WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB NVMe SSD - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write speeds, Gaming Expansion, High Performance Internal Solid State Drive - WDS400T2X0E
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AI Verdict
This 4TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD hits 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write, making it a top-tier choice for high-performance PC gaming and workstation tasks.
The WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB is a strong fit for users demanding top-tier performance, with its 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write speeds leveraging the PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface. Its 4000 GB capacity is ample for extensive game libraries and professional applications, making it ideal for high-end gaming rigs and workstations.
If you need even faster performance for future-proofing, consider PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs, but ensure your motherboard supports this newer interface.
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Pros
- Achieves 7,300 MB/s sequential read speeds, pushing PCIe Gen 4 limits.
- Delivers 6,600 MB/s sequential write speeds for rapid data transfers.
- Offers a substantial 4000 GB capacity, accommodating extensive game libraries and large files.
- Backed by a 2400 TBW endurance rating, indicating a long lifespan under heavy use.
- Includes a 5-year limited warranty for extended product support.
- Demonstrates strong performance in gaming benchmarks, including new records in 3DMark Storage.
Cons
- The 4TB model typically ships without an included heatsink, leading to thermal throttling at 83°C during sustained heavy loads.
- Game Mode 2.0 features in the WD_BLACK Dashboard are described as 'gimmicky' and do not provide tangible performance benefits for some users.
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption, a feature present in some competing premium SSDs.
- Real-world performance gains over its predecessor, the SN850, are sometimes 'negligible' for everyday tasks.
Dimension Scores
The 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write speeds are among the fastest for PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs.
With a 2400 TBW endurance rating and a 5-year warranty, the drive offers above-average longevity and manufacturer support.
The 4000 GB capacity is exceptionally large, providing ample space for extensive game libraries, large media files, and demanding applications.
Its M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface are standard for modern motherboards, but full speed requires a compatible PCIe Gen 4 slot.
Best For
- PC gamers needing rapid game loading and minimal in-game stutter.
- Workstation users handling large files and requiring fast data transfer speeds.
- Systems with available M.2 2280 slots and PCIe Gen 4 x4 support.
- Users requiring 4000 GB of high-speed internal storage.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking more affordable storage solutions.
- Users who require hardware-based data encryption for sensitive information.
- PS5 owners, as its full performance advantages may not be realized on the console.
Watch Out For
- No included heatsink on the 4TB model can cause the drive to reach temperatures as high as 83°C, resulting in performance throttling during prolonged usage.
- The advertised Game Mode 2.0 features are often perceived as 'gimmicky' by users and do not consistently deliver noticeable performance improvements.
- The drive does not offer 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption, which might be a concern for users prioritizing data security.
- Despite its high benchmark numbers, some users report that real-world performance differences from slightly older or less expensive PCIe Gen 4 drives are 'negligible' for typical daily tasks.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B7CQ2CHH |
| Brand | Sandisk |
| Color | Black |
| Series | WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD |
| Voltage | 1 Volts |
| Language | Spanish |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 4000 GB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 0.264 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | WD_BLACK Dashboard |
| Flash Memory Size | 4 TB |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Solid State Drive |
| Item model number | WDS400T2X0E |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Motherboards |
| Product Dimensions | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Drive Interface | PCIE x 4 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | NVMe |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 4000 GB |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently point out that while the SN850X delivers on its advertised speeds, hitting 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write, the 4TB model often ships without a heatsink, leading to thermal throttling and performance dips when temperatures reach 83°C during prolonged heavy use. Many gamers appreciate the noticeably faster load times in games, but some find the 'Game Mode 2.0' software features to be more marketing than practical benefit. The drive's 2400 TBW endurance and 5-year warranty are frequently cited as reasons for confidence in its longevity.
“Dude, this thing is FAST, but seriously, get a heatsink for the 4TB version or it'll cook itself and slow down when you're really pushing it, learned that the hard way.”
Common Praise
- Reaches 7,300 MB/s sequential read speeds consistently in benchmarks.
- Game load times are noticeably faster, reducing stutter and lagging.
- 4000 GB capacity allows for massive game libraries without constant uninstalling.
- 5-year warranty provides long-term peace of mind.
- Easy installation into M.2 2280 slots.
- High 2400 TBW endurance rating for heavy usage.
Common Complaints
- 4TB model does not include a heatsink, causing temperatures to hit 83°C and performance to throttle under load.
- Game Mode 2.0 features in the dashboard are more of a gimmick than a tangible performance boost.
- Lack of hardware-based encryption is a drawback for some users.
- Can be expensive compared to other high-performance PCIe Gen 4 drives.
Ownership Tips
- The drive runs significantly hotter without an aftermarket heatsink, especially during large file transfers or extended gaming sessions.
- The WD_BLACK Dashboard is useful for monitoring health but Game Mode 2.0 doesn't feel like a game-changer.
- Installation is straightforward, just make sure your motherboard has a free M.2 2280 slot.
- Even with the high speeds, real-world differences from slightly slower Gen 4 drives aren't always obvious in everyday tasks unless you're constantly moving huge files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 4TB WD_BLACK SN850X come with a heatsink?
No, the 4TB model typically does not include a heatsink; heatsink versions are usually optional for the 1TB and 2TB capacities.
Is this SSD suitable for PS5?
While compatible, the full performance benefits of the SN850X might not be entirely realized on the PS5, and Western Digital does not specifically market this drive for the console.
What are the actual read and write speeds of the 4TB model?
The 4TB model offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 6,600 MB/s.
What is the endurance rating for the 4TB SN850X?
The 4TB WD_BLACK SN850X has an endurance rating of 2400 TBW (Terabytes Written), indicating its durability for heavy data writes over time.
Does the SN850X support hardware encryption?
No, the WD_BLACK SN850X lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption.
Buying Guide
When looking at NVMe SSDs, you're primarily buying speed and capacity. For gaming, this means faster load times and less waiting. For creative work, it means quicker project saves and smoother handling of large files. Don't get hung up on tiny benchmark differences; focus on whether the drive's sustained performance meets your needs, especially under load.
Read/Write Speed
This is how fast the drive can open (read) or save (write) data, measured in MB/s. Think of it like the speed limit on a highway; higher numbers mean data can theoretically move faster, leading to quicker game loads and file transfers.
Capacity
Measured in GB or TB, this is simply how much data the drive can store. A 4000 GB drive can hold a massive amount of games, videos, or project files, reducing the need to constantly uninstall or offload data.
Interface (PCIe Gen 4 x4)
This describes the connection type and its bandwidth. PCIe Gen 4 x4 is like a super-wide, high-speed lane for data, allowing for much faster transfers than older Gen 3 connections, but requires a compatible motherboard slot.
TBW (Terabytes Written)
This is an endurance rating, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability might degrade. A higher TBW means the drive is expected to last longer under heavy use, which is important for power users and gamers.
Alternatives
If this drive is too expensive, look for PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSDs with slightly lower read/write speeds (e.g., 5,000-6,000 MB/s) and a lower TBW rating for a more budget-friendly option. If you need hardware encryption, specifically search for drives that include 256-bit AES.
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