Samsung 870 vs 860: Which SSD Should You Buy?
Upgrading your storage can breathe new life into your computer, and when it comes to SSDs, Samsung is a name synonymous with quality. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comparison dives deep into the battle of the titans: Samsung 870 vs 860, helping you make an informed decision.
Both the Samsung 870 EVO and the 860 EVO are popular choices, offering a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. We’ll explore their key differences, including speed, features, and value, to determine which SSD best suits your needs. Whether you’re a gamer, a professional, or a casual user, understanding these differences is crucial.
Get ready to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each drive. We’ll examine their specifications, performance benchmarks, and real-world usage scenarios. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the Samsung 870 EVO and 860 EVO, empowering you to choose the perfect SSD for your system.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 870 | 860 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s |
| Form Factor | 2.5 inch | 2.5 inch |
| Controller | Samsung MKX | Samsung MJX |
| NAND Flash | Samsung V-NAND V6 | Samsung V-NAND V4 |
| Sequential Read | Up to 560 MB/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 530 MB/s | Up to 530 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB, QD32) | Up to 98,000 IOPS | Up to 98,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD32) | Up to 88,000 IOPS | Up to 90,000 IOPS |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) | Up to 2,400 TBW (4TB model) | Up to 2,400 TBW (4TB model) |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-Based Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-Based Encryption |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Software | Samsung Magician Software | Samsung Magician Software |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Storage Capacity
- Samsung 870: Available in a range of capacities from 250GB to 4TB, offering ample storage for various needs. Its larger capacity options are ideal for storing large files, games, and applications.
- 860: Also offered in various capacities, from 250GB to 4TB, providing similar storage options. Users can choose a capacity that fits their budget and storage requirements.
- Winner: Tie
Interface
- Samsung 870: Utilizes the SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems. This interface offers a reliable and proven connection for SSDs.
- 860: Also uses the SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface, ensuring compatibility. This is the standard interface for both drives.
- Winner: Tie
Sequential Read Speed
- Samsung 870: Boasts sequential read speeds of up to 560 MB/s, delivering fast data access and quick application loading times. This makes the system feel very responsive.
- 860: Offers sequential read speeds of up to 560 MB/s, providing similar performance to the 870. Both drives perform very well.
- Winner: Tie
Sequential Write Speed
- Samsung 870: Provides sequential write speeds of up to 530 MB/s, enabling fast file transfers and efficient data saving. This is an excellent speed for daily use.
- 860: Features sequential write speeds of up to 530 MB/s, matching the 870. The write speed is also excellent for the 860.
- Winner: Tie
Random Read Speed (4KB QD32)
- Samsung 870: Offers improved random read performance compared to the 860, contributing to faster system responsiveness and quicker application loading. This is an improvement.
- 860: Provides good random read performance, but slightly slower than the 870. Still performs well, but the 870 is better.
- Winner: 870
Random Write Speed (4KB QD32)
- Samsung 870: Shows improved random write performance compared to the 860, resulting in faster data processing and improved multitasking capabilities. This is also an improvement.
- 860: Provides good random write performance, but slightly slower than the 870. The 860 still performs well.
- Winner: 870
Endurance (TBW)
- Samsung 870: Offers a high TBW (Total Bytes Written) rating, indicating its ability to withstand heavy write workloads and ensuring a longer lifespan. The TBW is impressive.
- 860: Provides a good TBW rating, but slightly lower than the 870, meaning it may have a slightly shorter lifespan. Still, it is a good lifespan.
- Winner: 870
Price
- Samsung 870: Generally priced slightly higher than the 860, reflecting its improved performance and newer technology. The price is a factor.
- 860: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. It is the more affordable choice.
- Winner: 860
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | Samsung 870 (Slight Advantage) |
| Value | Depends on pricing. Could be either. |
| Longevity | Tie |
| Features | Tie |
| Price | Depends |
What They Have in Common
- Interface: Both the 870 and 860 use the SATA 6 Gb/s interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems. This standard interface allows for easy installation and integration into existing setups.
- Form Factor: Both SSDs share the 2.5-inch form factor, making them suitable for laptops and desktops alike. This standardized size makes them a drop-in replacement for older hard drives.
- Warranty: Both drives are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, demonstrating Samsung’s confidence in their product’s reliability and durability. This provides peace of mind for users.
- Encryption: Both models offer AES 256-bit Hardware-Based Encryption, safeguarding your data with robust security measures. This feature is crucial for protecting sensitive information.
- Software: Both SSDs are compatible with Samsung Magician Software, providing tools for drive management, performance optimization, and data security. This software enhances the user experience.
Samsung 870 vs 860 Buying Guide
Performance Comparison
The Samsung 870 EVO generally offers slightly improved performance compared to the 860 EVO. While both use SATA interface, the 870 EVO often boasts marginally faster sequential read and write speeds, particularly in real-world applications. This can translate to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and snappier overall system responsiveness. However, the difference might not be noticeable in all tasks, especially for everyday users. Both drives provide excellent performance for SATA SSDs.
