Looking to upgrade your storage and boost your PC’s performance? When it comes to Solid State Drives (SSDs), Samsung has long been a leading name. Two popular choices that often come up in discussions are the Samsung 850 EVO and the newer Samsung 960 EVO.
While both offer significant speed improvements over traditional hard drives, they represent different generations of SSD technology. Understanding their key differences is crucial for making the right decision for your specific needs and budget.
This comparison dives deep into the samsung 850 vs 960 evo, exploring their performance metrics, features, and ideal use cases. We’ll help you determine which of these Samsung SSDs is the best fit to accelerate your computing experience.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung 850 | 960 Evo |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA | M.2 NVMe |
| Interface | SATA III (6 Gb/s) | PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe |
| NAND Type | 3D TLC V-NAND | 3D TLC V-NAND |
| Controller | Samsung MGX | Samsung Polaris |
| Sequential Read (up to) | 550 MB/s | 3,200 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (up to) | 520 MB/s | 1,500 MB/s |
| Random Read (up to) | 98K IOPS | 380K IOPS |
| Random Write (up to) | 90K IOPS | 300K IOPS |
| DRAM Cache | 512MB to 1GB | 512MB to 1GB |
| Endurance (TBW) | 150 TBW (1TB model) | 200 TBW (1TB model) |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
NAND Flash Type
- Samsung 850: Utilizes 3D V-NAND (MLC). This technology offers better endurance and performance compared to traditional planar NAND. It’s a well-established and reliable NAND type.
- 960 Evo: Employs 3D V-NAND (TLC). While TLC offers higher density and lower cost, it generally has lower endurance and can be slightly slower than MLC in sustained writes. However, for most consumer use cases, it’s perfectly adequate.
- Winner: samsung 850
Controller
- Samsung 850: Features the Samsung MEX controller. This controller was known for its efficiency and robust performance for its generation, providing good responsiveness.
- 960 Evo: Equipped with the Samsung Polaris controller. This controller is more advanced and designed for higher performance, especially in handling multiple threads and demanding workloads.
- Winner: 960 evo
Sequential Read Speeds
- Samsung 850: Offers read speeds typically up to 550 MB/s. This was excellent for its time and provides a significant upgrade over traditional HDDs.
- 960 Evo: Boasts sequential read speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s. This is a massive leap forward, thanks to the NVMe interface and its more advanced architecture.
- Winner: 960 evo
Sequential Write Speeds
- Samsung 850: Achieves write speeds of around 520 MB/s. This is respectable for a SATA drive but limited by the interface.
- 960 Evo: Delivers sequential write speeds of up to 1,500 MB/s. This is dramatically faster than the 850 and showcases the benefits of NVMe.
- Winner: 960 evo
Random Read IOPS
- Samsung 850: Reaches approximately 100,000 IOPS. This contributes to good responsiveness in everyday tasks and application loading.
- 960 Evo: Reaches up to 330,000 IOPS. This significantly higher random read performance translates to much quicker application launches and system responsiveness.
- Winner: 960 evo
Random Write IOPS
- Samsung 850: Provides around 90,000 IOPS. This is a strong showing for a SATA drive, ensuring smooth multitasking.
- 960 Evo: Reaches up to 300,000 IOPS. The substantial improvement in random write performance makes a noticeable difference in demanding workloads.
- Winner: 960 evo
Interface
- Samsung 850: Uses the SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface. This is the standard for 2.5-inch SSDs and is limited to approximately 550 MB/s throughput.
- 960 Evo: Utilizes the NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) interface. This interface provides much higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to SATA, enabling significantly faster performance.
- Winner: 960 evo
Form Factor & Connectivity
- Samsung 850: Typically available in a 2.5-inch form factor, connecting via SATA data and power cables. This makes it a direct replacement for traditional hard drives.
- 960 Evo: Comes in an M.2 2280 form factor, connecting directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot using PCIe lanes. This offers a cleaner build and superior performance potential.
- Winner: 960 evo
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Raw Performance (Sequential & Random) | 960 Evo |
| Interface Speed | 960 Evo |
| Value for Money (for SATA systems) | Samsung 850 |
| Ease of Installation (for older systems) | Samsung 850 |
| Future-Proofing | 960 Evo |
| Everyday Computing Speed Boost (from HDD) | Samsung 850 |
What They Have in Common
- Nand Flash Technology: Both drives utilize Samsung’s advanced 3D TLC V-NAND technology, which offers improved performance, endurance, and power efficiency compared to planar NAND. This shared foundation contributes to their reliable operation and longevity.
- Dram Cache: Both the 850 EVO and 960 EVO feature a DRAM cache. This dedicated memory is crucial for maintaining high performance by storing frequently accessed data and mapping tables, preventing bottlenecks during intense workloads.
- High Endurance: These drives are built for durability. Both offer robust TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings, indicating their capacity to withstand significant data writes over their lifespan, making them suitable for demanding applications.
- Aes 256-Bit Encryption: Data security is a priority for both SSDs. They both support AES 256-bit hardware encryption, ensuring your sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access.
