Specifications & Features

Samsung SSD 860 PRO Specifications

Samsung is to offer several versions of the 860 PRO which includes a 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and a 4TB model. The sample that has arrived in our test lab is the 2TB version of the drive. The 860 PRO series will come fitted with Samsung 2-bit, multi-level-cell (MLC) three-dimensional (3D) NAND flash memory from their latest 64-layer V-Nand node. Despite the SATA interface bandwidth limitations, the 860 Pro delivers improved sequential read (560 MB/s) and write (530 MB/s) performances versus those of the 860 and 850 EVO. These upgrades are accompanied by enhanced random performance for Client PCs. 

The 860 Pro promises to deliver doubled up endurance, up to 4,800TB (!) of Total Bytes Written for the largest 4TB SSD. It also comes with a proper 5-year limited warranty. A new MJX controller and multiple form factors allow much wider compatibility with devices. The 860 Series fully supports Linux without issues. 

So V-NAND is used, 3D NAND is physical vertical NAND cell stacking not to be confused with chip stacking in a multi-chip package. In 3D NAND, NAND layers, not chips, are stacked in a single IC. The use of 3-bit-per-cell V-NAND simply raises the efficiency of memory production. The good news here is continued cost reduction and more capacity per NAND chip. Also, installed NAND toolsets in the wafer fabs can, for the most part, be reused, thereby extending the useful life of fab equipment. 

• Type: Solid State Drive
• Type: 2.5" 7 mm (Ultraslim) Form Factor
• Type: 860 Pro Series
• Storage Capacity: 54TB
• Sequential Read Speed: Up to 560 MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: Up to 530 MB/s
• Random Read Speed Up to 100K IOPS
• Random Write Speed Up to 90K IOPS
• Warranty: 5 Years

Controller architecture

The 860 EVO and Pro has been equipped with Samsung's newest revisions controllers, a Samsung MJX controller. Realistically, all revision controllers are nearly similar, based on an ARM-based controller that of course is SATA 6 Gb/s compatible and can be paired with the latest NAND flash memory. Samsung mentioned in some tech white-papers that the EVO's latest MGX, MHX and now MJX controllers are able to get you superior multi-tasking results under heavy I/O loads and provide steadier performance on more tasks. The controller would be based upon an ARM Cortex R4 processor. If Samsung still follows the same design, it would have three cores that can execute multiple instructions at once, allowing, for example, one to be used for reading data, one for writing data and another for optimization. And that fact all by itself makes Samsung's claim on superior multi-tasking a very likely one.

Advanced Data Encryption

The 860 PRO provides multiple advanced data encryption features. Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) security technology will help keep data safe at all times. The 860 PRO includes an AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption engine to ensure that your personal files remain secure. Being hardware-based, the encryption engine secures your data without the performance degradation that you may experience with software-based encryption. Also, the 860 PRO is compliant with various advanced security management solutions (TCG Opal and Encrypted Drive-IEEE1667).

Pricing

Making your own SSD with your own controller, own PCB, own cache chips, and own NAND flash memory does have advantages as Samsung is able to keep the prices very competitive as this product is made 99% in-house.