Thinking about upgrading your storage and wondering if the Samsung 840 EVO still holds up against its successor, the 860 EVO? This comparison dives deep into what sets these two popular SSDs apart. With years separating their release, you might expect a clear winner, but the nuances of performance, longevity, and features can be surprising.
The 840 EVO was a groundbreaking drive for its time, offering a significant leap in speed and affordability. However, technology marches on, and the 860 EVO arrived with promises of enhanced reliability and even better performance. We’ll explore the key differences to help you decide if an upgrade is truly necessary or if your trusty 840 EVO still has plenty of life left in it.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 840 evo | 860 evo |
|---|---|---|
| NAND Type | TLC | TLC |
| Controller | Samsung MEX | Samsung MJX |
| Sequential Read | Up to 540 MB/s | Up to 550 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 520 MB/s | Up to 520 MB/s |
| Random Read | Up to 98K IOPS | Up to 97K IOPS |
| Random Write | Up to 90K IOPS | Up to 89K IOPS |
| Cache | DRAM | DRAM |
| Interface | SATA III (6Gb/s) | SATA III (6Gb/s) |
| Endurance (TBW) | 75 TBW (250GB) – 250 TBW (1TB) | 150 TBW (250GB) – 560 TBW (1TB) |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Software | Samsung Magician | Samsung Magician |
| Warranty | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Performance
- 840 Evo: Utilized Samsung’s 3-bit TLC NAND flash. While offering good performance for its time, it could experience performance degradation during sustained writes due to the nature of TLC. Sequential read/write speeds were generally around 540MB/s and 410MB/s respectively.
- 860 Evo: Features Samsung’s 3-bit TLC NAND, but with improved controller technology and firmware. It boasts significantly better sustained write performance and overall responsiveness. Sequential read/write speeds are typically around 550MB/s and 520MB/s.
- Winner: 860 evo
Endurance (TBW)
- 840 Evo: Offered a respectable TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for its era, typically ranging from 78TBW for the 120GB model up to 437TBW for the 1TB model. This was generally sufficient for typical consumer use.
- 860 Evo: Significantly improved endurance ratings across all capacities. For example, the 250GB model offers 150TBW, and the 1TB model provides 600TBW, making it more robust for heavier workloads and longer lifespan.
- Winner: 860 evo
Controller Technology
- 840 Evo: Employed Samsung’s MDX controller. This controller was a solid performer for its generation but lacked some of the advanced features and optimizations found in newer controllers.
- 860 Evo: Upgraded to Samsung’s MJX controller. This newer controller offers enhanced performance, better power efficiency, and improved error correction, contributing to the drive’s superior responsiveness and reliability.
- Winner: 860 evo
NAND Flash Type
- 840 Evo: Utilized 3-bit TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND. While cost-effective and offering decent density, it was known for being slower and less durable than MLC (Multi-Level Cell) NAND, especially under heavy write loads.
- 860 Evo: Also uses 3-bit TLC NAND, but it’s a newer generation of TLC with improved manufacturing processes and reliability. Coupled with the better controller, it mitigates many of the perceived drawbacks of earlier TLC.
- Winner: 860 evo
Software & Features
- 840 Evo: Came with Samsung’s Magician software, which provided basic drive monitoring, firmware updates, and performance optimization tools. Features like Rapid Mode (using RAM as cache) were available.
- 860 Evo: Benefits from an updated version of Samsung Magician, offering more advanced features like improved firmware management, performance optimization, and enhanced security options (e.g., AES 256-bit Self-Encrypting Drive).
- Winner: 860 evo
Interface
- 840 Evo: Used the SATA III (6Gb/s) interface, which was standard for its time and provided good performance for mechanical hard drives.
- 860 Evo: Also uses the SATA III (6Gb/s) interface. While the interface itself hasn’t changed, the 860 evo is optimized to push the limits of SATA bandwidth more effectively than the 840 evo.
- Winner: 860 evo
Form Factor & Compatibility
- 840 Evo: Available in the standard 2.5-inch form factor, making it compatible with most laptops and desktops.
- 860 Evo: Also available in the 2.5-inch form factor and additionally in the M.2 2280 form factor, offering more flexibility for newer systems that utilize M.2 slots.
- Winner: 860 evo
Price & Value (at launch/comparatively)
- 840 Evo: Was a popular choice offering a good balance of performance and price at its release. It provided a significant upgrade over traditional HDDs.
- 860 Evo: While generally priced slightly higher than the 840 evo was at its peak, it offered superior performance, endurance, and features, making it a better long-term value proposition for most users.
- Winner: 860 evo
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance (General Use) | 860 evo |
| Endurance (TBW) | 860 evo |
| Warranty | 860 evo |
| Controller Technology | 860 evo |
| Value (New Purchase) | 860 evo |
| Value (Used/Budget) | 840 evo |
What They Have in Common
- Form Factor: Both the 840 evo and 860 evo are 2.5-inch SSDs, making them compatible with most desktop and laptop computers that support standard 2.5-inch drives. They offer a straightforward upgrade path for users looking to improve storage performance.
