ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA or ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe? Which ADATA Model to Buy
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We compare the adata usa ultimate su800 1tb vs a data technology Legend 860. Both offer 1TB of storage from ADATA. The SU800 uses SATA III with 2.5-inch form factor. The Legend 860 uses PCIe Gen4 with M.2 2280 form factor. Their speeds differ significantly. You need to match the drive to your system interface. This guide explains the spec differences to help you choose the right model for your needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 560 MB/s | 6,000 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520 MB/s | 5,000 MB/s |
| Cooling | not listed | Ultra-thin heatsink |
| NAND Type | 3D NAND | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You need a drive for a standard desktop or laptop with SATA ports.
- You want a 2.5-inch drive that fits in older chassis designs.
Choose ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD if
- You require high transfer speeds for large files or gaming.
- You are installing the drive in a PS5 or modern motherboard with M.2 slots.
Verdict: The SU800 is the practical choice for SATA-based systems where compatibility matters most. The Legend 860 delivers superior performance for PCIe Gen4 platforms and next-gen consoles. Select the interface that matches your motherboard.
SU800 vs Legend 860 Specs
Transfer speed
The Legend 860 offers significantly higher sequential performance than the SU800. Its PCIe Gen4 interface allows read speeds up to 6,000 MB/sec and write speeds up to 5,000 MB/sec. In contrast, the SU800 relies on the older SATA III interface. This limits its maximum read speed to 560 MB/sec and write speed to 520 MB/sec. The difference in bandwidth is substantial. If you need fast file transfers or quick load times for large assets, the Legend 860 provides a clear advantage in raw throughput numbers.
Form factor
These drives use completely different physical connections. The SU800 is a 2.5-inch drive with SATA connectors. It fits into standard laptop and desktop drive bays. The Legend 860 is an M.2 2280 stick. It plugs directly into a motherboard slot. You cannot install the Legend 860 in a SATA bay without an adapter, and the SU800 will not fit in an M.2 slot. Your choice depends entirely on your available ports. Desktops often have both, but laptops usually prioritize one form factor over the other.
Cooling
Heat management differs between the two models. The Legend 860 comes equipped with an ultra-thin heatsink to help dissipate heat during high-speed operations. This is important for maintaining performance on PCIe Gen4 drives. The SU800 data does not list any active or passive cooling solution. It relies on its casing for thermal management. Since the SU800 runs at lower speeds, it likely generates less heat. However, the Legend 860 includes dedicated hardware to handle the thermal load of its faster interface.
NAND type
The SU800 explicitly uses new generation 3D NAND technology. This is listed as a key feature in its specifications. The Legend 860 data does not specify the exact NAND type, such as TLC or QLC. Both drives offer 1TB of capacity. Without specific details on the Legend 860's flash memory architecture, we can only confirm the SU800's use of 3D NAND. This distinction may matter for endurance or power efficiency, but the available data only confirms the SU800's specific technology.
Cache type
The SU800 includes a DRAM cache buffer. This component helps manage data mapping and can improve sustained performance during heavy workloads. It also uses Dynamic SLC Caching. The Legend 860 data does not mention a DRAM cache. Many modern PCIe drives use Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology instead to utilize system RAM. Since the data does not list the cache type for the Legend 860, we cannot confirm if it has dedicated DRAM. The SU800 clearly lists its DRAM presence.
Compatibility
The Legend 860 is explicitly listed as suitable for PS5. This makes it a direct option for console upgrades. The SU800 does not mention console compatibility. It is designed for general PC and laptop use via SATA. If you are buying for a PlayStation 5, the Legend 860 is the verified choice. For older desktops or laptops that only have SATA ports, the SU800 is the only compatible option. Your device's supported interfaces dictate which drive you can actually use.
Which ADATA SSD fits your needs
Console gamers needing PS5 compatibility
The Legend 860 is explicitly suitable for PS5. Its PCIe Gen4 x4 interface delivers up to 6,000 MB/sec read speeds. This high bandwidth ensures fast load times for next-gen titles. The included ultra-thin heatsink helps manage heat during intensive gaming sessions, maintaining consistent performance without throttling.
Desktop users with standard SATA ports
The SU800 uses a SATA III interface and 2.5-inch form factor, fitting standard desktop bays. It offers read speeds up to 560 MB/sec and write speeds up to 520 MB/sec. This model includes a DRAM cache buffer for improved data handling, making it a reliable upgrade for older systems.
Laptop owners seeking compact storage
The Legend 860 uses an M.2 2280 form factor, which is standard for modern laptops. Its small dimensions and low weight save space inside the chassis. The PCIe Gen4 interface provides significantly faster transfer speeds than SATA, improving system responsiveness and file access times for mobile computing tasks.
