Samsung
Samsung 850 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E500B/EU)
Bottom line: The Samsung 850 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD ($145.09 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Up to 540MB/s sequential read, 520MB/s write over SATA III; main trade-off: SATA III caps throughput far below modern NVMe drives.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s sequential read, 520MB/s write over SATA III
- ✓ 98K read / 90K write random IOPS for snappy multitasking
- ✓ Samsung V-NAND flash rather than planar TLC
- ✓ 7mm 2.5-inch body fits desktops, laptops, and ultrabooks
Cons
- ✗ SATA III caps throughput far below modern NVMe drives
- ✗ No mounting screws, brackets, or SATA cables in the box
- ✗ 500GB fills fast with modern game installs
- ✗ Older platform, so newer TLC/QLC drives often cost less per GB
Manufacturer description
The Samsung 850 EVO 500GB brings V-NAND flash to the 2.5-inch SATA III form factor, and it is the drive that made SSD upgrades mainstream. Sequential reads reach up to 540MB/s and writes up to 520MB/s, with random performance rated at 98K read IOPS and 90K write IOPS, so boot times, application launches, and file copies land far closer to instant than any mechanical drive can manage. The 7mm 2.5-inch chassis is built for broad fitment across desktop towers, laptops, and ultrabooks, and the SATA III (6GB/s) interface keeps it compatible with older systems that never had an M.2 slot. Samsung…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Samsung 850 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the ssds & storage category. Samsung's ssds & storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for ssds & storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Samsung 850 EVO 500GB?
Samsung rates it at up to 540MB/s sequential read and 520MB/s sequential write, with random performance up to 98K read IOPS and 90K write IOPS. That is close to the practical ceiling of the SATA III 6GB/s interface.
Will the 850 EVO fit my laptop?
It uses the 2.5-inch 7mm form factor with a SATA III connector, which is the standard drive bay size in most laptops and desktops. Confirm your laptop takes a 7mm 2.5-inch SATA drive rather than an M.2-only slot.
What comes in the box?
Just the 2.5-inch SATA III SSD and a user manual. Cables, screws, and 3.5-inch mounting brackets are not included, so budget for a mounting kit or SATA data cable if your build does not already have them.
Does it work with Windows 11 or Linux?
Samsung lists compatibility with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista SP1 and above (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Linux. It is a standard SATA III device, so newer operating systems generally detect it without special drivers.
Is the 850 EVO still worth buying?
For SATA-only systems, retro PC builds, and laptop upgrades it remains a strong pick. If your motherboard has a free M.2 NVMe slot, a modern NVMe drive will be several times faster.
Key Features
- Samsung MZ-75E500/EU 850 EVO has been designed with compatibility in mind. The 2.5-inch size is designed to fit most desktops, PCs, and Laptops. Powered by Samsung V-NAND Technology. Optimized Performance for Everyday Computing.
- Incredible Sequential Read/Write Performance Up to 540MB/s and 520MB/s Respectively,and Random Read/Write IOPS Performance Up to 98K and 90K Respectively
- Included Contents 2.5” (7mm) SATA III (6GB/s) SSD & User Manual (All Other Cables, Screws, Brackets Not Included).
- Windows 10/8/7/Vista SP1 and above (32/64 bit), Widows Server 2008 (32/64 bit), Linux Compatible.
- Samsung's 850 EVO series SSD is the industry's #1 best-selling* SSD and is perfect for everyday computing. Powered by Samsung's V-NAND technology, the 850 EVO transforms the everyday computing experience with optimized performance and endurance. Designed to fit desktop PCs, laptops, and ultrabooks, the 850 EVO comes in a wide range of capacities and form factors. *Based on 2015 NPD reported revenue in the US
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B00P73B1E4 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Series | 850 EVO |
| Voltage | 3.6 |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Metal batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 500 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 1.59 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Model Number | MZ-75E500B/EU |
| Hard Disk Size | 500 GB |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 500 GB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | MZ-75E500B/EU |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Product Dimensions | 2.75 x 3.94 x 0.27 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | SATA 6 GB/s |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Date First Available | November 11, 2014 |
Ready to buy?
Samsung 850 EVO 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E500B/EU) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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