Between the 990 PRO 2TB and FireCuda 540 2TB, the 990 PRO 2TB comes out ahead in several specs, while the FireCuda 540 2TB wins on endurance (tbw) and sequential write. Overall, the 990 PRO 2TB scores 70.1 and the FireCuda 540 2TB scores 79.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The FireCuda 540 2TB is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.0 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 990 PRO 2TB doesn't pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the FireCuda 540 2TB if you care most about endurance (tbw) and sequential write. Its strongest claims are endurance (tbw), sequential write, sequential read, among others.
Both ship with comparable capacity, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the FireCuda 540 2TB is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB wins
- ▲Endurance (TBW) — 66.67% more. 2000 vs 1200.
- ▲Sequential write — 44.93% more. 10000 MB/s vs 6900 MB/s.
- ▲Sequential read — 34.23% more. 10000 MB/s vs 7450 MB/s.
- ▲Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4 (vs PCIe 4.0 x4).
Spec comparison
Capacity
| Spec | Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2000 GB | 2000 GB |
Performance
| Spec | Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential read | 7450 MB/s | 10000 MB/slead |
| Sequential write | 6900 MB/s | 10000 MB/slead |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 5.0 x4lead |
| Form factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
Endurance
| Spec | Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance (TBW)ⓘ | 1200 | 2000lead |
| Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs |
Spec-level deep dives
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