Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You are exploring sandisk wd black sn850x 2tb nvme SSD alternatives to match your specific gaming or workstation hardware. The original Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD delivers sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s on the PCIe interface. It comes in a standard M.2 2280 form factor and includes an integrated heatsink for thermal cooling. This setup handles heavy continuous data transfers while keeping temperatures regulated in compatible desktop cases and gaming systems.
You might still need a different drive based on form factor limitations, controller specifications, or capacity targets. Laptops and slim enclosures often lack clearance for a pre-installed heatsink, requiring a bare M.2 card instead. Other motherboards support PCIe 5.0 interfaces capable of faster throughput, while some builds require a smaller 1TB storage footprint. We compiled these 6 alternatives because their core specifications overlap with the original drive across performance, form factor, and interface design.
Our top pick: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink.
Comparing SN850X Alternatives by Key Specs
WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
The WD_BLACK SN850 2TB provides sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and random performance reaching 1,000,000 IOPS using 3D NAND. Compared to the SN850X with heatsink, this drive drops read speed slightly from 7,300 MB/s and omits the pre-installed heatsink. Its slim 0.09-inch profile offers much greater installation clearance than the 1-inch height of the heatsink-equipped SN850X. You trade away dedicated passive cooling hardware and 300 MB/s of top-end read throughput. Choose this model if your motherboard already features integrated M.2 heatsinks or if your gaming chassis cannot accommodate the extra vertical clearance of the original heatsink version.
WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s alongside DirectStorage support for gaming setups. Against the SN850X, it trades away 2,150 MB/s in peak sequential read speed and does not include an attached thermal heatsink. In return, you receive a flat 0.09-inch thick card that slides under standard motherboard shields where bulky factory heatsinks will not clear. It matches the original drive in total 2TB capacity and standard M.2 2280 form factor. Choose the SN770 if your gaming rig does not require maximum sequential throughput and you need a compact drive that relies on existing motherboard cooling.
Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
The Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB jumps to the PCIe 5.0 interface, delivering read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s with an integrated heatsink. This more than doubles the 7,300 MB/s read rate provided by the Gen4 SN850X. Both drives offer 2TB of capacity and built-in thermal cooling, but the SN8100 heatsink measures 0.44 inches tall, offering a more compact profile than the original 1-inch heatsink unit. However, unlocking this performance requires a motherboard with native PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot support. Pick the SN8100 if you operate an updated desktop platform ready for PCIe 5.0 bandwidth and need the fastest sequential throughput available.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
The Samsung 980 PRO 2TB delivers PCIe 4.0 performance with sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s in a standard M.2 design. While the original SN850X tops out slightly higher at 7,300 MB/s read and incorporates a heatsink, the 980 PRO omits bulky thermal hardware. That missing heatsink makes it suitable for tight laptop bays and desktop M.2 slots covered by integrated motherboard heat spreaders. You give up the pre-fitted thermal block and 300 MB/s of sequential read capability. Select the 980 PRO if you require 2TB of dependable Gen4 storage for space-limited systems where factory heatsinks physically cannot fit.
Inland 2TB Gaming PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
The Inland 2TB Gaming SSD reaches sequential read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and includes a 6-year warranty, exceeding standard coverage terms. It is specified for both PC and PS5 gaming systems. Compared to the SN850X, it trades away 200 MB/s of top-end read speed and ships without a pre-attached heatsink unit. That means you must supply an external heatsink or rely on your chassis cooling for high-demand sessions. You maintain identical 2TB capacity and high-tier Gen4 transfer rates. Pick this Inland drive if you are upgrading a PS5 or PC where you supply your own thermal cooling and prefer longer warranty protection.
WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB matches the original model's top sequential read speed of 7,300 MB/s and includes a factory-installed heatsink. Its primary difference is storage volume, offering 1TB instead of 2TB. However, this smaller capacity version features a lower-profile heatsink measuring 0.35 inches tall, compared to the 1-inch height on the 2TB edition. That slimmer profile provides easier clearance in tight desktop configurations without forfeiting passive thermal dissipation. You sacrifice half the total storage space for a more compact thermal footprint. Choose this 1TB option if you prioritize identical 7,300 MB/s read rates and heatsink cooling but have lighter overall capacity requirements.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Best for: gamers needing fast storage with pre-installed heatsinks
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,300 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink Affiliate link
The Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB is an M.2 2280 NVMe solid state drive built for gaming rigs and workstations. You get maximum sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s alongside write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. It includes an integrated heatsink for passive thermal management during sustained loads. This makes it a straightforward drop-in upgrade if you need high-bandwidth internal storage without purchasing a separate aftermarket cooler.
