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Western Digital, a prominent player in the storage solutions market, has recently introduced the WD Black SN850X internal SSD in India. Positioned within the gaming-oriented WD Black series, this SSD promises enhanced speed and performance, making it an appealing choice for gaming enthusiasts. Having spent several weeks using the WD Black SN850X 2TB variant, here is a comprehensive review of its features and performance.
Price and Availability
The WD Black SN850X SSD is offered in three storage capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, with options available both with and without a heatsink. Pricing starts at ₹8,789 and goes up to ₹36,329, depending on the chosen capacity and configuration. Consumers can purchase the SSD from the Western Digital online store, authorized online retailers, and offline outlets, with the added assurance of a 5-year limited warranty.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the WD Black SN850X is tailored to meet the demands of gamers, with the option for a heatsink available for the 1TB and 2TB variants. Opting for the heatsink adds bulk to the SSD, significantly increasing its dimensions and weight. For instance, the 2TB variant with the heatsink measures 80mm x 23.4mm x 8.8mm and weighs 24 grams, compared to 80mm x 22mm x 2.38mm and 7.5 grams for the variant without a heatsink. The heatsink, encasing the circuit board in metal, facilitates improved cooling, which proves beneficial during prolonged gaming sessions.
Software Features and Performance
To enhance user experience, Western Digital provides the Dashboard management software, allowing users to update and optimize the SSD. This software offers insights into the SSD’s health, enables firmware updates, and provides control over various settings. Additionally, the WD Black SN850X comes equipped with Game Mode 2.0, featuring adaptive thermal management, predictive loading, and overhead balancing, contributing to smoother gaming performance.
In terms of performance, the WD Black SN850X impresses with its upgraded NAND flash memory chips, now boasting 112-layer chips compared to the previous 96-layer ones. This enhancement translates to higher sequential-read and sequential-write speeds, with sequential read speeds reaching 7,363.74 MB/s and sequential write speeds reaching 6,690.06 MB/s during testing with CrystalDiskMark. Furthermore, the SSD’s thermal management system effectively maintains temperatures between 53-55 degrees Celsius during intensive gaming sessions.
Verdict
The WD Black SN850X 2TB SSD emerges as a top-tier choice for gamers seeking high-performance storage solutions. Its customizable design, coupled with advanced features such as adaptive thermal management and predictive loading, cater to the demands of modern gaming environments. However, its premium pricing may deter budget-conscious consumers, although the investment is justified by the SSD’s exceptional performance and reliability. Overall, the WD Black SN850X stands as a compelling option for gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience with reliable and efficient storage technology.
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