Samsung 850 PRO Series 256GB 2.5" 520 MB/s SATA III SSD

Overview

The Samsung MZ-7KE256BW is a 256GB solid-state drive designed for installation in any system with a standard 2.5-inch SATA bay. It uses Samsung’s 3D V-NAND technology with 32 stacked memory layers to deliver sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s. This SSD offers a significant performance boost over traditional mechanical drives and many earlier SSD models, making it suitable for faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and improved responsiveness in everyday computing tasks.

Key features

• 3D V-NAND architecture with 32 vertically stacked layers enhances storage density and reliability.
• Sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s for smooth data access and transfer.
• Random read and write performance reaching up to 100,000 and 90,000 IOPS respectively, ideal for handling many small files efficiently.
• Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption with full support for TCG Opal 2.0 and IEEE 1667 ensures strong data security without slowing down performance.
• RAPID mode leverages system memory as a cache to further accelerate everyday tasks and improve overall responsiveness.
• Low power consumption with a 2 milliwatt device sleep mode helps extend battery life in portable systems.
• Includes Samsung Data Migration and Magician software to simplify OS and data transfer as well as drive management.
• Built-in thermal guard monitors temperature and adjusts performance to maintain reliability during intensive workloads.
• Endurance rated for 150 terabytes written, backed by a 10-year limited warranty for long-term peace of mind.

Key specs

• Capacity: 256 GB
• Form factor: 2.5 inch SATA III
• Sequential read speed: up to 550 MB/s
• Sequential write speed: up to 520 MB/s
• Random read IOPS: up to 100,000
• Random write IOPS: up to 90,000
• Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware-based
• Power consumption: 2 mW device sleep mode
• Endurance: 150 TB written (TBW)
• Warranty: 10-year limited

Connectivity and compatibility

This SSD connects via a standard SATA III interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of desktops, laptops, and workstations that support 2.5-inch SATA drives. Its plug-and-play design makes it easy to upgrade existing systems without requiring additional adapters or special hardware.

Performance and reliability

The combination of 3D V-NAND technology and an LPDDR2 cache reduces power consumption while maintaining high-speed data access. The thermal guard feature helps prevent overheating during extended use, which is especially beneficial for gaming sessions or large file transfers. With a high endurance rating and a decade-long warranty, this drive is built to last through demanding workloads and daily use.

Ideal uses and environments

This SSD fits well in setups where faster boot times and quick file access are priorities, such as travel laptops, gaming rigs, and desktop workstations used for video editing or content creation. Its security features also make it a strong choice for business users who require hardware-level encryption without compromising speed. The low power mode benefits users who need to maximize battery life on portable devices.