Which is better for gaming?

The SN8100. Its PCIe 5.0 interface loads games and large files far faster than the 870 EVO's SATA link. The 870 EVO still works fine for games if your system only has a 2.5-inch bay.

Will the SN8100 fit my laptop?

Only if the laptop has an M.2 2280 PCIe slot. Many older laptops have only a 2.5-inch SATA bay, where the 870 EVO fits and the SN8100 does not.

The SN8100 carries a 600 TBW endurance rating and a 199.6-year MTBF. The 870 EVO listing gives no endurance figure, so the SN8100 is the safer bet on paper.

Is the SN8100 worth the extra cost?

If you have a PCIe 5.0 slot and move large files or play big games, yes. If you are upgrading an older SATA machine, the 870 EVO at $99.00 as of November 6, 2026 is the practical choice.

Can I use the 870 EVO in a desktop with an M.2 slot?

Yes, if the case has a 2.5-inch mount and a free SATA port. You would be leaving the faster M.2 slot unused.

Do either need extra power or cooling?

The 870 EVO runs on the standard SATA power connector at about 2.2 W average. The SN8100 draws power from the M.2 slot but runs hot at PCIe 5.0 speeds, so a heatsink is often recommended.

Samsung 870 EVO 500 GB SSD vs WD_BLACK SN8100 1TB NVMe SSD

Buy the WD_BLACK SN8100 if your machine has an M.2 PCIe 5.0 slot and you want the fastest drive here: it is roughly 26x faster on sequential reads and holds twice the capacity. Buy the Samsung 870 EVO if you need a 2.5-inch SATA drive for an older laptop, desktop, or external enclosure, or want the lowest price. The 870 EVO 500 GB is $99.00 at IT Systems Inc as of November 6, 2026; no price was given for the SN8100, so compare its current listing before deciding.

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