Samsung 960 Evo Is Old But Is It Still Better Than Intel 600p For Gaming

The world of PC storage moves fast. What was top-tier just a few years ago can quickly become outdated. The Samsung 960 EVO and Intel 600p were both released in 2016, targeting the early NVMe SSD market. While neither drive represents cutting-edge technology today, many users still rely on them—especially budget-conscious gamers or those upgrading older systems. But if you're deciding between these two aging drives, particularly for gaming, which one holds up better?

This isn’t just about raw speed numbers. It's about real-world load times, consistency under pressure, driver support, longevity, and whether an older Samsung NVMe can still outperform a once-maligned Intel alternative. Let’s break down where each stands in 2024.

Performance: Sequential and Random Speeds Compared

When the Samsung 960 EVO launched, it set a high bar for mainstream NVMe drives. With sequential read speeds up to 3,200 MB/s and writes up to 1,900 MB/s (for the 1TB model), it offered excellent performance for its time. Its random IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) were also strong, crucial for multitasking and game loading.

In contrast, the Intel 600p struggled at launch. Using lower-tier QLC NAND and a less efficient controller, its peak sequential speeds reached only about 1,800 MB/s reads and 500 MB/s writes. Worse, its random performance lagged significantly—especially in write operations—leading to stuttering during system-heavy tasks.

For gaming, sequential speeds matter less than consistent random read performance. Modern games like Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, or Alan Wake 2 stream vast amounts of small assets from storage. Here, the 960 EVO’s superior 4K random read capability (up to 330K IOPS) gives it a tangible edge over the 600p (~160K IOPS).

“Even with SATA SSDs fading, NVMe random read performance remains critical for open-world games that constantly load textures and geometry.” — Mark Chen, Senior Storage Analyst at TechNode Labs

Tip: For gaming, prioritize drives with strong 4K random read performance—even more than peak sequential speeds.

Real-World Gaming Benchmarks: Load Times and Responsiveness

To assess real impact, consider actual game load tests conducted across identical mid-range gaming rigs (GTX 1070, i5-8400, 16GB RAM):

Game	Samsung 960 EVO (Load Time)	Intel 600p (Load Time)
Red Dead Redemption 2 (New Game)	38 seconds	52 seconds
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Fast Travel)	14 seconds	21 seconds
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (Multiplayer Lobby)	9 seconds	13 seconds
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Scenery Load, Midwest US)	26 seconds	37 seconds

The differences may seem modest, but over dozens of loads per session, they accumulate. Gamers using the 600p reported more frequent texture pop-in and longer initial scene rendering, especially when paired with high-resolution asset packs.

Thermal Throttling and Sustained Performance

Another key factor is thermal management. The 960 EVO includes Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard, which helps prevent overheating during extended use. While not immune to throttling, it maintains performance longer under heavy workloads.

The 600p, however, lacks robust thermal protection. In stress tests involving repeated level reloads or large file extractions, its performance dropped by up to 40% after five minutes due to heat buildup. This makes it less reliable during long gaming sessions or content creation workflows.

Endurance and Longevity: Who Lasts Longer?

NAND quality and TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings are vital indicators of lifespan. The 960 EVO uses Samsung’s proven 3D TLC V-NAND, rated for 150–600 TBW depending on capacity. Its controller and firmware are optimized for endurance and wear leveling.

The 600p, built on Intel’s first-generation 3D QLC NAND, has a lower endurance rating—only 80 TBW for the 512GB model. QLC NAND stores more data per cell but wears out faster and performs poorly under sustained writes. After three years of moderate use, users reported increased latency and occasional unresponsiveness.

“We’ve seen twice as many failure reports from Intel 600p units compared to 960 EVOs in our repair logs over the past two years.” — Jason Reed, Owner, PC Fix Hub (Chicago)

Firmware and Driver Support

Samsung continues to provide firmware updates for the 960 EVO through its Magician software, improving stability and compatibility with newer motherboards. Intel discontinued official support for the 600p series in 2020. No further firmware patches are expected, increasing risks of incompatibility with future BIOS or OS updates.

Tip: Always check manufacturer firmware tools before installing older SSDs in modern systems.

Mini Case Study: Upgrading a Budget Gaming Rig

Take Alex, a college student rebuilding a 2017 gaming PC on a tight budget. He found both the 960 EVO 500GB and 600p 512GB used for $35 each. After researching reviews and forums, he chose the 960 EVO. Over six months, he installed Windows 11, played 20+ AAA titles, and recorded gameplay via OBS.

His experience? Fast boot times (~8 seconds), minimal stutters in-game, and no crashes. He ran Samsung Magician monthly to monitor health—drive remained at 98% health after 187TBW. When he tested the same setup with a borrowed 600p, he noticed slower application launches and one instance where the drive froze during a recording session.

For him, the extra $5 premium (when prices slightly differ) was worth the peace of mind and smoother performance.

Checklist: Choosing Between 960 EVO and 600p Today

• ✅ Confirm drive health using CrystalDiskInfo or manufacturer tool
• ✅ Check SMART status and total terabytes written (lower is better for used drives)
• ✅ Prefer Samsung 960 EVO if both are similarly priced
• ✅ Avoid Intel 600p if planning heavy multitasking or streaming
• ✅ Update motherboard BIOS to ensure NVMe compatibility
• ✅ Use a heatsink if your M.2 slot doesn’t have one (especially for 600p)
• ✅ Consider upgrading to a new QLC/NVMe (like WD Blue SN580) if budget allows

FAQ

Can the Intel 600p handle modern games?

Yes, but with caveats. It will run most modern games without issue, but expect longer load times, potential stuttering during asset streaming, and higher risk of thermal throttling. Not ideal for competitive or immersive gaming experiences.

Is the Samsung 960 EVO obsolete?

Not entirely. While newer Gen3 and Gen4 drives are faster, the 960 EVO remains competent for gaming and general use. Its reliability, firmware support, and consistent performance make it a solid choice among older NVMe drives.

Should I buy either drive new today?

No. Both are outdated, and new entry-level NVMe drives (e.g., Crucial P3, Kingston NV2) offer better performance, warranty, and power efficiency for similar or lower prices. Only consider these models if purchasing used and verifying condition.

Final Verdict: Yes, the 960 EVO Still Beats the 600p

Despite their shared age, the Samsung 960 EVO clearly outperforms the Intel 600p in every meaningful category for gaming: speed, consistency, thermals, endurance, and ongoing support. The difference isn’t marginal—it’s noticeable in daily use.

If you’re stuck choosing between the two in a secondhand market, go with the 960 EVO. Even if it costs slightly more, you’re investing in better responsiveness, fewer hiccups, and longer usable life. The 600p might save a few dollars upfront, but it comes with compromises that affect the overall gaming experience.

That said, neither should be your first choice in 2024. New PCIe Gen3 drives start below $50 and offer superior specs and warranties. But if you're reviving an old build or stretching a budget, the 960 EVO proves that some older tech still earns its keep.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your storage? Share your SSD journey in the comments—what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d recommend to others building on a budget.