The storage drives on your computer or laptop play a very important role when it comes to the overall speed of the machine apart from the storage space. While many of you may consider the storage drive to be simple memory devices, you should know that storage drives, especially SSDs are designed to increase the data transfer speed between your CPU and the content stored on the drive, resulting in a much faster output. So, you can see the difference between night and day after installing your OS on an SSD instead of an HDD.
SSDs or Solid State Drives have become increasingly popular due to their significant advantages over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). The importance of an SSD is pretty clear when you consider factors like speed, reliability, and efficiency. Unlike HDDs, which consist of spinning disks and mechanical components prone to failure and data loss due to physical damage, SSDs have no moving parts. This makes them more resistant to shock, vibration, and other physical impacts. Additionally, SSDs are not susceptible to issues like disk fragmentation, which can slow down HDD performance over time.
Therefore, many leading tech brands, such as Samsung have been designing SSDs for a very long time now and you can find a lot of great choices from such brands. While it makes it a lot easier to find a perfect choice under your budget, it also somewhat complicates the situation with many options around you, making it difficult to compare different choices and choose an option. Right now, the Samsung 870 series SSDs are really popular and in this guide, we are going to go through the major differences between the Samsung 870 EVO and QVO to see which options suit your needs the best.
What is Samsung 870 EVO?
The Samsung 870 EVO is an SSD model manufactured by Samsung. It is part of the EVO series SSDs from the brand, a popular line of consumer-grade SSDs offered by Samsung. The Samsung 870 EVO is a successor to the 860 EVO and is designed to provide reliable performance and high storage capacity for a wide range of applications. It utilizes the SATA III interface, which is a commonly used interface for connecting storage devices to computers.
One of the key features of the Samsung 870 EVO is the V-NAND technology used on the drive. V-NAND, or vertical NAND, is a type of flash memory technology that allows for greater density and improved performance compared to traditional planar NAND. This enables the 870 EVO to offer higher capacities, faster data transfer speeds, and enhanced endurance.
The Samsung 870 EVO is available in various different storage options, ranging from 250 GB all the way up to a massive 4 TB, catering to different user needs and preferences. It also comes with advanced features such as TurboWrite technology, which boosts write speeds for short bursts of data, and Intelligent TurboWrite which uses a buffer to optimize performance.
What is Samsung 870 QVO?
The Samsung 870 QVO is another solid-state drive model by Samsung which is also similarly popular. It is part of the QVO series of drives which stands for “Quality and Value Optimized”. And for that, it is marketed as a more affordable option compared to Samsung’s high-end SSD options.
The key feature of the Samsung 870 QVO is its large storage capacity combined with a highly competitive price range. Thus, It turns out to be a cost-effective solution for users who require a high-capacity storage device for storing large amounts of data, such as media files, documents, and applications. Like the 870 EVO, the Samsung 870 QVO also utilizes V-NAND technology, allowing for increased density and improved performance. However, the QVO series utilizes QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND flash memory, which enables higher storage capacities at a lower cost compared to the more expensive MLC (Multi-Level Cell) or TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND used in other SSD models.
The Samsung 870 QVO is also available in different storage options, ranging from 1 TB to 8 TB, making it a clear winner when it comes to sheer storage capacity. It provides ample storage space for storing large files and applications without sweat. It also utilizes the SATA III interface for easy compatibility with various computers and devices.
While the Samsung 870 QVO offers more of a budget-friendly option for an SSD, it is important to note that QLC NAND technology generally has slightly slower performance and lower endurance compared to MLC or TLC NAND. However, the performance difference may not be noticeable if you plan to use the drive for basic applications.
What are the Differences Between Samsung 870 EVO Vs QVO?
Comparing 2 different models of SSDs head-on can get slightly confusing, especially if we just talk about the technical specifications and features of the drives. From the outside, both the 870 EVO and QVO would appear to be highly similar options. But, only when we consider some important parameters such as costing, life span, performance, usage rating, etc. can we observe differences between these options. So to make it possible, we will compare both of these options with respect to these aspects to help you clear any doubt you may have about these drives.
