Western Digital WD Green 1TB SATA SSD (WDS100T3G0A): specs and who it suits

The Western Digital WD Green 1TB (WDS100T3G0A) is an internal solid state drive that connects over SATA III. It comes in a 2.5-inch, 7mm case and is meant for laptops and desktops that need more or faster storage than an old hard drive offers. It is a straightforward drive for everyday computing rather than a high-end performance part.

What SATA III and 545 MB/s mean

SATA III runs at 6 Gb/s, which limits real-world transfer rates to roughly 550 MB/s. Western Digital rates this drive at up to 545 MB/s, close to that ceiling. Speeds like this are typically much quicker than a mechanical hard drive, which makes starting up, opening programmes and loading files feel more responsive. They are slower than NVMe drives, which use a different connection and can be several times faster.

If your computer has only SATA connections, such as an older laptop or desktop, this type of drive is what fits. If it has fast NVMe slots, those may suit better.

SLC caching

The listing mentions SLC (single-level cell) caching. In general, the drive uses a portion of its flash memory in a faster mode to absorb writes, which boosts performance during short bursts of activity such as saving files and installing small programmes. Very large transfers can exceed the cache, after which speeds typically fall. Western Digital positions the drive for everyday tasks, for both business and personal use.

Low power and shock resistance

Western Digital describes the drive as having an ultra-low power draw, so a laptop can run for longer periods. It also calls it shock-resistant. SSDs have no moving parts, which is why they tolerate knocks better than spinning hard drives, an advantage in a portable computer.

Form factors and compatibility

The listing says the WD Green SATA range is available in 2.5-inch/7mm cased and M.2 2280 form factors. The model described here, WDS100T3G0A, is the 2.5-inch/7mm version, at about 4.0 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches (10 x 7 x 0.7 cm) and 0.1 lb. Its 7mm thickness fits most laptop drive bays. Western Digital says the drive is certified by its F.I.T. Lab testing for compatibility and reliability.

Warranty and software

A 3-year limited warranty is included. Western Digital also offers a free SSD Dashboard, available to download from its website, for monitoring the drive.

What to check before you buy

• Confirm your computer has a free SATA connection and a 2.5-inch bay, or a suitable adapter.
• Check you want the 2.5-inch model and not the M.2 2280 version.
• Plan your data move: cloning software or a clean install, and a backup first.
• Check that you need 1TB of space, based on the files you keep on it.
• Check the cable situation on a desktop: you will need a SATA data cable and power connector.
• Read the warranty terms.

The short version

• A 1TB internal SATA III SSD in a 2.5-inch, 7mm case, rated at up to 545 MB/s.
• SLC caching, low power draw and shock resistance.
• Tested by Western Digital's F.I.T. Lab for compatibility with most PCs.
• A 3-year limited warranty and the free SSD Dashboard software.

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