![WD_BLACK 1TB SN770 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 5,150 MB/s - WDS100T3X0E - [Previous Generation]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+7Y1MFojL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
WD_BLACK 1TB SN770 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 5,150 MB/s - WDS100T3X0E - [Previous Generation]
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AI Verdict
This 1TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD delivers up to 5,150 MB/s read and 4,900 MB/s write, making it a solid choice for PC gaming and general use.
This 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD is a strong contender for PC gaming and general computing due to its PCIe Gen4 interface and quoted speeds of up to 5,150 MB/s read. However, its DRAM-less design means it's not suited for all high-intensity tasks or for PS5 expansion, making it a situational fit depending on your specific use case.
If you need top-tier sustained performance for professional workloads or PS5 compatibility, look for a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a dedicated DRAM cache and read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s.
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Pros
- Achieves sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,900 MB/s on the 1TB model, which is a noticeable upgrade over PCIe Gen3 drives.
- Features advanced thermal management, with some tests showing it runs at 60°C or less during light workloads without a heatsink.
- Offers 1000 GB of storage, providing ample space for multiple modern games and applications.
- Includes the WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring drive health and optimizing performance in gaming mode.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty, indicating manufacturer confidence in its longevity.
Cons
- Utilizes a DRAM-less design, which can lead to performance degradation under sustained heavy workloads, especially as the drive fills up.
- Does not meet Sony's recommended 5,500 MB/s read speed for PS5, making it a less-than-ideal choice for that console.
- Some users have reported needing to update firmware to prevent issues with Windows 11 updates.
- Lacks hardware-based encryption, which might be a concern for users with specific security requirements.
Dimension Scores
The 1TB model delivers up to 5,150 MB/s sequential read and 4,900 MB/s sequential write, which is above average for a PCIe Gen4 drive in its price segment, though not top-tier.
With a 600 TBW endurance rating for the 1TB model and a 5-year warranty, it offers above-average reliability for typical consumer use.
1000 GB is a generous capacity for a primary gaming drive, allowing for numerous large game installations and system files.
The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe Gen4 interface are widely compatible with modern motherboards and laptops, plus it's backwards compatible with Gen3.
Best For
- PC gamers looking to reduce game load times on a PCIe Gen4 motherboard.
- Users upgrading from a SATA SSD or older PCIe Gen3 NVMe drive seeking a noticeable speed boost.
- Building a new PC with a budget-conscious approach to Gen4 storage, prioritizing speed over top-tier sustained performance.
Not Recommended For
- PlayStation 5 owners, as it doesn't meet the console's recommended 5,500 MB/s read speed and its DRAM-less design isn't ideal for the PS5's architecture.
- Professionals requiring sustained, heavy write operations (e.g., large video editing files) where a DRAM cache is beneficial.
- Users who need hardware-based encryption for sensitive data.
Watch Out For
- The DRAM-less architecture means performance can dip when the drive is nearly full or under prolonged heavy writes, unlike drives with dedicated DRAM.
- A firmware update might be necessary for smooth operation with Windows 11, as some users experienced update issues without it.
- While compatible with PCIe Gen3 slots, it will operate at Gen3 speeds, meaning you won't get the advertised 5,150 MB/s read performance.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09QV692XY |
| Brand | WD_BLACK |
| Color | Black |
| Series | SN770 |
| Voltage | 1 Volts |
| Language | English, English, English, English, English |
| Hard Drive | 1000 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.192 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | WD_BLACK Dashboard |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Hardware Platform | laptop |
| Installation Type | Solid State Drive |
| Item model number | WDS100T3X0E |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Motherboards |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Drive Interface | Solid State |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2280 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1000 GB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users on Reddit and Amazon point out that while this drive is fast for gaming and general use, its DRAM-less design is a frequent topic of discussion, particularly concerning its suitability for PS5 or heavy, sustained workloads. Some buyers have also encountered a specific issue with Windows 11 updates requiring a firmware update via the WD Dashboard. Despite these points, the drive is often praised for its performance-to-cost ratio and its ability to significantly reduce game load times compared to older drives.
“Dude, I slapped this 1TB SN770 in my new PC build and my games just FLY now, like seriously, Cyberpunk loads in seconds. Only thing is, heard it's not for PS5, and I had to update the firmware for Windows 11, but for my PC, it's awesome.”
