Considering an upgrade to a reliable solid-state drive? You’ve likely come across Samsung’s renowned EVO series. For many years, the Samsung 850 EVO has been a go-to choice for gamers and professionals alike, offering a fantastic blend of speed and endurance. It set a high bar for consumer SSDs.
Now, its successor, the Samsung 860 EVO, is on the scene, promising further refinements and enhanced performance. But how do these two popular drives stack up against each other in real-world usage? Is the newer model a significant leap forward, or does the 850 EVO still hold its own?
This comparison dives deep into the key differences, helping you decide which Samsung SSD is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. We’ll explore their performance metrics, endurance ratings, and overall value to guide your purchasing decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | samsung 850 | 860 evo |
|---|---|---|
| NAND Flash | 3D V-NAND | 3D V-NAND |
| Controller | MEX | MJX |
| Sequential Read | Up to 550 MB/s | Up to 550 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 520 MB/s | Up to 520 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB, QD32) | Up to 100K IOPS | Up to 98K IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD32) | Up to 90K IOPS | Up to 90K IOPS |
| Endurance (TBW) | Up to 150 TBW (1TB model) | Up to 240 TBW (1TB model) |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Form Factor | 2.5″ SATA | 2.5″ SATA |
| Interface | SATA III (6Gb/s) | SATA III (6Gb/s) |
| Software Support | Samsung Magician | Samsung Magician |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Performance (Sequential Read/Write)
- Samsung 850: The 850 EVO offered impressive sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s. This was a significant leap for consumer SSDs at the time, providing a noticeable speed boost over traditional HDDs. Its performance was generally consistent for everyday tasks and gaming.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO maintains similar sequential read speeds of up to 550 MB/s but boasts slightly improved sequential write speeds of up to 520 MB/s. While the headline numbers are close, real-world performance improvements are often seen in sustained workloads due to better controller and NAND optimization.
- Winner: 860 evo
Performance (Random Read/Write)
- Samsung 850: Random read/write performance on the 850 EVO was strong for its generation, with up to 100K IOPS for reads and 90K IOPS for writes. This contributed to quick application loading and multitasking responsiveness.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO sees a notable improvement in random read/write performance, reaching up to 98K IOPS for reads and 90K IOPS for writes. This enhanced responsiveness makes a difference in demanding applications and heavy multitasking scenarios.
- Winner: 860 evo
Endurance (TBW)
- Samsung 850: Endurance varied by capacity, with the 250GB model rated at 75 TBW and the 1TB model at 320 TBW. This was considered good for its time, suitable for most average users.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO offers significantly improved endurance across all capacities. For example, the 250GB model is rated at 150 TBW, and the 1TB model is rated at 600 TBW. This increased lifespan makes it a more robust choice for heavier usage.
- Winner: 860 evo
Controller
- Samsung 850: The 850 EVO utilized Samsung’s MEX controller, which was a proprietary and highly regarded controller at the time, known for its efficiency and performance.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO features Samsung’s latest MJX controller. This newer controller is designed for better power efficiency, improved performance in mixed workloads, and enhanced data integrity.
- Winner: 860 evo
NAND Flash
- Samsung 850: It employed 3D V-NAND technology, which was a groundbreaking feature, stacking memory cells vertically to increase density and improve performance and power efficiency compared to planar NAND.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO continues to use Samsung’s advanced 3D V-NAND, but it’s an updated generation. This newer iteration offers even higher density, better performance, and improved longevity compared to the NAND in the 850 EVO.
- Winner: 860 evo
Software (Samsung Magician)
- Samsung 850: Came with Samsung’s Magician software, which provided essential tools like firmware updates, performance optimization (TRIM), and drive health monitoring. It was a valuable utility for managing the SSD.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO also supports Samsung Magician, which has been further refined. It offers more advanced features like RAPID mode (which uses system RAM for caching), enhanced security options, and more detailed drive analytics, making it a more comprehensive management suite.
- Winner: 860 evo
Connectivity & Form Factors
- Samsung 850: Available primarily in the 2.5-inch SATA form factor, making it compatible with most desktops and laptops.
- 860 Evo: The 860 EVO is also available in the 2.5-inch SATA form factor, but it additionally comes in the M.2 (2280) form factor, offering more flexibility for modern devices with M.2 slots.
- Winner: 860 evo
Price & Value (Launch Era)
- Samsung 850: Launched as a premium but accessible SATA SSD, offering excellent performance for its price point. It represented a great value for users upgrading from HDDs.
- 860 Evo: Positioned as the successor, it aimed to offer improved performance and endurance at a competitive price, building on the 850 EVO’s value proposition. While often slightly more expensive at launch, its longevity and enhanced features justified the cost.
- Winner: 860 evo
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Endurance (TBW) | 860 evo |
| Controller Technology | 860 evo |
| Value (if found cheaper) | samsung 850 |
| Overall Performance (SATA) | Tie (very close) |
| Reliability | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Nand Flash Technology: Both the Samsung 850 and 860 EVO utilize Samsung’s proprietary 3D V-NAND technology. This advanced layering of memory cells allows for higher density, better performance, and improved endurance compared to traditional planar NAND.
- Sata Interface: Both SSDs are designed for the SATA interface, making them compatible with a vast majority of desktop computers and laptops. This ensures broad usability and ease of installation for most users.
- Excellent Sequential Performance: You can expect very similar top-tier sequential read and write speeds from both drives. This means fast file transfers and quick loading times for applications and games.
- Aes 256-Bit Encryption: Security is a priority for both models, as they both offer robust hardware-based AES 256-bit full disk encryption. This protects your data from unauthorized access, essential for sensitive information.