Storage Capacity Options
Both the 870 EVO and 860 EVO come in a variety of storage capacities, catering to different user needs and budgets. You’ll find options ranging from smaller capacities suitable for operating systems to larger ones ideal for storing games, large media files, and applications. Consider your storage requirements, including future needs, when selecting a capacity. The wider the options, the better chance to find the best storage for your needs. Carefully assess your current storage and plan accordingly.
Reliability and Endurance
Samsung is known for the reliability of its SSDs, and both the 870 EVO and 860 EVO are built to last. They utilize Samsung’s advanced NAND flash memory and controller technology, which contributes to their durability and longevity. The drives also offer impressive endurance ratings, measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), indicating how much data can be written to the drive before its lifespan is considered to be over. Check the TBW rating to ensure it meets your usage patterns.
Price and Value
The price of SSDs fluctuates based on market conditions, but generally, the 870 EVO might be slightly more expensive than the 860 EVO, especially when considering the same capacity. However, the performance improvements of the 870 EVO could justify the slightly higher price for some users. When making a decision, compare prices across different retailers and consider the overall value proposition, including performance, capacity, and warranty. Look for sales and deals.
Ease of Installation and Compatibility
Installing either the 870 EVO or 860 EVO is a straightforward process, as both use the standard SATA interface. They are compatible with a wide range of desktops and laptops that support SATA SSDs. Before purchasing, verify that your system has an available 2.5-inch drive bay (for most laptops) or a mounting bracket (for desktops). Ensure your operating system and motherboard support the SATA interface to get the most out of your SSD.
Warranty and Support
Samsung typically offers a solid warranty and customer support for its SSDs, including the 870 EVO and 860 EVO. The warranty period usually covers a few years, protecting against defects in materials or workmanship. Research the warranty terms and conditions before making a purchase. Check the availability of customer support options, such as online resources, phone support, and email assistance, in case you need help.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 870 If…
- You want the latest generation of Samsung SATA SSD technology.
- You prioritize slightly improved performance in certain scenarios.
- You want a drive with a slightly improved controller.
- You are looking for a reliable and well-established SSD for general use.
Buy 860 If…
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the absolute latest in SSD technology.
- You find it at a significantly lower price point.
- Your needs are basic and the difference in performance is negligible for your workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Samsung 870 EVO and 860 EVO?
The Samsung 870 EVO offers a slightly updated controller and NAND flash compared to the 860 EVO, resulting in marginal performance improvements, particularly in sequential read/write speeds. However, the differences may not be immediately noticeable in everyday use. Both drives share similar features, including the SATA interface and a focus on reliability and endurance. The 870 EVO may have a slightly different price point.
Is the Samsung 870 EVO significantly faster than the 860 EVO?
While the 870 EVO is often marginally faster than the 860 EVO, the performance difference isn’t always substantial in real-world scenarios. The improvements are primarily seen in sequential read/write speeds. For everyday tasks like web browsing and office work, the difference is often unnoticeable. Users who frequently transfer large files or work with demanding applications might see a slightly faster experience.
Which SSD is better for gaming, the 870 EVO or 860 EVO?
Both the 870 EVO and 860 EVO are excellent choices for gaming, as they will significantly improve loading times compared to a traditional hard drive. The 870 EVO may offer slightly faster game loading times due to its performance enhancements, but the difference is generally not significant. The choice often comes down to budget and capacity needs. Either SSD will enhance the gaming experience.
What is the lifespan of the Samsung 870 EVO and 860 EVO?
Both SSDs are designed for a long lifespan, thanks to Samsung’s quality components and advanced NAND flash technology. Their lifespan is typically measured by Terabytes Written (TBW). The 870 EVO and 860 EVO have similar endurance ratings, meaning they can handle writing a substantial amount of data before their lifespan is considered to be over. The actual lifespan can vary based on usage.
Are there any drawbacks to using a SATA SSD like the 870 EVO or 860 EVO?
The primary limitation of SATA SSDs is the SATA interface’s speed limitation, which caps maximum read/write speeds. Compared to NVMe SSDs, SATA SSDs are generally slower. However, SATA SSDs like the 870 EVO and 860 EVO are still considerably faster than traditional hard drives. They are a good solution for upgrading older systems that do not support NVMe SSDs.
Is it worth upgrading from the Samsung 860 EVO to the 870 EVO?
If you already own a Samsung 860 EVO, upgrading to the 870 EVO might not be necessary for most users. The performance gains are marginal, and the difference may not be noticeable in everyday tasks. However, if you’re building a new system or need a new SSD, the 870 EVO is a worthwhile consideration. Weigh the price difference against the performance improvements to decide.
Which SSD is better for laptops, the 870 EVO or 860 EVO?
Both are excellent choices for laptops. The 870 EVO might offer slightly better performance, but the difference is unlikely to be very noticeable in daily use. The choice between the two often comes down to price, capacity, and availability. Consider which one is on sale or which fits your budget and storage needs. Both will significantly improve the laptop’s overall responsiveness and boot times.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 870 EVO and 860 EVO are both excellent SATA SSDs, with the 870 EVO offering slight performance improvements. While the 870 EVO is newer and typically a bit faster, the 860 EVO still provides excellent value and performance. The best choice depends on your budget and whether the marginal performance gains of the 870 EVO justify the potential price difference.
Winner: Samsung 870 EVO