High-performance M.2 NVMe storage built for gamers and demanding PC workloads, promising blistering load times and minimal stutter. Longer play sessions feel smoother when large titles and levels load almost instantly. Is WD_BLACK SN850X SSD the right upgrade for your rig?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Read/Write Performance: Up to 7,300 MB/s sequential read and up to 6,600 MB/s sequential write for fast asset streaming
- • Best for: PC gamers and creators who prioritise rapid load times and responsive storage
- • Not ideal for: Systems limited to PCIe Gen3 or older M.2 slots where Gen4 throughput cannot be utilised
PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 form factor with high sequential read and write speeds. Optional heatsink available for 1TB and 2TB versions and Game Mode 2.0 targets faster in-game loading.
Blistering load and boot times - thanks to PCIe Gen4 NVMe with up to 7,300 MB/s reads
PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface increases bandwidth over Gen3, delivering sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 6,600 MB/s. High sequential throughput and low latency allow large game assets to stream rapidly from the drive.
Much shorter level loads, faster boot times and quicker asset streaming make gaming and content work feel noticeably snappier.
Sustained performance during long sessions - with optional heatsink for thermal control
Optional heatsink versions for 1TB and 2TB models help dissipate heat from the M.2 module during sustained heavy workloads. Lower operating temperatures reduce the likelihood of thermal throttling under prolonged transfers.
Consistent peak throughput is maintained during long play sessions or large file copies, keeping performance stable when it matters most.
Store more triple-A titles locally - thanks to a wide capacity range and reported high endurance
Available capacities span from 1TB through 4TB, accommodating modern game sizes and large media projects; user feedback highlights high endurance and a long warranty for reliability over time.
Plenty of onboard space removes juggling of installs and ensures the drive can serve as a long-term gaming expansion or primary high-capacity NVMe.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for WD_BLACK SN850X SSD
- Game Mode 2.0 - Reduces in-game load times by readying assets before demand
- Optional Heatsink - Keeps temperatures lower during extended heavy use and maintains throughput
- Up to 4TB capacity - Store multiple triple-A titles and large libraries without juggling installs
- High endurance & warranty - Designed for sustained writes with long-term reliability reported by users
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Form factor: M.2 2280
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
- Sequential read: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Sequential write: Up to 6,600 MB/s
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the drive need a specific M.2 slot or interface?
A: Requires an M.2 2280 slot and a PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface to reach the top sequential speeds; Gen4-capable motherboards will deliver the best performance.
Q: Are heatsinks included with the drive?
A: Heatsink is optional for the 1TB and 2TB versions; availability for other capacities is not specified in the provided information.
Q: Is the drive suitable for gaming and large installs?
A: Marketed as a Gaming Expansion SSD with Game Mode 2.0 and very high sequential read/write speeds, making it suitable for reducing load times and holding multiple large titles.
🏆 Our Verdict
The WD_BLACK SN850X SSD is ideal for PC gamers and creators who demand rapid load times and ample local storage. The core appeal lies in PCIe Gen4 speeds, optional thermal management with a heatsink, and Game Mode 2.0 for quicker in-game loading. While initial cost may be higher than older drives, reported high endurance and a long warranty make it a worthwhile long-term upgrade.
