Samsung Evo vs Pro

When it comes to storage an SSD is essential, especially in a gaming PC. If you are looking for an SSD, you have likely come across the EVO and PRO. Both are created by Samsung, but which is the better option for gaming?

In this article, we will be talking you through both of these SSD models. We will be focusing on specifics such as memory, R/W speed, connection, and capacity to find the best option for you.

The first thing that you need to consider when you purchase an SSD is the connection. This is important because you will want to ensure that the SSD card is compatible with your motherboard. It is the connection that determines this.

When purchasing an SSD for gaming, there are two types of form factors in particular that you will need to consider – NVMe and SATA. Both types of SSD are great choices, but an NVMe SSD typically performs better as it connects straight to the motherboard and draws power from it.

The NVMe SSD is connected to the M.2 port located on the motherboard, whereas the SATA’s plug into the SATA drive. SATA SSDs are typically bigger than NVMe SSDs.

Within the EVO and PRO range, here are the options available:

EVO

870 EVO- SATA
970 EVO -NVMe

PRO

860 PRO – SATA
970 PRO- NVMe
980 PRO – NVMe

In total there are five different options to choose between within the EVO and PRO range. There is a mixture of both SATA and NVMe choices. While all are suitable for use in a gaming PC, the NVMe models overall are likely to be the better choices.

In addition to the SSD connection the interface used is also important. All of these SSDs bar the 980 PRO use a PCIe 3.0 interface. While this is good, PCIe 4.0 is available. The 980 PRO uses PCIe 4.0 and is the more future-proof model.

When it comes to SSD specifications the read and write speeds are two of the most important aspects of gaming.

The read speed is what measures the time it takes for files to be sequentially read from the solid-state drive. The write speed records how long it takes for files to be sequentially written and saved onto the solid-state drive.

Here are the read and write speeds for each model of Samsung EVO and PRO SSD:

870 EVO

Sequential Read – Up to 560MB/s
Random Read (4KB, QD32) – Up to 98,000 IOPS

Sequential Write – Up tp 530MB/s
Random Write (4KB, QD32) – Up to 88,000 IOPS

970 EVO

Sequential Read – Up to 3500MB/s
Random Read (4KB, QD32) – Up to 500,000 IOPS (1 & 2TB)

Sequential Write – Up to 3300MB/s
Random Write (4KB, QD32) – Up to 480,000 IOPS (2TB)

860 PRO

Sequential Read – Up to 560MB/s
Random Read (4KB, QD32) – Up to 100,000 IOPS

Sequential Write – Up to 530MB/s
Random Write (4KB, QD32) – 90,000 IOPS

970 PRO

Sequential Read – Up to 3500MB/s
Random Read (4KB, QD32) – 15,000 IOPS

Sequential Write – Up to Up to 2700MB/s
Random Write (4KB, QD32) – Up to 500,000 IOPS

980 PRO

Sequential Read – Up to 7000MB/s (1TB)
Random Read (4KB, QD32) – 1,000,000 IOPS

Sequential Write – Up to 5000MB/s (1TB)
Random Write (4KB, QD32) – Up to 1,000,000 IOPS

From looking at the specs, it is clear to see that the NVMe SSDs are far quicker in their read and write speeds when compared to the SATA model. In addition to this, the 980 PRO being the newest and highest spec model is the clear winner. If you are looking for an impressive SSD this is the best option overall.

SSD cards are used to store data, given this, the capacity of the SSD you choose is important. When it comes to gaming you will want to ensure that your SSD has a sufficient capacity for you to save and store your games with no issues.

The lowest amount of memory you should consider for gaming is 500GB, anything below this will quickly fill up. Ideally, you should look to purchase a 1TB and higher SSD, especially if you mainly play next-generation AAA games that use up a lot of storage space.

Here are the capacity options available for the EVO and PRO:

870 EVO – 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
970 EVO – 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB

860 PRO – 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 2048GB, 4096GB
970 PRO – 512GB, 1024GB
980 PRO – 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB

From looking at the capacity options, the SATA SSDs have the best memory overall. Though the 970 EVO and 980 PRO NVMe SSDs still have an impressive amount of storage capacity.

While many of the SSDs offer 250GB capacity, while these are the cheaper options, we would not recommend this capacity for gaming. While the 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options are the best overall, they are more expensive in comparison to the 500GB options.

The load speeds are certainly worth taking into consideration when you are purchasing an SSD for gaming. The load speeds will determine how quickly your game will load. If the loading speeds of your SSD are particularly low, you will have problems loading your games with no lag.

In addition to the loading times of the game, the load speeds will also have some impact on gameplay too as the game will draw on the memory of the SSD while it is playing. If the load speeds are not quick enough, gameplay can be slowed down on the whole.

It is clear to see from the speed specifications that while the SATA EVO and PRO have reasonably good results, they cannot match the speeds of the NVMe SSDs. The NVMe read and write speeds are around 6 times faster. When you consider this, they will be able to provide a far better gaming experience in comparison to the SATA SSDs.

Overall, the 980 PRO does have the best write speeds. It is particularly fast and is the most future proof of all of the cards. However, it is more expensive.

Overall, the Samsung PRO SSDs are the better option for gaming, they have the best specifications overall. However, when you compare the NVMe and SATA SSDs of both models, the NVMe is by far the superior option.

While NVMe SSDs are slightly more expensive when compared to the SATA’s, they will improve your loading speeds which will have a more positive effect on your gaming.

The PRO 970 is the best option featured by Samsung. It is the most future proof and uses the newest PCIe interface. It features the best speeds overall and has good capacity too. However, it is the most expensive option.

If you are shopping on a budget, the 870 EVO or 860 PRO are great options to consider.