Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential write | 5100 MB/s | 10000 MB/s |
| Endurance (TBW) | 1200 | 2000 |
| Sequential read | 7000 MB/s | 10000 MB/s |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 5.0 x4 |
Between the 980 PRO 2TB and FireCuda 540 2TB, the 980 PRO 2TB comes out ahead in several specs, while the FireCuda 540 2TB wins on sequential write / endurance (tbw). Overall, the 980 PRO 2TB scores 66.7 and the FireCuda 540 2TB scores 78.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The FireCuda 540 2TB is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 11.6 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 980 PRO 2TB 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 FireCuda 540 2TB if you care most about sequential write / endurance (tbw). Its strongest claims are sequential write, endurance (tbw), sequential read, among others. The single most decisive one: Sequential write — 96.08% more. 10000 MB/s vs 5100 MB/s.
Both ship with comparable capacity, so those specs do not 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.
Which should you buy: Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB or Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB?
Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB leads the current Mars Score by 11.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare sequential read, sequential write, interface against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB if…
Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB if…
Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB has the measurable edge on write mbps, tbw, read mbps.
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 Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB wins
- ▲Sequential write — 96.08% more. 10000 MB/s vs 5100 MB/s.
- ▲Endurance (TBW) — 66.67% more. 2000 vs 1200.
- ▲Sequential read — 42.86% more. 10000 MB/s vs 7000 MB/s.
- ▲Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4 (vs PCIe 4.0 x4).
Spec comparison
Capacity
| Spec | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2000 GB | 2000 GB |
Performance
| Spec | Samsung - 980 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential read | 7000 MB/s | 10000 MB/slead |
| Sequential write | 5100 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 - 980 PRO 2TB | Seagate - FireCuda 540 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance (TBW)ⓘ | 1200 | 2000lead |
| Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs |