Samsung 850 EVO 120GB M.2 SATA III SSD

Overview

The Samsung MZ-N5E120BW is a 120GB solid state drive designed in the M.2 form factor with a SATA III interface, delivering fast and reliable storage for slim notebooks, ultrabooks, and compact desktops. It offers sequential read speeds up to 540 MB/s and write speeds up to 500 MB/s, significantly reducing boot times and speeding up application launches compared to traditional hard drives. This SSD combines Samsung’s 3D V-NAND technology with power-efficient design to maintain consistent performance while conserving battery life on portable devices.

Key features

• Uses Samsung 3D V-NAND flash to provide durable and efficient storage with improved endurance over conventional NAND.
• TurboWrite technology accelerates short burst data transfers, enhancing responsiveness during everyday tasks.
• Optional Rapid Mode software can allocate system memory as an additional cache to boost performance further.
• Built-in 512 MB DDR3 cache helps maintain smooth multitasking and consistent speeds under heavier workloads.
• Integrated AES 256-bit hardware encryption protects sensitive data without slowing down the drive’s performance.
• Silent operation with no moving parts, making it resistant to shocks, bumps, and vibrations common in mobile use.
• Compact M.2 form factor fits easily into space-constrained systems without adding bulk or weight.

Key specs

• Capacity: 120 GB
• Form factor: M.2
• Interface: SATA III
• Sequential read speed: up to 540 MB/s
• Sequential write speed: up to 500 MB/s
• Cache memory: 512 MB DDR3
• Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware-based

Connectivity and compatibility

This SSD connects via the SATA III interface, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of laptops and desktops that support M.2 SATA drives. Its slim M.2 form factor is ideal for ultrabooks and compact systems where space is limited. The drive’s power-efficient design helps extend battery life on portable devices, making it a practical upgrade for users seeking faster storage without compromising mobility.

Ideal uses and environments

The 850 EVO M.2 is well suited to users upgrading older laptops or building compact desktops that require responsive and reliable storage. It fits naturally into setups where fast boot times and quick application launches improve productivity, such as home offices, student laptops, and lightweight workstations. Its durability and silent operation also make it a strong choice for mobile professionals who need dependable performance on the go.