1. Price
When comparing the Samsung 870 EVO and 870 QVO SSDs in terms of cost, it’s important to consider that the QVO series is positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to the EVO series. The Samsung 870 QVO typically offers a lower price per gigabyte of storage compared to the 870 EVO. This is due to the QVO series utilizing QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND flash memory, which is generally less expensive to produce.
As a result, if you are looking for a high-capacity SSD at a more affordable price, the Samsung 870 QVO would likely be a better choice. The QVO series offers larger storage capacities, ranging from 1TB to 8TB, which can provide ample space for storing large amounts of data without breaking the bank.
2. Life Span
The Samsung 870 EVO generally offers a higher endurance rating compared to the 870 QVO. For a storage drive, endurance simply refers to the total amount of data that can be written to the SSD before it reaches its specified lifespan. The EVO offers higher endurance compared to the QVO series thanks to better hardware.
On the other hand, the 870 QVO still offers decent endurance for basic usage. It is designed to handle everyday computing tasks and multimedia storage effectively. For most consumer applications, including gaming, web browsing, and document management, the endurance of the 870 QVO should be sufficient.
3. Performance
The Samsung 870 EVO also takes the lead when it comes to performance. Compared to the 870 QVO, you can easily observe the difference in performance with the 870 EVO. This is primarily due to the differences in the memory interface used in each series.
The 870 EVO uses MLC or TLC NAND flash memory, allowing faster read and write speeds than the QLC NAND used in the 870 QVO. MLC and TLC NAND also have higher data density and can store multiple bits of data per cell, enabling faster data transfer.
In contrast, the QLC NAND used in the 870 QVO is generally slower in terms of both read and write speeds compared. This means that tasks such as booting up the operating system, launching applications, and transferring large files may take slightly longer with the 870 QVO compared to the 870 EVO.
4. Capacity
The Samsung 870 EVO offers a range of storage capacities. But, it does not stand up too much against the vast storage capacity options available with the 870 QVO models. While the maximum storage capacity of the EVO drive goes as high as 1 TB, the Samsung 870 QVO offers the same at up to 8 TB. This provides a good range of options for various storage needs, from more minor capacity requirements for basic computing tasks to larger capacities for multimedia storage or professional use.
Thus, the Samsung 870 QVO is an ideal choice for users who require a significant amount of storage space for large files, multimedia content, or applications. The larger storage capacity offered by the 870 QVO makes it particularly suitable for users who work with extensive video editing projects, high-resolution media files, or require large-scale data storage, such as creative professionals, content creators, or individuals with demanding storage needs.
5. Warranty
When comparing the Samsung 870 EVO and 870 QVO SSDs in terms of warranty, it’s important to note that warranty terms can vary based on the specific model and also the region where the product was designed and distributed. However, both SSD series from Samsung generally come with long warranty periods to ensure customer satisfaction.
Both, the Samsung 870 EVO and Samsung 870 QVO typically come with a limited warranty that spans from three to five years, depending on the specific capacity of the SSD. The warranty coverage ensures that if any manufacturing defects or failures occur within the specified period, Samsung will provide repair or replacement services.
6. Memory Type
The Samsung 870 EVO typically utilizes a high-performance flash memory interface. MLC and TLC NAND are known for their ability to store more bits of data per cell. This allows for faster read and write speeds, better overall performance, and higher endurance compared to other memory types.
On the other hand, the Samsung 870 QVO can store up to four bits of data per cell, resulting in higher storage capacities at a more affordable price point. However, QLC NAND generally offers slightly slower performance, so keep that in mind.
While the performance and endurance of MLC and TLC NAND are generally superior, the QLC NAND used in the 870 QVO still provides reliable and efficient performance which can be favored for a normal system, or even an entry-level gaming rig
7. Transfer speed
The Samsung 870 EVO again is a clear winner when it comes to transfer speeds. This is primarily due to the differences in the flash memory technology and overall design of the two SSD series.
