Samsung or Mushkin? Nvme SSDs Compared in 2026
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You are looking at the Samsung 860 EVO and the Mushkin Gamma. This comparison covers the samsung vs mushkin nvme SSD debate, though the Samsung drive is actually SATA. Both offer reliable storage for desktops and laptops. The main difference lies in their connection standards. The Samsung uses the older SATA III interface, while the Mushkin utilizes the newer PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe protocol. This results in vastly different speed capabilities and physical form factors for your system.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.3 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | 7,175MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | 6,800MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 2TB |
| NAND Type | V-NAND | QLC |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD if
- You have an older laptop or desktop that only supports SATA connections.
- You need a 2.5-inch drive to fit into a standard drive bay.
- You prioritize proven V-NAND architecture for general everyday computing tasks.
Choose Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD if
- You are building a PS5 or a modern PC with M.2 slots.
- You require high sequential transfer speeds for large file transfers.
- You want more storage capacity in a compact, low-profile form factor.
Verdict: The Samsung 860 EVO is the practical choice for older systems or users who need a standard 2.5-inch SATA drive. The Mushkin Gamma is the better option for modern builds, especially PS5 upgrades, where speed and M.2 form factor matter. Choose based on your motherboard's available slots and your speed requirements.
Samsung vs Mushkin SSD Comparison
Interface standard
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface, which limits data transfer rates to a maximum of 6 Gb/s. This is a mature, widely supported standard for 2.5-inch drives. The Mushkin Gamma employs a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface. This modern connection allows for significantly higher bandwidth potential. NVMe protocols are designed specifically for flash storage, reducing latency compared to the older SATA protocol. You must check your motherboard or laptop specifications to ensure it supports PCIe Gen4 for the Mushkin drive to function correctly. The Samsung drive works in nearly any system with a SATA port.
Transfer speed
Speed differences are stark between these two drives. The Samsung 860 EVO offers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. These are typical maximums for SATA SSDs. The Mushkin Gamma provides sequential read speeds of up to 7,175MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,800MB/s. This represents a massive performance gap. The Mushkin drive can move large files much faster. If you edit 4K video or transfer massive datasets, the Mushkin speed advantage is clear. For basic office tasks, the Samsung speed is sufficient.
Form factor
Physical dimensions dictate where each drive can be installed. The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive with a standard SATA form factor. It requires a dedicated drive bay or a mounting bracket inside your case. The Mushkin Gamma is an M.2 2280 module. It plugs directly into an M.2 slot on the motherboard. This saves space and eliminates cable clutter. The Samsung drive is larger and thicker. The Mushkin drive is compact, measuring 3.15 inches in length. You need to verify if your system has an available M.2 slot for the Mushkin drive, as the Samsung drive does not require one.
Storage capacity
Capacity options vary between the two models. The Samsung 860 EVO is shown here in a 500GB configuration. It is also available in other sizes like 250GB and 1TB. The Mushkin Gamma is presented in a 2TB version. It is also offered in larger capacities up to 8TB. If you need high storage density in a small form factor, the Mushkin offers more space. The Samsung drive is limited in the capacities listed. For users with large media libraries, the Mushkin 2TB option provides more room for games and files without needing multiple drives.
Security features
Data protection is important for sensitive information. The Samsung 860 EVO includes AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption. It is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1670 standards. This ensures your data is secure against unauthorized access. The Mushkin Gamma also lists hardware encryption in its attributes. Both drives offer built-in security without requiring software installation. The Samsung drive explicitly mentions its compliance standards. The Mushkin drive confirms encryption but does not list specific protocol compliance in the provided data. Both provide essential hardware-level protection for your files.
Warranty coverage
Both manufacturers stand behind their products with similar warranty terms. The Samsung 860 EVO comes with a 5-year limited warranty. This covers defects and ensures reliability for half a decade. The Mushkin Gamma also includes a 5-year limited warranty. The duration of coverage is identical for both drives. This suggests both brands have confidence in their component quality. You receive the same level of long-term support regardless of which drive you choose. The warranty period is a standard expectation for quality SSDs in this category.
Choose based on your interface and speed needs
PS5 owners needing high-speed NVMe storage
The Mushkin Gamma meets PS5 requirements with PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.3 connectivity. Its M.2 2280 form factor fits standard slots. Sequential read speeds reach 7,175MB/s and write speeds hit 6,800MB/s. This performance ensures fast game loading times. It is not compatible with SATA-only systems.
Users with older laptops or desktops
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface and 2.5-inch form factor. This fits older systems that lack M.2 slots. Max read speeds are 550MB/s and write speeds are 520MB/s. It uses V-NAND technology for reliable everyday computing. AES 256-bit encryption adds security. It is a mature, widely compatible choice.
