Looking for a high-performance SSD that can transform your gaming experience? The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD might be what you need to eliminate those frustrating load times and performance issues.
This powerful internal gaming SSD delivers impressive speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, making it an excellent choice for both gaming PCs and workstations. With a 2TB capacity, you’ll have plenty of space for your game library without constantly needing to delete favorites to make room for new titles.
- TRANSFORM YOUR PC. Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (2)
- MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES. Capacities up to 8TB (1) built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites.
- HEATSINK FOR THE WIN. All capacities have an optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance through your most intense gaming sessions.
The SN850X comes with a heatsink option to help maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions. This is particularly valuable for preventing thermal throttling that can impact gameplay during extended use.
Users particularly appreciate the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard software which monitors drive health and enables Game Mode 2.0. The SSD also supports Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology for even better performance.
Advanced features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management help this drive maintain its excellent performance over time. The M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with most modern motherboards and laptops.
Bottom Line
The WD_BLACK SN850X represents an excellent investment for anyone serious about gaming or working with large files.
Its combination of blazing speeds, ample storage, and thermal management features make it a standout option in the NVMe SSD market.
Click here to purchase the WD_BLACK SN850X on Amazon and take your PC performance to the next level!
Overview of WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
PCIe Gen4 technology powers this lightning-fast SSD with impressive read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. The SN850X is designed specifically for gamers who need quick load times and smooth gameplay without frustrating bottlenecks.
The 2TB capacity offers plenty of storage for modern game libraries, eliminating the constant need to delete and reinstall titles. Western Digital includes an optional heatsink version to maintain peak performance during extended gaming sessions.
Game Mode 2.0 automatically activates through the WD_BLACK Dashboard software, optimizing performance for Windows users. This drive also supports Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology for future-proof gaming capabilities.
Advanced features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management keep the drive running efficiently. Installation is straightforward in compatible motherboards using the standard M.2 2280 form factor. With a 4.8-star rating from over 24,000 reviews, this SSD delivers exceptional performance that serious gamers and content creators can rely on.
Unmatched Speed for Gaming Enthusiasts
When milliseconds matter in competitive gameplay, storage speed becomes crucial. The SN850X delivers blazing fast performance with read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, making game loading screens virtually disappear. This Gen4 PCIe NVMe drive significantly reduces wait times between matches and level transitions.
Game installations and updates complete in a fraction of the time compared to traditional HDDs or even older SSDs. The M.2 2280 form factor fits perfectly in most modern gaming motherboards and compatible laptops without taking up additional space.
While the SN850X excels in gaming performance, it maintains these speeds consistently even during extended gaming sessions. The drive’s optimization for gaming workloads means textures and assets load seamlessly during gameplay, preventing those frustrating stutters or pop-ins that can ruin immersion.
The WD_BLACK Dashboard software allows gamers to monitor performance and health metrics to ensure optimal operation.
Ample Storage for Your Gaming Library
Modern PC gaming demands increasingly hefty storage solutions as game file sizes continue to expand. The SN850X delivers with a generous 2TB capacity that eliminates the frustrating cycle of installing and uninstalling games. This spacious NVMe drive provides enough room to maintain a substantial gaming collection without constantly managing limited space.
With Western Digital’s TLC 3D NAND technology, the drive balances performance with reliability. Gamers can download multiple AAA titles simultaneously while keeping older favorites accessible. No more painful decisions about which games to delete when that exciting new release drops.
The 2TB capacity hits a sweet spot between affordability and utility. While larger 4TB and 8TB options exist in the product line, this model offers sufficient space for most gaming libraries while remaining reasonably priced compared to higher-capacity alternatives.
Efficient Heat Management
High-performance SSDs often struggle with thermal issues during intensive operations. The SN850X addresses this challenge with its advanced thermal design. When under heavy load, the drive maintains optimal temperatures without throttling performance. This ensures consistent speeds even during extended gaming sessions or large file transfers.
Users won’t need to worry about additional cooling solutions in most setups. The drive operates efficiently within standard PC configurations, though gamers with compact builds might benefit from checking motherboard temperatures during intensive tasks.
The WD_BLACK Dashboard software includes temperature monitoring, allowing users to keep an eye on thermal conditions. This feature helps prevent potential performance degradation from overheating before it becomes an issue.
