The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB with Heatsink is the objective winner of this comparison, securing four out of six total specification victories. Its most impactful advantage is a 1253% improvement in sequential write performance compared to the alternative. While the Crucial MX500 500GB remains competitive in one specific area and ties in another, it cannot match the raw speed capabilities offered by the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB with Heatsink across the majority of measured metrics.

Users who prioritize maximum data transfer speeds and high-capacity storage should choose the Samsung 990 Pro 2TB with Heatsink for their system. Conversely, the Crucial MX500 500GB is the superior choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it holds an 82% advantage in MSRP. Selecting between these two components depends entirely on whether your primary requirement is the significant performance boost provided by the former or the cost efficiency offered by the latter.