Samsung 870 vs 970: Which SSD Should You Buy?
Choosing the right storage solution can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options available. When it comes to SSDs, Samsung is a leading brand, and two popular choices often come up in the conversation: the Samsung 870 EVO and the Samsung 970 EVO. This comparison aims to shed light on their differences and help you decide which drive best suits your needs.
Both SSDs offer impressive performance, but they cater to different use cases and technologies. The 870 EVO is a SATA-based drive, known for its reliability and affordability, while the 970 EVO utilizes the faster NVMe interface. Understanding these core differences is essential for making an informed decision.
Whether you’re upgrading your gaming rig, boosting your productivity, or simply looking for a faster boot drive, this comparison of the Samsung 870 EVO vs 970 EVO will provide valuable insights. We’ll delve into their specifications, performance metrics, and ideal applications to guide you through the selection process.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 870 | 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s | NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch | M.2 2280 |
| Sequential Read (Max) | Up to 560 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (Max) | Up to 530 MB/s | Up to 2,500 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB, QD32) | Up to 98,000 IOPS | Up to 600,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB, QD32) | Up to 88,000 IOPS | Up to 550,000 IOPS |
| Controller | Samsung MKX | Samsung Phoenix |
| NAND Flash Memory | Samsung V-NAND V6 | Samsung V-NAND V5 |
| TBW (Terabytes Written) – 1TB model | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-based Encryption | AES 256-bit Hardware-based Encryption |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
| Operating Temperature | 0 – 70 °C | 0 – 70 °C |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Form Factor
- Samsung 870: 2.5-inch SATA SSD. This traditional form factor is compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops and desktops with SATA ports. It’s a straightforward upgrade for older systems.
- 970: M.2 NVMe SSD. This compact form factor connects directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot and utilizes the NVMe protocol. It’s ideal for modern systems and offers significantly faster speeds.
- Winner: 970
Interface
- Samsung 870: SATA III interface. This interface is a mature technology, which is limited to a theoretical maximum speed of 600 MB/s. It is widely compatible.
- 970: PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface. This interface offers much higher bandwidth potential compared to SATA III, enabling significantly faster read and write speeds.
- Winner: 970
Sequential Read Speed
- Samsung 870: Up to 560 MB/s. This is a respectable speed for a SATA SSD, offering a noticeable improvement over traditional hard drives.
- 970: Up to 3,500 MB/s (varies based on the specific 970 model). This is a substantial performance increase over the 870, leading to faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers.
- Winner: 970
Sequential Write Speed
- Samsung 870: Up to 530 MB/s. Write speeds are slightly lower than read speeds, but still offer a considerable upgrade over HDDs.
- 970: Up to 2,500 MB/s (varies based on the specific 970 model). The 970 excels here, allowing for much faster data writing.
- Winner: 970
Random Read Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 870: Up to 98,000 IOPS. This reflects the drive’s ability to handle random read operations, which is important for tasks like loading operating systems and applications.
- 970: Up to 600,000 IOPS (varies based on the specific 970 model). The 970 offers significantly better performance here, leading to a more responsive user experience.
- Winner: 970
Random Write Speed (IOPS)
- Samsung 870: Up to 88,000 IOPS. Similar to random read performance, this impacts overall system responsiveness.
- 970: Up to 550,000 IOPS (varies based on the specific 970 model). The 970’s higher IOPS contribute to a snappier feel.
- Winner: 970
Price
- Samsung 870: Generally more affordable. Because of its older technology, the 870 is often available at a lower price point, making it a good budget-friendly option.
- 970: Typically more expensive. The superior performance of the 970 comes at a premium price.
- Winner: 870 (If budget is the primary concern)
Compatibility
- Samsung 870: Highly compatible. Works with almost any device that has a SATA port. A good choice for older systems.
- 970: Requires an M.2 slot and NVMe support. Compatibility depends on the motherboard. Make sure your system supports NVMe before purchasing.
- Winner: 870 (for maximum compatibility)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Interface Speed | 970 |
| Form Factor | 870 (for 2.5 inch) / 970 (for M.2) |
| Sequential Read Speed | 970 |
| Sequential Write Speed | 970 |
| Random Read Speed | 970 |
| Random Write Speed | 970 |
| Price | 870 (Generally) |
| Best for Older Systems | 870 |
| Best for Modern Systems | 970 |
What They Have in Common
- Warranty: Both drives are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind regarding their longevity and performance. This indicates Samsung’s confidence in the build quality and expected lifespan of both SSDs.
- Encryption: Both the 870 and 970 series include AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, ensuring data security and protection against unauthorized access. This feature is crucial for users concerned about data privacy.
- Operating Temperature: Both drives operate within the same temperature range, from 0 to 70 degrees Celsius, allowing for similar environmental considerations during use. This suggests comparable thermal management capabilities.
- Reliability: Both drives are designed with high endurance, boasting substantial TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings, making them suitable for demanding workloads. This ensures data integrity and longevity.
- Samsung Brand: Both drives are manufactured by Samsung, a leading brand known for its high-quality storage solutions, promising reliability and performance.
Samsung 870 vs 970 Buying Guide
Performance for Everyday Use
The Samsung 870 EVO, a SATA SSD, excels in everyday computing tasks. Its sequential read/write speeds, while fast for SATA, are limited compared to the NVMe 970 EVO. This makes the 870 EVO ideal for general use, document editing, web browsing, and media consumption. The 970 EVO, with its NVMe interface and PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds, offers significantly faster performance for these tasks. However, the difference might not be noticeable in typical daily usage unless you’re frequently handling large files or multitasking heavily. Both offer snappy responsiveness.