The 870 EVO allows for faster data transfer rates thanks to the high-end memory interface. On the other hand, the 870 QVO tends to have a slightly slower transfer speed compared to the 870 EVO because of its higher storage capacity available per cell. It impacts the overall speed of data retrieval and writing as well.
8. Form Factor & Interface
In terms of form factor, the 870 EVO and 870 QVO follow the standard 2.5 inches form factor, which is common for almost all SATA SSDs. This form factor is commonly used in laptops, desktop computers, and many other devices. The 2.5 inches form factor allows for easy installation and compatibility with existing drive bays or mounting solutions.
As for the interface, both SSD series utilizes the SATA III interface. SATA III is the third generation of the Serial ATA interface. It offers a maximum data transfer rate of up to 6 gigabits per second, allowing for fast and efficient data communication between the SSD and the host device.
The SATA III interface is widely supported and compatible with a vast range of devices, including desktops, laptops, and external storage enclosures. It ensures seamless integration and easy installation without requiring any additional adapters or specialized connectors.
It’s worth noting that both the 870 EVO and 870 QVO SSDs are also backward compatible with previous generations of the SATA interface (SATA II and SATA I), although the limitations of the technology will limit the maximum data transfer rate.
Samsung 870 EVO Vs QVO: Which One is Better?
The answer to whether the Samsung 870 EVO or 870 QVO is better depends on your specific needs and priorities. While both SSDs offer their own set of advantages and considerations, here are some factors where the difference can be a deal breaker for some buyers.
1. Performance: The Samsung 870 EVO generally offers higher performance compared to the 870 QVO. The faster read and write speeds of the Samsung 870 EVO are simply a great deal to pass. So, if you require faster performance for tasks such as booting up the operating system, launching applications, or transferring large files, the 870 EVO may be a better choice.
2. Endurance: The 870 EVO also offers higher endurance than the 870 QVO. If you have workloads that involve heavy and frequent write operations, such as professional content creation or server applications, the 870 EVO may be more suitable.
3. Capacity: The 870 QVO provides larger storage capacities than the 870 EVO. The QVO series offers capacities of up to 8 TB, making it a great choice if you require a simple storage drive without the doubt of running out of storage capacity anytime soon.
Samsung 870 EVO Vs QVO – FAQs
Ans: The endurance of the Samsung 870 QVO series varies depending on the specific capacity of the SSD. Samsung provides endurance specifications in terms of Total Bytes Written (TBW), which represents the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifespan. The TBW rating for Samsung 870 QVO series drives varies from 360 TBW all the way up to 2880 TBW while ranging between 1 TB to 8 TB storage capacity respectively.
Ans: While the Samsung 870 EVO is specially designed to offer better performance and speed, the 870 QVO focuses more on compatibility with a large number of devices. But still, It’s important to ensure that your device has the necessary physical space and connectivity options to accommodate a 2.5 inches SATA drive. Also, it’s recommended to check the device specifications or consult the manufacturer’s documentation to verify compatibility and any specific requirements.
Ans: The speed rating you need for the SSD to be installed on your gaming system is affected by the type of system you have built, the type of games you play, and whether you wish to record the footage of your gameplay for future content creation. It is always better to prefer a faster option if you wish to use the storage drive for a long time. But, if your requirements aren’t that high, the Samsung 870 QVO will be good enough for gaming.
Conclusion
We hope that you can now easily differentiate between the Samsung 870 EVO and 870 QVO storage drives and understand the differences between both storage drives. While both are excellent choices from Samsung, we recommend you go with the Samsung 870 EVO storage drive for the sake of a future-proof choice. As we all know, storage capacity can never be enough and you will need more storage sooner or later. But, it does not necessarily mean that you should compromise on the performance or data transfer speeds. Instead, we will recommend you go with the Samsung 870 EVO and get an upgrade later on if needed. Going with the faster option will improve your overall system speed, boot times, rendering speeds, and loading speed when playing heavy games.
