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SK Hynix Gold S31 vs Samsung 870 EVO: Which one should you buy?

People often get confused when it comes to choosing the right SSDs in the budget segment. There are a lot of options available. So, I am again here to clear your confusion if you want to choose between Samsung 870 EVO and SK Hynix Gold S31 SSDs.

The Samsung 870 EVO is really a very popular SSD in the SATA SSD market. This SSD has got a lot of recognition and I have recommended it in numerous other articles on SSD Sphere. But, SK Hynix Gold S31 is also a powerful SSD suitable for different types of users.

So, in this article, we are going to compare both of these and we’ll find out which one is the best as per different criteria.

First of all, let’s do a comparison of the basic theoretical specifications that you can also find on the official websites. But, I am making it easier for you to compare them directly in the table below.

SpecificationSK Hynix Gold S31Samsung 870 EVO
Available Storage Variants250GB, 500GB, 1TB250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Sequential Read SpeedUp to 560 MB/sUp to 560 MB/s
Sequential Write SpeedUp to 525 MB/sUp to 530 MB/s
Random Read (IOPS)95K98K
Random Write (IOPS)87K88K
TBWUp to 600 TBWUp to 2400 TBW
InterfaceSATA/AHCISATA/AHCI
Form Factor2.5″ and M.2 SATA2.5″ SATA
WarrantyLimited 5-YearsLimited 5-Years
Check AvailabilityAmazonAmazon

So, as you can see, the Samsung 870 EVO has more storage options available for you. Also, the maximum write speed is a little higher as compared to the SK Hynix Gold S31. But, the best thing that you get with the 4TB variant of 870 EVO is its massive TBW rating. Other things are almost the same.

All these benchmark scores are taken from UserBenchmark website. This website takes these benchmark scores by taking an average of multiple benchmarks online from its users. So, let’s compare the results below.

ParameterSK Hynix Gold S31 (1TB)Samsung 870 EVO (1TB)
Sequential Read432 MB/s492 MB/s
Sequential Write402 MB/s471 MB/s
Random 4K Read51.4MB/s63.2 MB/s
Random 4K Write95.3 MB/s114.9 MB/s
Deep Queue 4K Read298.7 MB/s347.2 MB/s
Deep Queue 4K Write284.5 MB/s331.7 MB/s

So, you can clearly see that the Samsung 870 EVO is winning again in the synthetic benchmark scores competition.

Both SK Hynix and Samsung and pretty popular SSD brands. But, if you compare the reputation of both, Samsung is known for its great products and amazing support services. So, if you are looking for the best brand and ready to spend a little extra, you should definitely go for the Samsung 870 EVO over SK Hynix Gold S31.

SpecificationsSK Hynix Gold S31Samsung 870 EVO
Warranty Period5 Years5 Years
MTBF1.5M hours1.5M hours
TBWUp to 600Up to 2400

If you are going to buy the 4TB variant of 870 EVO, you will get an impressive 2400 TBW limit with your SSD. However, the 1TB variant of both of these SSDs has a 600 TBW limit which is good enough.

Now, let’s compare the technical features of both these products and see which one is equipped with a better hardware.

SpecificationsSK Hynix Gold S31Samsung 870 EVO
NAND TypeHynix’s TLC NANDSamsung’s TLC 3D
NAND Layers72128
Cache TypeDRAM CacheDRAM Cache
ControllerQuartz/SH87830CCSamsung MKX
Controller ConfigurationsDual-Core, 8-ChannelsThree-core, 8-Channels
T.R.I.M.YesYes
S.M.A.R.T.YesYes
EncryptionNot AvailableAES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption

The prices of both these both SSDs keep varying. Also, your demographic location may also have an impact on the price of these SSDs. So, you should check them whenever you want to buy them.

Generally, the Samsung 870 EVO is going to cost you more than the Hynix Gold S31.

Final Verdict

If you are looking to save some money while choosing between these both, I would suggest going for the S31. It has everything to be called a good SATA SSD for both desktops and laptops.

However, Samsung 870 EVO is a perfect pick for those who want to pick a premium product and are ready to pay a good amount.

If we talk about the performance, the Samsung 870 EVO is going to beat the SK Hynix Gold S31 in all the tests. But, still, the Gold S31 is a perfect pick for those with limited budgets.

NameImageSpecificationsSuitable for
WD Blue 3DCapacity: 250GB– 4TB
Interface: SATA-3
Speed: 560/530 MB/s
Endurance: Up to 400 TBW
Desktop/Laptop
Crucial MX500Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
Interface: SATA-3
Speed: 560/510 MB/s
Endurance: Up to 1000 TBW
Desktop/Laptop

Thanks for reading

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Joseph S.
Joseph S.
1 year ago

I have been using the SK Hynix S31 for my linux distro and so far and pleased with the performance. I haven’t performed any benchmarks, but in my daily routine I haven’t felt any read/write slowness with the drive. I would highly recommend it for this price!