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Samsung 990 Evo NVMe Drive Fails Sequential Write Tests at 80°C

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Samsung’s 990 Evo NVMe drive fails sequential write tests at 80°C. Independent reviewers have reported significant performance drops when the drive operates under sustained heavy loads. The issue appears related to thermal throttling and controller firmware.

CrystalDiskMark results show sequential write speeds dropping from 5,000MB/s to 1,200MB/s after 10 minutes at high temperatures. Read speeds remain stable, but write performance does not recover until the drive cools. SMART data logs confirm repeated thermal events during testing.

This finding raises concerns about the 990 Evo’s suitability for high-performance workloads in poorly ventilated systems. Samsung may need to address the issue with a firmware update or improved thermal solutions. Users should monitor drive temperatures to avoid performance degradation.

WD Black SN880 Pro Achieves 14GB/s on PCIe 5.0

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Western Digital’s WD Black SN880 Pro achieves 14GB/s sequential read speeds on PCIe 5.0 platforms. The drive uses a new in-house controller and 232-layer TLC NAND. Reviewers have confirmed the results using CrystalDiskMark on Z790 motherboards.

Write speeds reach 12GB/s, with sustained performance over long transfers. Random read/write IOPS also see a 30% improvement over the previous generation. Thermal management is effective, with temperatures staying below 65°C under load.

These results position the SN880 Pro as a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum storage performance. The drive’s compatibility with next-gen motherboards ensures future-proofing. Competing PCIe 5.0 drives from Samsung and Corsair are expected to follow suit.

Crucial T700 SSD Suffers from Early Firmware Bugs

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Crucial’s T700 SSD suffers from early firmware bugs affecting data integrity. Users on tech forums have reported random disconnects and file system errors during large file transfers. The issue appears to impact drives with firmware version 1.0.3.

Testing with ATTO Disk Benchmark reveals inconsistent write speeds and occasional drive dropouts. SMART logs show repeated error codes, and some users have experienced data loss requiring reformatting. Crucial has acknowledged the problem and is preparing a firmware update.

This situation highlights the risks of adopting new storage technologies at launch. Users are advised to check for firmware updates and back up critical data. Crucial’s response will determine user confidence in the T700 series moving forward.

Seagate FireCuda 540 4TB Model Hits Retailers Early

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Seagate’s FireCuda 540 4TB model has hit retailers ahead of the official launch. The drive features PCIe 5.0 support and a Phison E26 controller, targeting high-end gaming and workstation builds. Listings on European e-commerce sites confirm pricing and availability.

CrystalDiskMark benchmarks show sequential read speeds of 10GB/s and write speeds of 9.5GB/s. The drive maintains performance during sustained transfers, with temperatures peaking at 70°C. Random IOPS are also improved over the 2TB version.

The early release gives Seagate a head start in the high-capacity PCIe 5.0 SSD market. The FireCuda 540’s performance and capacity make it attractive for content creators and gamers. Competing models from Samsung and WD are expected to follow soon.

Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420mm Outperforms Competitors

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Arctic’s Liquid Freezer III 420mm outperforms competitors in recent cooling benchmarks. The all-in-one liquid cooler features a redesigned pump and larger radiator, targeting high-end CPUs. Independent reviewers have tested the cooler on Intel and AMD flagship processors.

Thermal testing shows CPU temperatures 5°C lower than Corsair’s H170i Elite at 250W load. Noise levels remain under 35dB, even at maximum fan speed. Installation is straightforward, with compatibility for LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets.

These results reinforce Arctic’s reputation for value and performance in the cooling market. The Liquid Freezer III’s efficiency may appeal to overclockers and silent PC enthusiasts. Competing brands may need to innovate to match its thermal and acoustic performance.

Noctua NH-D15 G2 Engineering Sample Tested

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Noctua’s NH-D15 G2 engineering sample has been tested by hardware reviewers. The air cooler features an updated fin stack and new NF-A15x25 fans, promising improved thermal performance. The sample was tested on Intel’s i9-14900K and AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X.

Results show a 3°C improvement over the original NH-D15 at 200W load. Noise levels are slightly reduced, with peak measurements at 28dB. Mounting hardware has been refined for easier installation on modern sockets.

The NH-D15 G2’s incremental improvements solidify Noctua’s position in the premium air cooling segment. Enthusiasts seeking silent operation and reliable performance will find the new model appealing. Availability is expected later this year.