Samsung vs Patriot Memory: Nvme SSDs Compared by Specs
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This comparison covers the Samsung 860 EVO and the Patriot P300. You are looking at the samsung vs patriot memory nvme SSD options, but note that the Samsung drive is SATA, not NVMe. Both offer reliable storage for everyday tasks. The main difference lies in their interface and form factor. The Samsung uses a traditional 2.5-inch SATA connection, while the Patriot uses a modern M.2 PCIe slot. You need to check your motherboard compatibility before choosing.
Key differences
| Aspect | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen 3 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | M.2 |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | Up to 2,100MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | Up to 1,650MB/s |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit hardware-based | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD if
- You have an older desktop or laptop with only SATA ports available.
- You need hardware-based AES encryption for data security.
- You prefer a standard 2.5-inch drive that fits in most cases.
Choose Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD if
- You want faster sequential read and write speeds for quick file transfers.
- You need more storage capacity for the same physical footprint.
- Your motherboard has an available M.2 PCIe slot for a compact installation.
Verdict: The Samsung 860 EVO is the practical choice for older systems limited to SATA connections. The Patriot P300 offers significantly higher speeds and more capacity, but requires an M.2 slot. Choose the Samsung for compatibility and security features, or the Patriot for modern performance and space efficiency.
Samsung vs Patriot Memory Specs
Interface type
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface. This is the standard connection for most desktop and laptop drives. It provides consistent speeds but is limited by the SATA bus. The Patriot P300 uses PCIe Gen 3 x4. This is the NVMe standard. It connects directly to the CPU. This path allows for much higher bandwidth. You will see a clear difference in raw throughput potential. PCIe is faster than SATA for data-heavy tasks. This is the primary architectural difference between the two drives.
Transfer speed
Sequential read speeds show the biggest gap. The Samsung 860 EVO tops out at 550MB/s. The Patriot P300 reaches 2,100MB/s. That is nearly four times faster for large file transfers. Sequential write speeds follow the same pattern. Samsung offers 520MB/s. Patriot offers 1,650MB/s. If you move large video files or databases often, the Patriot drive completes these jobs much quicker. The Samsung drive is sufficient for basic office work. The Patriot drive is better for performance-heavy workflows.
Storage capacity
The Samsung 860 EVO comes in sizes up to 4TB. The specific model listed here is 500GB. The Patriot P300 is listed at 1TB. You get double the space with the Patriot in this comparison. Both brands offer other capacity options. Samsung has smaller 250GB choices. Patriot has smaller 128GB and 256GB choices. If you need more than 500GB, the Patriot gives you more value in this head-to-head. Check the full variation lists if you need different sizes.
Form factor
The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive. It is a block-shaped drive that fits in standard drive bays. It uses a SATA cable for power and data. The Patriot P300 is an M.2 drive. It looks like a stick of gum. It plugs directly into the motherboard. You do not need cables. This makes it better for small form factor PCs. It also saves space inside your case. You must check if your motherboard has an M.2 slot. The Samsung drive fits almost any computer with a SATA port.
Data protection
The Samsung 860 EVO includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It supports TCG Opal and IEEE 1670 standards. This protects your data from unauthorized access. The Patriot P300 uses SmartECC and NANDXtend technology. It also has end-to-end data path protection. This helps correct errors and extends NAND lifespan. Both drives offer strong reliability features. Samsung focuses on encryption compliance. Patriot focuses on error correction and thermal management. Both approaches ensure your data remains safe and intact over time.
Which SSD fits your specific needs
Users needing standard 2.5 inch SATA slot
The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface and 2.5 inch form factor. This makes it compatible with most desktops and laptops that lack M.2 slots. You get reliable sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 520MB/s. It fits standard drive bays easily.
Users requiring high capacity and fast speeds
The Patriot P300 offers 1TB of storage via PCIe Gen 3 x4. It delivers much higher sequential read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and write speeds up to 1,650MB/s. This interface bypasses SATA limits, providing significantly faster data transfer rates for large files and quick application loading.
