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The Samsung 870 EVO is a capable 2.5-inch SATA SSD for upgrading a computer or storage device that accepts SATA drives. Its performance is near the practical ceiling of the SATA interface, with strong small-file results in independent reviews. It is not an M.2 drive, and a compatible NVMe SSD is usually the better comparison for a new system with an available M.2 slot. Whether the 870 EVO is worth buying depends on fit, capacity, and its current price—not its original launch pricing.
What the Samsung 870 EVO is—and who it suits
The 870 EVO is a 2.5-inch SSD that connects over SATA 6Gbps. It is intended for a desktop, laptop, or NAS that has a compatible 2.5-inch bay and SATA connection. Samsung also lists backward compatibility with SATA 3Gbps and 1.5Gbps, though an older host can limit performance. Check the device manual for drive dimensions, connector type, bay availability, and any capacity restrictions before ordering. Samsung’s datasheet lists 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models.
This is a sensible candidate when a machine needs a 2.5-inch SATA replacement or capacity upgrade. If you are building or upgrading a system that supports M.2 NVMe, compare NVMe alternatives before choosing SATA: the 870 EVO cannot exceed the limits of its interface.
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Samsung rates the drive for sequential reads up to 560MB/s and writes up to 530MB/s, plus up to 98,000 random-read and 88,000 random-write IOPS. These are manufacturer maximums, not guarantees for every computer or workload; Samsung notes that performance varies with firmware, hardware, and configuration. The write ratings use Intelligent TurboWrite. Once that cache region is exhausted during a long write, Samsung lists sequential write speeds of 300MB/s for the 250GB and 500GB models, and 530MB/s for the 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models. The datasheet contains the test qualifications.
#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
Independent reviews support the view that the 870 EVO is a strong SATA performer, especially for small-file operations. TechRadar measured 564.07MB/s sequential read and 535.34MB/s sequential write in CrystalDiskMark on its 2021 test setup; those results are specific to that test system and benchmark. Comparisons among the best SATA drives are constrained by the interface, so small performance differences should not outweigh fit, capacity, warranty, and price.
How it compares with NVMe
In TechRadar’s 2021 tests, the Samsung 980 NVMe drive was more than five times faster than the 870 EVO in synthetic benchmarks and three times faster in file transfers. That is a result from that review’s test setup, not a universal multiplier for every NVMe drive or workload. It does illustrate the interface gap: if your computer has a usable M.2 slot that supports NVMe, compare the alternatives on total cost, capacity, device compatibility, and the work you actually do. TechRadar’s review explains its test comparison.
Rank #2
- 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
Capacities, endurance, and warranty
Samsung’s 2021 ratings pair each capacity with a total bytes written (TBW) limit. The limited warranty lasts five years or until the relevant TBW limit is reached, whichever comes first. Warranty coverage and service eligibility can depend on region and purchase circumstances; check Samsung’s applicable terms for your market.
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|---|---|---|
| 250GB | 150TBW | Five years or 150TBW, whichever comes first |
| 500GB | 300TBW | Five years or 300TBW, whichever comes first |
| 1TB | 600TBW | Five years or 600TBW, whichever comes first |
| 2TB | 1,200TBW | Five years or 1,200TBW, whichever comes first |
| 4TB | 2,400TBW | Five years or 2,400TBW, whichever comes first |
These are Samsung’s published ratings, not a prediction of when an individual drive will fail. PCWorld reported that its own 4TB sample failed on August 1, 2026, after its five-year warranty period but before it reached the rated 2,400TBW. That single sample event does not establish a population failure rate or show that other units will behave the same way. Keep important files backed up independently of the SSD.
Rank #3
- 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.Specific uses: Business, personal
- 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
Features, software, and practical trade-offs
Samsung lists TLC (3-bit MLC) V-NAND and a DRAM cache that varies by capacity. The drive supports AES 256-bit full-disk encryption and TCG Opal 2.0. Samsung Magician is the manufacturer’s management software; Tom’s Hardware describes its use for SMART-based health monitoring, applicable firmware updates, secure erase, and benchmarking. Tom’s Hardware also says Samsung supplies migration software. Back up important data before attempting a drive migration or clone; software cannot eliminate the risk of choosing the wrong source or destination drive or encountering an interruption.
The main trade-off is straightforward: the 870 EVO is a well-equipped, mature SATA option, but it cannot deliver NVMe-class throughput. PCWorld’s 2021 review found it faster in small-file operations than competing SATA drives while also describing it as pricier at that time. That is not a guide to today’s relative prices. PCWorld noted higher prices in a September 2026 update, but no live market price or current price comparison is established here. Check the price of the capacity you need at purchase time rather than relying on launch-era figures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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, 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
Rank #4
- 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
Should you buy the Samsung 870 EVO?
- Consider it if your device specifically takes a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, you need one of its available capacities, and its current price makes sense against compatible alternatives.
- Compare other SATA drives on sustained writes after cache, endurance rating, warranty terms, encryption and management features, and performance in relevant workloads—not just headline sequential speeds.
- Compare NVMe instead if your system has an available M.2 slot that supports NVMe. Check compatibility, capacity, cost, and real workflow needs; the faster interface may be a better system-drive choice.
- Plan for backups regardless of the SSD’s endurance rating or brand. An SSD is not a substitute for a separate copy of important data.
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.
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