When it comes to high-performance storage solutions, Samsung SSDs are often at the top of the list for many users. Two popular options from the Korean tech giant are the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and the Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD. While both drives offer exceptional performance and reliability, they cater to different needs and use cases. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, specifications, and performance of these two Samsung SSDs to help you decide which one is best for your specific requirements.
Interface and Performance
The most significant difference between the two drives is their interface. The Samsung 980 PRO uses the PCIe 4.0 NVMe protocol, which offers significantly faster speeds than the SATA III interface used by the Samsung 870 EVO. The 980 PRO boasts sequential read and write speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and 5000 MB/s, respectively, making it one of the fastest consumer SSDs available. In contrast, the 870 EVO has a maximum sequential read speed of 560 MB/s and a write speed of 530 MB/s.
The PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface provides a substantial performance boost, especially in applications that require high-speed storage, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling. The Samsung 980 PRO is designed to take full advantage of the latest motherboard chipsets and CPUs, making it an excellent choice for users with modern systems.
Capacity and Compatibility
Both drives are available in various capacities, ranging from 250GB to 1TB for the 870 EVO and 250GB to 2TB for the 980 PRO. The 980 PRO also offers a higher capacity option of 4TB, which is ideal for users who require massive storage for their files and applications.
In terms of compatibility, the Samsung 870 EVO is compatible with a wider range of systems, including older motherboards and laptops that only support SATA III. The 980 PRO, on the other hand, requires a PCIe 4.0 NVMe-compatible motherboard to function at its full potential.
Power Consumption and Reliability
The Samsung 980 PRO has a slightly higher power consumption than the 870 EVO, with an active power consumption of up to 6.2W compared to the 870 EVO's 2.5W. However, this increased power consumption is a small price to pay for the significant performance gains offered by the 980 PRO.
Both drives are built with reliability in mind, featuring Samsung's renowned V-NAND technology and a robust controller design. The 980 PRO has an endurance rating of up to 600 TBW (terabytes written), while the 870 EVO has an endurance rating of up to 300 TBW. This means that both drives can withstand heavy usage and provide years of reliable service.
Price and Value
The Samsung 980 PRO is generally more expensive than the 870 EVO, especially at higher capacities. However, the performance difference between the two drives justifies the price premium for users who require the absolute best storage performance.
For users on a budget or those with less demanding storage needs, the Samsung 870 EVO offers excellent value and performance at a lower price point. The 870 EVO is an excellent choice for general computing tasks, such as web browsing, office work, and streaming media.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD and the Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD cater to different needs and use cases. The 980 PRO offers exceptional performance and is ideal for users who require the fastest storage available, such as gamers, content creators, and heavy users. The 870 EVO, on the other hand, provides excellent value and performance for general computing tasks and is compatible with a wider range of systems.
When choosing between these two Samsung SSDs, consider your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute best performance and have a modern system that supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe, the 980 PRO is the clear winner. However, if you're on a budget or have less demanding storage needs, the 870 EVO offers excellent value and performance at a lower price point. Ultimately, both drives are excellent choices in the world of Samsung SSDs, and you can't go wrong with either option.
