What To Know
- Samsung offers a 5-year limited warranty for its EVO Plus and Pro series, while Western Digital provides a 5-year limited warranty for its Black SN850 series and a 3-year limited warranty for its WD Blue SN550 series.
- Samsung’s EVO Plus series starts at around $30 for a 250GB drive, while the Pro series starts at around $80 for a 500GB drive.
- Western Digital’s Black SN850 series starts at around $100 for a 500GB drive, and the WD Blue SN550 series starts at around $40 for a 250GB drive.
The world of solid-state drives (SSDs) is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations emerging at a rapid pace. Two of the leading players in this market are Samsung and Western Digital, both offering a wide range of M.2 SSDs to meet different performance and storage needs. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of Samsung vs. Western Digital SSD M.2, comparing their key features, performance benchmarks, and reliability aspects to determine which one emerges victorious in this epic battle.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
Performance is paramount when it comes to SSDs, and both Samsung and Western Digital offer high-performance M.2 drives. Samsung’s flagship EVO Plus and Pro series boast sequential read/write speeds of up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s and 6,000/5,500 MB/s, respectively. Western Digital’s Black SN850 and WD Blue SN550 series provide comparable speeds, with sequential read/write rates reaching 7,000/5,300 MB/s and 2,400/1,950 MB/s, respectively. However, in real-world usage, the differences in performance between these drives are often negligible, especially for everyday tasks.
Endurance: Durability and Longevity
Endurance refers to the ability of an SSD to withstand repeated write cycles before failing. Samsung and Western Digital employ different technologies to ensure the longevity of their M.2 drives. Samsung utilizes V-NAND technology, which vertically stacks memory cells to increase density and endurance. Western Digital, on the other hand, uses 3D NAND technology, which arranges memory cells in a three-dimensional structure. Both technologies offer high endurance ratings, with Samsung’s EVO Plus rated for 150 TBW (terabytes written) and Western Digital’s Black SN850 rated for 600 TBW. The higher the TBW rating, the longer the expected lifespan of the drive.
Capacity: Storage Options
Storage capacity is an important consideration for any SSD purchase. Samsung and Western Digital offer a wide range of M.2 drives with varying capacities. Samsung’s EVO Plus series ranges from 250GB to 4TB, while the Pro series offers capacities of up to 2TB. Western Digital’s Black SN850 series comes in capacities of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, and the WD Blue SN550 series provides options from 250GB to 2TB. The optimal capacity depends on individual storage requirements and budget.
Form Factor: Compact and Versatile
M.2 SSDs are renowned for their compact form factor, making them ideal for space-constrained devices such as laptops and ultrabooks. Both Samsung and Western Digital offer M.2 drives in the standard 2280 size, which measures 22mm wide and 80mm long. This form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of motherboards and laptops. The compact design also allows for easier installation and maintenance.
Warranty: Peace of Mind
Samsung and Western Digital provide comprehensive warranties for their M.2 SSDs, giving customers peace of mind about the reliability and longevity of their purchases. Samsung offers a 5-year limited warranty for its EVO Plus and Pro series, while Western Digital provides a 5-year limited warranty for its Black SN850 series and a 3-year limited warranty for its WD Blue SN550 series. These warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring that customers can rely on their SSDs for years to come.
Price: Value for Money
Price is a significant factor for many consumers when purchasing an SSD. Samsung and Western Digital M.2 drives vary in price depending on capacity, performance, and features. Samsung’s EVO Plus series starts at around $30 for a 250GB drive, while the Pro series starts at around $80 for a 500GB drive. Western Digital’s Black SN850 series starts at around $100 for a 500GB drive, and the WD Blue SN550 series starts at around $40 for a 250GB drive. The optimal price-to-performance ratio depends on individual needs and budget.
Verdict: The Victor Emerges
In the battle of Samsung vs. Western Digital SSD M.2, both brands offer exceptional products with comparable performance, endurance, and reliability. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on specific requirements and preferences. For users seeking the highest possible performance, Samsung’s EVO Plus and Pro series provide slightly faster speeds and longer endurance ratings. However, Western Digital’s Black SN850 and WD Blue SN550 series offer excellent value for money, with comparable performance at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which Samsung M.2 SSD is best for gaming?
A: Samsung’s EVO Plus or Pro series are ideal for gaming due to their high performance and endurance ratings.
Q2: Is Western Digital‘s Black SN850 worth the extra cost?
A: The Black SN850 offers the highest performance among Western Digital‘s M.2 SSDs, but its premium price may not be justifiable for all users.
Q3: How long do Samsung and Western Digital M.2 SSDs typically last?
A: With proper usage and within the specified endurance ratings, Samsung and Western Digital M.2 SSDs can last for several years.
Q4: Which M.2 SSD is better for a laptop?
A: Both Samsung and Western Digital offer M.2 SSDs specifically designed for laptops, with compact form factors and low power consumption.
Q5: Is Samsung or Western Digital more reliable?
A: Both Samsung and Western Digital have a strong reputation for reliability, with comprehensive warranties and high endurance ratings.
