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Slow computers and laptops are enough to drive anyone crazy. Because of all the videos, movies, files, and photos, we store on our computers, the workload soon starts to take its toll. Freeing up some of this space is essential for the best performance.
We are going to compare two solid-state drives, the ADATA SU800 vs Samsung 860 Evo. We will look at their storage capacities, transfer speeds, technology, and value for money. The side-by-side chart and pros and cons of the SSDs will help us decide which is the better buy.
There are a few similarities between the ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo. We will start with these.
ADATA SU800 vs Samsung Evo 860 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below has a recap of all of the specifications of the ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo.
ADATA SU800 |
Samsung 860 Evo |
|
| Image |  |
 |
| Size | 3.95 x 2.75 x 0.28 inches | 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.27 inches |
| Weight | 1.6oz | 2.12oz |
| Form Factor | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches |
| Storage Capacities | 128GB, 250GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| SATA 6.0 Gb/s | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Windows 7, 8.1, 10 | Windows, Mac OS, Linux |
| Read Speeds | 560MB/s | 550MB/s |
| Write Speeds | 520MB/s | 520MB/s |
| Cache | SLC caching and DRAM memory cache buffer | DRAM |
| Technology | 3D NAND Technology, RAID Engine and Data Shaping, LDPC ECC, ADATA Toolbox software | Samsung Magician software, Intelligent TurboWrite Technology, V-NAND, Data encryption, ECC |
| Workload | Not stated | 1,200TBW |
| MTBF | 2 million hours | 1.5 million hours |
| Warranty | 3 Year limited | 5 years or up to 2,400TBW |
| Price |
Appearance
Although they look different, it’s not something that really affects the decision as they won’t be seen. The ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo have a 2.5-inch form factor, so the size and weight are almost identical. The ADATA SU800 is 3.95 x 2.75 x 0.28 inches and 1.6 ounces. The Samsung 860 Evo measures 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.27 inches and is 2.12 ounces.
SATA 6.0 GB/s
The ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo are third-generation SATA 6.0 Gb/s solid-state drives. The bandwidth throughput is up to 600MB/s.
Read and Write Speeds
Data transfer is incredibly fast. The ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo have to write speeds of up to 520MB/s. The ADATA SU800 has read speeds of up to 560MB/s and the Samsung 860 Evo, 550MB/s—not enough to make a considerable difference.
That is actually all of the similarities, so now we will look at the ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo’s features that are different.
Differences Between ADATA SU800 and Samsung Evo 860
Storage Capacities
The storage capacity you choose will depend on your needs but there is a good range of sizes with both brands.
ADATA SU800
You can choose between 128GB, 250GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Samsung 860 Evo
There is the same number of options but with larger capacities. There is a 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB SSDs.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – ADATA SU800 vs Samsung 850 EVO: Which Solid State Drives are Better?
Compatibility
Before making a final decision, you should check that the drives are compatible with the operating system version you run.
ADATA SU800
It is listed as being compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Some people have been able to run them with Mac OS but there is no guarantee.
Samsung 860 Evo
You can run this drive with Windows, Mac OS, and even Linux.
The Winner Is- The Samsung 860 Evo
The Cache
The cache of a solid-state drive helps both the performance and the transfer speeds.
ADATA SU800
This combines SLC caching with a DRAM memory cache buffer. SLC stores one bit of data per cell meaning it is faster and doesn’t consume as much power. DRAM or Dynamic Random Access Memory, an efficient way to store data.
Samsung 860 Evo
The solid drive state uses a DRAM cache.
The Winner Is – The ADATA SU800
Read next – ADATA SU800 vs ADATA SU650: Which Solid State Drives are Better?
Technology
There is a range of technology with drives that help boost performance and ease of use.
ADATA SU800
The SSD uses 3D NAND Technology. It has RAID Engine and Data Shaping for data encryption. LDPC ECC stands for Low-density parity-check error-correcting code, which reduces the chance of errors. Finally, you have the ADATA Toolbox software.
Samsung 860 Evo
This is a V-NAND Technology, data encryption, and Intelligent TurboWrite Technology. There is also ECC, and it comes with Samsung Magician software.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Workload
The workload is measured in TBW, terabytes written.
ADATA SU800
There is no information about the terabytes written.
Samsung 860 Evo
The workload for this solid-state drive is 1,200TBW.
The Winner Is- The Samsung 860 Evo
MTBF
The Mean Time Before Failure speaks to the reliability of a drive.
ADATA SU800
The MTBF is 2 million hours.
Samsung 860 Evo
The MTBF is 1.5 million hours.
The Winner Is- The ADATA SU800
Value for Money
For an accurate comparison of value for money, we looked at the 1TB.
ADATA SU800
It’s a little bit cheaper, maybe you can save $15-$20. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Samsung 860 Evo
Although it is more expensive, the warranty is for 5 years or up to 2,400TBW.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons will help to highlight any further differences between the ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo.
ADATA SU800
Pros:
- Very easy installation and setup
- Boosts PC startup time
- Read and write speeds as good as expected
Cons:
- There have been a few issues with durability
Samsung 860 Evo
Pros:
- Data transfer speeds exceed expectations
- Excellent choice for gamers
- Better compatibility
Cons:
- It does not quite plug and play
The Final Verdict
There were only a few features that made the decision easier. While on paper, the ADATA SU800 and the Samsung 860 Evo are very similar. They have the same read and write speeds and the technology and software are impressive. It’s a shame you are limited to Windows with the ADATA SU800 and this makes the decision for MAC and Linux users easier. We felt that the Samsung 860 Evo was slightly better because of the reliability and faster data transfer.