Samsung vs Micron: Nvme SSDs Compared by Specs
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This samsung vs micron nvme SSD comparison highlights two distinct storage solutions for different needs. Both drives offer reliable data storage from established manufacturers. The primary difference lies in their interface and physical design. One uses a traditional SATA connection with a larger 2.5-inch form factor. The other utilizes a high-speed PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface in a compact M.2 2230 shape. You should choose based on your device's compatibility and required speed.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 4.0 Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2230 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | 3500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | 3000MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD if
- You need a drive for a desktop or laptop with a standard 2.5-inch SATA bay.
- You are upgrading an older system that only supports SATA III interfaces.
- You require AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption for data security.
Choose Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 SSD if
- You need maximum sequential read and write speeds for high-performance tasks.
- You are installing storage in a compact device like a Steam Deck or PS5.
- You want a larger 1TB capacity in a small M.2 form factor.
Verdict: The Samsung 860 EVO is the practical choice for standard desktops and laptops using SATA connections. The Micron 2450 is better suited for modern compact devices and systems requiring PCIe 4.0 speeds. Select the Samsung for compatibility with older hardware and the Micron for newer, faster platforms.
Samsung vs Micron SSD Specs
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 connections. The Micron 2450 uses a PCIe 4.0 Gen4 x4 NVMe interface. This allows much higher throughput, with sequential reads up to 3500MB/s and writes up to 3000MB/s. The Micron drive offers significantly faster data transfer rates for large files. If you need maximum bandwidth for video editing or heavy data loads, the NVMe connection provides a clear performance advantage over the older SATA standard.
Form factor
Physical size and shape determine where each drive can fit in your system. The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive with a SATA connector. It measures 3.94 inches in length, 2.76 inches in width, and 0.27 inches in height. This is the traditional shape for desktops and laptops with dedicated drive bays. The Micron 2450 is an M.2 2230 module. It is much smaller, measuring only 1.18 inches in length, 0.86 inches in width, and 0.1 inches in height. This compact form factor is designed for modern ultrabooks, handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, and specific mini-PCs that lack space for larger drives.
Storage capacity
Both drives offer substantial storage, but the Micron 2450 provides double the capacity of the base Samsung model. The Samsung 860 EVO listed here has 500GB of storage. You can find larger versions of this Samsung drive, such as 1TB or 2TB options, but the specific unit compared starts at 500GB. The Micron 2450 comes with 1TB of storage. This allows you to store more games, applications, and files without needing to manage space as frequently. If you buy the 500GB Samsung model, the Micron drive gives you twice the room for your data.
Compatibility
These drives target different types of hardware due to their interfaces. The Samsung 860 EVO works with any system that has a 2.5-inch drive bay and a SATA port. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. The Micron 2450 requires an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 NVMe drives. It is explicitly listed as compatible with devices like the Steam Deck, Surface Pro, and specific Dell or HP laptops. It is also noted as compatible with the PS5. If your device only has SATA ports, the Samsung drive is your only option. If you have an M.2 slot, the Micron drive fits.
Security features
Data protection is a key specification for many users. The Samsung 860 EVO includes hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption. It is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670 standards. This allows you to secure your data at the hardware level without impacting performance significantly. The product data for the Micron 2450 does not list specific encryption standards or security protocols. While it likely includes basic security features, the Samsung drive provides documented compliance with enterprise-grade encryption standards. If you require verified hardware encryption for sensitive data, the Samsung drive offers clear specifications for this feature.
Which NVMe SSD fits your needs
PS5 or handheld gaming device users
The Micron 2450 is an M.2 2230 drive, a compact form factor designed for devices like the Steam Deck or PS5. Its PCIe 4.0 interface delivers sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3000 MB/s. This high throughput ensures fast load times in games, while the small physical size fits into tight slots where larger drives will not.
Desktop or laptop upgraders with SATA slots
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a 2.5-inch SATA III interface, making it compatible with older systems that lack M.2 slots. It offers sequential read speeds of 550 MB/s and write speeds of 520 MB/s. This drive provides a reliable upgrade path for standard desktops and laptops, ensuring broad operating system support including Windows, macOS, and Linux without needing specific M.2 connectors.
Users needing high capacity in small form factor
If you require 1TB of storage in a tiny M.2 2230 package, the Micron 2450 is the clear choice. It combines high capacity with PCIe 4.0 speeds, offering random read/write performance up to 450K/500K IOPS. This makes it ideal for modern portable devices or compact builds where space is limited but performance and large file storage are priorities.
Buyers prioritizing established warranty and encryption
The Samsung 860 EVO includes a 5-year limited warranty and hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption compliant with TCG Opal standards. This focus on data security and long-term reliability suits users who value established support structures. While it lacks the speed of NVMe, its SATA III interface provides consistent performance for everyday computing tasks and general file storage.
