What To Know
- The NVMe version of the EVO 860 offers a particularly significant advantage in high-performance applications such as video editing and gaming.
- TBW (Total Bytes Written) is a measure of the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD before it reaches its end of life.
- Kingston offers a 3-year warranty for the A400, while Samsung provides a 5-year warranty for the EVO 860.
In the realm of data storage, the Kingston A400 SSD and Samsung EVO 860 stand as two formidable contenders. Both offer exceptional performance, reliability, and value for money. However, discerning the finer differences between these two SSDs can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. This comprehensive guide will delve into a detailed comparison of the Kingston A400 SSD vs Samsung EVO 860, examining their key features, performance benchmarks, and overall value proposition.
1. Interface and Form Factor
The Kingston A400 SSD utilizes the SATA III interface, a widely adopted standard that provides data transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s. It comes in a standard 2.5-inch form factor, making it compatible with most desktop and laptop computers.
On the other hand, the Samsung EVO 860 supports both the SATA III and NVMe interfaces. The SATA III version offers similar speeds to the A400, while the NVMe version leverages the faster PCIe 3.0 bus to achieve significantly higher transfer rates. The EVO 860 is also available in a smaller M.2 form factor, which is ideal for compact laptops and ultrabooks.
2. Performance Benchmarks
Sequential Read/Write Speeds:
| SSD | Sequential Read Speed | Sequential Write Speed |
| — | — | — |
| Kingston A400 | Up to 500MB/s | Up to 450MB/s |
| Samsung EVO 860 SATA III | Up to 550MB/s | Up to 520MB/s |
| Samsung EVO 860 NVMe | Up to 3,500MB/s | Up to 3,000MB/s |
Random Read/Write Speeds (IOPS):
| SSD | 4K Random Read IOPS | 4K Random Write IOPS |
| — | — | — |
| Kingston A400 | Up to 90,000 | Up to 80,000 |
| Samsung EVO 860 SATA III | Up to 98,000 | Up to 88,000 |
| Samsung EVO 860 NVMe | Up to 550,000 | Up to 520,000 |
As evident from the benchmarks, the Samsung EVO 860 generally outperforms the Kingston A400 in both sequential and random read/write speeds. The NVMe version of the EVO 860 offers a particularly significant advantage in high-performance applications such as video editing and gaming.
3. Endurance and Reliability
Endurance:
| SSD | Total Bytes Written (TBW) |
| — | — |
| Kingston A400 | 60-180 TBW |
| Samsung EVO 860 SATA III | 150-600 TBW |
| Samsung EVO 860 NVMe | 150-1,200 TBW |
TBW (Total Bytes Written) is a measure of the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD before it reaches its end of life. The higher the TBW rating, the more durable the SSD. The Samsung EVO 860 offers a significantly higher TBW rating than the Kingston A400, indicating its superior endurance.
Reliability:
Both the Kingston A400 and Samsung EVO 860 are backed by industry-leading warranties. Kingston offers a 3-year warranty for the A400, while Samsung provides a 5-year warranty for the EVO 860. This demonstrates the manufacturers’ confidence in the reliability of their products.
4. Features and Software
Features:
| SSD | TRIM Support | SMART Monitoring | Encryption |
| — | — | — | — |
| Kingston A400 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Samsung EVO 860 SATA III | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung EVO 860 NVMe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Samsung EVO 860 offers a slight edge in terms of features. It supports hardware encryption, which is essential for protecting sensitive data. Additionally, the EVO 860 comes with Samsung Magician software, which provides advanced diagnostic and performance optimization tools.
5. Pricing and Value
The Kingston A400 SSD is generally more affordable than the Samsung EVO 860. However, it is important to consider the performance and endurance advantages offered by the EVO 860. For users who prioritize speed, reliability, and longevity, the EVO 860 represents a better value proposition despite its higher price.
6. Use Cases
The Kingston A400 SSD is well-suited for general computing tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. It is also a good choice for budget-conscious users who do not require high-performance storage.
The Samsung EVO 860 is ideal for users who demand faster performance, especially in demanding applications such as video editing, gaming, and professional software. The NVMe version of the EVO 860 is particularly suitable for high-end gaming PCs and workstations.
7. Conclusion: The Verdict
Both the Kingston A400 SSD and Samsung EVO 860 are excellent SSDs that offer a range of benefits. The A400 is a great value option for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic performance. The EVO 860, on the other hand, is the clear winner for users who seek the best possible performance, endurance, and feature set. Ultimately, the choice between these two SSDs depends on your specific needs and budget.
FAQ
1. Which SSD is faster, the Kingston A400 or Samsung EVO 860?
The Samsung EVO 860 generally outperforms the Kingston A400 in both sequential and random read/write speeds, especially in the NVMe version.
2. Which SSD is more durable, the Kingston A400 or Samsung EVO 860?
The Samsung EVO 860 offers a significantly higher TBW rating than the Kingston A400, indicating its superior endurance.
3. Which SSD has more features, the Kingston A400 or Samsung EVO 860?
The Samsung EVO 860 offers more features, including hardware encryption and Samsung Magician software for advanced diagnostics and performance optimization.
