⚡️ Quick Verdict - SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021)
- Best For: PC and laptop upgrades, general computing tasks, reliable storage.
- Strengths: Consistent performance, high endurance, broad compatibility.
- Drawbacks: Limited by SATA interface, minor improvements over predecessor.
- Verdict: A dependable and robust SATA SSD for mainstream use.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros (Based on User Feedback) | Cons (Based on User Feedback) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Users consistently report noticeable speed improvements when upgrading from traditional hard drives, especially for boot times and application loading. | Some users note that while fast for SATA, it's not as fast as NVMe drives, which are becoming more common in newer systems. |
| Reliability & Endurance | Many users highlight the drive's dependable operation over time and the peace of mind offered by its high endurance ratings for data writes. | A few users have expressed that while generally reliable, any SSD can fail, so backups are still essential. |
| Ease of Installation | The drive is widely praised for its simple plug-and-play installation, often requiring just a SATA cable and power. Cloning software is generally available for download. | Some less tech-savvy users found the process of migrating an operating system slightly challenging without prior experience. |
| Compatibility | It offers broad compatibility with a wide range of laptops and desktops, making it a versatile upgrade option for older systems. | Users in newer systems with M.2 slots sometimes wish they had opted for an NVMe drive to utilize their motherboard's higher-speed interface capabilities. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component/Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| SAMSUNG 870 EVO SSD (2.5-inch form factor) | This standard size ensures broad compatibility with most desktop PCs and laptops designed for 2.5-inch drives, making it an easy upgrade. |
| Access to Samsung Magician Software (Downloadable) | This proprietary software allows users to monitor drive health, optimize performance, update firmware, and securely erase data, enhancing the drive's longevity and usability. |
| Access to Samsung Data Migration Software (Downloadable) | Facilitates easy transfer of operating systems and data from an old drive to the new 870 EVO, simplifying the upgrade process for users. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive Perspective | Negative Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Performance vs. Cost | Offers excellent performance for the SATA interface, providing a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives without the higher cost of premium NVMe drives. | While faster than HDDs, it doesn't offer the same speed gains as NVMe SSDs, meaning users seeking peak performance might find it less cost-efficient in a modern, NVMe-ready system. |
| Longevity & Durability | The drive's high TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating suggests a long operational lifespan, potentially reducing the need for frequent replacements and offering long-term value. | Some users might not fully utilize the high endurance, making it a potentially over-specced and slightly more expensive option if a less durable, lower-cost drive would suffice for their basic needs. |
| Brand Reputation & Support | Samsung's reputation for quality and reliable customer support adds perceived value, as users feel confident in the product's backing and potential for assistance. | The established brand name can sometimes lead to a slightly higher cost compared to less recognized brands offering similar SATA performance, which some budget-conscious buyers might find less appealing. |
🔁 SAMSUNG Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | SAMSUNG 860 EVO | SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Samsung MJX Controller | Samsung MKX Controller |
| NAND Flash | Samsung 3D V-NAND (64-layer) | Samsung V-NAND (128-layer) |
| Sequential Read/Write Speeds | Up to 550 MB/s Read, 520 MB/s Write | Up to 560 MB/s Read, 530 MB/s Write |
| Random Read/Write Speeds (QD1, up to) | Around 11,000 IOPS Read, 33,000 IOPS Write | Up to 13,000 IOPS Read, 36,000 IOPS Write |
| Endurance (TBW for 1TB model) | 600 TBW | 600 TBW (consistent, but with updated components) |
| Idle Power Consumption | Generally slightly higher | Improved, lower idle power consumption |
⚔️ Alternatives vs SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021)
| Aspect | Crucial MX500 | WD Blue 3D NAND SSD | SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read/Write (Max) | Up to 560 MB/s Read, 510 MB/s Write | Up to 560 MB/s Read, 530 MB/s Write | Up to 560 MB/s Read, 530 MB/s Write |
| Controller | Silicon Motion SM2258 | Marvell 88SS1074 | Samsung MKX Controller |
| NAND Flash | Micron 3D TLC NAND | SanDisk 3D TLC NAND | Samsung V-NAND (128-layer) |
| Endurance (TBW for 1TB model) | 360 TBW | 400 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Software Utility | Crucial Storage Executive | WD SSD Dashboard | Samsung Magician Software |
| Reputation & Support | Strong reputation for value and reliability. | Solid reputation, especially for consistency. | Generally considered a leader in SSD technology and support. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Is the SAMSUNG 870 EVO compatible with older laptops and desktops? Yes, the 870 EVO uses the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor, making it widely compatible with most laptops and desktops that support a 2.5-inch drive bay and SATA 6Gb/s interface.
- Do I need special software to install or use this SSD? No special software is strictly required for basic functionality, as it's a plug-and-play device. However, Samsung offers downloadable Magician software for performance optimization, firmware updates, and drive health monitoring, along with Data Migration software for easy data transfer.
- How does the 870 EVO compare to NVMe SSDs? The 870 EVO utilizes the SATA III interface, which has a theoretical maximum speed of 600 MB/s. NVMe SSDs, which use the PCIe interface, can achieve significantly higher speeds, often in the thousands of MB/s. The 870 EVO is excellent for SATA-based systems but won't match NVMe performance.
- What does TBW mean for SSDs? TBW stands for Terabytes Written, which is a measure of an SSD's endurance, indicating the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might start to degrade. A higher TBW rating suggests greater durability.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The speed increase over my old HDD was instant and dramatic; my computer boots up in seconds now.
- Installation was straightforward, and the Samsung migration tool worked flawlessly to transfer my OS.
- I appreciate the consistent performance; it feels snappy for everyday tasks and even light gaming.
- This drive feels incredibly reliable; I haven't had any issues since putting it in my system.
- The included Magician software is very useful for keeping an eye on the drive's health and performance.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- While fast for a SATA drive, it's still limited by the SATA interface, so don't expect NVMe speeds.
- I didn't notice a huge performance jump coming from an 860 EVO, suggesting it's more of an incremental update.
- For the cost, some other SATA SSDs offer similar performance, which might be a better value for budget builds.
- The cloning software worked, but it took a bit longer than I expected to migrate my large drive.
- It's still a 2.5-inch form factor, which isn't ideal for ultra-thin laptops that only support M.2 drives.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021) |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA 6 Gbps (SATA III) |
| NAND Type | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) |
| Controller | Samsung MKX Controller |
| Cache Memory | Samsung 1GB LPDDR4 (for 1TB model) |
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 530 MB/s |
| Random Read (QD1) | Up to 13,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (QD1) | Up to 36,000 IOPS |
| Endurance (TBW) | 150 TBW (250GB), 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1200 TBW (2TB), 2400 TBW (4TB) |
| AES Encryption | AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption (FDE), TCG/Opal V2.0, Encrypted Drive (IEEE1667) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 - 70 ℃ |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The SAMSUNG 870 EVO (2021) stands out as a highly reliable and performant SATA SSD, ideal for breathing new life into older desktops and laptops still relying on traditional hard drives.
- It offers consistent read and write speeds that significantly enhance system responsiveness for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation, making it a solid upgrade choice.
- While it represents an incremental improvement over its predecessor, the 870 EVO maintains Samsung's reputation for quality, robust endurance, and strong software support.
- However, if your system supports an NVMe drive, you will find faster performance from that interface, which may offer more future-proofing.
- For users seeking a dependable, widely compatible, and well-supported SATA SSD with excellent longevity, the 870 EVO is a compelling option.
