I'm planning to upgrade my PC because I'm running out of storage. Right now, I have a Kingston SVP200S37A120G that's been my system drive since my first computer, alongside a Samsung 870 EVO 1TB that I swapped in a couple of years ago to replace a failed 1TB HDD. Fast forward to 2025, and that 120GB SSD is just not cutting it anymore for tasks like updating my graphics driver. I'm debating whether to get another 870 EVO 1TB or try a cheaper brand to avoid the 'Samsung tax.' Are SSDs from brands like Adata and Kingston significantly worse, or are they reliable enough? Also, how do NVMe SSDs compare to SATA SSDs? Is the extra price for NVMe justified?
5 Answers
Going with a SATA SSD will definitely work for you! But if you're open to options, NVMe drives are much faster and can noticeably improve load times. Just make sure whatever SSD you pick fits your budget and needs. You’ll be fine, whether you go for the Samsung or something cheaper!
If you find a Crucial MX500 at a good price, that's a solid pick! It was a top performer among SATA SSDs when it launched and holds up well against the 870 EVO. Still, if you're able to use an M.2 NVMe, I'd recommend that for the speed.
If you need more storage, consider using that Samsung 870 EVO as your boot drive and get a standard HDD for your files. It'll save you money and still give you good performance. However, if you can swing it, an NVMe drive would be a fantastic upgrade for your boot drive.
You might want to check what motherboard you have. NVMe drives do outperform SATA drives, even at similar price points, so it could be worth considering. For a SATA SSD, make sure it's got DRAM cache; options like the WD Red SA500 or the Samsung 870 EVO are great.
There have been reports of newer Samsung SSDs having issues, so it’s worth being cautious. Most DRAM-equipped SATA SSDs these days are competitive, but if you're worried, just do a full format and a SMART test as soon as you get one to catch any issues early.
True, but make sure your motherboard has the right slot, or else that upgrade won't work!