Solid-state drives, or SSDs, are storage devices that utilize NAND-based flash memory to store data. Unlike your traditional hard disk drive or HDD, which uses disks with read/write heads to access data, SSDs have no moving parts and only rely on electronic circuits for data storage and retrieval. Simply put, SSDs have a higher performance than your traditional hard drive.
In this article, we’ll review two of the most popular SATA SSD brands in the market now: Crucial SSD vs Samsung. We’ll go over which brand provides faster sequential write speeds, very high sequential write speeds and read speeds, better overall performance, and all the important aspects that affect how the average user shops for an SSD.
A Brief Review of Crucial Brand of SSDs
What’s Good About Crucial SSDs?
Crucial is one of the biggest and most popular brands in the SSD market. Many users can attest to how well and reliable the brand is.
But of the most important aspects we need to cover here is compatibility, and Crucial SSDs are known for just that. They’re compatible with a wide range of systems, so whether or not you have a new laptop or an old motherboard, you’ll find a Crucial brand of SSD to match it.
Crucial is a reliable brand known for its affordability and excellent performance. Their read and write speeds quickly transfer large files to and from the SSD. Performance wise, Crucial is consistent across the board. Sequential Read speed and write speed are
Another aspect that stands out with Crucial SSDs is their affordability. Compared to some of the other high-end SSD brands on the market, Crucial SSDs offer excellent value for money. They are often priced lower than their competitors without sacrificing performance, making them an attractive option for those who want to upgrade their system without breaking the bank.
I highly recommend Crucial SSDs for their reliability, compatibility, and affordability. A Crucial drive is worth considering if you’re in the market for an SSD. The Crucial MX500 is their most popular SATA SSD offered.
What’s Bad About Crucial SSDs?
While Crucial SSDs are generally reliable and perform well, there have been some reports of issues with their customer support. Some users have needed help reaching Crucial’s support team and have experienced slow response times when resolving issues.
Another drawback of Crucial SSDs is their relatively low write endurance. Crucial SSDs may last less long under heavy use compared to some high-end SSD brands. This may be fine for casual users, but those who frequently use their systems for intensive tasks may want to consider a more durable SSD option.
Despite these drawbacks, Crucial SSDs are still a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable SSD. Just be aware of the potential customer support issues, and do your research to find the best SSD option for your needs.
A Brief Review of Samsung Brand of SSDs
What’s Good About Samsung SSD?
Samsung is a brand that needs no introduction. They’re known for making some of the world’s best appliances and mobile phones, and now they’re leaving their mark in the SSD market.
I have a Samsung SSD installed on my PC and laptop, and they’re just amazing. I do video editing on my computer and transfer large files to and from the SSD to my HDD. Their products are generally known for their reliability, endurance, and overall quality.
Samsung SSDs are known for their impressive read and write speeds and are consistently ranked top performers in several benchmark tests. Samsung’s SSDs also come with their proprietary software, the Samsung Magician, which allows users to optimize the performance of their SSD, monitor its health, and perform firmware updates.
Another impressive feature of Samsung SSDs is their endurance. Samsung uses high-quality components in their SSDs, which means they can withstand a lot of read and write cycles before they degrade. This is particularly important for users who do a lot of heavy workloads or gaming, as it ensures that their SSD will last for a long time.
Overall, Samsung SSDs are an excellent choice for users who want a reliable, fast, and durable storage solution. They may not be the cheapest SSDs in the market, but they are worth the investment.
We strongly recommend getting Samsung EVO SSDs or the Samsung 860 EVO SSD if you want to invest. Both Samsung SSD models we recommended here fits all form factor of motherboards too.
What’s Bad About Samsung SSD?
While Samsung SSDs are known for their reliability and performance, they are not without their flaws. One of the most significant issues with Samsung SSDs is their price. They are generally more expensive than other brands of SSDs with similar specifications, which may not be appealing to budget-conscious users.
Another area for improvement is Samsung’s customer support. While their SSDs are generally reliable, some users have reported issues with their drives, such as slow speeds or failure to detect. Unfortunately, Samsung’s customer support has been criticized for being unresponsive or difficult to work with in these cases, which can be frustrating for users who need immediate assistance.
Additionally, Samsung SSDs can be complicated for novice users. Samsung’s proprietary software, the Samsung Magician, is powerful and allows users to optimize the performance of their SSD. Still, it may need to be more user-friendly for those who are tech-savvy.
Lastly, while Samsung SSDs have impressive endurance, some users have reported that their endurance ratings are lower than advertised. This means that their SSDs may degrade faster than expected, which can be a concern for users who need a reliable and durable storage solution.
Overall, Samsung SSDs are a good choice for users who prioritize performance and endurance over price. However, users should be aware of their customer support issues and be prepared to invest time into learning how to use the Samsung Magician software.
When choosing an SSD, Crucial and Samsung are two of the most popular brands on the market. While both offer high-quality products, some key differences can help you decide which is best for your needs.
Side by Side Comparison of Crucial and Samsung SSDs
Speed and Performance
Crucial and Samsung SSDs offer fast, random write speeds and reliable performance. However, Samsung tends to provide slightly quicker read and write rates than Crucial, making it a better choice for those prioritizing speed and performance.
Capacity
Crucial SSDs offer slightly better performance and a larger storage capacity than Samsung at lower price points, making it a better choice for those who need a lot of storage without breaking the bank.
Reliability
Both brands have a solid reputation for reliability, but Samsung SSDs tend to be more durable and long-lasting. They are also backed by a more extended warranty period than Crucial SSDs.
Their reliability is similar unless you really end up with a defective model. And even then, defects shouldn’t be held against the manufacturer.
Price
While both brands offer competitive prices, Crucial SSDs are cheaper than Samsung, making them a better choice for those on a budget.
What Are You Looking For When Buying a New SSD?
- Storage capacity: The first and most important thing to consider is your needed storage capacity. Determine your storage needs and choose an SSD with a capacity that will meet those needs. SSDs are available in various capacities, from 128GB to multiple terabytes.
- Read/Write speeds: SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, but not all SSDs are created equal. Look for an SSD with high read and write speeds. This will ensure your computer boots up quickly and programs load fast.
- Interface: The interface of the SSD is also essential to consider. SATA III is the most common interface for SSDs, but newer models use NVMe, which is much faster. However, not all computers support NVMe, so check your computer’s specifications before purchasing an NVMe SSD.
- Endurance and lifespan: SSDs have a limited lifespan and can only handle a certain number of write cycles. Look for an SSD with a high endurance rating, ensuring it lasts longer.
- Brand reputation and customer reviews: Look for reputable brands with positive customer reviews. This will help ensure that you get a reliable SSD that will meet your needs and last a long time.
- Price: Finally, consider the cost. SSDs can be expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment if you need fast and reliable storage. Compare prices and features to find the best SSD for your budget.
Choosing between Crucial and Samsung SSDs depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for the fastest speeds and are okay with paying more, Samsung is the way to go. Crucial is the better option if you need a lot of storage without breaking the bank. However, both brands offer high-quality products that will satisfy any user.