Pros
- Maximum read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Maximum write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s
- Integrated heatsink included for thermal management
- Spacious 2TB capacity in an M.2 2280 form factor
Cons
- Replaced by newer generation model line
- Integrated heatsink requires extra vertical clearance
Good fit if
- You need read speeds reaching up to 7,300 MB/s for gaming or workstation tasks.
- You want a 2TB NVMe drive that comes pre-fitted with a heatsink.
Skip if
- You prefer the newer generation SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X series.
- You have a compact slot that cannot fit an integrated heatsink.
Verdict: Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink delivers 7,300 MB/s read speeds and 6,300 MB/s write speeds with built-in thermal cooling. It serves as a fast, high-capacity internal drive for gaming PCs and workstations that support heatsink-equipped M.2 2280 cards.
WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: Gen4 gaming setups needing high-speed storage
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- Gen4 PCIe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,000 MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN850 2TB is a PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 internal solid-state drive built with 3D NAND storage. It delivers read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and random throughput up to 1,000,000 IOPS. You can monitor drive settings using the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard software. This configuration fits your setup if you run gaming workloads in standard desktop systems requiring fast Gen4 transfer rates.
Pros
- Maximum read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
- Up to 1,000,000 IOPS throughput
- M.2 2280 form factor with 3D NAND
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard support
Cons
- Not intended for NAS or server environments
- Base model does not include an integrated heatsink
Good fit if
- You need up to 7,000 MB/s read speeds on a Gen4 PCIe M.2 slot.
- You want 2TB of 3D NAND storage for a gaming PC.
Skip if
- You run storage inside a NAS or server environment.
- You require an included heatsink out of the box.
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers up to 7,000 MB/s read speeds and 1,000,000 IOPS for PCIe Gen4 gaming setups. It provides fast 3D NAND performance for standard systems that do not need server certification.
WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: mainstream gaming builds seeking solid Gen4 speeds
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 5150MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 4850MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB is an internal M.2 2280 NVMe solid state drive running on the PCIe Gen4 interface. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 4,850 MB/s. It supports Microsoft DirectStorage technology and is backwards-compatible with PCIe Gen3 motherboards. This drive suits you if you want dependable Gen4 storage for gaming libraries without needing top-bracket 7,000 MB/s transfer rates.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,850 MB/s
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage technology
- Backwards-compatible with PCIe Gen3 motherboard slots
- Slim 0.09-inch profile fits compact M.2 installations
Cons
- Lacks an integrated heatsink
- WD_BLACK Dashboard utility is limited to Windows systems
- Slower sequential speeds than flagship 7,000+ MB/s drives
Good fit if
- You need a 2TB M.2 2280 drive with up to 5,150 MB/s read speeds.
- You want DirectStorage support on a PCIe Gen4 or Gen3 system.
- You already have a motherboard heatsink or need a slim bare drive.
Skip if
- You require maximum Gen4 read speeds reaching above 7,000 MB/s.
- You need an included heatsink out of the box.
- You run a non-Windows OS and rely on manufacturer drive software.
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN770 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers balanced Gen4 performance with read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and DirectStorage support. It serves as a practical, bare-drive alternative when you do not require top-tier Gen4 sequential speeds.
Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD
Best for: cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 desktop gaming builds
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 14,900MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 11,000MB/s
- Cooling
- Anodized aluminum heatsink
View on Amazon: Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD Affiliate link
The Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 is a 2TB internal M.2 2280 solid-state drive built for high-demand setups. It operates across a PCIe 5.0x4 interface, delivering sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 11,000MB/s. It includes an anodized aluminum heatsink with customizable RGB lighting for fanless cooling. This drive suits you if you need maximum Gen5 throughput for gaming and intensive content creation workloads.