For those pushing their systems to the limits, the drive’s thermal efficiency means more stable performance compared to previous generation NVMe drives, especially during sustained workloads.
Advanced Customization with WD_BLACK Dashboard
The SN850X truly shines when paired with its software companion. The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) transforms this high-performance drive from merely fast to personally optimized.
Users can monitor drive health in real-time, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The dashboard also includes automatic game detection for enabling Game Mode 2.0, which optimizes drive performance specifically for gaming sessions.
For those who purchased the heatsink version, RGB lighting customization adds a personalized aesthetic touch to gaming setups. The clean interface makes navigating these features intuitive even for less tech-savvy users.
While the dashboard offers significant value, it’s worth noting this software is exclusive to Windows systems, potentially disappointing Mac or Linux users. Despite this limitation, the WD_BLACK Dashboard represents a thoughtful addition that elevates the overall user experience beyond what competing SSDs typically offer.
Future-Forward Design and Technology
The SN850X incorporates cutting-edge features that push storage technology boundaries. Predictive Loading anticipates gaming needs, preloading assets before they’re required to minimize stuttering and lag.
Overhead Balancing optimizes system resources distribution, ensuring the SSD doesn’t become a bottleneck during intense operations. The drive’s Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM) dynamically adjusts performance parameters to maintain optimal temperatures without throttling.
Supporting Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology, the SN850X is ready for next-generation gaming that bypasses traditional storage bottlenecks. Game Mode 2.0 automatically activates through the WD_BLACK Dashboard, fine-tuning performance specifically for gaming workloads.
The M.2 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with modern motherboards while the PCIe Gen4 interface maximizes potential speed. For users concerned about thermal performance, the optional heatsink models provide extra cooling headroom during extended high-performance sessions.
Pros and Cons
When considering a high-performance storage solution, understanding both strengths and limitations is essential for making an informed decision. The SN850X offers impressive specifications on paper, but real-world performance and value considerations matter most to users looking to upgrade their systems.
Pros
- Exceptional Speed – With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, the SN850X delivers blistering performance that dramatically reduces loading times for games and applications.
- Generous Capacity Options – Available in sizes up to 8TB, the drive provides ample space for large game libraries without constant management of storage.
- Optional Heatsink – All capacity variations offer a heatsink model that helps maintain optimal temperatures during intensive gaming sessions.
- Software Ecosystem – The WD_BLACK Dashboard offers helpful utilities including health monitoring, RGB customization for heatsink models, and automatic game detection.
- Advanced Features – Includes Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management to optimize performance.
Cons
- Premium Pricing – The drive commands a higher price point compared to standard NVMe SSDs with similar capacities.
- PCIe Gen4 Required – To achieve advertised speeds, a motherboard with PCIe Gen4 support is necessary; older systems will experience limited performance.
- Dashboard Limited to Windows – The WD_BLACK Dashboard software is only available for Windows users, limiting functionality for those on other operating systems.
- Power Consumption – High-performance drives typically consume more power, which may be a consideration for laptop users concerned about battery life.
- Heatsink May Cause Compatibility Issues – The heatsink variant might be too tall for some compact builds or laptops with limited clearance.
Customer Reviews
User feedback for the SN850X is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive 4.8/5 star rating across nearly 25,000 reviews. Gamers consistently praise the drive’s exceptional speed, with many reporting significant reductions in loading times for their favorite titles.
PS5 owners mention the straightforward installation process and noticeable performance boost. PC users highlight the drive’s ability to reach maximum speeds on compatible systems, though some note you’ll need a Gen4 PCIe slot to achieve the advertised 7,300 MB/s speeds.
Professional users, including photographers working with large RAW files, appreciate the drive’s reliability and quick file transfer capabilities. Several international customers have also weighed in with brief but enthusiastic endorsements.
The SSD receives high marks for value, with multiple reviewers mentioning they’ve purchased additional units after being satisfied with their initial experience.
