WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD with Heatsink 2TB

Overview

This WD_BLACK drive packs 2TB into the M.2 2280 form factor with an attached heatsink, rated up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write. It's aimed at desktop gaming builds and workstations with a free PCIe Gen4 slot.

The heatsink is built into this version, which matters for sustained transfers since NVMe drives at this speed class throttle under heat without one, though it also means the drive will not fit in a slot with limited clearance, like most laptops or a console bay with its own cooling cover. Worth flagging directly from the listing: WD states this specific model has been succeeded by a newer generation drive from the SanDisk lineup, so buyers should confirm they are getting the SN850X rather than assuming it's the current flagship.

• 2tb capacity, m.2 2280 form factor
• Up to 7,300 mb/s read, 6,300 mb/s write
• Heatsink attached for sustained transfer speeds
• Built for gaming pc and workstation upgrades

Who it's for

A desktop gaming build or workstation with a free PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot is where this drive belongs, including as a PS5 expansion drive if the heatsink clears the console's bay. Anyone wanting WD's current flagship model specifically should check generation status first, since the listing marks this one as replaced.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

Rated speeds reach up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write in the M.2 2280 form factor, with the attached heatsink helping the drive hold those speeds during longer sustained transfers instead of throttling. Because the heatsink is fixed to the drive, it needs a slot with enough clearance, which rules out most laptops and some console expansion bays with their own cooling covers.

Where it stands among internal solid state drives

• #2 most-searched brand and model of the 91 internal solid state drives lines we track (by search demand, not sales).

From the specs of the 19 internal solid state drives we list; not a test result.

Specifications

Closest rivals on specs

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSD 2TB

• Item Weight 0.05 vs 0.02 pounds (+150%)
• Hard Disk Form Factor 0.9 vs 2.3 inches (-61%)

SanDisk Optimus 5100 NVMe SSD 1TB

• Cache Memory Installed Size 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)
• Digital Storage Capacity 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)
• HardDrive Size 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)

Crucial P310 NVMe Gen4 SSD 1TB

• Cache Memory Installed Size 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)
• Digital Storage Capacity 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)
• HardDrive Size 2 vs 1 TB (+100%)