Common Praise
- Games load noticeably faster, cutting down on waiting screens.
- Installation is straightforward in compatible M.2 slots.
- Runs cooler than some other Gen4 SSDs, even without a dedicated heatsink in light use.
- Provides a significant performance upgrade over older SATA or PCIe Gen3 drives.
- The WD_BLACK Dashboard software is useful for monitoring drive health and optimizing for gaming.
Common Complaints
- Not suitable for PS5 due to not meeting Sony's speed recommendations and the DRAM-less design.
- Performance can drop during very large file transfers or when the drive is nearly full due to the lack of DRAM.
- Requires a firmware update for some Windows 11 installations to avoid update issues.
- Doesn't include a heatsink, which might be desired for optimal performance under sustained heavy use.
Ownership Tips
- The WD_BLACK Dashboard software is essential for checking firmware and updating it, especially if you're on Windows 11.
- Even without a heatsink, it generally maintains decent temperatures during typical gaming sessions, but for peace of mind or heavy use, consider adding one.
- The speed difference is most apparent when upgrading from a much slower drive; if you're coming from a high-end Gen3, the jump might not feel as dramatic in everyday tasks.
- Keep an eye on available storage; performance can degrade slightly as the drive fills up due to its DRAM-less design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this SSD compatible with PlayStation 5?
No, this SSD is not ideal for the PlayStation 5. Sony recommends drives with at least 5,500 MB/s read speeds, which the SN770's 5,150 MB/s falls short of. Additionally, its DRAM-less design is not optimal for PS5's architecture.
Does this SSD require a heatsink?
While it features advanced thermal management and some reviews indicate it runs relatively cool (around 60°C without a heatsink during light use), a heatsink is generally recommended for any Gen4 NVMe SSD to ensure consistent peak performance under heavy loads.
Will this work in a PCIe Gen3 slot?
Yes, the WD_BLACK SN770 is backwards compatible with PCIe Gen3 slots. However, it will operate at PCIe Gen3 speeds, meaning you won't achieve the advertised 5,150 MB/s read and 4,900 MB/s write performance.
What is the endurance rating for the 1TB model?
The 1TB model of the WD_BLACK SN770 has an endurance rating of 600 Terabytes Written (TBW). This means you can write 600 TB of data to the drive over its lifetime before it's expected to degrade.
Does this SSD have DRAM?
No, the WD_BLACK SN770 uses a DRAM-less design. It leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, using a small portion of your system's RAM as a cache instead of dedicated DRAM on the drive itself.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at NVMe SSDs like this one, you're primarily buying speed for your computer's storage. This means faster boot times for your operating system, quicker loading of games and applications, and snappier file transfers. You need to make sure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports PCIe Gen4 to get the full advertised speeds, otherwise, it'll still work but at slower Gen3 speeds. Don't just chase the highest numbers; consider your actual use case.
PCIe Gen4 Interface
Think of PCIe generations like different highway speeds. Gen4 is a newer, wider highway than Gen3, allowing data to travel much faster. This SSD uses Gen4, so if your computer supports it, you get significantly quicker data transfer rates compared to older drives.
M.2 2280 Form Factor
This refers to the physical size and shape of the SSD. M.2 is a small, rectangular stick that plugs directly into your motherboard, and '2280' means it's 22mm wide and 80mm long. Most modern motherboards have M.2 slots, but always double-check your motherboard manual to ensure compatibility.
Sequential Read/Write Speeds (e.g., 5,150 MB/s Read)
These numbers tell you how fast the drive can read and write large, continuous files. Higher numbers mean faster loading times for big games or quick transfers of large video files. For gaming, read speed is often more critical for loading assets quickly.
DRAM-less Design
Many SSDs have a small, dedicated memory chip (DRAM) that acts as a map for where data is stored, speeding up access. This drive doesn't have one, instead using a small part of your computer's main RAM (Host Memory Buffer). This keeps costs down but can mean slightly slower performance during very heavy, sustained tasks or when the drive is nearly full.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't quite fit, look for PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs with dedicated DRAM cache for more consistent heavy workload performance, or higher sequential read speeds (5,500 MB/s or more) if you need PS5 compatibility.
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