- 5-Year Warranty: Samsung stands behind both of these SSDs with a comprehensive 5-year limited warranty, providing users with peace of mind regarding their investment.
Samsung 850 Vs 960 Evo Buying Guide
Performance Needs
If your primary concern is sheer speed for demanding tasks like professional video editing, large file transfers, or high-end gaming, the 960 Evo generally offers a significant performance uplift. Its NVMe interface and newer controller technology allow for much faster sequential read and write speeds, which can noticeably reduce loading times and improve workflow efficiency in these scenarios.
For everyday computing, general office work, web browsing, and less intensive gaming, the performance difference between the 850 Evo and 960 Evo might be less apparent in real-world usage. The 850 Evo, while older, is still a very capable SATA SSD that provides a substantial upgrade over traditional hard drives. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Budget Considerations
The Samsung 850 Evo, being an older model, is often available at a more budget-friendly price point. This makes it an excellent option for users who want to upgrade to an SSD without breaking the bank. If cost is a major factor, the 850 Evo provides fantastic value for its performance.
The Samsung 960 Evo, while offering superior performance, typically comes with a higher price tag. This is due to its more advanced technology, including the NVMe interface and faster NAND flash. If your budget allows and you can leverage its speed, the 960 Evo is a worthwhile investment for performance enthusiasts.
Upgrade Path and Compatibility
The Samsung 850 Evo utilizes the SATA interface, which is compatible with virtually all modern motherboards and laptops. This makes it a straightforward upgrade for most systems. If your device only has SATA ports, the 850 Evo is your most likely option for an SSD upgrade.
The Samsung 960 Evo uses the NVMe interface, which requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard that supports NVMe protocol. Newer motherboards and many modern laptops feature these slots. Ensure your system has a compatible M.2 slot to take full advantage of the 960 Evo’s speed; otherwise, it won’t be usable. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Longevity and Endurance
Both the 850 Evo and 960 Evo are known for their reliability and good endurance ratings (TBW – Terabytes Written). The 850 Evo, with its V-NAND technology, has proven to be a durable drive over the years. Samsung’s SSDs generally have a strong track record in terms of lifespan.
The 960 Evo also benefits from Samsung’s advanced manufacturing and V-NAND technology, offering excellent endurance for its class. While the 960 Evo is built for higher performance, its endurance is still more than sufficient for typical consumer workloads, ensuring it will last for many years of regular use.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung 850 If…
- You’re upgrading an older laptop or desktop with a SATA interface.
- You’re looking for a significant speed improvement over a traditional hard drive for everyday tasks.
- Budget is a primary concern, and you want a reliable SSD at a competitive price point.
- You don’t need the absolute bleeding edge of performance and prioritize stability and value.
Buy 960 Evo If…
- Your motherboard supports NVMe M.2 slots and you want to maximize your system’s potential.
- You’re a gamer, content creator, or power user who demands the fastest possible load times and file transfer speeds.
- You’re building a new high-performance PC and want to leverage the latest storage technology.
- You frequently work with large files and require swift data access for intensive applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 960 Evo significantly faster than the 850 Evo?
Yes, the 960 Evo is significantly faster than the 850 Evo, especially in sequential read and write speeds. This is due to its NVMe interface and newer controller, which allow for much higher data transfer rates compared to the SATA interface used by the 850 Evo. This difference is most noticeable in large file transfers and demanding applications.
Can I upgrade my laptop from an 850 Evo to a 960 Evo?
You can upgrade your laptop if it has a compatible M.2 NVMe slot. The 850 Evo uses a 2.5-inch SATA form factor, while the 960 Evo uses an M.2 NVMe form factor. Check your laptop’s specifications to ensure it has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs before purchasing the 960 Evo. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which drive is better for gaming?
For gaming, the difference might be less dramatic than in professional applications, but the 960 Evo can still offer slightly faster load times due to its superior sequential read speeds. However, the 850 Evo is still an excellent choice for gaming and provides a substantial improvement over traditional hard drives. For most gamers, either drive will provide a great experience.
Are both drives still good value for money?
The 850 Evo often represents better value for money if you’re on a tighter budget or upgrading an older system that doesn’t support NVMe. The 960 Evo, while more expensive, offers performance that justifies its cost for users who need the absolute fastest speeds. Both are still solid performers for their respective interfaces.
What is the main difference between SATA and NVMe?
The main difference lies in their interfaces and protocols. SATA (Serial ATA) is an older interface designed for hard drives, with a maximum theoretical speed of around 600MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer protocol designed specifically for SSDs, communicating directly with the CPU via PCIe lanes, offering significantly higher speeds, often exceeding 3000MB/s.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 960 Evo stands out as the superior drive due to its significantly faster NVMe interface, leading to much quicker data transfer rates and improved performance in demanding tasks. While the 850 Evo remains a capable SATA SSD and a great budget option, the 960 Evo offers a tangible upgrade for those seeking peak performance.
Winner: Samsung 960 Evo