Considering an SSD upgrade and torn between two popular Samsung models? The battle between the 850 and the 840 EVO has been a hot topic for tech enthusiasts. Both promise to breathe new life into your system, but which one truly offers the superior performance and value?
We’re diving deep into the nuances of the Samsung 850 and the 840 EVO to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a gamer seeking faster load times or a professional demanding swift data transfer, understanding their differences is key.
This comparison will break down the key features, performance metrics, and long-term considerations for both the 850 and the 840 EVO. Get ready to discover which of these solid-state drives is the right fit for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 850 | 840 evo |
|---|---|---|
| NAND Type | 3D V-NAND | TLC Toggle NAND |
| Controller | Samsung MEX | Samsung MDX |
| Sequential Read | Up to 550 MB/s | Up to 540 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 520 MB/s | Up to 410 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB) | Up to 100K IOPS | Up to 95K IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB) | Up to 90K IOPS | Up to 90K IOPS |
| Cache | DDR3 | DDR2 |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| TRIM Support | Yes | Yes |
| Garbage Collection | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption (Active) | Lower | Higher |
| Endurance (TBW) | Higher | Lower |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
NAND Flash Technology
- 850: Utilizes 3D V-NAND (Vertical NAND) technology. This allows for higher densities, improved performance, and enhanced endurance by stacking NAND cells vertically. It offers better power efficiency and heat dissipation.
- 840 Evo: Employs 2D Toggle Mode NAND. While a mature and reliable technology, it is limited by physical space on the chip, leading to lower densities and potentially higher power consumption compared to 3D V-NAND.
- Winner: 850
Controller
- 850: Features the MEX (Magician’s) controller, specifically the three-core MEX controller. This controller is optimized for the 3D V-NAND and provides excellent multitasking capabilities and consistent performance.
- 840 Evo: Uses the MDX controller. While a capable controller for its time, it is designed for 2D NAND and may not extract the full potential from the newer 3D V-NAND technology.
- Winner: 850
Performance (Sequential Read/Write)
- 850: Offers significantly higher sequential read and write speeds, often reaching up to 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write. This makes it faster for large file transfers and loading times.
- 840 Evo: Provides good sequential performance for its generation, typically around 540MB/s read and 410MB/s write. While fast, it falls behind the 850 in raw sequential throughput.
- Winner: 850
Performance (Random Read/Write IOPS)
- 850: Excels in random IOPS, with figures often exceeding 100,000 IOPS for both read and write. This translates to snappier system responsiveness and faster application loading.
- 840 Evo: Offers respectable random IOPS, generally around 98,000 IOPS read and 90,000 IOPS write. It’s strong but the 850 shows a noticeable advantage, especially under heavy workloads.
- Winner: 850
Endurance (TBW)
- 850: Boasts superior endurance due to 3D V-NAND, with higher Terabytes Written (TBW) ratings. For example, the 500GB 850 EVO is rated at 150 TBW, significantly more than its predecessor.
- 840 Evo: Has a lower TBW rating, reflecting the limitations of 2D NAND. The 500GB 840 EVO was rated at 75 TBW, making it less suited for extremely write-intensive tasks over the long term.
- Winner: 850
Power Efficiency
- 850: Benefits from the 3D V-NAND architecture and a more advanced controller, resulting in lower power consumption. This is particularly beneficial for laptops where battery life is a concern.
- 840 Evo: While reasonably power-efficient for its time, it consumes more power than the 850, especially under load. The 2D NAND and older controller contribute to this difference.
- Winner: 850
TRIM and Garbage Collection
- 850: Features advanced TRIM and garbage collection algorithms that work seamlessly with the 3D V-NAND. This ensures sustained performance and longevity.
- 840 Evo: Implemented Samsung’s RAPID mode, which was a software-based caching solution using system RAM. While it boosted performance, it also introduced potential data loss risks if power failed and was less efficient than hardware-based solutions.
- Winner: 850
Advanced Features (e.g., Encryption)
- 850: Supports robust hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption. It also includes features like Dynamic Thermal Guard and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring for enhanced data protection and drive health.
- 840 Evo: Also supports AES 256-bit encryption. However, it lacked some of the more advanced thermal management and data integrity features found in the 850 series.
- Winner: 850
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance (Sequential Write) | 850 |
| Performance (Random Read/Write) | 850 (slight edge) |
| Endurance/Longevity | 850 |
| Technology | 850 |
| Value (if found cheaper) | 840 evo |
| Power Efficiency | 850 |
What They Have in Common
- Form Factor: Both the 850 and 840 evo are available in the standard 2.5-inch form factor, making them compatible with most desktop and laptop computers. They also come in M.2 variants for newer systems.
