For professionals, content creators, and enthusiasts who demand peak storage performance, the choice between high-end NVMe SSDs can be critical. The Samsung 960 Pro and Intel 750 were both flagship drives in their time, offering PCIe 3.0 speeds before the era of Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs. While newer models have since emerged, many users still consider upgrading from older SATA or early NVMe drives to one of these two. But when comparing the Samsung 960 Pro against the Intel 750, is the upgrade truly worth it—especially if you're already on a solid mid-tier NVMe?
The answer depends on your workload, budget, and expectations. Both drives brought enterprise-grade components to consumer desktops, but they differ significantly in architecture, real-world responsiveness, longevity, and price-to-performance ratio.
Performance Showdown: Raw Speed and Real-World Use
Benchmarks often dominate discussions around SSDs, but real-world usability matters just as much. The Samsung 960 Pro uses Samsung’s proprietary Polaris controller and 3D V-NAND TLC flash, while the Intel 750 relies on Intel’s Silicon Motion SM2682EN-like controller with HPC (High-Performance Computing) firmware and 20nm MLC NAND—a more durable memory type typically found in data centers.
In synthetic benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, the 960 Pro edges ahead:
| Drive | Sequential Read (MB/s) | Sequential Write (MB/s) | Random 4K Read (IOPS) | Random 4K Write (IOPS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 960 Pro 512GB | 3,500 | 2,100 | 380,000 | 360,000 |
| Intel 750 480GB | 2,400 | 1,200 | 440,000 | 300,000 |
On paper, the 960 Pro wins in sequential throughput, which benefits large file transfers such as video editing or game loading. However, the Intel 750 shows stronger random read performance, particularly under heavy multitasking or database workloads. Its MLC NAND allows for better sustained write consistency, especially when the drive fills up.
Endurance and Longevity: Who Lasts Longer?
One of the most overlooked aspects of SSD selection is endurance—the total amount of data that can be written over the drive's lifetime. This is measured in terabytes written (TBW).
- Samsung 960 Pro 512GB: Rated for 400 TBW
- Intel 750 480GB: Rated for 365 TBW
Despite using MLC NAND—traditionally more durable than TLC—the Intel 750 has slightly lower official endurance. However, user reports and third-party tests suggest the 750 handles sustained writes more gracefully due to superior thermal management and over-provisioning. It also lacks aggressive DRAM caching that can wear NAND faster during burst activity.
“While TLC has improved dramatically, MLC-based drives like the Intel 750 still offer more predictable degradation curves under constant load.” — Dr. Alan Park, Senior Storage Engineer at NexGen Systems
If you're running a workstation with constant disk logging, rendering queues, or VM snapshots, the Intel 750’s consistent performance under pressure may outweigh its lower TBW rating.
Thermal Performance and System Integration
Heat is the enemy of sustained SSD performance. Both drives generate significant heat under load, but their cooling strategies differ.
The Samsung 960 Pro, being an M.2 2280 form factor, relies entirely on passive cooling. Without proper airflow or an aftermarket heatsink, it can throttle after prolonged use—especially in compact builds. In contrast, the Intel 750 comes in both M.2 and 2.5-inch U.2 variants. The 2.5-inch version includes a built-in aluminum heatsink and connects via a dedicated U.2 cable, making it ideal for workstations and servers with proper bay support.
This makes the Intel 750 more suitable for systems where stability under continuous operation is key. Gamers or general users with good case ventilation won’t notice throttling on the 960 Pro during typical usage, but professional creators doing long 4K exports might.
Mini Case Study: Video Editor Weighs In
Jessica Lin, a freelance video editor working with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, upgraded her aging SATA SSD to a used Intel 750 480GB in her workstation. She noticed immediate improvements in timeline scrubbing and export times. “Even after six hours of nonstop rendering, the drive stayed cool and responsive,” she said. “My old SATA SSD would stutter halfway through a 10-minute 4K render.”
She later tested a Samsung 960 Pro in the same system. While initial project load times were faster, she observed a 12% drop in write speed after two hours of continuous use. “It didn’t crash, but I could feel the inconsistency,” she added. For her workflow, reliability trumped peak speed.
Price and Value Consideration Today
Neither drive is in production today, so buyers are limited to the secondary market. As of 2024, prices for used units hover around $40–$60 depending on condition and warranty status.
At that price point, both compete with modern SATA SSDs and entry-level NVMe drives. However, their age raises concerns about remaining lifespan and lack of manufacturer support. Samsung offered strong Magician software with firmware updates and health monitoring; Intel provided similar tools via Intel SSD Toolbox. But official support for both has been discontinued.
Checklist: Before Buying a Used 960 Pro or 750
- Verify total terabytes written (TBW) using SMART tools
- Inspect physical condition—look for bent pins or burn marks
- Confirm compatibility with your motherboard (M.2 key type, U.2 availability)
- Test sustained write speeds with tools like AS SSD or Blackmagic Disk Speed Test
- Ensure BIOS supports booting from the drive if used as primary
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you’re coming from a SATA III SSD (maximum ~550 MB/s), then yes—either the Samsung 960 Pro or Intel 750 will feel like a revelation. Applications launch faster, games load quicker, and large file operations become nearly instantaneous.
However, if you're already using a modern Gen3 NVMe drive like the Samsung 970 Evo or WD Black SN750, the gains are marginal. You might gain a few percentage points in benchmark scores, but not enough to justify cost or risk—especially given these older drives’ lack of ongoing firmware support.
The real value lies in specific niches:
- Data analysts processing large datasets benefit from the Intel 750’s consistent I/O.
- Legacy workstation owners without PCIe 4.0 may find the 960 Pro offers the best balance of speed and capacity.
- Budget-conscious pros needing temporary high-speed storage for projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Intel 750 as a boot drive?
Yes, but only if your motherboard supports booting from PCIe storage via UEFI. Some older boards require additional configuration or don’t support U.2 boot at all. The M.2 version boots more universally.
Which drive has better software support?
The Samsung 960 Pro had superior software with Samsung Magician, offering secure erase, over-provisioning, and performance optimization. Intel’s toolbox was functional but less polished. Neither receives updates anymore.
Are these drives obsolete?
Not entirely. While surpassed by Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs, both remain faster than SATA and many budget NVMe drives. For users without PCIe 4.0/5.0 motherboards, they still deliver excellent performance within their generation.
Final Verdict: Upgrade Wisely
The Samsung 960 Pro and Intel 750 represent the pinnacle of first-generation consumer NVMe technology. The 960 Pro wins in raw speed and consumer-friendly design, while the Intel 750 excels in sustained workloads and thermal stability.
An upgrade is worth it only if you’re moving from SATA or an early, slow NVMe. For everyone else, newer drives offer better efficiency, longer warranties, and active support. But if you find a well-maintained Intel 750 or Samsung 960 Pro at a steep discount—and verify its health—it can still serve as a powerful tool in the right system.
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