In the world of solid-state drives (SSDs), SATA III drives remain a popular and cost-effective choice for upgrading older systems, building budget PCs, or expanding storage. Two of the most prominent names in this space are the Kingston KC600 vs Samsung 870 EVO. Both are highly regarded 2.5-inch SATA drives, but they cater to slightly different user needs. This post will put these two SSDs head-to-head, examining their key features, performance metrics, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Kingston KC600 | Samsung 870 EVO |
| Interface | SATA III (6Gb/s) | SATA III (6Gb/s) |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch |
| Sequential Read | Up to 550 MB/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 520 MB/s | Up to 530 MB/s |
| Random Read (4K) | Up to 90,000 IOPS | Up to 98,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4K) | Up to 80,000 IOPS | Up to 88,000 IOPS |
| NAND Type | 3D TLC | Samsung V-NAND 3-bit MLC (TLC) |
| Controller | Silicon Motion SM2259 | Samsung MKX Controller |
| DRAM Cache | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES, TCG Opal | 256-bit AES, TCG Opal 2.0 |
| Endurance (1TB model) | Up to 600 TBW | Up to 600 TBW |
| MTBF | 1,000,000 hours | 1,500,000 hours |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 5-Year Limited |
Quick Highlights Table
| Metric | Kingston KC600 | Samsung 870 EVO |
| Sequential Read | Up to 550 MB/s | Up to 560 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 520 MB/s | Up to 530 MB/s |
| Random Read (4K) | Up to 90,000 IOPS | Up to 98,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4K) | Up to 80,000 IOPS | Up to 88,000 IOPS |
| Endurance (1TB) | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| MTBF | 1,000,000 hours | 1,500,000 hours |
Key Takeaways
- Sequential Speeds: The Samsung 870 EVO holds a slight edge in both sequential read and write speeds, though the difference is minimal and often unnoticeable in real-world usage.
- Random I/O Performance: The Samsung 870 EVO’s performance with small files (4K random read/write) is notably higher, which translates to a snappier feel for tasks like OS boot times and application loading. This is where Samsung’s controller and firmware optimization really shine.
- Endurance (TBW): Both drives offer identical endurance ratings, indicating they can handle the same amount of data written over their lifetime. This is a crucial factor for long-term reliability.
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): The Samsung 870 EVO boasts a higher MTBF, suggesting a longer potential operational lifespan before a failure occurs.
Pros & Cons of Kingston KC600 vs Samsung 870 EVO
Kingston KC600
- Pros:
- Excellent Value: Often priced more competitively, making it a great budget-friendly option.
- Strong Feature Set: Includes hardware-based encryption and a DRAM cache, which are not always found on lower-priced alternatives.
- Good All-Around Performance: While not the absolute fastest, its performance is more than sufficient for general use, gaming, and productivity tasks.
- Cons:
- Slightly Lower Speed: Benchmarks show it’s marginally slower than the 870 EVO in both sequential and random performance.
- Lower MTBF: Its mean time between failures is lower than Samsung’s, which may be a concern for those prioritizing maximum longevity.
Samsung 870 EVO
- Pros:
- Top-Tier Performance: Consistently ranks as one of the best-performing SATA drives on the market.
- Superior Random I/O: The noticeable speed advantage in random read/write operations makes it feel incredibly responsive.
- Reputation for Reliability: Samsung’s V-NAND and controllers are highly regarded in the industry for their quality and durability, backed by a higher MTBF rating.
- Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Typically costs more than the Kingston KC600 for the same capacity.
- Firmware Vulnerabilities: Like many SSDs, it has had some firmware-related issues reported in the past, though these are often addressed with updates.
Buying Recommendations
- Choose the Kingston KC600 if… You are on a tight budget but still need a reliable, feature-rich SSD with solid performance for everyday tasks. It’s a perfect upgrade for an aging HDD and offers outstanding value for money.
- Choose the Samsung 870 EVO if… You want the absolute best performance a SATA III drive can offer and are willing to pay a premium for it. Its superior random I/O and reputation for reliability make it ideal for a primary boot drive where responsiveness is key.
Final Verdict
Both the Kingston KC600 and the Samsung 870 EVO are excellent SATA SSDs that will deliver a massive performance boost over any traditional hard drive. The Samsung 870 EVO is the clear winner in terms of raw performance and a higher MTBF, making it the better choice for enthusiasts and those who prioritize speed above all else. However, the Kingston KC600’s performance is incredibly close and its more attractive price point makes it the better value proposition for the majority of users. For the average user, the real-world difference between the two is negligible, making the KC600 a compelling and smart purchase.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is a SATA SSD fast enough for gaming?
A1: Yes, for most games, a SATA SSD like the KC600 or 870 EVO provides a huge reduction in loading times and a much smoother gaming experience compared to an HDD. However, for maximum performance, a faster NVMe SSD is recommended.
Q2: Can I use these SSDs in a laptop?
A2: Absolutely. Both are 2.5-inch drives and are compatible with most laptops that have a standard SATA drive bay.
Q3: What is the difference between TBW and MTBF?
A3: TBW (Terabytes Written) is an endurance rating that indicates how much data can be written to the drive before it may start to degrade. MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is a reliability statistic that estimates the average time a device will operate before a failure.
Q4: Do I need a kit to install one of these SSDs?
A4: For a desktop PC, you may need a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket if your case doesn’t have a 2.5-inch bay. For a laptop, they usually fit directly into the existing drive slot.
Q5: Is hardware-based encryption important?
A5: Hardware-based encryption is a key feature for users who handle sensitive data. It encrypts the drive without a noticeable performance impact, providing an extra layer of security.
Q6: Why is the Samsung 870 EVO more expensive?
A6: The price difference is primarily due to Samsung’s proprietary V-NAND technology and controller, which deliver slightly better performance and a reputation for superior quality and reliability.
Short Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Kingston KC600 and Samsung 870 EVO are excellent choices for anyone looking to upgrade from a mechanical hard drive. While the Samsung 870 EVO edges out the KC600 in raw performance and MTBF, the Kingston KC600 provides a compelling alternative with its robust feature set and superior value. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you prioritize the absolute best performance or the best possible price-to-performance ratio.
If you have any questions about “Kingston KC600 vs Samsung 870 EVO: A Detailed SATA SSD Comparison,” then feel free to let us know through your comments.
