Looking to upgrade your storage and unsure which Samsung SSD is the right fit? The battle between the 970 EVO Plus and the older 860 EVO is a common one for many PC builders and upgraders. Both represent excellent choices from a trusted brand, but subtle differences can significantly impact your user experience.
The 970 EVO Plus, a NVMe powerhouse, boasts cutting-edge technology designed for blistering speeds and demanding workloads. On the other hand, the 860 EVO, a SATA darling, has long been a reliable workhorse for everyday computing and gaming. Understanding their core strengths and weaknesses is key to making an informed decision.
This comparison dives deep into what sets the 970 EVO Plus and the 860 EVO apart. We’ll explore their performance metrics, target use cases, and overall value proposition to help you choose the SSD that truly accelerates your digital life.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 970 evo plus | evo |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 | NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 |
| Controller | Samsung Phoenix | Samsung Polaris |
| NAND Type | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit TLC |
| Sequential Read (Max) | 3,500 MB/s | 3,200 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (Max) | 3,300 MB/s | 1,700 MB/s |
| Random Read (Max) | 600K IOPS | 360K IOPS |
| Random Write (Max) | 550K IOPS | 250K IOPS |
| Cache | DRAM | DRAM |
| TBW (1TB) | 600 TBW | 400 TBW |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 5-year limited |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit TCG/Opal | AES 256-bit TCG/Opal |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sequential Read Speed
- 970 Evo Plus: Boasts significantly higher sequential read speeds, often reaching up to 3,500 MB/s. This makes it excellent for tasks involving large file transfers like video editing or game loading.
- Evo: Offers respectable sequential read speeds, typically around 3,400 MB/s. While still very fast, it falls slightly behind the Plus model in raw sequential throughput.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Sequential Write Speed
- 970 Evo Plus: Delivers superior sequential write speeds, often topping out at 3,300 MB/s. This translates to quicker saving of large files and faster installation times.
- Evo: Provides strong sequential write speeds, usually in the vicinity of 2,500 MB/s. It’s still a significant upgrade over SATA SSDs but is outpaced by its successor.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Random Read Speed
- 970 Evo Plus: Excels in random read operations, with IOPS figures reaching up to 600K. This is crucial for operating system responsiveness and multitasking performance.
- Evo: Offers good random read performance, typically around 500K IOPS. It provides a snappy user experience for everyday computing.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Random Write Speed
- 970 Evo Plus: Features enhanced random write speeds, often reaching 550K IOPS. This contributes to faster application loading and smoother multitasking.
- Evo: Provides solid random write speeds, usually around 450K IOPS. It’s more than adequate for general use and gaming.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Controller
- 970 Evo Plus: Utilizes the more advanced Phoenix controller. This controller is optimized for higher performance and improved efficiency, contributing to its speed advantages.
- Evo: Employs the robust and reliable Polaris controller. While a capable controller, it’s an older generation compared to the Phoenix.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
NAND Flash
- 970 Evo Plus: Features Samsung’s 9x-layer V-NAND. This newer generation of NAND offers better endurance and performance characteristics.
- Evo: Uses Samsung’s 64-layer V-NAND. This was a significant advancement at its release but is now surpassed by newer V-NAND technologies.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Endurance (TBW)
- 970 Evo Plus: Generally offers higher Total Bytes Written (TBW) ratings across its capacities, indicating greater longevity and reliability for heavy write workloads. For example, the 1TB model typically has a TBW of 600.
- Evo: Provides good endurance ratings suitable for most users. The 1TB model, for instance, usually has a TBW of 400, which is still substantial but less than the Plus.
- Winner: 970 evo plus
Price
- 970 Evo Plus: Being the newer and higher-performing model, it typically commands a higher price point. The performance gains often justify the increased cost for demanding users.
- Evo: As an older model, the original EVO is generally available at a more budget-friendly price. It offers excellent value for those seeking a significant upgrade from SATA.
- Winner: evo
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | 970 evo plus |
| Sequential Write Speed | 970 evo plus |
| Random Read Speed | 970 evo plus |
| Random Write Speed | 970 evo plus |
| Endurance (TBW) | 970 evo plus |
| Controller Technology | 970 evo plus |
| Value (Price/Performance) | evo (often) |
| Overall Performance | 970 evo plus |
What They Have in Common
- Form Factor: Both the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and the original 970 EVO utilize the compact M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with a wide range of modern motherboards and laptops.
- Interface: They both leverage the high-bandwidth NVMe PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface, which is crucial for achieving the top-tier performance expected from modern SSDs. This ensures fast data transfer rates for demanding applications and operating systems.
- Controller: While their specific controller names differ (Phoenix for the Plus, Polaris for the original), both are Samsung-designed controllers, known for their reliability and performance optimization within their respective generations.
- Nand Type: Both drives employ Samsung’s V-NAND technology, a key component in their high endurance and performance. The Plus uses 3-bit MLC, while the original uses 3-bit TLC.
- Cache: Both SSDs feature a DRAM cache, which is essential for maintaining consistent performance, especially during sustained read and write operations. This cache helps speed up access to frequently used data.
