Overview

The Western Digital SN570 1 TB is a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD launched in December 2021. It features 1TB of TLC 3D NAND flash and the WD 20-82-10048 (Polaris MP16) controller. Although it lacks a dedicated DRAM cache, it leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to use a portion of system memory as cache, delivering solid random access performance. This drive sits in the entry-to-mid-range segment, offering excellent cost-performance for gaming and creative workloads.

Compatibility Guide

The SN570 uses the M.2 2280 form factor and connects via PCIe 3.0 x4 with NVMe protocol. It fits any motherboard with an M.2 slot that supports NVMe (PCIe 3.0 or 4.0). When installed in a PCIe 4.0 slot, it will operate at PCIe 3.0 speeds. It is not compatible with SATA-only M.2 slots. The drive works with Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, and can be used as extended storage on PS5 (firmware update may be required). Heat output is moderate, but a heatsink is recommended for sustained heavy writes.

Product Info

Released in December 2021, the SN570 1TB originally retailed around $80-$120 USD, but current pricing on Yahoo Shopping is ¥112,590 (as of August 31, 2026), which is significantly inflated. It carries a 5-year warranty (with product registration). Sequential read speeds reach up to 3,500 MB/s, write up to 3,000 MB/s; random 4K read/write are 460K/450K IOPS. TBW is rated at 600TB, translating to roughly 1.64 years of endurance assuming 1TB writes per day. Market positioning: entry-to-mid-range PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD, ideal for budget-conscious builders.

Best Use Cases

Gaming: Excellent for reducing game load times and OS boot speeds at 1080p-1440p. PCIe 3.0 bandwidth is sufficient for most current games. Not ideal for users who need PCIe 4.0 speeds for future-proofing. Creative Work: Suitable for photo editing and 4K video editing as a scratch disk. HMB provides adequate performance for moderate workloads. Heavy professional users should consider DRAM-equipped drives. Secondary Drive / NAS Cache: Low power consumption and compact size make it good for OS drives or cache in NAS. However, TBW is limited for write-intensive cache roles. Budget Builds: Perfect for first-time NVMe users who want good performance without overspending. If your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, a similarly priced PCIe 4.0 drive may offer better value.

Things to Consider

The lack of a DRAM cache means random write performance and sustained write speeds are lower than DRAM-equipped competitors like the WD Black SN770 or Samsung 980 Pro. The current price of ¥112,590 is far above typical market value, making it a poor buy at that price. Always check price comparison sites before purchasing. Additionally, PCIe 3.0 bandwidth is half that of PCIe 4.0; if you plan to upgrade to faster storage in the future, a PCIe 4.0 drive may be a better long-term investment. ## FAQ
Q: Can the SN570 be used in a PS5? A: Yes, it physically fits the PS5 M.2 expansion slot. However, its read speed (3,500 MB/s) is below Sony's recommended 5,500 MB/s, so load times for large games may be longer. A heatsink is strongly recommended. Q: Is the lack of DRAM a problem for everyday use? A: For typical tasks like web browsing, office work, and light gaming, HMB makes the performance difference negligible. Only under heavy multi-file workloads (e.g., compiling, database operations) would a DRAM-equipped drive show a clear advantage. Q: How does the SN570 compare to the SN550? A: The SN570 is the successor to the SN550, with a new controller boosting sequential reads from 2,400 MB/s to 3,500 MB/s and improved random performance via better HMB implementation. If the price difference is small, the SN570 is the better choice.