High-speed storage really can make a noticeable difference in gaming and wrangling big files. The WD_BLACK SN850X is built for folks who want shorter load screens, smooth performance, and reliable operation—whether that’s on a PC or a console. It’s meant to keep those fast speeds coming, even when things heat up.
- TRANSFORM YOUR PC. Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (2)
- MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES. Capacities up to 8TB (1) built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites.
- HEATSINK FOR THE WIN. All capacities have an optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance through your most intense gaming sessions.
Most people find installation pretty painless—the drive gets recognized right away. The strong read and write speeds get a lot of praise, and it seems to stay stable over time. Some folks wish it was a bit cheaper, but if speed and efficiency are your top priorities, the price seems justifiable.
Overview: WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
This drive’s aimed at gamers and power users who aren’t interested in waiting around for things to load. With PCIe Gen4 technology, it handles demanding games and big files with ease.
It pops into most systems without fuss, and the optional heatsink version can help keep things cool during longer sessions—though that’ll bump up the price a bit.
Pros:
- Fast read/write speeds that cut down game load times
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern motherboards and laptops
- WD_BLACK Dashboard lets you keep an eye on drive health and tweak settings
Cons:
- Higher price tag than some competitors
- Heatsink adds cost and isn’t a must for everyone
Blazing Fast Speeds
Load times are clearly snappier compared to older NVMe drives, which is great for big games and moving chunky files around. The Gen4 PCIe interface really lets it stretch its legs, which is handy for both gaming and productivity.
People say it keeps high speeds going, even during long sessions. That said, your results can depend on your system’s setup and cooling—so, your mileage may vary.
Pros:
- Quick access to big files
- Stays smooth under heavy use
Cons:
- Needs a Gen4 PCIe slot for full speed
- Can run a bit warm if cooling isn’t up to par
High Capacity Options
If you need more than just basic storage, the larger capacity options give you plenty of room for a big game library, project files, or whatever else you want at your fingertips. The 2TB model means less juggling files—just keep it all installed.
Of course, higher capacity means a higher price. And some folks point out that filling up a large drive can take a while if your system’s not the fastest.
Pros:
- Lots of space for modern games and media
- Less need for external drives
Cons:
- Costs more up front
- Can take longer to fill up initially
Heatsink for Sustained Performance
A good heatsink can help an SSD stay fast when things get intense. The SN850X’s thermal solution is meant to keep heat from slowing things down during heavy use.
People notice the heatsink helps the drive maintain high transfer rates over long stretches, especially with gaming or big file transfers. But if your system is cramped or lacks airflow, heat can still build up and maybe knock performance down a notch.
Pros:
- Helps avoid thermal throttling in long sessions
- Supports consistent performance for demanding stuff
Cons:
- Depends on your system’s airflow
- Not a magic fix for all heat issues
WD_BLACK Dashboard and Game Mode 2.0
The Dashboard software puts all your drive monitoring in one spot. If you’ve got the heatsink model, you can even tweak RGB lighting, which is fun if your build is on display.
Game Mode 2.0 kicks in automatically when it spots compatible games. It’s supposed to trim load times and boost responsiveness, especially if you’ve got DirectStorage support.
The interface is pretty simple, but it’s Windows-only, so Mac and Linux users are out of luck. For PC gamers, though, real-time monitoring and auto performance tweaks can be handy.
Advanced Performance Features
The high read and write speeds mean this drive can tackle heavy workloads with barely a pause. People mention fast load times for games and large files, even when pushing the drive hard.
The optional heatsink helps keep things stable during marathon sessions, cutting down on thermal throttling. For anyone who likes to keep tabs on their gear, the software lets you monitor health and adjust game-specific settings.
Features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management are all about keeping things speedy and efficient. They work behind the scenes to cut down latency, spread out the workload, and keep temps in check.
Pros:
- Keeps up performance under load
- Solid thermal management options
- Customization via software
Cons:
- Heatsink version is pricier
- Some features need Windows
Easy Installation Experience
Installation is usually a breeze, whether you’re dropping it into a desktop, laptop, or even a compatible console. The compact M.2 form factor means no extra cables—just slot it in. Most systems spot it right away, so formatting is quick.
