Samsung 860 EVO Review: Performance and Reliability Tested

We’ve put the Samsung 860 EVO through its paces, subjecting it to rigorous benchmarks and real-world tests. From boot times to file transfers, we’ve explored every aspect of this SSD’s performance. Whether you’re a casual user or a demanding professional, our comprehensive review will help you decide if the 860 EVO is the right choice for your needs.

In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Samsung 860 EVO’s capabilities. We’ll start with an overview of the drive, then move on to performance benchmarks and real-world testing. Finally, we’ll discuss compatibility and installation, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get started and see if the Samsung 860 EVO truly deserves its stellar reputation! 💻🚀

Samsung 860 EVO: An Overview

Key features and specifications

The Samsung 860 EVO stands out as a reliable and high-performance SATA SSD. Here are its key features:

• Capacity options: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB
• Form factors: 2.5-inch, mSATA, and M.2
• SATA 6Gb/s interface
• Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC technology
• Samsung MJX controller
• Sequential read/write speeds: Up to 550/520 MB/s
• Random read/write speeds: Up to 98K/90K IOPS
• 5-year warranty or up to 2,400 TBW (Terabytes Written)

Pricing and availability

The Samsung 860 EVO is widely available through various retailers and online marketplaces. Pricing is competitive within the SATA SSD market:

• 250GB: $49.99
• 500GB: $79.99
• 1TB: $149.99
• 2TB: $279.99
• 4TB: $599.99

These prices may vary depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Target audience and use cases

The Samsung 860 EVO caters to a broad range of users:

1. PC enthusiasts seeking a reliable boot drive
2. Content creators requiring fast storage for media files
3. Gamers looking to reduce load times
4. Professionals needing dependable storage for work-related tasks

Common use cases include:

• Upgrading older systems with HDDs
• Expanding storage in laptops or desktops
• Serving as a fast scratch disk for video editing
• Storing and quickly accessing large game libraries

With its balance of performance, reliability, and competitive pricing, the Samsung 860 EVO is an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their system’s storage capabilities. Next, we’ll delve into the performance benchmarks to see how the 860 EVO stacks up against its competitors.

Performance Benchmarks

Now that we’ve covered the overview of the Samsung 860 EVO, let’s dive into its performance benchmarks. These metrics provide valuable insights into the SSD’s capabilities and how it stacks up against its predecessors and competitors.

A. Comparison with previous models

The Samsung 860 EVO shows significant improvements over its predecessor, the 850 EVO. Here’s a quick comparison:

While the improvements may seem incremental, the 860 EVO’s enhanced controller and newer NAND technology contribute to better sustained performance and longevity.

B. IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second)

The 860 EVO demonstrates impressive IOPS performance:

• Random Read (4KB, QD32): Up to 98,000 IOPS
• Random Write (4KB, QD32): Up to 90,000 IOPS

These numbers indicate excellent responsiveness, especially in multi-tasking environments and for applications that require frequent small file operations.

C. Random read/write speeds

Random read/write speeds are crucial for everyday computing tasks. The 860 EVO excels in this area:

• Random Read (4KB, QD1): Up to 10,000 IOPS
• Random Write (4KB, QD1): Up to 42,000 IOPS

These figures translate to snappy performance in tasks like booting up your system, launching applications, and working with small files.

D. Sequential read/write speeds

For large file transfers and content creation, sequential speeds are key:

• Sequential Read: Up to 550 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 520 MB/s

These speeds ensure quick loading times for large applications and swift transfers of hefty files like high-resolution videos or large datasets.

Real-World Performance

Now that we’ve examined the benchmark results, let’s dive into how the Samsung 860 EVO performs in real-world scenarios. This is where the SSD’s true capabilities shine through, impacting your daily computing experience.

Multitasking capabilities

The Samsung 860 EVO excels in multitasking environments. Users can expect smooth performance when:

• Running multiple applications simultaneously
• Editing large files while streaming content
• Performing background operations during intensive tasks

Gaming performance

Gamers will appreciate the 860 EVO’s impact on their gaming experience:

• Reduced load times for game levels
• Faster texture and asset loading
• Smoother frame rates in open-world games

File transfer speeds

The 860 EVO demonstrates impressive file transfer capabilities:

These speeds ensure quick backups and effortless file management for large media collections.

Boot times and application loading

The SSD significantly improves system responsiveness:

1. Windows boot time: Reduced to under 15 seconds
2. Application launch times:
   • Photoshop: Opens in less than 5 seconds
   • Microsoft Office suite: Almost instantaneous load times

Browser startup: Chrome and Firefox load within 2 seconds

Compatibility and Installation

Samsung’s 860 EVO SSD offers seamless compatibility and straightforward installation, making it an excellent choice for users of all technical levels. Let’s explore the key aspects of its compatibility and installation process.

A. Included software and utilities

Samsung provides a comprehensive suite of software tools to enhance your SSD experience:

1. Samsung Magician Software: Helps optimize performance and monitor drive health
2. Data Migration Software: Simplifies the process of transferring data from your old drive

B. Ease of installation

Installing the Samsung 860 EVO is a straightforward process:

1. Connect the SSD to your system using a SATA cable
2. Secure the drive in your computer’s drive bay
3. Connect the power cable
4. Boot your system and format the drive if necessary

C. Interface compatibility

The 860 EVO supports the widely-used SATA III (6Gb/s) interface, ensuring broad compatibility with most modern systems. It’s also backward compatible with SATA II and SATA I interfaces, though at reduced speeds.

D. Form factor options

To accommodate various devices and user needs, the 860 EVO comes in multiple form factors:

• 2.5-inch: Standard size for laptops and desktops
• mSATA: Compact size for ultra-thin laptops and mini-PCs
• M.2 SATA: Slim form factor for newer laptops and compact desktops

This range of options ensures that whether you’re upgrading a desktop, laptop, or compact device, there’s an 860 EVO that fits your needs.

The Samsung 860 EVO stands out as a reliable and high-performing SSD, offering impressive benchmarks and real-world performance. Its compatibility across various systems and straightforward installation process make it an attractive option for users looking to upgrade their storage. The drive’s consistent speeds and durability ensure it can handle demanding tasks with ease, whether for casual use or professional applications.