The products compared
ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: Standard SATA system upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 Inch
- Max Read Speed
- 560 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 520 MB/s
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND
View on Amazon: ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link
The ADATA SU800 is a 1TB 2.5-inch SATA III drive using 3D NAND. It offers sequential read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s. The unit includes a DRAM cache buffer and dynamic SLC caching for performance optimization. It measures 2.75 by 3.95 inches and weighs 1.6 ounces. This model suits users needing reliable SATA storage.
Pros
- Uses new generation 3D NAND technology
- Sequential read speeds reach 560 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds reach 520 MB/s
- Includes DRAM Cache Buffer for optimized performance
- Features Dynamic SLC Caching for sustained writes
Cons
- Limited to SATA III interface speeds
- Lacks NVMe PCIe connectivity
- Heavier than M.2 drives at 1.6 ounces
Good fit if
- You need a standard 2.5-inch drive for older systems
- You want 3D NAND reliability in a SATA form factor
- You require DRAM cache for consistent performance
Skip if
- You need the fastest NVMe PCIe speeds
- You require an M.2 stick for tight spaces
- You want a drive lighter than 1.6 ounces
Verdict: The ADATA SU800 1TB SATA SSD provides solid 560 MB/s read speeds for standard SATA systems. It fits users who prioritize 3D NAND stability and DRAM caching over raw PCIe bandwidth.
ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
Best for: PS5 expansion and fast M.2 upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4
- Max Read Speed
- 6,000MB/sec
- Max Write Speed
- 5,000MB/sec
- Cooling
- Ultra-thin heatsink
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
View on Amazon: ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Affiliate link
This is a 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen4 x4. It delivers up to 6,000MB/sec read and 5,000MB/sec write speeds. The unit includes an ultra-thin heatsink for heat dissipation. It fits PS5 consoles. You get fast storage in a compact form factor suitable for modern laptops and gaming systems.
Pros
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface
- Up to 6,000MB/sec read speed
- Up to 5,000MB/sec write speed
- Includes ultra-thin heatsink
- Suitable for PS5
Cons
- M.2 2280 form factor limits use to compatible slots
- No SATA compatibility
- Heatsink adds slight bulk compared to bare drives
Good fit if
- You need high-speed storage for a PS5
- You have a laptop with an M.2 slot
- You want built-in cooling for sustained performance
Skip if
- You require a 2.5-inch SATA drive
- Your motherboard only supports PCIe Gen3
- You need a drive without a heatsink
Verdict: ADATA Legend 860 1TB M.2 SSD offers Gen4 speeds and PS5 compatibility. It fits users needing fast M.2 storage with integrated cooling.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | ADATA Legend 860 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 1TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | 560 MB/s | 6,000MB/sec |
| Max Write Speed | 520 MB/s | 5,000MB/sec |
| Cooling | not stated | Ultra-thin heatsink |
| NAND Type | 3D NAND | not stated |
| Size | 1 TB | 1TB |
| Dimensions | 3.95 × 0.28 × 2.75 inches | 0.87 × 3.15 × 0.13 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces | 0.39 ounces |
| Color | Black | Multicolor |
| Model | ASU800SS-1TT-C | SLEG-860-1000GCS |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ADATA SU800 fit in a laptop?
Yes, the ADATA SU800 1TB uses a standard 2.5-inch form factor. Its dimensions are 3.95 inches in length, 2.75 inches in width, and 0.28 inches in height. This compact size allows it to replace traditional hard drives in most laptops and desktops that support SATA III connections.
Is the Legend 860 compatible with PlayStation 5?
Yes, the ADATA Legend 860 1TB is explicitly designed for PS5 expansion. It features a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface that delivers up to 6,000 MB/sec read speeds. This high bandwidth ensures fast load times for next-generation titles, meeting the console's specific storage requirements.
Which drive is better for a standard desktop upgrade?
The ADATA SU800 1TB is ideal for standard SATA system upgrades. It provides solid 560 MB/s read speeds and fits users who prioritize 3D NAND stability and DRAM caching over raw PCIe bandwidth. Its SATA III interface ensures broad compatibility with older motherboards.
Does the Legend 860 require a heatsink?
The ADATA Legend 860 1TB includes an integrated cooling solution. This feature helps manage thermal output during high-speed data transfers. The drive measures 0.13 inches in height, allowing it to fit into slim M.2 slots while maintaining performance under load.
What type of NAND does the SU800 use?
The ADATA SU800 utilizes 3D NAND technology. This type of flash memory offers improved density and endurance compared to older planar NAND. It provides a reliable storage solution for users who value data stability and consistent performance in a 2.5-inch SATA package.
How heavy is the ADATA Legend 860?
The ADATA Legend 860 1TB weighs just 0.39 ounces. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install in laptops and compact desktops. The M.2 2280 form factor ensures it fits into standard slots without adding significant bulk or weight to your system.