Samsung or KIOXIA? Nvme SSDs Compared in 2026
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This guide covers the samsung vs KIOXIA nvme SSD options available today. You are looking at two distinct storage solutions from major brands. Both offer reliable data storage for different system types. The Samsung drive uses a traditional SATA connection, while the KIOXIA drive utilizes the newer PCIe 5.0 interface. This creates a clear divide in performance potential and physical installation requirements for your computer.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | KIOXIA Exceria 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | not listed |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | not listed |
| NAND Type | V-NAND | BiCS Flash 3D QLC |
| IOPS | not listed | 1,600,000 read / 1,450,000 write |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD if
- You need a drive for an older desktop or laptop with only SATA ports.
- You prefer a proven 2.5-inch form factor that fits standard drive bays.
- You want hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption for data security.
Choose KIOXIA Exceria 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD if
- You are building a modern PC with an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 5.0.
- You require higher density storage in a compact M.2 2280 shape.
- You want high random read and write IOPS for fast system responsiveness.
Verdict: The Samsung 860 EVO is the practical choice for older systems or users who need a standard SATA connection. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 is better suited for new builds that can utilize the faster PCIe 5.0 interface and M.2 form factor. Your decision depends entirely on your motherboard's available slots and interface support.
Samsung SATA vs Kioxia PCIe 5.0
Interface Speed
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface, which caps sequential read speeds at 550MB/s and write speeds at 520MB/s. This is the standard limit for SATA drives. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 connects via PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4. This modern interface supports significantly higher bandwidth. While the data does not list the KIOXIA's sequential transfer rates, its PCIe 5.0 connection is designed for much faster data movement than SATA. If you need maximum throughput for large files, the KIOXIA architecture offers a clear advantage over the older SATA standard used by the Samsung drive.
Form Factor
You must check your system's physical slots before buying. The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive with a thickness of 0.27 inches. It requires a SATA data cable and a power connection from your power supply. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 is an M.2 2280 stick. It plugs directly into a motherboard slot and is much thinner. This makes it ideal for slim laptops or modern desktops without extra cables. The KIOXIA form factor is more compact and easier to install in systems with limited space.
Storage Capacity
The Samsung 860 EVO is listed here in a 500GB capacity. This is a moderate amount of space for general computing. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 is offered in a 1TB capacity. This provides double the storage space for your operating system, games, and applications. The KIOXIA also offers 2TB and 4TB options. If you store large media files or extensive game libraries, the higher capacity of the KIOXIA drive is more practical. The Samsung option is better if you only need basic storage for essential files.
NAND Technology
The Samsung 860 EVO uses V-NAND technology. This is a proven 3D NAND structure known for reliability and consistent performance in everyday tasks. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 uses BiCS Flash 3D QLC NAND. QLC NAND stores more bits per cell, which allows for higher density storage in a smaller package. This can lead to better value per gigabyte. However, QLC may have different endurance characteristics compared to other NAND types. Both use advanced 3D stacking, but the KIOXIA offers higher density for larger capacities.
Security Features
Data protection is important for sensitive information. The Samsung 860 EVO includes hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption. It is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670 standards. This provides robust security for your files. The provided data for the KIOXIA Exceria G3 does not mention specific encryption standards or security features. If hardware encryption is a priority for your workflow, the Samsung drive offers verified security protocols. You should verify if the KIOXIA model supports similar encryption through its firmware or software.
Choose your SSD based on interface and speed
Upgrading older desktop or laptop systems
You need a standard 2.5-inch drive that fits legacy computers. The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface, which is compatible with most older motherboards. It offers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. This provides a noticeable performance boost over traditional hard drives without requiring a newer PCIe slot.
Building a modern high-performance gaming PC
You require the latest interface for maximum throughput and low latency. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 uses PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4, connecting directly to modern M.2 slots. It delivers up to 1,600,000 random read IOPS and 1,450,000 random write IOPS. This ensures fast load times and system responsiveness for gaming and intensive applications.
Storing large media projects or libraries
You need higher storage density in a compact form factor. The KIOXIA Exceria G3 is available in 1TB and larger capacities, utilizing BiCS Flash 3D QLC NAND. This allows you to store extensive gaming libraries or large media files efficiently. The M.2 2280 form factor saves space inside your case compared to bulkier 2.5-inch drives.
