What To Know
- In the realm of storage, the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD and the Samsung 980 PRO NVMe™ SSD stand as formidable contenders for high-performance computing.
- The SN850X is a better choice for users who prioritize raw performance and endurance, while the 980 PRO is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive speeds and reliability.
- If you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the absolute highest performance, the Samsung 980 PRO is a fantastic option.
In the realm of storage, the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe™ SSD and the Samsung 980 PRO NVMe™ SSD stand as formidable contenders for high-performance computing. Both drives boast blazing-fast speeds, ample capacities, and innovative features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit these two titans against each other to determine which one reigns supreme for various use cases.
Speed and Performance
The WD_BLACK SN850X and Samsung 980 PRO both utilize the PCIe Gen4 x4 interface, delivering blistering-fast read/write speeds. However, the SN850X has a slight edge in sequential performance, with advertised speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write. The 980 PRO, on the other hand, offers speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write.
In real-world scenarios, both drives provide exceptionally fast boot times, game loading, and file transfers. However, the SN850X’s higher sequential speeds may be more noticeable for demanding applications like video editing and large file manipulation.
Capacity and Endurance
The WD_BLACK SN850X comes in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, while the Samsung 980 PRO is available in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB. Both drives offer high endurance ratings, with the SN850X boasting up to 1,200 TBW (Terabytes Written) and the 980 PRO offering up to 600 TBW.
For most users, the 500GB or 1TB capacities will suffice. However, if you need ample storage space for large file libraries or demanding workloads, the 2TB SN850X is the better choice.
Features and Software
The WD_BLACK SN850X features a built-in heatsink that helps dissipate heat during intense operations. This is particularly useful for sustained high-performance tasks like gaming or video rendering. Additionally, the SN850X comes with WD’s proprietary SSD Dashboard software, which provides drive monitoring, performance optimization, and firmware updates.
The Samsung 980 PRO does not come with a built-in heatsink, but it does offer Samsung‘s Magician software. Magician provides similar features to WD’s SSD Dashboard, including drive monitoring, performance tuning, and firmware upgrades.
Price and Value
The WD_BLACK SN850X typically retails at a slightly higher price than the Samsung 980 PRO. However, the price difference is often marginal, especially for the 500GB and 1TB capacities. In terms of value, both drives offer excellent performance and features for their respective price points.
The SN850X is a better choice for users who prioritize raw performance and endurance, while the 980 PRO is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive speeds and reliability.
Use Cases
Gaming: Both the SN850X and 980 PRO provide exceptional gaming performance, with lightning-fast load times and smooth gameplay. However, the SN850X’s slightly higher sequential speeds may be beneficial for games that require extensive asset streaming.
Content Creation: For content creators who handle large files, the SN850X’s higher sequential speeds and larger capacities make it a better choice. It can accelerate video rendering, file transfers, and other demanding tasks.
Everyday Use: For everyday computing tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity, both drives offer more than adequate performance. The 980 PRO’s lower price makes it a more economical option for these use cases.
Final Thoughts: The Best NVMe SSD for Your Needs
Choosing the best NVMe SSD for your needs depends on your specific requirements and budget.
If you prioritize raw performance and endurance, the WD_BLACK SN850X is the top choice. It offers blistering-fast speeds, a large capacity, and a built-in heatsink for sustained performance.
If you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the absolute highest performance, the Samsung 980 PRO is a fantastic option. It delivers impressive speeds, ample capacity, and a user-friendly software suite.
Popular Questions
Q: Which drive has a longer warranty?
A: Both the SN850X and 980 PRO have a 5-year limited warranty.
Q: Does the SN850X support TRIM?
A: Yes, the SN850X supports TRIM, which helps maintain optimal performance.
Q: Is the 980 PRO compatible with PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, the 980 PRO is compatible with the PlayStation 5’s PCIe Gen4 slot.
Q: Can I use the SN850X as an external drive?
A: Yes, you can use an NVMe enclosure to connect the SN850X to a computer via USB.
Q: Which drive is more power efficient?
A: The 980 PRO is generally more power efficient than the SN850X, especially during idle states.