- Interface: Both SSDs utilize the SATA III (6Gb/s) interface, which was the prevalent standard for consumer SSDs at the time of their release. This ensures broad compatibility with motherboards.
- Performance: While there are differences, both drives offer significant performance improvements over traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), leading to faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers.
- Reliability: Both are Solid State Drives, meaning they have no moving parts, which inherently makes them more durable and less prone to mechanical failure than HDDs.
- Software Support: Samsung provides management software for both drives, allowing users to monitor health, update firmware, and optimize performance.
- Wear Leveling: Both drives incorporate advanced wear-leveling algorithms to distribute write operations evenly across all NAND flash cells, extending their lifespan.
850 Vs 840 Evo Buying Guide
Performance Considerations
When comparing the 850 and 840 Evo, performance is a key differentiator. The 850 series generally offers superior read and write speeds, especially in sequential operations. This translates to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and snappier overall system responsiveness. For users who frequently work with large files or demand the highest possible performance for gaming or professional applications, the 850 series holds a distinct advantage. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Durability and Longevity
The 850 series, particularly models utilizing TLC V-NAND technology, boasts significantly improved endurance and longevity compared to the 840 Evo. This means it can withstand a greater number of write cycles before degradation, making it a more reliable long-term storage solution. For those who plan to use their SSD for many years or have heavy writing workloads, the 850’s enhanced durability is a crucial factor to consider.
Price and Value Proposition
Historically, the 840 Evo was positioned as a more budget-friendly option, offering a good balance of performance and price at its launch. The 850 series, while offering better performance and endurance, typically commanded a higher price point. However, as technology evolves, the value proposition can shift. It’s essential to compare current pricing and consider the lifespan and performance benefits the 850 offers for its cost.
Target Audience and Use Cases
The 840 Evo was an excellent choice for mainstream users seeking a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives for general computing, web browsing, and light gaming. The 850 series, with its enhanced performance and endurance, is better suited for enthusiasts, gamers demanding peak performance, content creators, and users who require a more robust and long-lasting storage solution for demanding tasks. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 850 If…
- You are looking for the absolute best in consumer SSD performance and longevity.
- You prioritize future-proofing with advanced 3D V-NAND technology.
- You need higher endurance for heavy workloads or frequent large file transfers.
- You want slightly better power efficiency for laptops.
Buy 840 evo If…
- You are on a tighter budget but still want a significant performance upgrade from an HDD.
- You are performing general computing tasks like web browsing, office work, and light gaming.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price point than the 850 series.
- You don’t require the absolute highest endurance ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary performance differences between the 850 and 840 Evo?
The 850 series generally exhibits higher sequential read and write speeds compared to the 840 Evo. This leads to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and a more responsive user experience, especially when dealing with large files or intensive multitasking. The 850’s architecture and NAND technology contribute to its superior performance metrics.
Is the 850 series more durable than the 840 Evo?
Yes, the 850 series, particularly those with V-NAND technology, offers significantly better endurance and longevity. This means it can handle more data writes over its lifespan before performance degrades, making it a more reliable choice for users with heavy writing workloads or those who plan to keep their SSD for an extended period.
Which SSD is better for gaming, the 850 or 840 Evo?
For gaming, the 850 series is generally the preferred choice. Its faster load times and overall responsiveness can lead to a smoother gaming experience, especially in titles that rely heavily on asset streaming. While the 840 Evo is still capable, the 850 provides a more noticeable performance uplift for demanding games. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Can I still find the 840 Evo new?
It is highly unlikely to find the 840 Evo available new from reputable retailers, as it is an older generation SSD. Most available units would be pre-owned or refurbished. It’s generally recommended to opt for newer, more current SSD models for better performance, reliability, and warranty support.
What are the key advantages of the 850 series over the 840 Evo?
The primary advantages of the 850 series over the 840 Evo are its superior performance, enhanced durability and endurance (thanks to V-NAND technology), and often better power efficiency. These improvements translate to a faster, more reliable, and longer-lasting storage solution for a wider range of demanding computing tasks.
Final Verdict
While the 840 Evo was a commendable SSD in its time, the 850 series, particularly with its V-NAND technology, represents a significant leap forward in performance and endurance. For users seeking the best speed, longevity, and overall computing experience, the 850 series is the clear winner, offering a more future-proof and robust storage solution.
Winner: 850