What To Know
- At the time of writing, the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB retails for around $60, while the Kingston A400 240GB is priced at around $50.
- The Kingston A400 240GB, while slightly slower and with a smaller capacity, is a more budget-friendly option that still provides reliable performance for basic computing needs.
- The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Kingston A400 240GB has a 3-year warranty.
In the realm of storage devices, Samsung and Kingston stand as industry titans. Their solid-state drives (SSDs) have earned accolades for their performance, reliability, and value. This blog post delves into a detailed comparison between two of their popular offerings: the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB and the Kingston A400 240GB. By examining their key specifications, performance benchmarks, and overall user experience, we aim to provide an informed decision-making guide for those seeking a high-quality SSD upgrade.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB boasts impressive read and write speeds of up to 540MB/s and 520MB/s, respectively. This translates to lightning-fast boot times, program loading, and file transfers. On the other hand, the Kingston A400 240GB offers slightly slower speeds of 500MB/s for reads and 450MB/s for writes. While still respectable, the difference in speed may be noticeable in demanding applications or during large file transfers.
Capacity: Storage Space
With a capacity of 250GB, the Samsung 850 EVO provides ample storage for most users. It can comfortably accommodate an operating system, essential applications, and a sizeable collection of files and media. The Kingston A400 240GB offers a slightly smaller capacity of 240GB, which may be sufficient for those with more modest storage needs.
Endurance: Reliability and Longevity
Endurance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an SSD. The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB is rated for 75 terabytes written (TBW), while the Kingston A400 240GB is rated for 100 TBW. This means that the Samsung drive can withstand writing 75TB of data before its performance degrades, while the Kingston drive can withstand 100TB. Both drives offer reliable performance for everyday use, but the Kingston A400 may have a slight edge in terms of longevity.
Features: Cache and Controller
The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB utilizes a 1GB DRAM cache, which acts as a buffer to improve performance by caching frequently accessed data. The Kingston A400 240GB, on the other hand, does not have a DRAM cache. Additionally, the Samsung drive employs a more advanced controller, the Samsung MEX controller, which optimizes performance and data integrity.
Price: Value for Money
At the time of writing, the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB retails for around $60, while the Kingston A400 240GB is priced at around $50. The Samsung drive offers a slightly higher price-to-performance ratio, but the Kingston drive is more affordable and still provides solid performance for everyday use.
Overall Recommendation
Based on our comprehensive analysis, the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. It offers superior performance, a larger capacity, better endurance, and advanced features at a competitive price. The Kingston A400 240GB, while slightly slower and with a smaller capacity, is a more budget-friendly option that still provides reliable performance for basic computing needs.
Ultimate Decision: Factors to Consider
Ultimately, the best choice between the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB and the Kingston A400 240GB depends on your individual requirements and budget. If you prioritize speed, capacity, and reliability, the Samsung drive is the superior choice. However, if you are looking for an affordable SSD option that meets basic computing needs, the Kingston drive is a solid contender.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which drive is better for gaming?
A: The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB offers faster speeds and better endurance, making it a more suitable choice for gaming.
Q: Can I use either drive as a boot drive?
A: Yes, both the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB and the Kingston A400 240GB can be used as boot drives.
Q: Which drive has a longer warranty?
A: The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Kingston A400 240GB has a 3-year warranty.
Q: Is the Samsung drive compatible with my motherboard?
A: The Samsung 850 EVO 250GB is compatible with most modern motherboards that support SATA 3.
Q: Can I transfer data from my old hard drive to either SSD?
A: Yes, you can use cloning software or the built-in migration tools in your operating system to transfer data from your old hard drive to either SSD.
