthusiasts. Western Digital’s in-house controller and full DRAM cache ensure top-tier consistency, even during long file transfers.
- Sequential speeds: 7,300 MB/s read, 6,600 MB/s write
- Endurance: 600 TBW
- Thermal design: Optional heatsink for better sustained performance
- Professional reviews: Tom’s Hardware rated it “powerful and high-end,” while StorageReview calls it “one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs ever tested.”
- User reviews: 4.8★ across thousands of ratings on Amazon and AliExpress
Verdict:
This is the drive for serious users. Whether you’re rendering large media files or loading massive games, the SN850X keeps performance steady. For systems with good cooling and PCIe 4.0 support, it’s the top all-rounder in 2025.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus; The Smart, Efficient Choice
Ideal for: Laptops, compact PCs, or anyone who wants speed with low heat.
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is the newest evolution of Samsung’s popular EVO line. It runs on a hybrid PCIe 4×4 or PCIe 5×2 interface, making it more future-ready for new chipsets. Despite being DRAM-less, its HMB technology and Intelligent TurboWrite system maintain excellent speed and responsiveness.
- Sequential speeds: 7,150 MB/s read, 6,300 MB/s write
- Endurance: 600 TBW
- Power efficiency: Up to 70% improvement over previous models (Samsung claim)
- Professional reviews: DongKnows says it “runs cool and quiet,” Tom’s Hardware calls it “exactly what the 990 EVO should have been.”
- User reviews: 4.8★ on Amazon and other major retailers
Verdict:
A perfect balance of performance and efficiency. For laptops or mixed-use desktops, this drive stays fast, cool, and reliable. If you want a next-gen option without paying “Pro” pricing, this is it.
Which One Should You Buy?
| Need | Best Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed & endurance | WD_BLACK SN850X | Best sustained performance, DRAM cache, 600 TBW rating |
| Energy-efficient, cool, future-ready drive | Samsung 990 EVO Plus | Hybrid PCIe 4/5 support and excellent thermal efficiency |
| Affordable high-speed upgrade | Crucial P310 | Impressive specs for the price, perfect for general or gaming use |
Final Thoughts
When comparing these three 1TB NVMe drives, the differences are less about raw speed and more about design and endurance.
- Choose the SN850X if you want the best possible Gen4 performance and write endurance.
- Choose the 990 EVO Plus if you value efficiency, lower heat, and forward compatibility.
- Choose the P310 if you want fast Gen4 storage at the lowest cost.
All three are excellent options depending on your use case.
At MemoryShop.ca, we offer these SSDs with free express delivery across Canada, bulk pricing for business buyers, and full manufacturer warranty support.