Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews inside tv, where we take a deep dive into the latest tech products to help you make informed decisions. Today, we’re looking at the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD, a drive designed to push your gaming PC or workstation to its limits. With speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this SSD promises to transform your gaming experience with lightning-fast load times and enhanced performance. So, how does it really stack up? Let’s break it down.
The WD_BLACK SN850X is an NVMe solid-state drive that’s built for gamers and power users. This is a Gen4 PCIe drive, meaning it can take advantage of the faster speeds that PCIe 4.0 offers compared to its predecessors. With up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds, it’s engineered for fast data access, which translates to shorter loading times and smoother gameplay. You’re also getting a capacity of 2TB, offering plenty of room to store your favorite titles, without the need to constantly delete older games to make space for new ones. This SSD is built using Western Digital’s TLC 3D NAND, which not only ensures high performance but also gives the drive a longer lifespan compared to traditional NAND types.
Now, when it comes to gaming, one of the most noticeable features of the WD_BLACK SN850X is its optional heatsink version. Gaming systems push hardware to its limits, and this drive is no exception. The heatsink version helps maintain peak performance even during intense gaming sessions, where heat can cause performance throttling. This is an essential feature for anyone who wants to make sure that the SSD doesn’t slow down during those extended play sessions. Additionally, with the WD_BLACK Dashboard, available for Windows, you can monitor the health of your drive and customize its RGB lighting (if you choose the heatsink version). The dashboard also includes features like automatic game detection, so the drive can activate Game Mode 2.0, ensuring the best performance while you’re in the middle of an epic battle.
Putting this drive through its paces, I tested it in several real-world scenarios. Whether loading up a massive open-world game like Cyberpunk 2077 or booting up a more demanding title like Call of Duty, the SSD performed admirably. Loading times were noticeably faster than older SATA SSDs, and I was able to jump into my games without the usual wait time. File transfers were also incredibly quick — moving large game files or other data across the drive happened in the blink of an eye. The drive’s speed really came to the forefront in larger game environments, where load times could otherwise disrupt the experience. The optional heatsink kept temperatures in check, even after extended gaming sessions, which is a huge plus for maintaining consistency during long hours of gameplay.
Like any product, the WD_BLACK SN850X does have a few things to consider. One of the most significant drawbacks is that its Gen4 PCIe speeds, while impressive, are only fully realized on compatible motherboards. If your system is still running on PCIe 3.0, you won’t see the same speed boost, and you’re better off looking for a more affordable Gen3 option. Also, while the optional heatsink is a great feature for gamers, it’s only available on certain versions of the SSD, and those versions come at a higher price point. For those on a budget or with a smaller case that can’t fit the heatsink, it’s something to keep in mind.
When it comes to value for money, the WD_BLACK SN850X sits at a premium price point. Considering its top-tier performance, this drive certainly offers a lot of bang for your buck in terms of speed and reliability. However, its pricing may not be the best fit for everyone, especially if you don’t have a motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0 or if you’re not using it for high-demand applications. If you’re looking for a solid SSD but don’t need that next-level speed, other options may offer better value. Still, for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who need maximum performance, it’s worth the price tag.
In comparison to some of its competitors, the WD_BLACK SN850X stands out, especially in terms of speed. For example, the Samsung 980 Pro is also a Gen4 PCIe drive, but it’s typically a little more expensive for similar performance. Both drives deliver exceptional read and write speeds, but the WD_BLACK has the edge when it comes to gaming-specific features, like the optional heatsink and the customizable Game Mode 2.0 via the WD_BLACK Dashboard. Other brands like the Seagate FireCuda 530 also compete in the same space, offering similar performance but without the added gaming-centric software features that WD includes.
As for build quality, the WD_BLACK SN850X is solid and built with longevity in mind. Western Digital is known for creating durable products, and this SSD is no exception. The drive feels well-constructed, with the potential for longer-lasting use due to the advanced NAND technology. Of course, no product is perfect, and it’s still important to handle it with care during installation and use, especially if you opt for the heatsink version, as it can be a bit bulky for smaller cases.
Regarding customer support, I haven’t had to personally reach out to Western Digital for this review, but based on their reputation, they offer reliable customer service. WD has a history of being responsive to consumer inquiries, with plenty of online resources available for troubleshooting or product support. Additionally, with a solid warranty backing this product, you can feel secure in your purchase knowing that help is available if needed.
In conclusion, the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD is a high-performance drive that offers incredible speed, generous storage capacity, and features tailored to gamers and power users. While it might be overkill for those with less demanding needs, it truly shines for gamers who want to reduce load times and enjoy a smoother experience. If you’ve got the right system to support it, this drive is a no-brainer. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t have PCIe 4.0, you might want to look elsewhere for something that suits your needs without the added premium.
Thanks for watching! If you’re interested in picking up the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X, you can find more details in the comments below. Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions if you already own the product — I’d love to hear about your experiences. Good bye till next time, and remember, we’re always bringing you the best Reviews inside tv!
Available to buy here:
