Are you trying to figure out whether to go with the WD Black SN850 SSD or the Samsung 980 Pro SSD for your storage needs? It can be quite the head-scratcher since both options offer fantastic performance, but they cater to slightly different preferences and requirements. Let’s break down their features, performance, and other important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding SSDs: The Basics
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the WD Black SN850 and the Samsung 980 Pro, let’s briefly touch on what SSDs are and why they matter. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. Unlike traditional hard drives (HDDs) that rely on spinning disks, SSDs have no moving parts, making them faster, more durable, and more efficient.
When choosing an SSD, you want to consider factors like speed, durability, storage capacity, and price. Each of these factors can influence your overall experience, especially if you’re into gaming, video editing, or simply want your system to boot up quickly.
Key Features of the WD Black SN850
Let’s start with a closer look at the WD Black SN850 SSD. This drive has been specifically designed with gamers and high-performance users in mind. Here are some standout features you might find interesting:
Performance
The WD Black SN850 boasts impressive read and write speeds. Typically, you can expect read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and write speeds of around 5300 MB/s. This means that loading games, transferring files, or booting your operating system will happen in a flash.
Storage Capacity
The drive comes in various capacities including 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Depending on how you use your computer, you’ll want to choose a size that meets your needs. For basic use, 500GB might be sufficient, but for serious gamers or content creators who store large files, a 1TB or 2TB model may be more suitable.
Form Factor
The SN850 utilizes the M.2 2280 form factor, meaning it’s compact and can fit into most modern motherboards. However, be sure to check your motherboard’s specifications to ensure compatibility before making a purchase.
Interface
Another important feature is its PCIe 4.0 interface, which offers increased bandwidth compared to PCIe 3.0. This translates to better performance, especially in systems that support PCIe 4.0.
Heat Management
To keep things cool during intense workloads, the WD Black SN850 includes a heatsink option. This can help maintain optimal performance over long periods, reducing the risk of thermal throttling.
Key Features of the Samsung 980 Pro
Now let’s shift our focus to the Samsung 980 Pro SSD. This model is also geared towards high-performance applications and offers a range of features that make it a strong contender.
Performance
The Samsung 980 Pro stands on solid ground when it comes to speed, offering read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and write speeds up to 5000 MB/s. Whether you’re gaming or editing videos, you’ll appreciate how quickly apps and files load.
Storage Capacity
You can choose from several capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This diversity means you can select a size that fits your storage demands without overspending on unused space.
Form Factor
Like the WD Black SN850, the Samsung 980 Pro also comes in the M.2 2280 format, making it easy for most motherboard setups.
Interface
This SSD also boasts a PCIe 4.0 interface, which is essential for maximizing your computer’s performance. If you have the right motherboard, you’ll fully enjoy the high bandwidth it offers.
Heat Management
The Samsung 980 Pro features a thermal control algorithm that monitors and controls heat, ensuring steady performance without throttling in demanding scenarios.
Comparing Performance
When you look at the raw numbers, both SSDs offer exceptional performance capabilities, but how do they truly measure up against one another?
Read and Write Speeds
| Feature | WD Black SN850 | Samsung 980 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Read Speed | Up to 7000 MB/s | Up to 7000 MB/s |
| Write Speed | Up to 5300 MB/s | Up to 5000 MB/s |
While both drives provide similar read speeds, the SN850 does have the edge in write speed. If you’re frequently writing large files or gaming, that might be a significant consideration for you.
Gaming Performance
If you’re an avid gamer, the performance during gaming sessions is crucial. Both SSDs offer faster load times, helping you jump right into the action. However, anecdotal reports suggest that the WD Black SN850 may have a slight advantage in some gaming scenarios, potentially leading to an increase in FPS in specific titles.
Durability and Longevity
When looking for an SSD, durability is just as important as speed. After all, you want a drive that will stand the test of time.
TBW (Terabytes Written)
One way to measure durability is by looking at the Terabytes Written (TBW) rating. Here’s how the two models compare:
| SSD Model | TBW |
|---|---|
| WD Black SN850 (1TB) | 600 TBW |
| Samsung 980 Pro (1TB) | 600 TBW |
Both drives carry a similar TBW rating for their 1TB models, which means you can expect similar longevity. It’s comforting to know that either choice will likely last for several years, assuming regular usage.
Warranty
Both the WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 Pro come with a 5-year limited warranty. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have coverage in case of unexpected issues.
Pricing Considerations
Next, let’s talk about pricing. While prices can fluctuate based on sales and availability, typically, you might find the WD Black SN850 a bit pricier than the Samsung 980 Pro.
| Feature | WD Black SN850 Pricing | Samsung 980 Pro Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate Price (1TB) | $180 – $220 | $150 – $200 |
While both drives are relatively affordable for their performance levels, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Samsung 980 Pro might save you some cash without sacrificing too much in terms of speed and features.
Use Cases
Now that we’ve broken down the details, let’s consider various use cases to help clarify which SSD might be better for you.
Gaming
If gaming is your primary focus, both drives are excellent. However, if you are looking for the absolute fastest possible performance, the WD Black SN850 might be the way to go. The increase in write speeds and its thermal management features mean it could deliver a smoother experience even during marathon gaming sessions.
Content Creation
For video editing or graphic design, both models serve well. However, if you’ll often work with massive files, the additional write speed of the SN850 may provide benefits, especially when exporting video projects or handling large datasets.
General Use
For everyday computing tasks like web browsing, document editing, or light gaming, either SSD will suffice. The Samsung 980 Pro, being slightly less expensive, is a sound choice if you’re looking to save some money without noticeably sacrificing performance.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between the WD Black SN850 and the Samsung 980 Pro really boils down to your specific needs and budget.
If you aim for sheer performance and can justify the price, the WD Black SN850 stands out with its top-notch speeds and gaming performance. On the other hand, if you want excellent performance at a more competitive price point, the Samsung 980 Pro offers great value without skimping on capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Your choice will ultimately depend on your usage patterns and personal preferences. Each model has its strengths, making either a reliable choice for anyone looking to boost their storage capabilities. Whichever you end up selecting, you can feel confident that both the WD Black SN850 and the Samsung 980 Pro will meet your high-performance storage needs for years to come.
Happy shopping and enjoy your new SSD!