- Sata Interface: Both drives utilize the SATA III (6Gb/s) interface, which is the standard for most consumer-grade SSDs. This ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and systems, providing a significant speed boost over traditional HDDs.
- Tlc Nand Flash: Both the 840 evo and 860 evo employ Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND flash memory. While TLC can offer a good balance of performance, endurance, and cost, it’s important to note the differences in their implementation and the resulting endurance ratings.
- Dram Cache: Both SSDs feature dedicated DRAM cache. This cache is crucial for maintaining high performance, especially during heavy multitasking and random read/write operations, by storing frequently accessed data for quick retrieval.
- Aes 256-Bit Encryption: Security is a shared feature, as both drives support AES 256-bit hardware encryption. This allows for data protection at the drive level, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from unauthorized access.
- Samsung Magician Software: Users of both the 840 evo and 860 evo can benefit from Samsung’s Magician software. This utility provides tools for monitoring drive health, firmware updates, performance optimization, and secure data erasure.
840 Evo Vs 860 Evo Buying Guide
Who is the 840 Evo For?
The Samsung 840 Evo is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives. If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older system or build a secondary storage drive for less demanding tasks, the 840 Evo still offers excellent value. It’s ideal for general computing, web browsing, and storing media files without breaking the bank.
Who is the 860 Evo For?
The Samsung 860 Evo is designed for users who demand more performance and reliability. Gamers, content creators, and power users will appreciate its superior read and write speeds, making boot times, application loading, and file transfers noticeably quicker. Its enhanced endurance also makes it a better long-term investment for systems with heavy usage patterns. (See Also: Apple Iphone 14 Vs 15 )
When to Choose the 840 Evo Over the 860 Evo
Opt for the 840 Evo if your primary concern is cost savings. If you’re upgrading an older laptop or desktop for basic use, the performance difference might not justify the higher price of the 860 Evo. The 840 Evo provides a substantial speed boost over HDDs at a more accessible price point, making it a pragmatic choice for everyday computing needs.
When to Choose the 860 Evo Over the 840 Evo
The 860 Evo is the clear winner when performance and longevity are paramount. For demanding workloads like video editing, large game installations, or frequent large file transfers, the 860 Evo’s superior technology offers a tangible advantage. Its improved endurance rating also means it’s built to last longer under heavy, consistent use, offering greater peace of mind for critical systems.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 840 evo If…
- You have a very tight budget and can find a used 840 evo at a significantly lower price than a new 860 evo.
- You are looking for a basic SSD upgrade for an older system where the advanced features of the 860 evo might not be fully utilized.
- Your primary use case involves light computing tasks and occasional file transfers, where the endurance differences are less critical.
Buy 860 evo If…
- You want a modern, reliable SSD with excellent performance for everyday computing, gaming, and content creation.
- You prioritize long-term endurance and peace of mind, especially if you have heavy write workloads or plan to use the drive for many years.
- You are building a new system or upgrading a more recent computer and want the latest SATA SSD technology for optimal performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung 840 Evo still a good buy in 2024?
While no longer the latest technology, the Samsung 840 Evo can still be a worthwhile purchase if found at a very low price. It offers a significant performance uplift over traditional hard drives for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. However, for more demanding applications or future-proofing, newer SSDs are generally recommended due to faster speeds and better endurance. (See Also: Texas Vs Wyoming Llc )
What are the main performance differences between the 840 Evo and 860 Evo?
The 860 Evo boasts superior sequential read and write speeds compared to the 840 Evo, translating to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and more efficient large file transfers. It also features improved random read/write performance, which is crucial for multitasking and operating system responsiveness. This makes the 860 Evo feel snappier in everyday use and significantly better for intensive workloads.
Is the 860 Evo more reliable than the 840 Evo?
Yes, the Samsung 860 Evo generally offers better reliability and endurance than the 840 Evo. It utilizes more advanced NAND flash technology and has a higher TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, meaning it can withstand more data writes before potential degradation. This makes the 860 Evo a more robust choice for systems that experience heavy, continuous usage over an extended period.
Can I upgrade my old laptop with either of these SSDs?
Absolutely. Both the 840 Evo and 860 Evo are 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, making them compatible with most laptops and desktops that have a standard drive bay. Upgrading to either will provide a substantial performance boost, making your older machine feel much faster. The 860 Evo will offer a more noticeable speed improvement and greater longevity. (See Also: Swagbucks Vs Survey Junkie )
Which SSD is better for gaming?
For gaming, the Samsung 860 Evo is the superior choice. Its faster load times for games and levels will significantly reduce waiting periods. While the 840 Evo is still faster than an HDD for gaming, the 860 Evo’s enhanced performance, especially in random read operations, contributes to a smoother overall gaming experience with less stuttering and quicker asset streaming.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 860 Evo represents a clear technological leap over the older 840 Evo. With its superior speeds, enhanced endurance, and improved reliability, it offers a more responsive and future-proof storage solution for a wider range of users. While the 840 Evo remains a budget-friendly option for basic upgrades, the 860 Evo provides a more compelling performance and longevity proposition for demanding tasks and long-term value.
Winner: Samsung 860 Evo