Samsung
Samsung 860 EVO SSD 500GB - M.2 SATA Internal Solid State Drive with V-NAND Technology (MZ-N6E500BW)
Bottom line: The Samsung 860 EVO SSD 500GB ($249.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write saturates the SATA interface ceiling; main trade-off: SATA M.2, not NVMe: roughly a seventh of PCIe 3.0 x4 throughput.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write saturates the SATA interface ceiling
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor frees up the 2.5-inch drive bay
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite holds write speed during large transfers
- ✓ Runs on Windows XP SP2 through Windows 8, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- ✗ SATA M.2, not NVMe: roughly a seventh of PCIe 3.0 x4 throughput
- ✗ Won't work in M.2 slots keyed for NVMe only
- ✗ 500GB fills fast with modern 100GB+ game installs
- ✗ Older 2018-era V-NAND generation versus current 870/990 drives
Manufacturer description
The SSD you trust: The newest edition to the world's best-selling SATA SSD series, the Samsung 860 EVO SSD is specially designed to enhance performance of mainstream PCs and laptops. With the latest V-NAND technology, this fast and reliable Solid State Drive comes in multiple form factors and capacities. Its enhanced performance delivers consistent speeds, even under heavy workloads and multi-tasking, allowing for faster file transfers. The 860 EVO performs at sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s with Intelligent TurboWrite technology, and sequential write speeds of up to 520MB/s. The…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Samsung 860 EVO SSD 500GB 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
Will this fit any M.2 slot on my motherboard?
Only M.2 slots that support SATA mode. This is an M.2 SATA drive, not NVMe, so check your motherboard or laptop manual for M.2 SATA support before ordering.
How fast is the Samsung 860 EVO 500GB?
Samsung rates it at sequential reads up to 550MB/s and sequential writes up to 520MB/s, with Intelligent TurboWrite maintaining write speed under sustained transfers.
Does it work with older versions of Windows?
Yes. Samsung lists Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit), Vista SP1 and above, and XP SP2 and above, plus macOS and Linux.
Is 500GB enough for gaming?
It handles an OS plus a rotating library of several titles, but modern AAA installs often exceed 100GB each, so heavy game collectors should plan for a second drive.
What warranty does the 860 EVO carry?
Warranty terms vary by region and retailer. Check the current product listing and Samsung's support site for the coverage that applies to your purchase.
Key Features
- Powered by Samsung V-NAND Technology. Optimized Performance for Everyday Computing
- Enhanced Performance: Sequential Read/Write speeds up to 550MB/s and 520MB/s respectively
- Ideal for mainstream PCs and laptops for personal, gaming and business use
- Hardware/Software Compatibility: Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit), Vista (SP1 and above), XP (SP2 and above), MAC OSX, and Linux
Full Specifications
| Brand | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | 860 EVO |
| Read Speed | 550 megabytes_per_second |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 |
| Media Speed | 520 megabits_per_second |
| Model Number | MZ-N6E500BW |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | M.2 SATA (6Gb/s) SSD & User Manual (All Other Cables, Screws, Brackets Not Included). |
| Item Type Name | Samsung 860 EVO 500GB M.2 SATA Internal SSD (MZ-N6E500BW) |
| Hard-Drive Size | 500 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | MZ-N6E500BW |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Mac |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 750 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | SATA |
| Additional Features | Portable |
Ready to buy?
Samsung 860 EVO SSD 500GB - M.2 SATA Internal Solid State Drive with V-NAND Technology (MZ-N6E500BW) 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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