Users prioritizing M.2 form factor efficiency
The Patriot P300 uses an M.2 form factor, which is smaller and often easier to install in modern thin laptops and compact builds. It connects directly to the motherboard via PCIe, eliminating the need for cables. This design saves space and improves airflow compared to bulkier 2.5 inch 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
This 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. The drive uses Samsung V-NAND technology and includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption. It fits standard desktop and laptop bays. You should choose this if you need reliable everyday performance for older systems that do not support NVMe drives.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- SATA III interface limits speed compared to NVMe
- 500GB capacity is smaller than some alternatives
- No included mounting screws or brackets
Good fit if
- You are upgrading a desktop or laptop with a SATA port
- You need hardware encryption for data security
- You prefer a proven 2.5-inch drive over M.2 modules
Skip if
- You require NVMe speeds for heavy workloads
- You need more than 500GB of storage
- Your system only supports M.2 slots
Verdict: Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD is a solid choice for users sticking with SATA connections who value encryption and a standard 2.5-inch form factor.
Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD
Best for: Budget-conscious users needing 1TB storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 3 x4
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 2,100MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 1,650MB/s
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Dimensions
- 0.15 × 3.15 × 0.87 inches
View on Amazon: Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD Affiliate link
The Patriot P300 is a 1TB M.2 NVMe drive using a PCIe Gen 3 x4 interface. It offers sequential read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and write speeds up to 1,650MB/s. It includes SmartECC and thermal throttling for data protection. This drive suits you if you need reliable storage for everyday computing tasks without the premium cost of the latest PCIe 4.0 models.
Pros
- 1TB storage capacity
- Sequential read speeds up to 2,100MB/s
- SmartECC and Thermal throttling technology
- 5 Year Warranty
Cons
- PCIe Gen 3 interface limits max throughput compared to Gen 4 drives
- No included mounting hardware listed in specifications
- Random write IOPS capped at 260K
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for a desktop or laptop
- You want a reliable drive with a 5-year warranty
- You are on a budget and do not need Gen 4 speeds
Skip if
- You require PCIe Gen 4 x4 speeds
- You need a drive with an integrated heatsink
- You are building a high-end gaming PC for future-proofing
Verdict: The Patriot P300 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD is a solid budget option for users who prioritize capacity and warranty over peak performance. It fits well for general storage upgrades where Gen 3 speeds are sufficient.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB SATA SSD | Patriot P300 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 1TB |
| Interface | SATA III | PCIe Gen 3 x4 |
| Form Factor | 2.5 Inch | not stated |
| Max Read Speed | 550MB/s | Up to 2,100MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 520MB/s | Up to 1,650MB/s |
| Size | 500GB | 1TB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.76 × 0.27 inches | 0.15 × 3.15 × 0.87 inches |
| Weight | 1.76 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | MZ-76E500B/AM | P300P1TBM28 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung 860 EVO an NVMe drive?
No, it is a SATA SSD. The Samsung 860 EVO uses a SATA III interface, not PCIe. This means it connects via the standard SATA bus found in most older systems. It does not support the NVMe protocol or M.2 form factor used by faster NVMe drives.
What form factor does the Samsung 860 EVO use?
It uses a 2.5-inch form factor. This is the traditional shape for internal laptop and desktop hard drives and SSDs. You will need a standard SATA data cable and power connection to install it. It does not fit into M.2 slots on modern motherboards.
Does the Patriot P300 support NVMe?
Yes, the Patriot P300 is an NVMe drive. It uses a PCIe 3.0 interface over the M.2 slot. This allows it to communicate directly with the CPU via the PCIe bus. It is significantly faster than SATA drives and fits into modern motherboard M.2 slots.
What is the storage capacity of the Patriot P300?
The Patriot P300 has a 1TB capacity. This provides ample space for operating systems, games, and large files. It is a single drive option for users needing high storage density in a compact M.2 package. It does not come in smaller sizes in this comparison.
Can I use the Samsung 860 EVO in an M.2 slot?
No, you cannot. The Samsung 860 EVO is a 2.5-inch drive. It requires a standard SATA port and power connector. M.2 slots are designed for smaller, stick-like drives like the Patriot P300. You must use a SATA cable for the Samsung drive.
Is the Patriot P300 compatible with SATA ports?
No, it is not. The Patriot P300 uses an M.2 interface with PCIe 3.0. It plugs directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard. It does not have a SATA connector or cable. You need a motherboard with an available M.2 slot to use it.
Which drive is better for a 2.5-inch bay upgrade?
The Samsung 860 EVO is the better choice. It is designed specifically for 2.5-inch bays with SATA III connections. The Patriot P300 is an M.2 drive and will not fit. If your system only has SATA ports, the Samsung drive is the only compatible option.