ADATA Ultimate SU800 1000GB

The ADATA Ultimate SU800 1000GB is built upon the Silicon Motion SM2258 controller, a four-channel SATA solution paired with dedicated DRAM buffering. This architecture introduced Micron’s 3D TLC NAND to the mainstream consumer market, moving away from planar (2D) NAND constraints. To manage write amplification and sustain transfer rates, the drive utilizes an intelligent SLC caching algorithm that treats a portion of the TLC capacity as pseudo-SLC, masking the native write speed drop-off inherent to high-density flash. Unlike many contemporary SATA drives that have moved to DRAM-less designs, the SU800 retains its DRAM cache, ensuring higher consistency in random I/O operations and mixed workloads. However, this controller and NAND combination exhibits higher power consumption at idle and under load compared to the Samsung 860 EVO or WD Blue 3D, and the drive often runs warmer than its peers, which may be a consideration for passive cooling environments or enclosed laptop chassis.

Key Specifications

• Interface: SATA III (6Gb/s)
• Controller: Silicon Motion SM2258
• NAND Type: 3D TLC (Micron)
• Sequential Read/Write: 560 MB/s / 520 MB/s
• DRAM Cache: Yes (Dedicated)
• Error Correction: LDPC ECC (Low-Density Parity-Check)
• TBW Rating: 800TB (Typical for the 1000GB model)

Hardware Alternatives

• Crucial MX500 1000GB / WD Blue 3D: These are the direct performance competitors. While the SU800 shares the same Micron 3D NAND lineage as the Crucial MX series, the MX500 generally utilizes a newer controller revision (SM2258/2259) or different firmware tuning for improved power efficiency.
• Samsung 860/870 EVO: The primary functional rival in the high-end SATA space. The Samsung units utilize a proprietary controller and V-NAND, generally offering slightly superior random read performance and thermal management compared to the SU800's SMI-based design. Samsung 870 EVO 1000GB
• Crucial BX500 1000GB: Listed here for contrast; the BX500 represents the tier below the SU800, lacking the DRAM cache found in the ADATA unit.