The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →BiCS FLASH is KIOXIA’s branded 3D NAND, and V-NAND is Samsung’s. Both stack memory cells vertically, but their manufacturers use different process implementations and develop them through changing generations. Neither name alone establishes that an SSD is faster, more reliable, or better value: the drive’s controller, DRAM, interface, capacity, firmware, and intended workload matter too.
What BiCS FLASH and V-NAND mean
BiCS FLASH and V-NAND are vendor names for their respective 3D NAND technologies. The shared idea is to arrange memory cells vertically in layers. The manufacturers’ descriptions show different ways of building and refining those structures, not a controlled comparison proving one brand superior.
KIOXIA BiCS FLASH
KIOXIA describes BiCS as a batch-processing approach. It stacks plate-shaped control-gate electrodes and insulating layers, forms holes through the stack, then fills them with charge-storage material and column electrodes. A cell forms where a plate and column intersect. In KIOXIA’s description, cells are formed across the stack rather than by adding each cell layer individually. KIOXIA’s BiCS FLASH overview also records historical commercialization milestones: 48 layers in 2015, 96 in 2018, 112 in 2020, and 162 in 2022. These milestones are historical, not a statement of the latest generation.
Samsung V-NAND
Samsung describes V-NAND as vertically stacked flash-cell layers and identifies its cells as charge-trap flash (CTF). Its explanation of 9th-generation manufacturing describes pairs of oxide and nitride layers, replacement of nitride with metal to form gate word lines, and etching high-aspect-ratio channel holes. See Samsung’s 9th-generation V-NAND explanation and its CTF technology overview.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560 530 MB/s sequential speeds,* accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer, Designed for gamers and professionals to handle heavy workloads of high-end PCs, workstations and NAS
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task — from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 600 TBW** under a 5-year limited warranty***
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: The 870 EVO has been compatibility tested**** for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest
How the generations compare—and why layer counts can mislead
KIOXIA’s current BiCS FLASH product-range page describes generations 8, 9, and 10. KIOXIA associates generation 8 with CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) and OPS (On Pitch Select Gate), positions generation 9 TLC products for performance and power efficiency at low-to-mid capacities, and states that generation 10 has 332 layers. Those are KIOXIA’s own technology descriptions and positioning claims, not an independently verified ranking against Samsung.
Samsung’s cited 9th-generation article explains manufacturing details but does not provide a directly comparable cross-company data table. Layer-count comparisons need matching context: generation, publication date, active-layer definition, and cell type. A larger count by itself does not prove a consumer SSD will be faster or more reliable.
Rank #2
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560 530 MB/s sequential speeds,* accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task — from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 600 TBW** under a 5-year limited warranty***
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: The 870 EVO has been compatibility tested**** for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest
Do the technologies make one SSD faster?
Not on the evidence available here. KIOXIA notes that SSD performance also depends on controller data-parallelism management, DRAM capacity and speed, PCIe bandwidth, and NAND interface speed. Capacity, firmware, and workload also shape the experience. The useful comparison is between complete drive models tested for the relevant capacity and use—not an assumption based on the NAND logo.
Figures published by the manufacturers illustrate why generation and attribution matter:
Rank #3
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
- KIOXIA’s July 2026 BiCS generation 8 technical brief reports NAND I/O speed of up to 3.6 Gb/s and bit density above 23 Gb/mm². These are NAND technology figures, not a promise that a retail SSD will deliver equivalent application-level speed. The brief is linked from KIOXIA’s BiCS product-range page.
- Samsung reported that its sixth-generation V-NAND, described as a 136-layer structure, delivered over 10% higher performance and more than 15% lower power consumption than its predecessor. These are Samsung’s claims about its own prior generation, not results against KIOXIA. See Samsung’s sixth-generation V-NAND announcement.
Does NAND type matter when choosing an SSD?
It can be one part of the design, but the brand name alone is not enough to choose a drive. Compare the complete SSD against your system and workload:
- Compatibility: Check the interface and form factor your computer supports, such as the relevant PCIe/NVMe specification.
- Capacity: Compare the exact capacity you plan to buy; performance and product configurations can vary by capacity.
- Workload-specific testing: Look for independent tests of the exact drive model in tasks resembling yours, rather than extrapolating from NAND-generation claims.
- Endurance and warranty: Compare the drive’s stated endurance rating and warranty terms for the specific model and region.
- Thermals and power: Consider sustained performance, cooling needs, and power behavior, particularly in compact laptops or heavy workloads.
- Price: Compare current prices for equivalent capacities and specifications; no current price comparison between BiCS- and V-NAND-equipped drives is established here.
KIOXIA lists client NVMe SSDs among products incorporating BiCS FLASH, but the NAND configuration of a particular retail listing can vary or may not be stated. Verify the exact model’s specifications rather than assuming a drive uses a particular NAND type based on a broad product category.
Rank #4
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
Is BiCS better than V-NAND?
There is no universal winner established by the cited material. It does not provide a controlled head-to-head test of BiCS and V-NAND at the same generation, capacity, controller, and workload, or a neutral overall ranking for speed, reliability, or value. Compare specific finished SSDs and the evidence relevant to your needs; treat each maker’s generation claims as vendor-scoped.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology.Computer Platform:PC.Encryption : Class 0 (AES 256) TCG/Opal v2.0, MS eDrive (IEEE1667), Environmental Specs - Shock : 1,500 G & 0.5 ms (Half sine).
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance with 870 EVO, which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds, Accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- INDUSTRY DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 2,400 TBW
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: 870 EVO has been compatibility tested for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices. Interface- SATA 6GB/s, compatible with SATA 3GB/s and SATA 1.5GB/s interfaces
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.