One thing: it doesn’t come with a mounting screw, so you’ll need to use one from your device or grab one separately. Assuming your system supports PCIe Gen4, you can be up and running in minutes.
Pros:
- Fits easily into standard M.2 slots
- Detected quickly by most OSes
- Not a lot of steps before you’re ready to go
Cons:
- No mounting screw in the box
- Needs compatible hardware for top speeds
Pros and Cons
When you stack it all up, this drive blends high-speed performance with useful features, though it’s not perfect.
Pros
- High Read/Write Speeds – Delivers fast load times and smooth launches, great for games and work
- Easy Installation – M.2 form factor and quick recognition make setup simple
- Optional Heatsink – Helps keep performance steady during long sessions
- Software Tools – WD_BLACK Dashboard gives you monitoring and customization
- Capacity Options – Multiple sizes, including big ones that minimize file shuffling
| Strength | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Speed up to 7,300 MB/s | Cuts down waiting for game loads and file transfers |
| Compact design | Fits most devices with no hassle |
| Dashboard software | Adds monitoring and tweaks |
Cons
- Price – More expensive than some NVMe drives, which might be a dealbreaker for budget builds
- No Included Mounting Screw – You might need to dig one up for installation
- Windows-Only Software – Dashboard utility won’t work on macOS or Linux
- Heat Management Without Heatsink – Models without a heatsink could throttle under heavy loads
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Premium pricing | Not ideal for cost-sensitive builds |
| Limited software compatibility | Features unavailable on non-Windows systems |
| No screw included | Small extra hassle for setup |
Customer Reviews
A lot of buyers highlight the drive’s consistently fast performance, both for gaming and everyday tasks. Installation is quick, and most systems pick it up automatically.
People like the compact size and straightforward setup, whether it’s for a desktop, laptop, or console. Fast load times and file transfers get frequent shoutouts.
Common positives:
- Smooth, easy install
- High read/write speeds
- Stays reliable over time
Some do wish the price was a bit lower, but most say the performance is worth it. The missing mounting screw comes up here and there, but it’s a minor gripe.
Most reviews are strongly positive—folks seem to agree it delivers the speed and stability you’d expect from a high-end NVMe SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the performance of the WD_BLACK SN850X compare to the Samsung 990 Pro?
The SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro are both top-tier PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs. In benchmarks, they’re usually neck-and-neck. The 990 Pro might edge out slightly in sustained writes, but the SN850X can come out ahead in some real-world gaming load times. Honestly, the differences are so slight that either one is a solid pick for demanding tasks.
What are the read and write speeds of the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB model?
The 2TB version is rated for sequential reads up to 7,300 MB/s and writes that are right up there in the Gen4 range. Actual speeds can shift based on your system, what you’re doing, and whether the drive’s under heavy use.
Is there a significant difference in performance between the 2TB and 4TB models of the WD_BLACK SN850X?
For most folks, the performance gap between the 2TB and 4TB models is negligible. Both hit similar peak speeds. The 4TB could sustain high speeds a bit longer during massive transfers, but in regular gaming, you probably won’t notice.
Does the WD_BLACK SN850X come with a built-in heatsink option?
Yep, the 1TB and 2TB models offer a version with a heatsink. It helps with thermals during long, high-speed sessions. The 4TB doesn’t have a factory heatsink option right now.
What type of DRAM is used in the WD_BLACK SN850X SSDs?
The SN850X uses DDR4 DRAM for its cache. That helps keep performance consistent by storing mapping tables and frequently accessed data, so the drive isn’t constantly reaching for slower NAND.
Are there any capacity options for the WD_BLACK SN850X beyond 4TB?
Yeah, actually. Most folks will see the 1TB to 4TB versions on store shelves, but there’s an 8TB model floating around out there, too. It’s not as easy to track down and, unsurprisingly, it’ll hit your wallet a bit harder. Still, if you need that much space and can find one, it’s an option.