The products compared
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: Standard SATA desktops and laptops
- 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 Samsung drive uses 2.5-inch SATA III connectivity with sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. It features V-NAND technology for handling large 4K videos and 3D data. The unit includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption. You get a five-year limited warranty. It fits standard desktop and laptop bays. This model suits users who need reliable storage without PCIe speeds.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds reach 550MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption included
- Five-year limited warranty
- V-NAND technology for large files
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed versus NVMe
- 2.5-inch form factor requires more space
- 500GB capacity is smaller than 1TB options
Good fit if
- You need a reliable 2.5-inch drive
- You want hardware encryption for data security
- You are upgrading an older SATA system
Skip if
- You require PCIe 4.0 NVMe speeds
- You need a compact 2230 M.2 form factor
- You want more than 500GB of storage
Verdict: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD delivers steady SATA III performance for users who prioritize compatibility and encryption over raw speed. It is a solid choice for standard desktops or laptops that use 2.5-inch bays.
Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 SSD
Best for: Compact gaming handhelds and PS5 expansion
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 Gen4 x4
- Max Read Speed
- 3500 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 3000 MB/s
- Form Factor
- M.2 2230
- Compatibility
- Laptop, Desktop, PS5
View on Amazon: Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 SSD Affiliate link
This Micron 2450 drive offers 1TB of storage in a compact M.2 2230 form factor. It supports PCIe 4.0 interfaces with sequential read speeds up to 3500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3000 MB/s. The compact 30mm length makes it suitable for devices like the Steam Deck or PS5. You get high performance in a small package, ideal for portable gaming or modern laptops with limited space.
Pros
- 1TB storage capacity
- Sequential read speed up to 3500 MB/s
- Compact M.2 2230 form factor
- PCIe 4.0 Gen4 x4 interface
Cons
- Small M.2 2230 size limits compatibility with standard M.2 slots
- No included thermal heatsink for passive cooling
- Backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 but optimized for Gen4
Good fit if
- You need a high-performance SSD for a Steam Deck or Surface device
- You are upgrading a PS5 with a compact drive
- You have a laptop with only M.2 2230 slots available
Skip if
- You require a standard M.2 2280 size for desktop compatibility
- You need a drive with an included thermal solution
- You are looking for a SATA III SSD for older systems
Verdict: Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD delivers fast Gen4 speeds in a tiny package, making it the right choice for Steam Deck, PS5, or compact laptop upgrades.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Micron 2450 1TB M.2 2230 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe 4.0 Gen4 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | 3500 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | 3000 MB/s |
| Compatibility | not stated | Laptop, Desktop, PS5 |
| Size | 500GB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 1.18 × 0.86 × 0.1 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | MTFDKBK1T0TFK |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Samsung 860 EVO in a PS5?
No, you cannot use the Samsung 860 EVO for PS5 expansion. It uses a SATA III interface and a 2.5-inch form factor. The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe drive with a PCIe interface. The Micron 2450 is designed for this specific compatibility.
What is the difference between SATA and PCIe 4.0 interfaces?
SATA III is an older standard with a speed cap of 550MB/s for reads. PCIe 4.0 allows for much higher bandwidth, supporting speeds up to 3500MB/s. The Samsung drive uses SATA, while the Micron drive uses the faster PCIe 4.0 standard.
Which SSD is better for a Steam Deck?
The Micron 2450 is the better choice for a Steam Deck. It features an M.2 2230 form factor, which matches the compact space inside handheld consoles. The Samsung 860 EVO is a larger 2.5-inch drive that will not fit physically.
Is the Samsung 860 EVO faster than the Micron 2450?
No, the Micron 2450 is significantly faster. It uses a PCIe 4.0 interface with sequential read speeds up to 3500MB/s. The Samsung 860 EVO is limited by the SATA III interface to 550MB/s reads. The Micron drive offers higher performance.
Do these drives support hardware encryption?
The Samsung 860 EVO includes hardware encryption features for data security. The provided data for the Micron 2450 does not specify encryption capabilities. You should check the manufacturer's full specification sheet for the Micron drive if encryption is a priority.
Which drive is smaller and lighter?
The Micron 2450 is much smaller and lighter. It measures 1.18 inches in length and weighs very little compared to the Samsung drive. The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive with a length of 3.94 inches and weighs 1.76 ounces.
Can I use the Micron 2450 in a standard desktop PC?
You can use the Micron 2450 in a desktop PC if it has an M.2 slot. It is compatible with laptops and desktops via PCIe 4.0. However, its 2230 form factor is very small, so you must ensure your motherboard supports this specific size.
What capacity options are available for these drives?
The Samsung 860 EVO is listed in a 500GB size. The Micron 2450 is listed in a 1TB size. These are the specific capacities mentioned in the product data. Other capacities may exist, but these are the verified options for this comparison.