Is The Intel 660p Still Worth It Compared To The Samsung 850 Evo Or Should I Just Upgrade

Choosing between solid-state drives (SSDs) like the Intel 660p and the Samsung 850 Evo can be a challenge, especially when one is newer but built on different technology than the other. The Intel 660p is a modern NVMe drive released in 2019, while the Samsung 850 Evo dates back to 2014 and uses older SATA III technology. Despite their age gap, both have loyal followings for different reasons. This guide breaks down performance, longevity, value, and real-world usability to help you decide whether the 660p still holds up—and whether upgrading from the 850 Evo is worth it.

Understanding the Technology Gap

The most fundamental difference between these two drives lies in their interface and underlying architecture. The Samsung 850 Evo is a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, limited by the SATA III bus to a maximum sequential read speed of around 550 MB/s. In contrast, the Intel 660p is an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 drive, capable of reaching up to 3,200 MB/s read speeds—nearly six times faster in ideal conditions.

This isn't just about raw numbers. NVMe drives like the 660p communicate directly with the CPU via the PCIe bus, reducing latency and improving responsiveness during multitasking, large file transfers, and system booting. The 850 Evo, while reliable and well-optimized for its time, simply cannot match that level of throughput due to interface limitations.

However, speed isn’t everything. The 850 Evo uses high-quality Toggle NAND flash memory and Samsung’s proven MGX controller, backed by excellent firmware and software tools like Magician Suite. It was designed for endurance and consistency in consumer workloads, making it a favorite among users who prioritize reliability over peak performance.

Tip: If your motherboard lacks an M.2 slot or only supports SATA, the 850 Evo remains a viable option—but you’re capped by older tech.

Performance Comparison: Real-World Use Cases

Benchmarks tell part of the story, but real-world usage determines actual value. Let’s break down how each drive performs across common tasks.

Feature	Intel 660p (1TB)	Samsung 850 Evo (1TB)
Interface	NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4	SATA III (6 Gbps)
Sequential Read	Up to 3,200 MB/s	Up to 550 MB/s
Sequential Write	Up to 2,300 MB/s	Up to 520 MB/s
Random 4K Read (IOPS)	~220,000	~98,000
Random 4K Write (IOPS)	~205,000	~90,000
Endurance (TBW)	600 TBW	750 TBW
Controller	Intel QLC Controller	Samsung MGX
Flash Type	QLC NAND	MLC/TLC Hybrid (Early models MLC, later TLC)

In daily use, the 660p boots systems faster, loads applications more quickly, and handles multitasking with greater ease. For example, launching Adobe Premiere Pro or loading a large Excel file happens noticeably quicker on the 660p. Gamers will also appreciate shorter load times in modern titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* or *Elden Ring*, where asset streaming benefits from higher bandwidth.

Yet, the 850 Evo still feels snappy for basic computing—web browsing, office work, media playback. Its slower interface doesn’t bottleneck typical productivity tasks. Where it falls short is sustained writes; copying a 20GB folder may take twice as long as on the 660p.

“NVMe has become the standard for responsiveness. Even mid-tier drives today outperform legacy SATA SSDs in real-world fluidity.” — David Lin, Storage Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Labs

Longevity and Reliability: Which Drive Lasts Longer?

Lifespan is often a deciding factor, especially for users planning long-term use. The Samsung 850 Evo boasts a 750 TBW (terabytes written) endurance rating and comes with a 5-year warranty. It was engineered before the widespread shift to TLC and QLC NAND, using more durable memory cells in early batches.

The Intel 660p, while rated at 600 TBW for the 1TB model, uses QLC NAND, which trades some write endurance for higher density and lower cost. QLC wears out faster under heavy write loads, such as constant video editing, database operations, or virtual machine usage. However, for average users—those doing web browsing, document creation, and occasional gaming—the 600 TBW limit is more than sufficient.

Realistically, unless you're writing hundreds of gigabytes daily, both drives should last five years or more. But if data integrity and sustained workloads are priorities, the 850 Evo’s proven track record gives it an edge in peace of mind.

Mini Case Study: Home Office User Upgrade

Consider Mark, a freelance writer using a 2013 desktop with the original 850 Evo. Over time, he noticed slowdowns when opening large research folders and switching between browsers and word processors. He upgraded to the Intel 660p without changing any other hardware. Boot time dropped from 18 seconds to 6, application launches became near-instant, and overall system responsiveness improved dramatically—even though his CPU was aging. The NVMe advantage shone through despite platform limitations.

When Should You Upgrade?

Upgrading from the 850 Evo depends on your current setup and needs. Here’s a step-by-step evaluation:

1. Check your motherboard compatibility. Do you have an available M.2 NVMe slot? If not, adding the 660p requires either an adapter card or a system upgrade.
2. Assess your workload. Are you primarily doing light tasks? The 850 Evo is likely still adequate. But if you work with large files, run VMs, or play modern games, NVMe brings tangible benefits.
3. Evaluate cost vs. gain. A 1TB 660p can be found for under $60. That’s a low-cost way to revitalize an older PC.
4. Back up your data. Always clone or back up your existing drive before swapping.
5. Install and optimize. After installing the 660p, ensure your BIOS is set to boot from it and enable AHCI mode if needed.

Tip: Use cloning software like Macrium Reflect Free or Samsung Data Migration to transfer your OS and files seamlessly.

Upgrade Checklist

• ✅ Confirm M.2 NVMe support in your motherboard
• ✅ Purchase compatible Intel 660p (check length: 2280 recommended)
• ✅ Download cloning software
• ✅ Back up critical data externally
• ✅ Clone old drive or perform clean OS install
• ✅ Update firmware via Intel Driver & Support Assistant
• ✅ Benchmark post-install to verify performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Intel 660p as a boot drive?

Yes, provided your motherboard supports NVMe booting. Most systems from 2016 onward do. Ensure your BIOS is updated and configured correctly.

Is QLC NAND in the 660p reliable for everyday use?

Absolutely. While QLC has lower endurance than TLC or MLC, typical users won’t come close to wearing it out within its warranty period. Just avoid using it as a primary scratch disk for intensive write tasks.

Should I keep my 850 Evo after upgrading?

Yes. Repurpose it as a secondary storage drive, backup device, or portable SSD with an enclosure. Its reliability makes it excellent for archival use.

Final Verdict: Is the Intel 660p Worth It?

The Intel 660p remains a compelling budget NVMe drive in 2024. While not the fastest or most durable option available, it delivers a massive leap in responsiveness over SATA-based SSDs like the 850 Evo. For users still relying on older systems, upgrading to the 660p is one of the most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into their machines.

The Samsung 850 Evo was legendary in its era, and many units continue to operate flawlessly years later. But technology has moved on. Unless you're constrained by hardware compatibility or need maximum write endurance, the 660p offers a superior experience for general computing.

If you’re asking whether you should upgrade—yes, you probably should. The performance uplift is immediate, the cost is low, and the installation process is straightforward. Don’t let nostalgia for a once-great drive hold you back from a noticeably better user experience.

🚀 Ready to feel the speed? Grab an Intel 660p, clone your old drive, and experience what modern storage can do—even on older hardware. Share your upgrade story in the comments!