This article covers Western Digital ウエスタンデジタル WD BLACK M.2 SSD 内蔵 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 (読取り最大 7300MB.

Overview

The Western Digital WD Black SN850X is one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs on the market. With sequential reads reaching 7,300 MB/s and writes up to 6,300 MB/s, it saturates the Gen4 interface almost completely. The 1TB model, part number WDS100T2X0E, uses a custom WD controller paired with BiCS5 TLC NAND and a dedicated DRAM cache. This drive targets gamers and content creators who demand minimal load times and high sustained throughput.
Introduced as a refined successor to the SN850, the SN850X adds Game Mode 2.0, a software feature that lowers CPU overhead during gaming workloads. The drive is backward compatible with PCIe 3.0, though performance will be capped at around 3,500 MB/s in older slots. The 2TB variant extends capacity for users who need more space, but the 1TB we’re reviewing here offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.

Compatibility Guide

The SN850X is an M.2 2280 module, fitting into any standard NVMe M.2 slot. It uses PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and works in Gen3 slots at reduced speed. No heatsink is included, so plan for adequate cooling – a motherboard heatsink or aftermarket solution is strongly advised. The drive is compatibale with both Intel and AMD platforms, including modern chipsets like Z690/B760 and X670/B650. It also functions in the PS5 after proper installationn

Product Info

Released in late 2022, the 1TB SN850X (WDS100T2X0E) is positioned as a high-end Gen4 drive. The single-unit price typically falls around $110–$130 USD, while a three-pack (WDS100T2X0E-EC) is available on Japanese online retailers for about ¥101,577. WD backs it with a five-year warranty and a endurance rating of 600 TBW. The controller is a 4-channel design with a 1GB DDR4 DRAM cache. Market position: a top contender in the PCIe 4.0 SSD space, competing directly with the Samsung 990 Pro and SK Hynix Platinm P41.

Best Use Cases

  • Gamers building a modern PC: The SN850X dramatically reduces level load times in open-world titles and speeds up boot times. If you’re on a Gen4 platform (Intel 12th-gen or newer, AMD Ryzen 3000 and up), this drive is a naturakl choise. However, for budget builds or Gen3-only systems, cheaper drives like the WD Black SN770 may be more cost-effective.
  • Creative professionals working with large files: Video editors and 3D artists will benefit from the high sustained write speed when exporting projects or managing RAW footage. The 1TB capacity is fine for active projects but may require secondary storage for archives. Those who rarely do large writes should consider a mid-range drive to save money.
  • Enthusiasts wanting the best Gen4 performance: If you already have top-shelf components and want no storage bottlenecks, the SN850X delivers the best Gen4 speed available today. Early adopters looking at PCIe 5.0 might wait for the Gen5 version, but the SN850X remains an excellent choice for the current generation.

Things to Consider

Key considerations before buying: without a heatsink, the SN850X can reach 75–80°C under sustained load, potentially throttling. Ensure your motherboard’s M.2 slot has a heatsink or buy one separately. The drive’s full speed is only usable on a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot; in a Gen3 slot, it still performs well but is overpriced for what you get. Competing drives like the Samsung 990 Pro offer similar speed with lower power draw, while the Crucial T500 presents a strong value option. For extreme write workloads, the TBW of 600 TB may be a limiting factor over long periods; consider a 2TB version for higher endurance

FAQ

Q: Is this SSD compatible with the PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, the SN850X is certified for PS5 expansion. It meets Sony’s speed requirement of 5500 MB/s read. After removing the preinstalled heatsink (or not using the PS5 cover), you’ll need a low-profile heatsink to fit inside the bay.
Q: Do I need to install Western Digital’s Dashboard software?
A: Optional but recommended. The Dashboard lets you enable Game Mode 2.0, monitor drive health, update firmware, and adjust overprovisioning. The drive works fine without it.
Q: How does the SN850X compare to the Samsung 990 Pro?
A: Both offer nearly identical sequential speeds. The 990 Pro has slightly better power efficiency and often lower idle power. The SN850X counters with Game Mode software and sometimes a lower street price. In practice, the difference is marginal for most users.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: WESTERN DIGITAL
  • Brand: ウエスタンデジタル(Western Digital)
  • Seller: Amazon.co.jp
  • Fulfilled by: Amazon.co.jp
  • ASIN: B0HJWLD56P
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.