Gaming Performance Comparison
While both drives will load games quickly compared to a traditional HDD, the 970 EVO offers a slight edge in gaming. Its faster speeds can lead to marginally quicker loading times and potentially faster level streaming, especially in open-world games. The 870 EVO is still a capable gaming drive, and the difference may not be significant for many users. The primary benefit of the 970 EVO shines when dealing with large game files or frequently loading assets. Both drives provide a noticeable improvement over HDDs, resulting in smoother gameplay.
Price and Value Analysis
The Samsung 870 EVO is typically more affordable than the 970 EVO, making it a better value proposition for users with budget constraints. Its lower price point makes it an excellent choice for upgrading older systems that don’t support NVMe. The 970 EVO, while more expensive, offers superior performance, justifying its price for users who demand the fastest speeds. Consider your budget and performance needs to determine which drive offers the best value for your specific use case. The price differences can fluctuate, so comparing current prices is crucial.
Storage Capacity and Options
Both the 870 EVO and 970 EVO are available in a range of storage capacities, from smaller sizes to larger ones, catering to different storage requirements. The 870 EVO often offers slightly more affordable options for larger capacities. The 970 EVO may have fewer capacity choices in some configurations. Consider how much storage space you need for your operating system, applications, games, and media files. Choosing a capacity that meets your current and future needs is essential to avoid storage limitations and performance bottlenecks. Consider the cost-per-gigabyte when selecting capacity.
Installation and Compatibility
The 870 EVO is a SATA drive, which is easier to install in most systems. It connects directly to a SATA data cable. The 970 EVO requires an M.2 slot and, depending on your motherboard, may require specific BIOS settings. Ensure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe drives. Compatibility is rarely an issue for either drive, but it’s important to verify your motherboard’s specifications before purchasing. Both drives should be compatible with most modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Durability and Reliability
Both the Samsung 870 EVO and 970 EVO are known for their reliability and durability. Samsung SSDs generally have excellent track records. Both drives feature advanced error correction and wear-leveling technologies to extend their lifespan. The 970 EVO, with its NVMe interface, may have slightly better performance under heavy workloads. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings, which indicate the drive’s endurance. Backing up your data regularly is always recommended, regardless of the drive you choose.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung 870 If…
- You need a reliable SATA SSD for an older system or a laptop with a 2.5-inch drive bay.
- You prioritize ease of installation and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- You are looking for a cost-effective storage solution without sacrificing overall performance.
- You are upgrading from a traditional hard drive and want a significant speed boost.
Buy 970 If…
- You have a system with an M.2 slot and want the fastest possible storage performance.
- You frequently work with large files, video editing, or other demanding applications.
- You prioritize extremely fast boot times and application loading speeds.
- You require the highest possible read and write speeds for your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Samsung 870 EVO and 970 EVO?
The primary difference lies in their interface and performance. The 870 EVO is a SATA SSD, while the 970 EVO is an NVMe SSD. NVMe drives, like the 970 EVO, utilize the PCIe interface, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. The 870 EVO is generally slower but offers good performance for everyday tasks. The 970 EVO excels in demanding applications and provides faster loading times.
Which drive is better for gaming?
The 970 EVO is slightly better for gaming due to its faster speeds, leading to potentially quicker loading times and smoother gameplay, especially in open-world games. However, the difference might not be immediately noticeable for all users. The 870 EVO is still a great choice for gaming, offering a substantial upgrade over traditional HDDs, providing a much smoother experience.
Is the 970 EVO worth the extra cost?
Whether the 970 EVO is worth the extra cost depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize maximum performance and frequently work with large files or demanding applications, the 970 EVO is a worthwhile investment. If you are on a budget or primarily use your computer for everyday tasks, the 870 EVO offers excellent value. Consider your use case carefully.
What is the lifespan of these SSDs?
Both drives are designed for long lifespans. Samsung typically provides excellent warranties and high TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings. The exact lifespan depends on usage and the amount of data written to the drive. However, both the 870 EVO and 970 EVO are reliable and should last for many years under normal usage conditions. Regular backups are recommended.
What interface does the 870 EVO use?
The Samsung 870 EVO utilizes the SATA III interface. This interface is widely compatible with most computers and offers a significant speed boost compared to traditional hard drives. While SATA is a mature technology, it is still a viable option for those looking to upgrade from an HDD or those on a budget. The SATA interface limits the maximum speed of the 870 EVO.
What type of slot does the 970 EVO require?
The Samsung 970 EVO requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard. The M.2 slot must support NVMe drives for the 970 EVO to function correctly. Ensure your motherboard specifications indicate compatibility with NVMe SSDs before purchasing. The M.2 interface allows for much higher speeds than SATA, which provides a significant performance advantage for the 970 EVO.
Which drive is easier to install?
The Samsung 870 EVO is generally easier to install. It connects to a standard SATA data cable and power cable, similar to a traditional hard drive. The 970 EVO, requiring an M.2 slot, is also relatively easy to install, but may require some basic BIOS configuration, depending on your motherboard. No extra cables are needed for the 970 EVO. Installation time is generally similar.
Final Verdict
The Samsung 970 EVO emerges as the superior choice for users seeking top-tier performance, particularly in tasks demanding fast read/write speeds, like gaming and handling large files. However, the Samsung 870 EVO remains a compelling option, offering a balance of performance and affordability, making it ideal for budget-conscious users or those with less demanding computing needs.
Winner: Samsung 970 EVO