Samsung 870 EVO
Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC Technology | MKX Controller Optimization | Intelligent TurboWrite Technology
Introduction
The Samsung 870 EVO represents the pinnacle of SATA SSD technology, offering a balance of reliability, performance, and backward compatibility for legacy systems. As one of the last high-end 2.5-inch SATA drives released before the industry’s full transition to NVMe interfaces, it remains a critical upgrade path for users seeking to revitalize older hardware or expand storage in SATA-dependent environments. Its combination of mature NAND architecture and optimized firmware caters to enthusiasts, professionals, and everyday users who prioritize sustained performance over cutting-edge interface speeds.
Product Overview
The Samsung 870 EVO is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD designed for desktop and laptop upgrades. Available in capacities ranging from 250 GB to 4 TB, it leverages Samsung’s fifth-generation 128-layer V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) flash memory and a proprietary MKX controller. The drive targets users requiring dependable storage for multitasking, content creation, and gaming, particularly in systems lacking PCIe/NVMe support. With a five-year limited warranty and endurance ratings up to 2,400 TBW (terabytes written) for the 4 TB model, it emphasizes longevity and consistent performance.
Key Features
Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC Technology
The 870 EVO utilizes vertically stacked 3D NAND flash memory, which increases density and reduces latency compared to planar NAND. This architecture enhances write endurance and power efficiency, making the drive suitable for both light and heavy workloads.
MKX Controller Optimization
Samsung’s in-house MKX controller manages wear leveling, error correction, and garbage collection. It supports AES 256-bit encryption and improves random read performance by up to 38% over the previous-generation 860 EVO, ensuring smoother operation during fragmented data access.
Intelligent TurboWrite Technology
A dynamic SLC caching mechanism allocates up to 42 GB of buffer space (on the 1 TB model) to accelerate sustained write speeds. This allows the drive to maintain peak sequential write performance of 530 MB/s even during large file transfers, though performance throttles to 300–530 MB/s once the cache is exhausted, depending on capacity.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
The 870 EVO delivers sequential read and write speeds of up to 560 MB/s and 530 MB/s, respectively, saturating the SATA III interface’s bandwidth. These figures align with industry-leading SATA SSDs and represent a 12% improvement in sequential writes over QLC-based drives like the 870 QVO.
Random Performance
Random 4K read/write performance reaches 98,000 IOPS and 88,000 IOPS at queue depth 32 (QD32), with QD1 performance hitting 13,000 IOPS (read) and 36,000 IOPS (write). Real-world benchmarks show slightly lower results—approximately 75,000 IOPS (read) and 63,000 IOPS (write) at QD32—but still outperform most SATA competitors.
Thermal Management
While the 870 EVO operates efficiently under moderate loads, sustained heavy workloads can trigger thermal throttling. The drive lacks an integrated heatsink, and user reports indicate temperatures exceeding 50°C during extended file transfers, potentially causing instability in poorly ventilated systems. Proper airflow or aftermarket cooling solutions are recommended for write-intensive applications.
Compatibility
Desktops and Laptops
The 870 EVO is fully compatible with all systems supporting 2.5-inch SATA III drives, including legacy laptops and workstations. For example, it functions flawlessly in Dell Precision M4800 laptops when installed in the primary storage bay or via an optical drive caddy adapter. The drive’s 7mm thickness ensures compatibility with ultra-slim chassis, and Samsung’s Magician software enables firmware updates and performance monitoring across Windows and Linux environments.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
Endurance: With up to 2,400 TBW, the 4 TB model offers enterprise-grade durability for consumer workloads.
Backward Compatibility: SATA III support ensures seamless integration with older systems, extending the lifespan of aging hardware.
Constraints
Interface Limitations: The SATA III bottleneck caps sequential speeds at ~560 MB/s, far below modern NVMe drives.
Thermal Sensitivity: Prolonged heavy usage may necessitate additional cooling to prevent performance drops.
Conclusion
The Samsung 870 EVO remains a stalwart choice for SATA-based storage upgrades, particularly in systems where NVMe adoption is impractical. Its robust endurance, consistent performance, and broad compatibility make it ideal for users upgrading older PCs, expanding secondary storage, or building cost-effective NAS arrays. While it cannot match PCIe 4.0/5.0 SSDs in raw speed, its reliability and value solidify its position as a cornerstone of the SATA SSD market.
Works Cited
“Samsung 870 EVO SSD Review.” StorageReview, www.storagereview.com/review/samsung-870-evo-ssd-review.
“The Samsung 870 EVO (1TB & 4TB) Review.” AnandTech, www.anandtech.com/show/16480/the-samsung-870-evo-ssd-1tb-4tb-review.
“Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD Review.” Legit Reviews, www.legitreviews.com/samsung-870-evo-sata-ssd-review-1tb-and-4tb-benchmarked_225276.
