Samsung
Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76P2T0BW)
Bottom line: The Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD: Sequential reads to 560MB/s and writes to 530MB/s, saturating the SATA III interface; main trade-off: SATA III ceiling of 560MB/s puts it well behind NVMe M.2 drives on raw throughput.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Sequential reads to 560MB/s and writes to 530MB/s, saturating the SATA III interface
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption, TCG Opal and IEEE 1667 compliant out of the box
- ✓ Samsung V-NAND plus a refined controller aimed at NAS and workstation write loads
- ✓ Runs on XP SP2+, Vista SP1+, Windows 7/8, Server 2003, macOS and Linux
Cons
- ✗ SATA III ceiling of 560MB/s puts it well behind NVMe M.2 drives on raw throughput
- ✗ 2TB SATA capacity sits at a steep per-gigabyte premium in this category
- ✗ Listing copy mixes in 860 EVO details, so verify the PRO SKU MZ-76P2T0BW
- ✗ No TBW endurance or warranty figures stated in the product listing
Manufacturer description
The Samsung 860 PRO is a 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD built around Samsung V-NAND and a refined controller, and it targets the sustained-workload end of the SATA market rather than the budget end. Sequential reads run up to 560MB/s and sequential writes up to 530MB/s, effectively the ceiling of the SATA III interface, and Samsung positions the drive for high-end desktops, workstations and NAS enclosures where write pressure stays high instead of arriving in short bursts. That consistency under multitasking is the pitch: speeds hold up while you are compiling, editing video, or running…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB 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 860 PRO 2TB?
Samsung rates it at sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 530MB/s, which is the practical ceiling of the SATA III interface.
Will the 860 PRO work in an older PC or laptop?
Yes. The listed compatibility covers Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 in 32-bit and 64-bit, Vista SP1 and above, XP SP2 and above, macOS and Linux, and it uses the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
Does this SSD support hardware encryption?
It supports AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption and is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1667, so drive encryption is handled on the controller rather than in software.
Is the 860 PRO better than the 860 EVO?
Samsung positions the PRO for heavy sustained workloads in high-end PCs, workstations and NAS enclosures, with speeds it describes as consistent under multitasking. Both share the same SATA III speed ceiling, so compare the specific EVO listing before deciding.
Key Features
- Powered by Samsung V-NAND Technology. Optimized Performance for Everyday Computing
- Enhanced Performance: Sequential Read/Write speeds up to 560MB/s and 530MB/s respectively
- Ideal for mainstream PCs and laptops for personal, gaming and business use. The 860 EVO supports AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption and is compliant with TCG Opal and IEEE 1667
- 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 Pro |
| Read Speed | 560 Megabytes Per Second |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Media Speed | 530 Megabytes Per Second |
| Model Number | MZ-76P2T0BW |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | 2.5" (7mm) SATA III (6Gb/s) SSD & User Manual (All Other Cables, Screws, Brackets Not Included). |
| Item Type Name | Samsung 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76P2T0BW) |
| Hard-Drive Size | 2 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | MZ-76P2T0BW |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Mac |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Laptop, PS4 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 6 Megabits Per Second |
| Enclosure Material | 3D Nand |
Ready to buy?
Samsung SSD 860 PRO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76P2T0BW) 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.
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