Western Digital, a veteran in the computer storage solutions segment, has introduced a new NVMe SSD called the WD_BLACK SN850X. As a part of the WD_BLACK series, high data transfer speeds are the primary focus of this storage solution. This is particularly appealing to gamers who seek an optimal gaming experience, from lightning-fast loading times to minimizing pop-in issues that can disrupt gameplay. Curious about the capabilities of the WD_BLACK SN850X? Here’s a comprehensive review from the team.
Review Summary
Performance – 10/10
Software – 9/10
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Pros:
Supports PCIe Gen4
High read and write speeds
Compatible with PlayStation 5
Option for heatsink available
Useful dashboard
Suitable for a wide range of applications
Cons:
Gaming Mode 2.0 has minimal noticeable impact
Review Details:
Design and Compatibility
The WD_BLACK SN850X is an NVMe SSD with a slim form factor. It follows the M.2 2280 form factor, with dimensions of 80 mm in length and 22 mm in width. This makes it widely compatible, and it’s even claimed to be suitable for use with the PlayStation 5. The storage device supports PCIe Gen4 for optimal performance, but it can also be installed on PCIe Gen3 with reduced speeds.
The WD_BLACK SN850X is available in various capacity variants, including 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. Additionally, there are models available with and without heatsinks, catering to individual needs. If intended for use with the PlayStation 5, a heatsink is necessary to prevent overheating.
For this review, the 2TB variant tested without a heatsink, making it more suitable for desktop or laptop use with optimal airflow.
Performance
The WD_BLACK SN850X leverages PCIe Gen4 connectivity, allowing for exceptionally high data transfer speeds. It is claimed to offer sequential speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s for read and up to 6,300 MB/s for write operations. These figures are impressive for a consumer-grade SSD, especially when compared to HDDs. Moreover, the WD_BLACK SN850X boasts a durability of up to 600 TBW.
In practical terms, this SSD’s high transfer capabilities make tasks like installing and uninstalling games remarkably quick. To put it into perspective, a 14GB archive file was transferred in about 40 seconds, achieving a transfer speed of 470 MB/s, which is the maximum speed of the reviewer’s SSD.
Benchmark Testing
Using CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4, the team conducted benchmark tests to verify the claimed speeds. The WD_BLACK SN850X showcased a read speed of up to 7,256.34 MB/s and a write speed of up to 6,661.33 MB/s. These results closely aligned with the figures provided by the manufacturer.
Gaming Performance
To assess the real-world impact on gaming experiences, popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 5, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Final Fantasy XV were used for testing. The parameters for testing involved measuring the time taken from pressing ‘Play’ in Steam until the character was controllable.
Results showed impressively short load times: approximately 24 seconds for Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 31 seconds for Grand Theft Auto 5, and 27 seconds for Final Fantasy XV. These times were significantly faster compared to the reviewer’s HDD, which took substantially longer to load the same games.
Game Backup and Restore
The WD_BLACK SN850X was also tested for restoring Steam games from backups. The SSD demonstrated its prowess by installing Final Fantasy XV and Grand Theft Auto 5, both of which were over 100GB in size, in approximately 18 minutes and 4 minutes, respectively. Even the smaller-sized game, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which was about 30GB, installed in just 2 minutes.
Temperature and Cooling
Despite its high performance, the WD_BLACK SN850X maintained relatively normal temperatures, with a maximum of 60°C and an average ranging around 48°C. It’s worth noting that the reviewer used the thermal pad and heatsink provided by the motherboard.
Dashboard and Gaming Mode 2.0
As with other Western Digital products, the SSD comes with a Dashboard software that provides essential information, such as used capacity and health status. The Dashboard is user-friendly and offers several useful features. Notably, it includes Gaming Mode 2.0, which is claimed to further enhance performance. However, the reviewer noted that the difference in performance when Gaming Mode 2.0 was activated or not was not particularly noticeable.
Conclusion
The WD_BLACK SN850X is an NVMe SSD that can be relied upon for a wide range of tasks due to its exceptionally high speeds. Its capabilities extend beyond mere data transfer; it significantly speeds up processes like game loading and installation. Combined with its substantial capacity and attractive pricing, the WD_BLACK SN850X is an enticing option for those seeking top-tier performance for uninterrupted gaming experiences.