Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Crucial - MX500 1TB | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential read | 560 MB/s | 7000 MB/s |
| Sequential write | 510 MB/s | 5100 MB/s |
| Endurance (TBW) | 360 | 1200 |
| Capacity | 1000 GB | 2000 GB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
Between the MX500 1TB and 980 PRO 2TB, the MX500 1TB comes out ahead in several specs, while the 980 PRO 2TB wins on sequential read / sequential write. Overall, the MX500 1TB scores 43.5 and the 980 PRO 2TB scores 66.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The 980 PRO 2TB is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 23.2 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The MX500 1TB does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the 980 PRO 2TB if you care most about sequential read / sequential write. Its strongest claims are sequential read, sequential write, endurance (tbw), among others. The single most decisive one: Sequential read — 1150.00% more. 7000 MB/s vs 560 MB/s.
There are no meaningful ties on the headline specs — every popular-comparison metric has a winner.
Bottom line: the 980 PRO 2TB is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Crucial - MX500 1TB or Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB?
Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB leads the current Mars Score by 23.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare capacity, sequential read, sequential write, interface against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Crucial - MX500 1TB if…
Crucial - MX500 1TB does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB if…
Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB has the measurable edge on read mbps, write mbps, tbw.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Crucial - MX500 1TB wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB wins
- ▲Sequential read — 1150.00% more. 7000 MB/s vs 560 MB/s.
- ▲Sequential write — 900.00% more. 5100 MB/s vs 510 MB/s.
- ▲Endurance (TBW) — 233.33% more. 1200 vs 360.
- ▲Capacity — 100.00% more. 2000 GB vs 1000 GB.
- ▲Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (vs SATA III).
Spec comparison
Capacity
| Spec | Crucial - MX500 1TB | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1000 GB | 2000 GBlead |
Performance
| Spec | Crucial - MX500 1TB | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential read | 560 MB/s | 7000 MB/slead |
| Sequential write | 510 MB/s | 5100 MB/slead |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 4.0 x4lead |
| Form factor | 2.5" SATA | M.2 2280lead |
Endurance
| Spec | Crucial - MX500 1TB | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance (TBW)ⓘ | 360 | 1200lead |
| Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs |