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The Samsung SM825 is a legacy enterprise SATA SSD built for write-intensive data-center workloads. StorageReview’s 2012 tests found strong steady-state random-write performance, but its SATA 3.0 Gb/s interface and weaker read-heavy results limit its appeal for read-dominated use. Anyone considering one today should verify the exact model, physical fit, and condition; the historical review does not establish the health or remaining life of a used drive.
What is the Samsung SM825 SSD?
StorageReview described the SM825 as an enterprise SSD designed for write-intensive data-center workloads. Its January 27, 2012 review reports 30 nm-class Toggle DDR eMLC NAND, a three-core Samsung S3C29MAX01-Y330 ARM controller, and 256 MB of DDR2-800 SDRAM cache. It also lists AES-256 encryption and cache power protection. StorageReview’s SM825 review is the source for the product specifications and test results discussed here.
The drive is not NVMe. It uses a 2.5-inch, 15 mm-high enclosure and a SATA 3.0 Gb/s interface, with native command queuing (NCQ) depth 32. The review says four capacitors protect cached DRAM contents by allowing them to be flushed to NAND after incoming power is lost. After startup, charging can take up to 55 seconds; during that time the cache is disabled and the drive operates in write-through mode.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The review lists three capacities and their specific model identifiers:
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| Capacity | Model number | Reported write endurance |
|---|---|---|
| 100 GB | MZ5EA100HMDR-00003 | 1,700 TBW |
| 200 GB | MZ5EA200HMDR-00003 | 3,500 TBW |
| 400 GB | MZ5EA400HMFP-00003 | 7,000 TBW |
These are specifications reported by StorageReview, not measurements of an individual drive’s remaining life. The review also lists three months of unpowered data retention; that is a reported product specification, not a guarantee for an aged or used unit.
How much endurance does the Samsung SM825 have?
StorageReview lists endurance of 1,700 TBW for the 100 GB model, 3,500 TBW for the 200 GB model, and 7,000 TBW for the 400 GB model. TBW means terabytes written over the drive’s rated life; select the figure for the exact capacity rather than applying one model’s rating to the family. A TBW rating does not reveal how much life remains in a secondhand drive.
Rank #2
- Enterprise grade storage
- 2.5" form factor
- 1920 GB capacity
- SATA 6Gb/s interface
- 1.3 drive writes per day (DWPD)
The same review’s specification table lists a 2-million-hour MTBF and an uncorrectable bit error rate (UBER) of 1 in 1017. These are reported reliability ratings, not a prediction of an individual unit’s lifespan or a promise that a used drive is healthy.
Is the SM825 good for write-intensive workloads?
Its design and historical test results make the SM825 most relevant when sustained writes and endurance matter more than read-heavy throughput. StorageReview tested a 200 GB sample after preconditioning and at steady state, using a Lenovo ThinkServer RD240 with dual Intel Xeon X5650 processors, Windows Server 2008 R2, and an LSI SAS 9211-8i HBA. These are results from that review’s 2012 platform, not contemporary benchmarks or guarantees for another system.
Rank #3
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Steady-state random writes
In 4K random writes at queue depth 32 (QD32), the 200 GB sample reached 9,847 IOPS, with 3.25 ms average latency and a 61.43 ms peak response time. That steady-state result is more informative for sustained write-heavy use than a short burst figure, but it should be compared only with results measured under similar conditions.
Other measured workloads
On the same sample, StorageReview reported 193 MB/s read and 206 MB/s write in a 2 MB sequential test at QD4. In a 2 MB random transfer test at QD4, it recorded 174 MB/s read and 86 MB/s write. The review uses binary units for MB/s.
Rank #4
- Go Big, Do More: The 870 Qvo Is Samsung’S Latest 2Nd Generation Qlc Ssd With Up To 8Tb Of Storage Capacity.Computer Platform:PC.Specific uses: Personal.Compatibility : Compatible with SATA 3 Gbps & 1.5 Gbps interfaces
- Enhanced In Every Way: With An Expanded Sata Interface Limit Of 560/530 Mb/S Sequential Speeds, The 870 Qvo Improves Random Access Speed And Sustained Performance
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For 4K random reads, the sample peaked at 30,510 IOPS at QD16 and sustained that rate through QD64. In the database profile it averaged 15,589 IOPS. Results varied substantially by workload: the SM825 was closer to the SLC comparison drives in database and file-server profiles, but lagged further in read-only profiles.
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| Review workload | SM825 200 GB | Micron P300 100 GB | Toshiba MKx001GRZB 400 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read-only web server | 12,199 IOPS | 16,584 IOPS | 24,193 IOPS |
| Workstation | 6,443 IOPS | 22,926 IOPS | 26,337 IOPS |
StorageReview reported that the SM825 trailed the Toshiba by 25% in its database profile and 22.9% in file server; the reported gaps were 49.6% in read-only web server and 75.5% in workstation. These comparisons reflect the review’s particular drives, workloads, and test platform, not a current market-wide ranking.
Best Value
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- GIVE EVERY TASK A BOOST: It’s all done in an instant. The SATA interface ensures the 870 EVO reaches read/write speeds of up to 560/530 MB/s¹ for the 8TB, 4TB, 2TB and 1TB models, and up to 560/300 MB/s1 for the 500GB and 250GB models², delivering fast transfer speeds
- MASSIVE STORAGE: Choose the storage capacity that fits your needs - from 250GB up to 8TB - and ensure you always have space when you need it with this 8TB SSD
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Count on it to keep working hard. The 870 EVO redefines reliability providing up to 4,800 TBW (Terabytes Written) with a 5-year limited warranty. Go from everyday data saving to processing 4K/8K video with an SSD that has the space you need³
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Designed for reliable performance across a wide range of desktop and laptop systems⁴, the 870 EVO handles heavy-duty applications and everyday file storage with ease
What specifications vary by capacity?
StorageReview’s technical-specification section lists these sustained figures for particular variants; they should not be treated as specifications for every SM825 capacity.
| Variant | Reported sustained specification |
|---|---|
| 400 GB | 250 MB/s read; 220 MB/s write; 43K random-read IOPS; 11K random-write IOPS |
| 100 GB | 110 MB/s sustained write; 5.5K random-write IOPS |
The review lists power figures of 1.8 W read, 3.4 W write, and 1.3 W idle under its stated 100% random 4K workload context. Separately, it reports 5.11 W or less in tested conditions other than startup, with sequential QD4 2 MB writes the most power-hungry tested workload. In a distinct 4K random 70% read/30% write comparison, it measured 3.2 W for the SM825 and 12.6 W for a traditional 15K SAS hard drive. These figures come from different test descriptions and should not be conflated.
What should you check before buying an SM825 today?
The SM825 is an early-2010s product, so the historical specification sheet cannot establish the present condition, support, or value of a particular listing. Current stock, price, warranty, firmware access, and compatibility with a specific host are not established here.
Quick Recap
- Confirm identity: match the label’s full model number and capacity to the variant you intend to buy.
- Check host and bay fit: verify SATA support and clearance for a 15 mm-high 2.5-inch drive. Do not assume a thinner laptop bay will accommodate it.
- Assess the individual drive: request available health or SMART data and usage history. Rated TBW does not substitute for these checks.
- Establish terms independently: confirm return rights, warranty coverage, and any available firmware or support with the seller or manufacturer before purchase.
- Match workload to strengths: consider it for a compatible write-heavy role only if its condition and support situation are acceptable; read-heavy workloads are less aligned with the historical results.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
