Samsung 870 EVO

Pros

• Includes a DRAM cache, which is essential for maintaining performance when used as an OS boot drive
• Provides a massive speed improvement over traditional mechanical hard drives (HDDs)
• Available in high capacities, including 4TB models
• Generally considered a premium SATA option compared to entry-level drives like the Kingston A400

Cons

• Reports of specific manufacturing batches being prone to premature failure
• Some users have reported difficulties getting Samsung to honor warranty claims
• Significantly slower than modern NVMe M.2 drives, which are often available at similar price points
• Occasional reports of DOA (Dead on Arrival) or immediate boot failures

Caveats

• While often recommended for OS use in SATA-only systems, some users advise against it if an NVMe slot is available
• Reliability concerns are often linked to specific older batches, though this remains a point of discussion in hardware communities

Best for

• Upgrading older laptops or desktops that lack M.2 NVMe slots
• Secondary storage for large file libraries or games
• Users specifically looking for a SATA drive with a DRAM cache

Avoid if

• Your motherboard supports NVMe M.2 drives, which offer much higher speeds
• You are risk-averse regarding the reported failure rates of certain 870 EVO batches