Pros
- Up to 14,900MB/s sequential read and 11,000MB/s sequential write speeds
- PCIe 5.0x4 interface delivers over 2,300,000 IOPS random performance
- Anodized aluminum heatsink with customizable RGB lighting
- Silent, fanless passive thermal design
Cons
- Replaced by manufacturer's newer generation Optimus GX PRO 8100
- Total height of 0.44 inches limits clearance in compact slots
Good fit if
- You have a PCIe 5.0 compatible M.2 slot ready for high-bandwidth storage.
- You need fast sequential read rates reaching up to 14,900MB/s.
- You want integrated heatsink cooling with built-in RGB lighting.
Skip if
- You want the latest product generation rather than a superseded model.
- You lack the 0.44-inch vertical clearance required by the heatsink.
Verdict: Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers extreme Gen5 speeds up to 14,900MB/s with dedicated heatsink cooling. It provides top-tier sequential throughput if your motherboard supports PCIe 5.0.
Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Best for: laptop and desktop PCIe 4.0 storage expansion
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 7,000 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heat spreader label
- Compatibility
- Gaming
View on Amazon: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The Samsung 980 PRO 2TB is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive built in the standard M.2 2280 form factor. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s using Samsung's Elpis controller and manages heat through a nickel coating and heat spreader label. You will find it fits gaming desktops and laptops that need high-bandwidth Gen4 storage without the bulk of a pre-installed heatsink.
Pros
- Up to 7,000 MB/s maximum read speed
- Standard M.2 2280 form factor fits desktops and laptops
- Samsung Elpis controller with nickel thermal coating
- Maintains backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Uses a heat spreader label instead of an integrated heatsink
- Read speed capped at 7,000 MB/s rather than 7,300 MB/s
Good fit if
- You need a slim 2TB M.2 2280 drive for compact laptop or desktop slots.
- You want up to 7,000 MB/s read performance on a PCIe 4.0 setup.
Skip if
- You require a pre-installed aluminum heatsink for cooling.
- You want sequential read throughput exceeding 7,000 MB/s.
Verdict: Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD delivers up to 7,000 MB/s read speeds within a slim standard M.2 2280 footprint. It serves as a dependable PCIe 4.0 storage solution for tight systems where thick heatsinks cannot fit.
Inland 2TB Gaming PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 and PC users with separate heatsinks
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4 x4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,100 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 6,500 MB/s
- Cache Type
- DRAM cache
View on Amazon: Inland 2TB Gaming PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
This Inland 2TB Gaming NVMe SSD is a Gen4 x4 M.2 2280 drive built with an E18 controller, 176-layer TLC NAND, and dedicated DRAM cache. You get sequential read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s. With 1,400 TBW endurance and a 6-year warranty, it fits your PS5 expansion or PC gaming needs when paired with your own thermal solution.
Pros
- Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write
- Phison E18 controller with dedicated DRAM cache
- 1,400 TBW endurance and 6-year limited warranty
- 176-layer 3D TLC NAND flash
Cons
- Ships without an included heatsink
- Sequential write speed caps at 6,500 MB/s
Good fit if
- You need Gen4 read speeds reaching 7,100 MB/s for PS5 storage expansion.
- You want high endurance backed by a 1,400 TBW rating and 6-year warranty.
- You already have an M.2 heatsink or motherboard cooling plate ready to install.
Skip if
- You require an integrated heatsink directly out of the box.
- You need sequential write speeds faster than 6,500 MB/s.
Verdict: Inland 2TB Gaming Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers fast 7,100 MB/s read performance backed by a 6-year warranty and high endurance. It works well for PS5 or PC builds where you provide the cooling hardware.
WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Best for: gamers wanting high-speed 1TB heatsink storage
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Interface
- NVMe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 6,300 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink Affiliate link
This M.2 2280 NVMe drive offers 1TB of storage paired with an integrated heatsink for thermal management. You get sequential read speeds reaching up to 7,300 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s. It suits you if you want high data transfer rates in gaming setups or workstations but require less storage capacity than the standard 2TB alternative drives featured across this guide.
Pros
- Up to 7,300 MB/s maximum read speed
- Up to 6,300 MB/s maximum write speed
- Pre-installed heatsink for cooling
- Standard M.2 2280 form factor
Cons
- 1TB capacity provides less space than 2TB alternatives
- Manufacturer notes replacement by a newer generation model
Good fit if
- You need read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s in a 1TB capacity.
