ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA or ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD? Which ADATA Model to Buy
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This comparison of the adata usa ultimate su800 1tb vs legend 960 1tb pcie looks at two distinct storage solutions from ADATA. Both offer 1TB of capacity, but they serve different needs. The SU800 uses a traditional SATA interface, while the Legend 960 utilizes a modern Gen4 NVMe connection. This difference in interface technology creates a significant gap in performance capabilities. You need to decide which architecture fits your system and usage patterns.
Key differences
| Aspect | ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 |
| Max Read Speed | 560 MB/s | 7,400 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s |
| Cooling | not listed | Heat sink |
| Warranty | 3 Year | 5 Year |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You are upgrading an older desktop or laptop that only supports SATA drives.
- You need a 2.5-inch form factor to fit into a standard drive bay.
- You prioritize lower power consumption and compatibility with older hardware over raw speed.
Choose ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD if
- You need maximum transfer speeds for gaming or large file transfers.
- You are building a modern PC or upgrading a PS5 for expanded storage.
- You want a drive that includes a dedicated heat sink for thermal management.
Verdict: Choose the SU800 if you are working with legacy systems that require a SATA connection. Select the Legend 960 if you have a modern motherboard with an M.2 slot and require high-speed performance for gaming or content creation.
SATA vs Gen4 NVMe Comparison
Transfer speed
The Legend 960 offers significantly higher throughput than the SU800. The Legend 960 delivers up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds. This performance comes from its PCIe Gen4 x4 interface. The SU800 is limited to SATA III standards. It provides 560 MB/s read and 520 MB/s write speeds. For large file transfers, the Legend 960 is much faster. The SU800 is sufficient for basic tasks but cannot match the data movement capabilities of the newer drive. If you move big files often, the Legend 960 is the better choice.
Form factor
These drives use different physical formats. The SU800 is a 2.5-inch drive. It measures 3.95 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 0.28 inches thick. It connects via SATA cables. The Legend 960 is an M.2 drive. It is a small stick that plugs directly into the motherboard. It measures 10 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 2.7 inches high. The Legend 960 saves space inside your case. The SU800 requires cable management. You must choose the form factor that fits your system layout.
Cooling
The Legend 960 includes a built-in heat sink. This component helps keep the SSD cooler during operation. Cooler temperatures support optimal performance and stability for the high-speed controller. The SU800 does not list a heat sink in its specifications. It relies on passive cooling or case airflow. For most users, this is not an issue. However, if you run the drive under heavy load, the Legend 960 has an advantage. The heat sink is a practical feature for sustained performance.
Interface and cache
The SU800 uses a SATA III interface. It includes a DRAM cache buffer. This helps manage data efficiently for everyday tasks. It also uses Dynamic SLC Caching. The Legend 960 uses a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface. It supports NVMe 1.4. The data does not specify if the Legend 960 has a DRAM cache. The PCIe interface allows for much faster communication with the CPU. The SU800 is better for older systems without M.2 slots. The Legend 960 is for modern platforms.
Compatibility
The Legend 960 is compatible with PS5 consoles. It can be used as expanded storage for the PlayStation 5. The SU800 is not listed as PS5 compatible. Both drives work with standard desktops and laptops. The SU800 works with older systems that only have SATA ports. The Legend 960 requires an M.2 slot that supports PCIe Gen4. You need to check your motherboard specifications. If you have a PS5, the Legend 960 is the only option here.
Choose the right ADATA SSD for you
PS5 owners needing fast load times
The Legend 960 supports PCIe 4.0 and works with PS5 consoles as expanded storage. Its high read speed of 7,400 MB/s ensures quick game loading. The included heat sink helps maintain stability during intense gaming sessions. This model meets the strict bandwidth requirements for next-generation console performance.
Users upgrading older desktops or laptops
The SU800 uses a 2.5-inch SATA III interface, fitting standard drive bays in older systems. It offers reliable read speeds up to 560 MB/s. The DRAM Cache Buffer helps with sustained performance. This form factor is ideal for traditional SATA ports where NVMe slots are unavailable or unnecessary.
Buyers wanting longer warranty coverage
The Legend 960 comes with a 5-year warranty, offering extended peace of mind. It uses rigorously tested high-quality ICs for reliability. The SU800 provides a 3-year warranty. If long-term protection is a priority, the Legend 960 delivers superior coverage alongside its advanced Gen4 specifications.
The products compared
ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: Standard SATA III upgrade needs
- 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. It includes a DRAM cache buffer and dynamic SLC caching for performance. This model suits users needing standard SATA connectivity for desktops or laptops.
