Intel Ssd 660p Vs Samsung 970 Evo Plus: Battle Of The Nvme Ssds
What To Know
- The Intel SSD 660p offers an endurance rating of up to 200 terabytes written (TBW) for the 250GB model, 400 TBW for the 500GB model, and 800 TBW for the 1TB and 2TB models.
- The Samsung 970 EVO Plus, on the other hand, provides an endurance rating of up to 150 TBW for the 250GB model, 300 TBW for the 500GB model, 600 TBW for the 1TB model, and 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model.
- However, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus has a slight edge in terms of reliability, as it comes with a longer warranty period of 5 years compared to the Intel SSD 660p’s 3-year warranty.
In the realm of computer storage, solid-state drives (SSDs) have revolutionized the way we store and access data. Among the leading contenders in the SSD market are the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. Both drives offer impressive performance and reliability, but they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, helping you make an informed decision about which drive is the best choice for your specific needs.
Performance: Speed and Responsiveness
1. Sequential Read and Write Speeds: The Intel SSD 660p boasts sequential read speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. On the other hand, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus delivers blazing-fast sequential read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,300 MB/s. This significant difference in sequential speeds translates to noticeably faster loading times for large files, applications, and games.
2. Random Read and Write Speeds: When it comes to random read and write speeds, which are crucial for everyday tasks like booting up the system, launching applications, and loading files, both drives perform admirably. The Intel SSD 660p offers random read speeds of up to 100,000 IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and random write speeds of up to 80,000 IOPS. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus takes the lead with random read speeds of up to 500,000 IOPS and random write speeds of up to 480,000 IOPS, providing exceptional responsiveness for demanding workloads.
Capacity and Price
1. Available Capacities: The Intel SSD 660p is available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB, while the Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers a wider range of options, including 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. This allows users to choose the capacity that best suits their storage needs and budget.
2. Price Comparison: The Intel SSD 660p typically offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. However, the price difference may vary depending on the specific capacity and retailer. It’s important to consider the value proposition and weigh the performance benefits against the cost when making a purchase decision.
Form Factor and Compatibility
1. Form Factor: Both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus utilize the M.2 form factor, which is a compact and versatile interface that connects directly to the motherboard. This allows for easy installation and compatibility with a wide range of laptops, desktops, and mini-PCs that support M.2 SSDs.
2. Compatibility: The Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus are both compatible with the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol, which offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs. It’s important to ensure that your system supports NVMe SSDs before making a purchase.
Endurance and Reliability
1. Endurance: Endurance refers to the amount of data that can be written to an SSD before it reaches its end of life. The Intel SSD 660p offers an endurance rating of up to 200 terabytes written (TBW) for the 250GB model, 400 TBW for the 500GB model, and 800 TBW for the 1TB and 2TB models. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus, on the other hand, provides an endurance rating of up to 150 TBW for the 250GB model, 300 TBW for the 500GB model, 600 TBW for the 1TB model, and 1,200 TBW for the 2TB model.
2. Reliability: Both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus are renowned for their reliability and durability. They employ advanced technologies to protect data integrity and ensure long-lasting performance. However, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus has a slight edge in terms of reliability, as it comes with a longer warranty period of 5 years compared to the Intel SSD 660p’s 3-year warranty.
Software and Features
1. Software and Utilities: The Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus come with proprietary software and utilities that enhance the user experience and provide additional features. The Intel SSD 660p includes the Intel Solid State Drive Toolbox, which offers drive management tools, performance monitoring, and firmware updates. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus comes with the Samsung Magician software, which provides similar features along with additional tools for data migration, secure erase, and performance optimization.
2. Additional Features: Some Samsung 970 EVO Plus models may include additional features such as hardware encryption and TCG Opal 2.0 compliance, which provide enhanced data security. These features may be particularly useful for users who handle sensitive data or require compliance with industry regulations.
Recommendations: Making the Right Choice
In the realm of SSDs, both the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus stand out as exceptional performers. The Intel SSD 660p offers a compelling combination of affordability, solid performance, and adequate endurance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users and mainstream applications. On the other hand, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus delivers blazing-fast speeds, exceptional responsiveness, and enhanced reliability, making it the preferred choice for power users, gamers, and professionals who demand the best performance from their storage devices. Ultimately, the choice between the Intel SSD 660p and the Samsung 970 EVO Plus depends on your specific needs, budget, and performance requirements.
Questions You May Have
Q1. Which SSD is faster, the Intel SSD 660p or the Samsung 970 EVO Plus?
A1. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers significantly faster sequential and random read and write speeds compared to the Intel SSD 660p, making it the faster choice for demanding workloads and applications.
Q2. Which SSD has better endurance, the Intel SSD 660p or the Samsung 970 EVO Plus?
A2. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus generally offers better endurance ratings across all capacities compared to the Intel SSD 660p. This means that the Samsung SSD can withstand more data writes before reaching its end of life.
Q3. Which SSD comes with a longer warranty, the Intel SSD 660p or the Samsung 970 EVO Plus?
A3. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus comes with a longer warranty period of 5 years compared to the Intel SSD 660p’s 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind and enhanced reliability for users.
