Samsung 990 EVO Plus vs Seagate BarraCuda 2TB 3.5-inch HDD
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD designed for use with PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 hosts. It offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s, making it ideal for applications that require fast data transfer rates. The drive is designed to provide reliable and efficient storage for a variety of use cases, including gaming, content creation, and datacenter applications.
The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB 3.5-inch HDD delivers high-capacity storage for desktops, all‑in‑one PCs, and external enclosures. With a 7200 RPM spindle speed and 256 MB cache, it balances performance and capacity for everyday tasks. Designed for easy installation, this drive supports SATA III 6 Gb/s interface and includes advanced data protection technologies to safeguard your files. It’s an ideal upgrade for gamers, content creators, and home office users seeking more space without breaking the bank.
- High-speed storage for demanding applications
- Reliable and efficient design
- Compact M.2 form factor
- Support for advanced security features
- High capacity at an affordable price
- Fast 7200 RPM performance
- Broad compatibility with SATA III systems
- Built‑in data encryption for security
- May require specific hardware support
- Higher cost compared to slower storage options
- Limited compatibility with older systems
- Mechanical drive, not as fast as SSDs
- Higher power draw than 5400 RPM drives
- Potential for vibration in noisy environments
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers blazing SSD performance for demanding workloads, while the Seagate BarraCuda HDD provides high-capacity, affordable storage for everyday use.
Key differences
- •Performance: 7,250 MB/s SSD vs. 7200 RPM HDD (orders of magnitude faster read/write).
- •Form factor: M.2 22×80 mm SSD fits tight spaces vs. 3.5" desktop HDD requires a drive bay.
- •Capacity vs. speed trade‑off: 2 TB HDD gives large storage cheap; SSD speed benefits gaming/content creation.
- •Warranty: 5‑year SSD warranty vs. 2‑year HDD warranty.
- •Power: SSD uses efficient power management; HDD draws 6.8 W active.
Performance
SSD reaches up to 7,250 MB/s sequential reads, far exceeding HDD’s 7200 RPM mechanical speed.
Build quality
SSD has no moving parts and includes advanced security; HDD has vibration‑reduction frame but is mechanical.
Connectivity
SSD supports PCIe 4.0/5.0; HDD limited to SATA III 6 Gb/s.
Power & efficiency
SSD features efficient power management; HDD consumes 6.8 W during active use.
Compatibility
HDD works with any SATA III system; SSD may need PCIe 4.0/5.0 compatible motherboard.
Price & value
HDD priced at $59.99 for 2 TB; SSD price not specified but implied higher cost.
Warranty & support
SSD offers 5‑year warranty; HDD offers 2‑year warranty.
Choose Samsung 990 EVO Plus if…
Gamers or creators needing top speed and low latency, with a PCIe‑compatible system.
Choose Seagate BarraCuda 2TB 3.5-inch HDD if…
Users prioritizing large, affordable storage and broad SATA compatibility for desktop PCs.
Common questions
Is the SSD compatible with my older motherboard?
Compatibility may be limited; the SSD requires PCIe 4.0/5.0 support, which older systems may lack.
How much will the SSD cost compared to the HDD?
The HDD is $59.99; the SSD’s price is not specified but is indicated to be higher than slower storage options.
Will the SSD use more power than the HDD?
No, the SSD includes efficient power management, whereas the HDD draws 6.8 W during active use.