Is the Samsung 860 EVO Good for Gaming?
When it comes to selecting the right SSD for gaming, the Samsung 860 EVO has become a go-to choice for many. My personal experience with this model has been incredibly positive, and I'll share my insights on why it's a great option for gaming setups.
My Personal Experiences with Different Samsung SSDs
I currently have three Samsung SSDs in my rig, each purchased for distinct purposes. The 250GB Samsung 850 EVO, the 250GB Samsung 860 EVO, and the 1TB Samsung 970 EVO m.2. The latter two are specifically designed for gaming, while the 860 EVO handles my operating system and other non-game software.
Before I acquired the 860 EVO, the 850 EVO was the go-to drive for gaming. It's important to note that the 860 EVO has come a long way since its initial release in 2017, offering faster performance and better overall value when purchased at a decent price.
Performance and Gaming Load Times
The 850 and 970 EVOs have proven to be excellent for running games. Load times are significantly shorter compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs). The performance difference is noticeable, with the NAND Flash technology in these SSDs offering faster read and write speeds, which translates to faster game loading.
The 970 EVO m.2, in particular, is a superior choice for gaming due to its higher performance and support for NVMe protocol, which allows for even faster data access.
Value and Alternatives
While the Samsung 860 EVO is a great option, there are other brands that offer similar performance, such as the Crucial MX500. The Crucial MX500 is now widely available at around $100-120 for a 1TB model, making it an excellent budget alternative to the Samsung 860 EVO.
When it comes to cloning software, both brands offer reliable solutions. However, I found that the Samsung drives come with better cloning software, which is a significant factor if you're building a new system from scratch. Additionally, Samsung's warranty is noted for its reliability and coverage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung 860 EVO is a solid choice for gaming setups, but it's not the only option. If cost is a consideration, the Crucial MX500 is a highly recommended alternative. Both drives offer excellent performance, but the 860 EVO has slightly better performance and cloning tools, making it a popular choice.
Whether you opt for the Samsung 860 EVO or another brand, the key is to ensure that your SSD is capable of handling the demands of modern games, providing fast load times and ensuring smooth performance.