- Warranty: Samsung offers a robust 5-year limited warranty on both the 970 EVO Plus and the original 970 EVO, providing peace of mind for users regarding the longevity and reliability of their investment.
- Encryption: Both drives support hardware-based AES 256-bit full disk encryption, adhering to TCG/Opal standards. This ensures your data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
970 Evo Plus Vs Evo Buying Guide
Performance Needs
For everyday computing, general multitasking, and light gaming, the original 970 Evo offers excellent performance that will satisfy most users. Its speed is a significant upgrade over traditional SATA SSDs and hard drives, ensuring snappy boot times and quick application loading.
However, if your workflow involves demanding tasks like large file transfers, heavy video editing, 3D rendering, or professional content creation, the 970 Evo Plus’s superior sequential read and write speeds will provide a noticeable advantage. Its enhanced performance can shave valuable time off these intensive operations. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Budget Considerations
The 970 Evo, being an older model, is often available at a more attractive price point. If budget is a primary concern and you’re looking for a solid, reliable NVMe SSD without breaking the bank, the 970 Evo is a compelling option. It still represents a substantial leap in performance over older storage technologies.
Conversely, the 970 Evo Plus, while typically more expensive, justifies its cost through its improved performance metrics. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the performance gains might be worth the investment, especially if you anticipate heavy usage or want the best possible speed for your system.
Longevity and Endurance
Both drives offer impressive endurance ratings (TBW – Terabytes Written), meaning they are built to last for many years under typical consumer usage. The 970 Evo Plus generally boasts slightly higher endurance ratings across its capacity variants, offering a marginal edge in terms of sheer write cycles.
However, for the vast majority of users, the endurance of either drive will be more than sufficient for their needs. Unless you are constantly writing massive amounts of data every single day for an extended period, you are unlikely to hit the endurance limits of either the 970 Evo or the 970 Evo Plus within their lifespan. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Future-Proofing Your System
If you’re building a new high-performance PC or upgrading an older system with the latest components, opting for the 970 Evo Plus can offer a degree of future-proofing. Its faster speeds and improved architecture mean it will remain a capable storage solution for longer as software and operating systems become more demanding.
While the 970 Evo is still a very capable drive, the 970 Evo Plus represents the more current iteration of Samsung’s performance NVMe SSD technology. If you want the latest and greatest from this particular product line and plan to keep your system for several years, the Plus model is the more forward-looking choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 970 evo plus If…
- You demand the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like professional video editing, large file transfers, or intensive gaming.
- You frequently deal with very large files and require the fastest possible sequential read and write speeds to minimize wait times.
- You are a power user who benefits from significantly higher random read and write IOPS for quicker application loading and multitasking.
- You want the latest generation of Samsung’s M.2 NVMe SSDs with improved endurance and overall speed.
Buy evo If…
- You are looking for a significant upgrade from a SATA SSD and want a fast, reliable NVMe drive for general computing, gaming, and everyday tasks.
- Your budget is a primary concern, and you can find the original 970 EVO at a more attractive price point while still getting excellent performance.
- Your workload doesn’t consistently push the limits of sustained write performance, and the slightly lower write speeds of the original EVO are sufficient.
- You want a solid all-around performer that offers a great balance of speed, endurance, and value for a mainstream NVMe SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the 970 Evo Plus and the original 970 Evo?
The primary difference lies in their performance. The 970 Evo Plus utilizes newer V-NAND technology and an updated controller, leading to significantly faster sequential read and write speeds compared to the original 970 Evo. This translates to quicker large file transfers and potentially better responsiveness in demanding applications.
Is the 970 Evo Plus worth the extra cost over the 970 Evo?
For users who frequently work with large files, such as video editors, designers, or gamers installing large titles, the performance gains of the 970 Evo Plus can justify the extra cost. For general use, everyday multitasking, and light gaming, the original 970 Evo offers excellent value and performance that is often indistinguishable. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Are both drives reliable for everyday use?
Yes, both the Samsung 970 Evo Plus and the original 970 Evo are highly reliable NVMe SSDs. They are built with quality components and have excellent track records for durability and consistent performance under typical consumer workloads. Samsung is a reputable brand known for its reliable storage solutions.
Which drive has better random read/write speeds?
While both drives offer excellent random performance, the 970 Evo Plus generally exhibits slightly better random read and write speeds. This contributes to its snappier feel in everyday tasks like operating system boot-ups and application loading, though the difference might be marginal for many users.
Can I upgrade from a SATA SSD to either of these NVMe drives?
Absolutely. Upgrading from a SATA SSD to either the 970 Evo or 970 Evo Plus will result in a dramatic improvement in speed. You’ll experience much faster boot times, quicker application launches, and significantly reduced loading screens in games and other software. Ensure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe drives.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 970 Evo Plus stands out as the superior drive due to its enhanced performance, particularly in sequential read and write speeds, courtesy of its updated V-NAND and controller. While the original 970 Evo remains a solid performer for general use, the Plus model offers a tangible speed advantage for demanding tasks and future-proofing your system. For those seeking the best possible performance in this product line, the 970 Evo Plus is the clear winner.
Winner: 970 Evo Plus