The Budget SSD Revolution Gets a New Contender

Samsung, the world's largest SSD manufacturer, is making a bold move in response to the ongoing global DRAM shortage—often dubbed the 'RAMpocalypse.' The company is set to launch a new version of its popular 990 series SSD that completely removes the onboard DRAM cache. This drastic cost-cutting measure allows Samsung to offer a PCIe 4.0 drive at a significantly lower price point, targeting budget-conscious gamers and PC builders who refuse to compromise on interface speed.

But before you rush to add this drive to your cart, it's crucial to understand what you're sacrificing. DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) on an SSD serves as a high-speed mapping table, helping the controller quickly locate data. Without it, the drive relies on a technology called Host Memory Buffer (HMB), which borrows a small portion of your system's main RAM. The result? A potential hit to random read/write performance, especially under heavy multitasking loads.

How DRAM Removal Affects Real-World Performance

When an SSD lacks dedicated DRAM, every read and write request must be mediated by the host system's memory. For everyday tasks like booting Windows, launching applications, or loading games, the difference is often negligible—many users won't notice the lag. However, in professional workloads such as video editing, database management, or running virtual machines, the absence of DRAM can lead to noticeable stuttering and longer queue times.

Moreover, sustained writes can suffer. The HMB approach works well until the system's RAM is under pressure from other applications. If you're someone who frequently transfers large files or runs multiple demanding programs simultaneously, a DRAM-less SSD may not be the best choice. Samsung's own benchmarks suggest the new 990 (DRAM-less) still delivers impressive sequential speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s—thanks to PCIe 4.0—but the 4K random performance takes a measurable dip compared to the original 990 Pro with DRAM.

Why Samsung Chose This Path—and What It Means for You

Samsung's decision isn't just about cutting corners; it's a strategic response to market conditions. The cost of DRAM chips has skyrocketed due to supply chain constraints and high demand from the AI and data center sectors. By eliminating the DRAM component, Samsung can maintain healthy profit margins while still offering a competitive price. This move also allows the company to position the drive as a 'value' option in the 990 lineup, just below the flagship 990 Pro.

But here's the catch: a DRAM-less SSD may not be as reliable under long-term heavy use. Without a dedicated cache, the drive's controller has to work harder to manage the mapping tables, potentially increasing wear on the NAND flash. Additionally, power efficiency can take a slight hit, though Samsung's advanced controller architecture partially mitigates this. For the average user who uses their PC for browsing, office work, and light gaming, these compromises are unlikely to be deal-breakers.

Should You Buy the Samsung 990 DRAM-less SSD?

If you're building a budget PC and need the fastest interface possible, this new 990 drive is a tempting offering. However, we recommend pairing it with a robust security solution to protect your data. Since SSDs without DRAM rely more heavily on system resources, they can be more vulnerable to data corruption during unexpected power losses. Using a reliable antivirus and a VPN when downloading firmware updates or drivers is a smart precaution.

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Final Verdict: A Calculated Trade-Off

Samsung's cheap PCIe 4.0 990 SSD is a clear symptom of the 'RAMpocalypse'—a market where memory prices are so high that even the largest vendor is willing to strip features to keep prices low. For most users, the performance penalty will be minimal, and the savings will be welcome. But if you're a power user, content creator, or heavy multitasker, you're better off sticking with the DRAM-equipped 990 Pro or considering alternatives from other brands.

As always, ensure your system is protected. Use a trusted VPN when downloading firmware or drivers, and consider running a disk health utility to monitor your SSD's longevity. The new 990 is expected to hit shelves in the coming weeks—watch for deals and remember to prioritize your specific use case.