Pros
- 1TB storage capacity
- SATA III interface compatibility
- DRAM cache buffer included
- Dynamic SLC caching technology
- 3D NAND flash memory
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed to 560 MB/s
- 2.5-inch form factor requires more space than M.2
- Heavier and bulkier than NVMe alternatives
Good fit if
- You need a reliable 2.5-inch SATA drive
- You are upgrading an older desktop or laptop
- You want a proven DRAM cache design
Skip if
- You require PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds
- You need an M.2 form factor
- You prioritize the highest possible bandwidth
Verdict: ADATA SU800 1TB SATA SSD provides steady SATA III performance with DRAM caching. It fits users who need standard 2.5-inch drive compatibility rather than high-speed NVMe connectivity.
ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: High-speed gaming and PS5 storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 7,400 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,800 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heat sink
View on Amazon: ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The ADATA Legend 960 is a 1TB M.2 NVMe drive using PCIe Gen4 x4. It offers up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds. A heat sink helps maintain stability. It supports NVMe 1.4 and works with PS5 consoles. This model suits users needing fast storage for gaming or high-performance tasks.
Pros
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 support
- Up to 7,400 MB/s read speed
- Up to 6,800 MB/s write speed
- Includes heat sink for thermal management
- Compatible with PS5 expanded storage
Cons
- Higher price than SATA options
- Requires PCIe Gen4 motherboard for full speed
- M.2 form factor limits installation flexibility
Good fit if
- You need fast load times for gaming
- You have a PCIe Gen4 compatible system
- You want PS5 storage expansion
Skip if
- You are using an older SATA-only system
- You need a 2.5-inch drive form factor
- You are on a tight budget
Verdict: ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe delivers top-tier speeds for modern systems. It is ideal for gamers and creators who need rapid data access and PS5 compatibility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ADATA SU800 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD | ADATA Legend 960 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 1TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 |
| Max Read Speed | 560 MB/s | 7,400 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520 MB/s | 6,800 MB/s |
| Cooling | not stated | Heat sink |
| Compatibility | not stated | Gaming |
| NAND Type | 3D NAND | not stated |
| Size | 1 TB | 1TB |
| Dimensions | 3.95 × 0.28 × 2.75 inches | 10 × 2 × 2.7 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 ounces | 1.06 ounces |
| Color | Black | [LEGEND 960] 7400/6800MB/s |
| Model | ASU800SS-1TT-C | ALEG-960-1TCS |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the ADATA Legend 960 in a desktop PC?
Yes, the Legend 960 is an M.2 drive that fits most modern desktops. It uses a PCIe 4.0 interface for high-speed data transfer. You must ensure your motherboard has an available M.2 slot that supports Gen4 speeds. This form factor is smaller than the traditional 2.5-inch drives used by older SATA SSDs.
Does the ADATA SU800 include a DRAM cache?
Yes, the SU800 features DRAM caching to help manage data efficiently. This component improves performance during heavy workloads by storing mapping tables. It provides steady SATA III performance for standard storage needs. This setup is ideal for users who prioritize reliability and consistent speeds over raw throughput.
Is the SU800 compatible with laptops that use 2.5-inch bays?
Yes, the SU800 is designed for standard 2.5-inch drive bays. Its interface is SATA III, which is widely supported in older and budget laptops. The drive measures 2.75 inches in height and 3.95 inches in length. This physical size ensures it fits into most conventional laptop compartments without modification.
Does the Legend 960 come with a heat sink?
Yes, the Legend 960 includes a heat sink to manage thermal output. High-speed PCIe 4.0 drives generate significant heat during operation. The included cooling solution helps maintain stable performance under load. This feature is particularly useful for gaming systems or workstations where sustained write speeds are critical.
Which drive is better for PS5 expansion storage?
The Legend 960 is the better choice for PS5 expansion. It supports PCIe 4.0 and offers read speeds up to 7,400 MB/s. This speed meets the console requirements for fast game loading. The SU800 uses a slower SATA interface that does not meet the PS5's performance standards for internal storage expansion.
What is the difference in form factor between these two SSDs?
The SU800 uses a 2.5-inch form factor with a SATA III interface. The Legend 960 uses an M.2 form factor with a PCIe 4.0 interface. The M.2 drive is physically smaller and connects directly to the motherboard. The 2.5-inch drive uses cables for both data and power connection.
Can the SU800 replace a traditional hard drive in an older PC?
Yes, the SU800 is ideal for upgrading older PCs with hard drives. It fits into standard 2.5-inch drive bays found in many legacy systems. The SATA III interface is backward compatible with most motherboards from the last decade. It provides a significant speed boost over mechanical drives while maintaining familiar connectivity.