What To Know
- The 660p has a rated endurance of 200TBW (Terabytes Written), while the 970 EVO boasts a more robust 600TBW.
- The 660p offers a lower price point, especially at the lower capacities, making it a more economical choice for budget-conscious users.
- After weighing all the factors, the Samsung 970 EVO emerges as the superior choice for users seeking the ultimate in SSD performance, endurance, and features.
In the realm of solid-state drives (SSDs), two titans emerge: the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO. These NVMe-based drives offer blistering speeds, ample storage, and cutting-edge technology. However, which one is the ultimate choice for discerning users? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of both SSDs, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and how they stack up against each other.
Performance: A Lightning-Fast Showdown
The Intel SSD 660p and Samsung 970 EVO both boast impressive performance. The 660p delivers sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,800/1,000 MB/s, while the 970 EVO pushes those limits to 3,500/3,300 MB/s.
For random read/write operations, the 970 EVO takes a clear lead. It offers up to 500,000/550,000 IOPS, significantly higher than the 660p’s 180,000/220,000 IOPS. This superior IOPS performance translates into faster application loading times and smoother multitasking.
Endurance: Longevity and Reliability
Endurance is crucial for SSDs, especially for those used in demanding workloads. The 660p and 970 EVO employ different NAND flash technologies: 3D QLC (Quad-Level Cell) for the 660p and 3D TLC (Triple-Level Cell) for the 970 EVO.
QLC NAND offers higher storage capacity at a lower cost but comes with a trade-off in endurance. The 660p has a rated endurance of 200TBW (Terabytes Written), while the 970 EVO boasts a more robust 600TBW. This means that the 970 EVO is better suited for write-intensive applications or users who prioritize longevity.
Capacity and Price: Finding the Sweet Spot
Both the 660p and 970 EVO are available in a range of capacities, from 250GB to 2TB. The 660p offers a lower price point, especially at the lower capacities, making it a more economical choice for budget-conscious users. However, the 970 EVO’s superior performance and endurance come at a premium.
Form Factor and Compatibility
The Intel SSD 660p and Samsung 970 EVO both utilize the M.2 2280 form factor, making them compatible with most modern laptops and desktops that support NVMe drives. However, the 970 EVO also offers a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, while the 660p is limited to PCIe 3.0 x2. This difference may impact performance in systems with limited PCIe bandwidth.
Additional Features: Value-Added Extras
The Samsung 970 EVO comes with several additional features that enhance its value. It supports Samsung‘s Magician software, which provides advanced monitoring and optimization tools. It also features Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to prevent overheating and maintain consistent performance.
Wrap-Up: The Victor Emerges
After weighing all the factors, the Samsung 970 EVO emerges as the superior choice for users seeking the ultimate in SSD performance, endurance, and features. Its blistering speeds, robust endurance, and comprehensive software suite make it an ideal choice for demanding workloads, creative professionals, and gamers.
While the Intel SSD 660p offers a more economical option, its lower performance and endurance may not be sufficient for users with intensive needs. However, for those on a budget or who prioritize capacity over speed, the 660p remains a solid choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which SSD is better for gaming, the 660p or 970 EVO?
The Samsung 970 EVO is the better choice for gaming due to its superior random read/write performance, which results in faster loading times and smoother gameplay.
2. Can I use the 660p or 970 EVO as my primary boot drive?
Yes, both the 660p and 970 EVO are suitable for use as a primary boot drive. They offer fast boot times and improved system responsiveness.
3. Which SSD has a longer warranty?
The Samsung 970 EVO has a longer warranty of 5 years compared to the Intel SSD 660p’s 3-year warranty.