Conclusion
This high-performance SSD stands out as an excellent choice for gamers and professionals seeking substantial storage with impressive speeds. The SN850X delivers on its promises with read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, making it a reliable option for reducing load times and handling large files effortlessly. Users consistently praise its easy installation process and excellent connectivity across different systems. While it performs best in Gen4 PCIe slots, it still maxes out Gen3 capabilities for those with older systems. The drive combines reliability with speed without overheating issues that plague some competitors. For anyone looking to upgrade their storage solution, this NVMe SSD offers an impressive balance of performance, capacity, and value that’s hard to beat in today’s market.
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering a high-performance SSD for gaming or intensive workloads, potential buyers often have specific questions about capabilities, compatibility, and value. The SN850X represents Western Digital’s top-tier PCIe Gen4 offering, and understanding its performance characteristics can help determine if it’s the right storage solution for your needs.
How does the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD’s performance compare to other high-speed NVMe SSDs on the market?
The SN850X stands among the elite tier of PCIe Gen4 SSDs currently available. Compared to competitors like the Samsung 990 Pro and Crucial P5 Plus, the SN850X consistently ranks in the top performance bracket across most benchmarks. It particularly excels in sequential read operations, where it approaches its advertised 7,300 MB/s speeds in optimal conditions. In random 4K operations, which better represent real-world usage, the SN850X delivers excellent IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) figures that match or sometimes exceed those of similarly priced alternatives.
What are the read and write speeds of the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD and how do they affect gaming or heavy workloads?
The SN850X boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds reaching around 6,600 MB/s. These translate to tangible benefits in several scenarios:
- Gaming: Significantly reduced load times for game launches and level transitions
- Content creation: Faster file transfers and rendering times when working with large media files
- System responsiveness: Near-instantaneous application launches and smoother multitasking
The drive’s Game Mode 2.0 feature additionally optimizes performance specifically for gaming workloads by prioritizing resources and implementing predictive loading algorithms that can preload game assets.
Can the integrated heatsink version of the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD improve thermal performance under continuous load?
Yes, the heatsink variant provides substantial thermal benefits. Under sustained workloads, NVMe SSDs typically generate significant heat that can lead to thermal throttling, where the drive reduces performance to protect itself. Tests show the heatsink version maintains temperatures 15-20°C lower than the non-heatsink model during extended operations. This results in more consistent performance during prolonged file transfers, extended gaming sessions, or intensive professional workloads like video rendering.
For PlayStation 5 users, the heatsink model is particularly valuable as it’s designed to maintain optimal temperatures within the console’s confined internal space.
What is the warranty and durability like for the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD compared to similar SSDs?
The SN850X comes with a 5-year limited warranty, matching the industry standard for premium SSDs. For the 2TB model specifically, Western Digital rates the endurance at 1,200 TBW (Terabytes Written), which is competitive with other high-performance drives in this capacity range. This translates to:
- Writing 329GB of data daily for 10 years
- Complete drive rewrites of approximately 600 times
The drive uses TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory, which balances performance, endurance, and cost effectively compared to QLC alternatives that may offer lower durability.
What kind of software support does the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD offer for monitoring and firmware updates?
Western Digital provides comprehensive software support through its WD_BLACK Dashboard application (Windows only). Key features include:
- Health monitoring: Tracks drive temperature, available space, and overall health metrics
- Firmware updates: Delivers performance improvements and bug fixes automatically
- Game Mode 2.0 configuration: Enables customization of gaming-specific optimizations
- RGB lighting control: For heatsink versions with RGB elements
The software interface is intuitive and provides valuable insights without overwhelming users with technical details. Western Digital also regularly updates the dashboard with new features and compatibility improvements.
How does the price-to-performance ratio of the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB SSD stack up against its competitors?
While not the cheapest PCIe Gen4 SSD available, the SN850X offers excellent value considering its premium performance profile. At its typical price point:
| Feature | Value Assessment |
|---|---|
| Raw speed | Outstanding (top-tier sequential and random performance) |
| Endurance | Very good (1,200 TBW for 2TB model) |
| Software | Excellent (comprehensive WD_BLACK Dashboard) |
| Gaming features | Superior (Game Mode 2.0, DirectStorage support) |
Compared to budget Gen4 drives, the performance delta justifies the additional cost for demanding users. Against other flagship drives like Samsung’s 990 Pro, the SN850X frequently represents better value during sales and promotions while delivering comparable real-world performance.
