Home Consumer Western Digital Announces new WD_Black Gaming SSDs

Western Digital Announces new WD_Black Gaming SSDs

by Harold Fritts

At the What’s Next Western Digital event, Western Digital announced two new additions to its growing WD_BLACK gaming portfolio. The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD and WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD. Designed to elevate the gaming experience, the expanded portfolio offers players more options to upgrade their PC or console storage.

At the What’s Next Western Digital event, Western Digital announced two new additions to its growing WD_BLACK gaming portfolio. The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD and WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD. Designed to elevate the gaming experience, the expanded portfolio offers players more options to upgrade their PC or console storage.

Update 8/8/22 – WD Black SN850X Review posted

The WD_BLACK brand provides innovative, custom-built storage solutions that deliver the ultimate performance and style. In November of 2020, we posted a full review of the previous model, WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD, with detailed test results. The following January, we tested the WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD and noted decent performance numbers. If the read/write results provided by Western Digital are correct, there have been impressive advancements in its technology. We hope to get our hands on the newest versions of these SSDs when available and follow up with another detailed review.

WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is optimized for the hardcore gamer looking for a high-performance, internal PCIe Gen4 SSD. Delivering read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s, a minimized latency, predictive loading, and adaptive thermals management, gamers can expect an incredible gaming experience with fast load times, rich visual experience, and uncompromising thermal performance.

WD SN850X Performance

The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard with its new Game Mode 2.0 (Windows only) unlocks PC performance-boosting features so gamers can play, stream, and record. An optional heatsink for the 1TB and 2TB models is available to help maintain peak performance.  The dashboard also includes RGB lighting to compliment any gaming rig.

Pricing/Availability

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD will come in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities starting at $189.99 (U.S. MSRP). It will be available for purchase at select Western Digital retailers, e-tailers, resellers, system integrators, and the Western Digital Store starting July 2022.

WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD

The WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD was created for gamers looking for portable storage with both performance and style. This game drive features a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and read speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s and includes customizable RGB lighting (Windows only). The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard gives complete control over the LED light display and can be synced with many existing RGB ecosystems for a setup that can be personalized to any gamer’s style. The sleek, compact, and shock-resistant design is an excellent option for gaming on the go.

Pricing/Availability

The WD_BLACK P40 Game Drive SSD will come in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities starting at $119.99 (U.S. MSRP). It will be available for purchase at select Western Digital retailers, e-tailers, resellers, and the Western Digital Store starting Summer 2022.

Update 8/8/22 – WD Black SN850X Review posted

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