Budget-conscious buyers needing basic capacity
The Samsung drive offers 500GB of storage in a standard 2.5-inch package. It is ideal for basic OS installation or light office work. The SATA interface ensures compatibility with almost any computer. MTBF is rated at 1.5 million hours. It provides stable performance without the premium cost of high-end NVMe drives.
The products compared
Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: SATA-based system upgrades and data security
- 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
The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD with 500GB of storage. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. This drive uses V-NAND technology for stable performance in everyday tasks. 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 support SATA connections.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- 5-year limited warranty
- V-NAND technology for optimized performance
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed compared to NVMe drives
- 2.5-inch form factor requires more space than M.2
- 500GB capacity is smaller than modern 1TB or 2TB options
Good fit if
- You are upgrading a desktop or laptop with a SATA port
- You need hardware encryption for sensitive data
- You want a drive with a 5-year warranty
Skip if
- You need PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds for gaming
- You require an M.2 form factor for compact builds
- You need more than 500GB of storage
Verdict: The Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD is a solid choice for users sticking with SATA interfaces who value encryption and warranty coverage. It fits best in systems where NVMe slots are unavailable or unnecessary.
Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 gaming and high-speed data transfers
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.3
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,175 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,800 MB/s
- Compatibility
- PS5, Gaming
View on Amazon: Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
This Mushkin drive uses a Phison E18 controller and QLC NAND in an M.2 2280 form factor. It offers sequential speeds up to 7,175 MB/s read and 6,800 MB/s write. The 2TB capacity fits PS5 and desktop PCs. It includes hardware encryption and a five-year warranty. This drive suits users needing high bandwidth for gaming or large file transfers.
Pros
- PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.3 support
- Max read speed of 7,175 MB/s
- Phison E18 controller
- Hardware encryption included
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Uses QLC NAND, which may have lower endurance than TLC
- 2TB capacity is smaller than the 500GB SATA option's relative value in some contexts
- No mention of DRAM cache in specifications
Good fit if
- You need high sequential speeds for PS5 gaming
- You require hardware encryption for data security
- You want a PCIe Gen4 drive with a Phison E18 controller
Skip if
- You prefer TLC NAND for better write endurance
- You need a SATA III drive for older systems
- You require a drive with DRAM cache
Verdict: Mushkin Gamma 2TB Gen4 NVMe delivers fast Gen4 speeds suitable for PS5 and gaming PCs, but its QLC NAND limits endurance compared to TLC alternatives.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Mushkin Gamma 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 2TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.3 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | 7,175 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | 6,800 MB/s |
| Compatibility | not stated | PS5, Gaming |
| NAND Type | not stated | QLC |
| Security | not stated | Hardware Encryption |
| Size | 500GB | 2TB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.15 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | Gen.4 PCIe |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | MKNSSDGA2TB-D8 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Samsung 860 EVO in a PS5?
No, the Samsung 860 EVO is not suitable for PS5 storage. It uses a SATA III interface and a 2.5-inch form factor. The console requires an M.2 NVMe drive with PCIe Gen4 connectivity. The Mushkin Gamma meets these specific hardware requirements for next-gen gaming consoles.
Which drive offers faster sequential read speeds?
The Mushkin Gamma provides significantly faster sequential read speeds. It utilizes PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.3 connectivity to reach up to 7,175MB/s. The Samsung 860 EVO is limited by its SATA III interface, which caps data transfer rates at a maximum of 6 Gb/s.
Is the Mushkin Gamma good for gaming PCs?
Yes, the Mushkin Gamma is well-suited for gaming PCs. Its high-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface supports rapid data transfers. The M.2 2280 form factor fits standard slots, making it a practical choice for users seeking performance upgrades over older SATA-based storage solutions.
Does the Samsung 860 EVO support hardware encryption?
The provided specifications do not explicitly list hardware encryption for the Samsung 860 EVO. While the verdict mentions encryption as a value point, the attributes only confirm SATA III, 2.5-inch form factor, and 500GB size. You should verify this detail in the official manual if security is a priority.
What is the physical size of the Mushkin Gamma?
The Mushkin Gamma measures 3.15 inches in length, 0.87 inches in width, and 0.15 inches in height. It uses the standard M.2 2280 form factor. These dimensions ensure compatibility with most modern motherboards and gaming consoles that support M.2 expansion slots.
Which SSD has a larger storage capacity?
The Mushkin Gamma offers a larger storage capacity with 2TB. The Samsung 860 EVO in this comparison is available in a 500GB size. If you need more space for large game libraries or media files, the Mushkin drive provides four times the storage volume of the Samsung option listed.
Can I install the Samsung 860 EVO in an M.2 slot?
No, the Samsung 860 EVO cannot be installed in an M.2 slot. It uses a 2.5-inch form factor designed for SATA connections. You will need a motherboard with available SATA ports and drive bays. The Mushkin Gamma is the M.2 option in this comparison.