870 EVO 2TB SSD
SATA III · 2.5-inch · 2TB · V-NAND TLC
MSRP
990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD
PCIe 5.0 x4 · M.2 2280 · 2TB · TLC
MSRP
Our verdict
The 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD takes the performance lead with a 55% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD tells a compelling value story. At $190 versus the 870 EVO 2TB SSD's $110 price tag, it costs $80 less while delivering performance that's only 55% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD is the smarter purchase. The 870 EVO 2TB SSD only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD
55% faster overall
Best value for money
990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD
5% better value per dollar
870 EVO 2TB SSD best for
Power efficiency
5% better value per dollar
Endurance
Performance
Power
Storage
Value
Frequently asked questions
Is the 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD worth $80 more than the 870 EVO 2TB SSD?
It depends on your needs. The 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD scores 90 overall vs 58 for the 870 EVO 2TB SSD. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the 870 EVO 2TB SSD offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the 870 EVO 2TB SSD or 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD?
The 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the 870 EVO 2TB SSD still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the 870 EVO 2TB SSD handle 4K gaming?
The 870 EVO 2TB SSD can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the 870 EVO 2TB SSD or 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD?
Choose the 870 EVO 2TB SSD if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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