WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The WD_BLACK SN850X (model WDS100T2XHE) is an internal NVMe solid state drive built for gaming. This version holds 1TB, comes with a heatsink fitted, and is listed as working with the PlayStation 5 as well as PCs. Its job is to cut load times and keep a large game library close at hand.

What "up to 7,300 MB/s" means

WD_BLACK rates the drive at up to 7,300 MB/s, based on read speed and its own internal testing. That figure describes sequential reading, such as loading a large game file, and the brand notes that results vary with the host device, usage and drive capacity. The drive uses a PCIe Gen4 interface, which gives far more bandwidth than older SATA drives, whose limit is typically around 550 MB/s.

Form factor and fit

The drive is an M.2 2280 module, meaning a stick about 80 mm long and 22 mm wide. Its listed size is roughly 3.1 x 0.9 x 0.4 inches and it weighs around 0.1 lb. Most recent desktop motherboards and many laptops have an M.2 slot, but not every slot is NVMe or PCIe Gen4, so it is worth reading your board's manual. A Gen4 drive in a Gen3 slot generally still works, though at lower speeds.

Gaming features

WD_BLACK lists several features aimed at games:

• Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing and Adaptive Thermal Management, which the brand says help sustain performance. These need the WD_BLACK Dashboard, which is Windows only.
• Game Mode 2.0, which the Dashboard can switch on automatically when it detects a game.
• DirectStorage support, Microsoft's technology that lets compatible games load data more directly from the drive.
• RGB control through the Dashboard.

Why capacity matters

The SN850X is sold in capacities from 1TB to 4TB, and WD_BLACK points out that some current games take 200GB or more. A 1TB drive suits a handful of large titles plus your system files. As with all drives, 1TB is counted as one trillion bytes, so the capacity your operating system reports will be somewhat lower.

The heatsink

Fast NVMe drives produce heat when they work hard, and they typically slow themselves down when they get too hot. The fitted heatsink is there to help the drive hold its speed during long sessions. If your motherboard already has its own M.2 heatsink, check whether the two will fit together, because a drive with a built-in heatsink can be taller than the space allows.

Who it suits

It suits PC builders and gamers who want a fast primary or secondary drive, and PlayStation 5 owners who want to add internal storage. It is less relevant for someone who only needs bulk storage for documents or photos.

What to check before you buy

• Slot type: confirm you have a free M.2 2280 slot that supports NVMe, and ideally PCIe Gen4.
• Clearance: check height limits under any motherboard cover, laptop panel or console slot cover, since the heatsink adds thickness.
• Console use: read the console maker's guidance on supported drive specifications and installation.
• Software: the Dashboard features run on Windows only.
• Capacity: think about how many large games you want installed at once.

The short version

• 1TB NVMe M.2 2280 drive with a heatsink, model WDS100T2XHE.
• Rated by WD_BLACK at up to 7,300 MB/s read speed over PCIe Gen4.
• Supports DirectStorage and Game Mode 2.0, with Dashboard features on Windows.
• Listed as working with the PlayStation 5.
• Check slot type and heatsink clearance before installing.

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