Samsung 980 1TB vs WD Blue SN580 1TB: Which Should You Actually Buy?
Head-to-head: Samsung 980 1TB vs WD Blue SN580 1TB. Side-by-side specs, real-world performance, price-to-performance and a clear buy recommendation...
Samsung 980 1TB vs WD Blue SN580 1TB: Which Should You Actually Buy?
A head-to-head comparison of the Samsung 980 1TB and the WD Blue SN580 1TB. 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe. Last updated 2026-07-02.
Samsung 980 1TB vs WD Blue SN580 1TB: the short version
Two strong options in the same ssd class, aimed at different buyers. Below is a clean side-by-side, the real performance gap, and a no-nonsense recommendation so you stop second-guessing and buy the one that fits your build and budget.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Samsung 980 1TB | WD Blue SN580 1TB | | --- | --- | --- | | Vendor | Samsung | WD | | Tier | mainstream | mainstream | | Released | 2021 | 2022 | | Capacity | 1TB | 1TB | | Interface | PCIe 3.0 NVMe | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | | Form factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
Head-to-head: who wins what
- Performance: Samsung 980 1TB and WD Blue SN580 1TB trade blows by workload. Samsung 980 1TB has the edge where its stronger 1TB of PCIe 3.0 NVMe matters; WD Blue SN580 1TB wins the rest.
- Efficiency: See the spec table for board power and plan your PSU accordingly.
- Value: Same-class rivals shift price constantly — check current street pricing and let the cheaper one at your target resolution decide value.
- Our pick: Buy Samsung 980 1TB if you want the outright ceiling and can cool/power it. Buy WD Blue SN580 1TB if you want lower power, lower cost, or a feature the other lacks. (Plan for ~0 W board power plus the rest of the system.)
Confirm headroom before you commit
A limit you cannot see will eat your gains. Run the VRAM Usage Estimator to confirm the pair fits your build before you buy either.