WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD - M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s

The WD_BLACK SN850X is a high-performance NVMe solid-state drive in the M.2 2280 form factor, aimed at PC gamers and workstation users who want to cut down on load times and keep a large library of games or files immediately accessible. It sits at the faster end of the consumer NVMe market, targeting people who feel their current storage is holding back an otherwise capable system.

The headline figure is a sequential read speed of up to 7,300 MB/s on the 1TB through 4TB models. In practical terms, that kind of throughput means games that once took 30 or 40 seconds to load can open in a matter of seconds, and transferring large project files or game installations feels noticeably quicker than on slower drives. The drive uses TLC 3D NAND, a well-established flash memory design that stacks memory cells vertically to pack more storage into the same physical footprint.

Storage capacity is a real strength here. The lineup goes up to 8TB, which is unusually generous for a consumer M.2 drive. If you regularly install dozens of large titles or work with high-resolution video, having that headroom means you spend less time uninstalling things to make room. The standard M.2 2280 size means it should drop into any motherboard or laptop that has a compatible slot, though you should confirm your system supports PCIe Gen 4 to take full advantage of the rated speed.

A few things worth noting: this specific model has been officially replaced by the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X, so buyers should check availability and consider whether the newer generation better fits their needs. The listing also does not state write speeds, so if sequential write performance is a priority for your workload, you will want to look that up separately before purchasing.

Verdict: The SN850X is a strong choice for gamers or creative professionals who want fast load times and plenty of storage capacity in a standard M.2 form factor. Because it has been replaced by a newer model, shoppers should compare current pricing and availability against the successor before committing.

A great fit if you:

• Want to significantly reduce game or application load times on a gaming PC or workstation
• Need a large storage capacity, up to 8TB, to keep many games or big project files installed at once
• Are building or upgrading a system with an M.2 2280 slot and want a high-throughput NVMe drive

Consider something else if you:

• Want the latest generation from this brand, in which case the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X is the current replacement
• Need a drive for a system that does not support M.2 NVMe, such as older desktops or laptops with only SATA connections

What is the maximum read speed of the SN850X?
The drive reaches up to 7,300 MB/s on the 1TB through 4TB models. This is a sequential read figure and applies when the drive is used in a compatible system.

What capacity options are available?
The lineup goes up to 8TB. The 1TB model covered here is the entry point, and higher capacities are available if you need more room for games or large files.

Has this drive been discontinued?
Yes, the SN850X has been replaced by the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X. If you want the most current generation from this brand, searching for that model is recommended.

What form factor does this drive use?
It uses the M.2 2280 form factor, which is the standard size found in the majority of modern gaming motherboards and many laptops with NVMe support.