- You want an integrated heatsink directly on your M.2 drive.
Skip if
- You require 2TB or more storage space.
- You have clearance restrictions preventing a 0.35-inch tall drive.
Verdict: Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB Heatsink SSD delivers up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds and includes a pre-installed heatsink for setups needing 1TB capacity. It provides fast NVMe performance when you do not need a larger 2TB drive.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink | WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD | Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Inland 2TB Gaming PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 1TB |
| Interface | NVMe | Gen4 PCIe | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe 5.0x4 | PCIe 4.0 NVMe | PCIe Gen4 x4 | NVMe |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 |
| Max Read Speed | 7,300 MB/s | 7,000 MB/s | 5150MB/s | Up to 14,900MB/s | Up to 7,000 MB/s | 7,100 MB/s | Up to 7,300 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 6,300 MB/s | not stated | 4850MB/s | Up to 11,000MB/s | not stated | 6,500 MB/s | Up to 6,300 MB/s |
| Cache Type | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | DRAM cache | not stated |
| Cooling | Heatsink | not stated | not stated | Anodized aluminum heatsink | Heat spreader label | No Heatsink | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | Gaming | PS5, Gaming | Gaming |
| NAND Type | not stated | 3D NAND | not stated | not stated | not stated | 3D NAND, TLC | not stated |
| Size | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 2TB | 1TB |
| Dimensions | 5 × 4 × 1 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.15 × 0.98 × 0.44 inches | 0.87 × 3.15 × 0.94 inches | not stated | 3.15 × 0.92 × 0.35 inches |
| Weight | 0.85 ounces | not stated | not stated | 1.1 ounces | 1.92 ounces | not stated | 0.85 ounces |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | No Heatsink | Black |
| Model | WDS200T2XHE | WDS200T1X0E | WDS200T3X0E | WDS200T1XHM | MZ-V8P2T0B | 2ea1a405-4aa9-4641-9880-0fa8d482d4d2 | WDS100T2XHE |
If you need bulk network storage instead of NVMe speeds, you can evaluate western digital 2tb wd red plus alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative should you choose if you need PCIe 5.0 speeds?
You should choose the Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD if your motherboard supports Gen5 hardware. This drive delivers sequential read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s, doubling standard PCIe 4.0 bandwidth. It includes a dedicated integrated heatsink measuring 0.44 inches tall, making it suitable for desktop gaming configurations with adequate slot clearance.
Can you fit the Sandisk WD_BLACK SN850X heatsink model into tight laptop slots?
No, you cannot fit the heatsink-equipped SN850X into most tight laptop compartments. Its integrated cooling structure increases the physical dimensions beyond standard bare M.2 2280 slots. For compact laptops, the Samsung 980 PRO 2TB offers a slim standard M.2 design with 7,000 MB/s read performance that installs without heatsink clearance conflicts.
How does the WD_BLACK SN770 2TB compare to the SN850X for gaming?
The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB operates as a mainstream Gen4 alternative offering read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s. While slower than the 7,300 MB/s sequential transfer rates found on the SN850X, the SN770 includes DirectStorage support. It serves as an unshielded M.2 2280 drive for builds that do not require peak PCIe 4.0 sequential limits.
Which alternative works for PlayStation 5 storage expansion?
The Inland 2TB Gaming PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD is specifically listed for PS5 and PC gaming compatibility. It delivers sequential read speeds reaching 7,100 MB/s over the NVMe interface. Because this model comes without an attached cooling block, you will need to add a compatible third-party thermal solution before inserting it into your console.
Is a 1TB version of the WD_BLACK SN850X available if 2TB is unnecessary?
Yes, the WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD provides identical 7,300 MB/s read speeds in a smaller capacity. It retains the M.2 2280 form factor and includes a pre-installed heatsink for thermal management. This alternative fits desktop gaming systems when you want top-tier Gen4 sequential throughput but require less total storage capacity.
What differences exist between the WD_BLACK SN850 and SN850X?
The earlier WD_BLACK SN850 2TB reaches sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and random performance of 1,000,000 IOPS using 3D NAND. In comparison, the SN850X reaches 7,300 MB/s read speeds and 6,300 MB/s write speeds. The standard SN850 listed here also comes without a pre-installed heatsink, measuring just 0.09 inches thin.