- Long Warranty: Samsung provides a reassuring 5-year limited warranty for both the 850 EVO and 860 EVO. This demonstrates Samsung’s confidence in the reliability and longevity of these SSDs.
- Samsung Magician Software: Both drives are supported by Samsung’s feature-rich Magician software. This utility allows for firmware updates, performance monitoring, optimization, and secure erase functions.
Samsung 850 Vs 860 Evo Buying Guide
Performance Considerations
When choosing between the Samsung 850 Evo and the 860 Evo, performance is a key differentiator. The 860 Evo, being the newer model, generally boasts slightly improved sequential read and write speeds, especially in larger file transfers. While the difference might not be drastic for everyday computing tasks like booting up your OS or launching applications, it can become noticeable for professionals who frequently work with large media files or engage in heavy multitasking.
For most users, the real-world performance gap between these two drives will be minimal. However, if you’re building a high-end gaming rig or a workstation where every second counts, the incremental speed gains of the 860 Evo might justify the upgrade. Consider your primary use case to determine if this performance boost is essential for your needs. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Durability and Longevity
Both the 850 Evo and 860 Evo are known for their excellent reliability and endurance, thanks to Samsung’s robust V-NAND technology. However, the 860 Evo takes this a step further with enhanced endurance ratings, often measured in Terabytes Written (TBW). This means the 860 Evo is designed to withstand a greater volume of data writes over its lifespan, making it a more robust choice for users with extremely heavy write workloads, such as video editors or database administrators.
While the 850 Evo is still a very durable drive for typical consumer use, the 860 Evo offers a greater peace of mind for those who push their storage to the limits. This increased longevity can translate to a longer service life and fewer concerns about drive wear over time.
Features and Technology Advancements
The 860 Evo benefits from several technological advancements over its predecessor. It features an updated controller and firmware, contributing to its improved performance and efficiency. Furthermore, the 860 Evo often comes with better power management features, which can be particularly beneficial for laptop users looking to maximize battery life. Samsung’s Magician software, used for drive management and optimization, also typically receives updates that are better integrated with the newer 860 Evo.
While the 850 Evo is not devoid of advanced features, the 860 Evo represents a more refined and optimized package. For users who value the latest in SSD technology and are looking for the most efficient and feature-rich experience, the 860 Evo is the clear choice. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Price and Value Proposition
Historically, the 850 Evo has become more affordable as it has aged, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. If you can find it at a significantly lower price than the 860 Evo, it can still offer a substantial upgrade over traditional hard drives for everyday computing. The 860 Evo, being the newer and more advanced model, typically carries a higher price tag. However, its improved performance, enhanced durability, and newer technology can justify the premium for users who require these benefits.
When evaluating value, consider the cost per gigabyte and the expected lifespan of the drive relative to your usage patterns. For many users, the 850 Evo might offer the best balance of performance and cost, while power users might find the 860 Evo’s longevity and performance worth the extra investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung 850 If…
- You’re looking for a proven and reliable SATA SSD with excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price point than the 860 EVO, offering great value for money.
- Your current system is not compatible with newer NVMe drives, and a 2.5″ SATA SSD is the best upgrade option.
Buy 860 evo If…
- You demand the absolute best endurance and longevity for your SSD, especially for heavy workloads or professional use.
- You want the latest iteration of Samsung’s SATA SSD technology with minor performance and efficiency improvements.
- You’re building a new system or upgrading an older one and want the most up-to-date SATA SSD available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung 860 Evo significantly faster than the 850 Evo?
While the 860 Evo offers incremental improvements in sequential read/write speeds, the real-world performance difference for most everyday tasks like booting up your operating system or launching applications is often minimal and may not be noticeable to the average user. The gains are more pronounced in large file transfers, making it a potential benefit for content creators and power users.
Which drive is more durable for heavy workloads?
The 860 Evo generally boasts higher endurance ratings (TBW – Terabytes Written) compared to the 850 Evo. This means the 860 Evo is engineered to handle a larger volume of data writes over its lifespan, making it a more robust and reliable choice for users who frequently perform intensive write operations, such as video editing or running virtual machines. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Can I still get the Samsung 850 Evo new?
It can be challenging to find the Samsung 850 Evo brand new from major retailers as it has been largely superseded by newer models. You might find them available through third-party sellers or on the used market. However, purchasing from reputable sources is crucial to ensure you receive a functional and reliable drive.
Is the Samsung Magician software compatible with both drives?
Yes, Samsung’s Magician software is generally compatible with both the 850 Evo and the 860 Evo. This software allows you to monitor drive health, update firmware, optimize performance, and manage drive encryption. However, newer versions of Magician might offer more advanced features or better integration with the 860 Evo’s updated controller and firmware.
Which drive offers better value for a budget upgrade?
For a budget-conscious upgrade from a traditional hard drive, the 850 Evo often presents better value due to its typically lower price point, especially if you can find it on sale. It still provides a significant performance boost for general computing. However, if your budget allows and you anticipate heavy usage, the 860 Evo’s longevity can offer better long-term value.
Final Verdict
Both the Samsung 850 Evo and 860 Evo are excellent SATA SSDs, but the 860 Evo stands out as the superior choice for most users today. It offers improved performance, enhanced durability, and the latest technological refinements. While the 850 Evo remains a capable drive, especially at a lower price, the 860 Evo provides a more future-proof and robust solution for a wider range of computing needs, from everyday use to more demanding workloads.
Winner: Samsung 860 Evo