The products compared
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: SATA-based system upgrades and secure storage
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 Inch
- Max Read Speed
- 550MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 520MB/s
- Dimensions
- 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches
View on Amazon: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD Affiliate link
This is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD with 500GB of storage. It offers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. The drive uses V-NAND technology for consistent performance. It includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security. You should choose this if you need a reliable internal drive for older systems or laptops that use the SATA interface.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- 2.5-inch form factor fits most systems
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- SATA III interface is slower than NVMe
- 500GB capacity is limited for large libraries
- No PCIe connection for next-gen speeds
Good fit if
- You are upgrading a desktop or laptop with a SATA port
- You need secure storage for sensitive files
- You want a standard 2.5-inch drive size
Skip if
- You need the fastest possible NVMe speeds
- You require more than 500GB of space
- You are building a modern PC with M.2 slots
Verdict: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD is a solid choice for users with SATA-only systems who value data security and standard form factors over raw speed.
KIOXIA Exceria 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
Best for: PCIe 5.0 gaming and media workloads
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Compatibility
- Gaming
- Dimensions
- 5.91 × 5.91 × 7.87 inches
View on Amazon: KIOXIA Exceria 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD Affiliate link
This KIOXIA Exceria G3 is a 1TB NVMe drive using PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4. It uses BiCS Flash 3D QLC NAND in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. You get up to 1,600,000 IOPS random read and 1,450,000 IOPS random write. These speeds support fast load times and system responsiveness. It suits gaming libraries and large media projects. The drive is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options.
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4 interface
- Up to 1,600,000 IOPS random read
- Up to 1,450,000 IOPS random write
- BiCS Flash 3D QLC NAND
Cons
- QLC NAND has lower endurance than TLC
- No DRAM cache mentioned in specs
- Heavier build than SATA drives
Good fit if
- You need high sequential speeds for gaming
- You want a compact M.2 2280 drive
- You are building a PCIe 5.0 system
Skip if
- You have a PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 motherboard
- You need maximum drive endurance for heavy writes
- You prefer SATA form factors
Verdict: KIOXIA Exceria G3 1TB PCIe 5.0 delivers high IOPS for fast load times. It fits users with PCIe 5.0 motherboards who need compact storage for gaming or media.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | KIOXIA Exceria 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 5.0 Gen5 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | not stated |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | not stated |
| Compatibility | not stated | Gaming |
| Size | 500GB | 1 To |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 5.91 × 5.91 × 7.87 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | not stated |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | EXCERIA G3 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung 860 EVO an NVMe drive?
No, it is a SATA SSD. It uses the SATA III interface and a 2.5-inch form factor. This design fits standard desktop and laptop bays. It does not use the NVMe protocol found in M.2 slots. You should choose this if your system only supports SATA connections.
Does the KIOXIA Exceria support PCIe 5.0?
Yes, it utilizes the PCIe 5.0 interface. This allows for significantly higher bandwidth than older standards. It is designed for systems with compatible motherboards. This interface supports high IOPS for fast load times in gaming and media workloads.
Which drive is better for older computers?
The Samsung 860 EVO is better for older systems. It features a 2.5-inch form factor and SATA III connection. These are standard in legacy motherboards. The KIOXIA drive requires PCIe 5.0 support, which older PCs lack. Choose the Samsung model for compatibility with older hardware.
What is the storage capacity of the Samsung drive?
The Samsung 860 EVO shown here has a 500GB capacity. This size is suitable for operating systems and essential applications. It provides reliable storage for users who do not need massive space. Check your specific needs before purchasing, as other capacities may exist.
Is the KIOXIA Exceria suitable for gaming?
Yes, it is best for gaming workloads. Its PCIe 5.0 interface delivers high IOPS. This results in faster load times for games. It is designed for users with modern motherboards that support this speed. It fits the needs of gamers seeking rapid data access.
Do I need an M.2 slot for the Samsung drive?
No, you do not need an M.2 slot. The Samsung 860 EVO uses a 2.5-inch form factor. It connects via SATA cables to your motherboard. This makes it compatible with drives that hold traditional hard drives. It is a direct upgrade for SATA-based systems.