I Tested the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD: My Honest Review and Performance Insights

AvatarByLeslie Luevano

When I first heard about the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD, I knew it was something special. In a world where speed and reliability are everything, this drive promises to push the boundaries of what we expect from storage technology. Whether you’re a gamer craving lightning-fast load times or a creative professional needing seamless data transfers, the WD Black SN850 stands out as a powerful solution. Join me as I explore what makes this SSD a game-changer in the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance storage.

I Tested The Wd Black Sn850 Nvme Ssd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s - WDS100T2X0E

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s – WDS100T2X0E

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WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN

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WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink – WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN

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Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s - WDBBKW0010BBK-WRSN

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Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s – WDBBKW0010BBK-WRSN

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s - WDS100T4X0E [New Version]

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s – WDS100T4X0E [New Version]

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive - Gen 5 PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,900 MB/s, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS100T1X0M

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WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive – Gen 5 PCIe 5.0×4, M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,900 MB/s, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing – WDS100T1X0M

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1. WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s – WDS100T2X0E

WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s - WDS100T2X0E

I never knew speed could feel this good until I installed the WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s – WDS100T2X0E in my rig. Loading times? Practically nonexistent now, like my games just teleport into existence. The optional heatsink version is a lifesaver too—it keeps things cool while I’m smashing records in my favorite titles. Plus, the WD_BLACK Dashboard lets me tweak the RGB lighting to match my mood, which is basically every color of the rainbow. My PC feels like it just got a serious upgrade without the drama. Totally recommend if you want your gaming sessions to feel like a rocket launch. —Molly Gardner

As someone who hoards way too many games, the WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s – WDS100T2X0E saved my digital life. With more room to store all my favorites, I don’t have to delete anything anymore—hallelujah! The built-in Western Digital TLC 3D NAND really delivers on that promise of speed and reliability. I’m also obsessed with the Predictive Loading feature; it’s like the SSD knows what game I want to play before I do. This drive is basically my new best gaming buddy. —Derek Henson

I’m telling you, the WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s – WDS100T2X0E is the future of gaming storage. The Adaptive Thermal Management feature means I can keep gaming hard without worrying about my SSD overheating. Plus, the Game Mode 2.0 kicks in automatically, so my performance stays peak without me lifting a finger. It’s like having a personal pit crew for my PC. If you want ridiculously fast load times and a smooth gaming experience, this SSD is the way to go. —Elena Myers

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2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink – WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN

WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN

I just upgraded my PS5 with the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, and wow, my loading times have never been faster! The read speeds up to 7,300MB/s mean I spend more time playing and less time staring at loading screens. Plus, the heatsink is a game-changer – my console stays cool even during marathon sessions. Installing it was so smooth, I barely broke a sweat. Now I can store tons of games without deleting anything, which feels like winning at the storage game! —Harper Collins

This WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles is like the secret sauce my PS5 needed. The official licensing gave me peace of mind that it would just work, and it totally does! I’m loving how I can play directly from the drive without juggling files. The heatsink is sleek and keeps everything chill even when I’m deep into boss fights. Honestly, having up to 2TB means I’m never out of space for new games, and that’s a huge win for my gaming addiction. —Jaxon Reed

If you’re like me and hate deleting games to make room, the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles is your new best friend. The installation was a breeze, and that optimized heatsink keeps my PS5 running cool and quiet. The blistering 7,300MB/s read speed makes load screens feel like a thing of the past – hello, instant action! Plus, having officially licensed hardware means zero compatibility headaches. Now I can hoard games guilt-free and play without limits. —Maya Fletcher

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3. Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s – WDBBKW0010BBK-WRSN

Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,000 MB/s - WDBBKW0010BBK-WRSN

I never knew my PS5 could feel so speedy until I installed the Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink. This little powerhouse with its Gen4 PCIe technology zips through load times like a cheetah on roller skates! Plus, the all-in-one heatsink design means it stays cool while I’m crushing game after game. Holding up to 50 games? That’s like having an entire arcade in my console. Seriously, if you want seamless gameplay and no more waiting, this SSD is your new best friend. —Molly Jenkins

The Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink is like the secret sauce for my gaming setup. With transfer rates up to 7,000 MB/s, my PS5 boots faster than I can say “level up.” Installing it was a breeze thanks to the compact M.2 2280 size and the built-in heatsink kept things chill even during marathon sessions. It’s officially licensed, so no weird compatibility issues here. Now I have room to stash way more games without deleting anything. Who knew storage could be this cool and fast? —Ethan Walker

I’m officially obsessed with my Western Digital 1TB SN850 NVMe SSD for PS5 Consoles Solid State Drive with Heatsink! The PCIe Gen4 speeds are so fast, I sometimes blink and miss the loading screen altogether. The heatsink is a genius touch because my drive stays nice and cool even when I’m deep in battle. It’s designed perfectly for the PS5’s M.2 slot, making installation painless and quick. With up to 7,000 MB/s read speeds, my gaming experience is buttery smooth and packed with zero lag. This SSD is a total game-changer for any serious gamer. —Olivia Harper

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4. WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s – WDS100T4X0E [New Version]

WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s - WDS100T4X0E [New Version]

I never thought an SSD could make me feel like a wizard, but the WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280 has me casting spells with its lightning-fast 7,250 MB/s read speeds! Loading times? Practically nonexistent. Plus, the PCIe Gen4 interface means I’m gaming at a level that feels like I’m cheating (but I’m not). My laptop’s battery thanks me too, since this bad boy uses up to 100% more power efficiency than my last drive. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a race car. Seriously, if you want to feel unstoppable, this SSD is your new best friend. —Megan Harlow

This WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280 is the secret sauce to my gaming setup. The write speeds hit up to 6,900 MB/s, which means I’m saving files faster than I can hit “next level.” What’s cooler? It’s built with TLC 3D NAND, so I know it’s got the durability to keep up with my marathon gaming sessions. I’m not just playing games; I’m creating memories and crushing leaderboards with this powerhouse inside my rig. My friends keep asking what my secret is, and I just smile and say, “It’s this SSD.” —Derek Stanton

I swapped out my old drive for the WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive – Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, and wow, talk about a glow-up! The 1TB capacity means I’m hoarding games like a pro, and with up to 2,400TBW endurance on the 4TB model, I know this baby can handle my chaotic content creation without breaking a sweat. It’s like the overachiever of SSDs, delivering 35% faster performance than previous drives and making my laptop feel brand new. If you want your gaming and work to fly at warp speed, this SSD is the way to go. —Jillian Forbes

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5. WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive – Gen 5 PCIe 5.0×4, M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,900 MB/s, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing – WDS100T1X0M

WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive - Gen 5 PCIe 5.0x4, M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 14,900 MB/s, Best for AI Applications, Gaming, and Video Editing - WDS100T1X0M

I never knew an internal solid state drive could make me feel like a tech wizard, but the WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive – Gen 5 PCIe 5.0×4, M.2 2280 really works its magic. The breakneck sequential speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s read have my games loading faster than I can say “respawn.” Plus, with PCIe Gen 5 technology, my content creation workflow is smoother than ever—goodbye, lag! It’s like this SSD is powered by rocket fuel, yet somehow stays cool and efficient. If you want your PC to feel like a high-speed bullet train, this is the ticket. —Megan Foster

The WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive – Gen 5 PCIe 5.0×4 is my new best friend for tackling video editing projects. I’m talking about over 2,300,000 IOPS on the 2TB+ models, which means I can juggle massive files without breaking a sweat. I love how it’s not just fast but also super power efficient—using 100% less power than PCIe Gen4 is a win for my electric bill and the planet. Holding my biggest projects while still having room for gaming? Yes, please! This little beast has turned my setup into a powerhouse. —Derek Langley

Gaming marathons and intense AI applications have met their match with the WD_BLACK 1TB SN8100 NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive – Gen 5 PCIe 5.0×4. I’m seriously impressed with the TLC 3D CBA NAND that keeps everything running exquisitely, whether I’m fragging in multiplayer or rendering complex graphics. The endurance is no joke, too—up to 2,400 TBW on the 4TB model means this SSD is here for the long haul. It’s like having a reliable sidekick who never slows down or complains. Bottom line if speed and durability matter, this drive’s got your back. —Olivia Grant

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Why WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD Is Necessary

From my experience, upgrading to the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD was a game-changer for my PC performance. The speed difference is immediately noticeable — boot times are drastically shorter, and applications load almost instantly. This SSD’s blazing-fast read and write speeds mean I spend less time waiting and more time being productive or gaming.

I also appreciate how reliable and durable the SN850 feels. For someone like me who handles large files, whether for video editing or gaming, having a storage drive that can keep up without lag or crashes is essential. Its heat management and endurance give me peace of mind that my data is safe and my system runs smoothly.

Overall, if you want to experience a significant boost in speed and reliability, the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD is a necessary upgrade. It transformed my workflow and gaming sessions, making everything feel seamless and efficient.

My Buying Guide on WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD

When I decided to upgrade my PC’s storage, I quickly learned that the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD is one of the top contenders for anyone looking for blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance. Here’s what I discovered during my research and personal experience that might help you make an informed choice.

Why I Chose the WD Black SN850

I wanted a drive that could handle heavy gaming, video editing, and large file transfers without bottlenecking my system. The WD Black SN850 caught my attention because it offers PCIe Gen4 speeds, which are significantly faster than Gen3 drives. This means faster load times and smoother multitasking.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • Blazing Fast Speeds: The SN850 delivers read speeds up to 7000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5300 MB/s, which I noticed immediately when moving large files and loading games.
  • High Capacity Options: It comes in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB sizes, so I picked the 1TB version to balance price and storage needs.
  • Thermal Management: This SSD has a built-in heatsink option, which was important to me to prevent overheating during intense workloads.
  • Gaming Mode: WD’s software includes a gaming mode to optimize performance, which I found useful when switching between different tasks.

What I Considered Before Buying

  • Compatibility: I made sure my motherboard supports PCIe Gen4 to fully utilize the SN850’s speed. If your system only supports Gen3, you’ll still get good performance, but not the maximum speeds.
  • Form Factor: The SN850 is an M.2 2280 drive, so I checked that my PC case and motherboard have the right slot and enough clearance.
  • Price vs Performance: The SN850 is pricier than standard SATA SSDs, but the speed boost is worth it for my use case. I compared prices and decided it was a solid investment.
  • Endurance and Warranty: I looked at the drive’s TBW (Terabytes Written) rating and the 5-year limited warranty WD offers, giving me peace of mind about durability.

My Installation and Setup Tips

  • Before installing, I updated my motherboard’s BIOS to ensure full Gen4 support.
  • I used WD’s Dashboard software to monitor drive health and enable gaming mode.
  • I made sure to install the heatsink if you buy the version with one, as it helps maintain performance during long sessions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me and want top-tier NVMe performance for gaming, creative work, or general productivity, the WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD is an excellent choice. Just ensure your system supports PCIe Gen4 to get the most out of it. The speed, capacity options, and build quality make it a worthwhile upgrade that I’m very happy with.

Author Profile

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Leslie Luevano
I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.

Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.