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First time trying out the Western Digital 1TB SN750 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD (2024)
Introduction
I recently upgraded my gaming machine with the WD BLACK SN750 NVMe SSD. This SSD has gotten good reviews for its fast speed and gaming mode features/enhancements. In my experience it offers quick load times and a dependable boost in overall system responsiveness.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB | Hard Disk Interface | Solid State |
| Connectivity Technology | PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe | Brand | Western Digital |
| Special Feature | Portable | Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Hard Drive | Compatible Devices | Laptop, NAS, Desktop |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive | Color | Black |
Photos
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Prices
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Performance and Gaming Mode Enhancements
When it comes to maximizing the potential of my rig, the WD BLACK SN750 NVMe SSD plays an integral role. Right out of the box, seeing the peak performance figures—3,470 MB/s read and 3,000 MB/s write—got my attention. More than just the raw speed, it’s the WD BLACK SSD dashboard, with its exclusive gaming mode, that sets this SSD apart. With a click, you can disable the drive’s low power state, ensuring your drive is always operating at its peak during intense gaming sessions. This might seem like a minor tweak, but it can reduce stutter in games that demand constant high-speed data access.
The inclusion of a gaming mode is a smart move from Western Digital, positioning the SN750 as more than just storage—it’s a performance enhancer. In my experience, this meant more consistent frame rates and quicker level load times in games like Call of Duty Warzone. It’s a great example of how software can complement great hardware.
However, it’s worth noting a few drawbacks:
Heat generation: Without a heatsink, NVMe SSDs can get hot, and the SN750 is no exception. It’s recommended to ensure adequate airflow or invest in a heatsink to prevent thermal throttling.
Missing screw: A minor but annoying detail; the SSD doesn’t come with the tiny screw needed for installation. If you’re upgrading from an SSD that didn’t require one, you’ll need to source this yourself.
Firmware issues: Some users have reported a firmware issue relating to performance when installed in secondary M.2 slots. Keep an eye out for updates from WD to fix this.
From a personal standpoint, the WD BLACK SN750 has been a game-changer. Before the upgrade, I was using a SATA SSD, which was generally responsive, but the SN750’s leap in read/write speeds is immediately noticeable — boot times cut down, and games load in a blink.
Let’s list the key takeaways:
Blazing Speeds: Noticeable improvement in load times and game responsiveness.
Gaming Mode: Small tweak, big difference—helps eke out that extra performance when needed.
Controller: Consistently reliable during heavy gaming sessions.
In summary, while there’s room to nitpick over inclusion of accessories or heat management, the main story here is undeniable performance. It’s not the most current gen, but for gaming and general high-speed tasks, it’s still a heavyweight contender. It’s all about balance and, for my needs, the SN750 strikes it nicely.
Capacity and Value for Enthusiasts
When it comes to computer upgrades, storage is a key factor that can significantly affect your user experience. As a gaming and hardware enthusiast, finding a balance between capacity, performance, and value is crucial to optimizing my rig. The Western Digital 1TB SN750 NVMe SSD has been a noteworthy contender in my search for the perfect upgrade, offering a sweet spot in storage size for most users, including myself. Here’s a rundown of my thoughts:
Capacity: With 1TB of space, this drive holds a solid amount of games and large files, which is essential for my needs. It’s enough to install multiple AAA titles with room to spare for other software.
Value: Given its price point, the WD SN750 offers a competitive price-per-gigabyte, especially when you compare it to the more premium NVMe options or even to the newer PCIe Gen 4 drives.
However, no product is without drawbacks. The absence of a heatsink in certain models could be a concern for those looking to push their drives with heavy read/write operations, potentially leading to thermal throttling. Also, the outdated firmware issue, which affects speeds when installed on chipset lanes, is frustrating. It’s something that Western Digital should address, as similar issues have been ironed out in their newer models like the SN850. Nevertheless, for a secondary drive used primarily for storage and running games, these weaknesses hardly impact my overall satisfaction.
As for the hardware itself, I appreciate the straightforward installation, although the lack of a mounting screw threw me off for a moment – a minor hiccup in the grand scheme. It’s a reminder to prepare all necessary accessories before getting started with the hardware upgrade.
I’ve been consistently impressed with the SN750’s reliable performance over my usage period. Games load swiftly, and the system boots in a blink, making the user experience extremely responsive. This aligns with the sheer speed advantage NVMe drives have over traditional HDDs or even SATA SSDs. Moreover, WD’s SSD dashboard and the tweakable ‘gaming mode’ lend an extra edge by optimizing performance specifically for gaming — an aspect I place a high value on.
Ultimately, for those seeking a considerable boost in storage capabilities without breaking the bank, the WD SN750 strikes a compelling balance. It’s a solid option for enthusiasts like myself who want a reliable drive with ample storage for an extensive game library and the agility to handle numerous processes swiftly. While there are faster and flashier options out there, the SN750 remains a highly recommendable choice for its balance of capacity and value.
Compatibility and Installation Considerations
When upgrading my gaming rig with the WD 1TB SN750 NVMe SSD, I paid close attention to compatibility and installation. It’s vital to get these aspects right to avoid any potential hiccups down the road. Here’s a rundown of my checklist:
Motherboard Compatibility: My rig sports a PCIe Gen3 slot, which works perfectly with the SN750 since it’s not a Gen4 device. For those with newer motherboards, remember, the SN750 won’t leverage the extra speed provided by Gen4 slots, but it will still work just fine.
Interface Differences: It’s crucial to understand that an NVMe SSD is not compatible with a SATA interface. If you’re upgrading from a SATA SSD or HDD, make sure your motherboard has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe SSDs.
Physical Size: I checked the form factor; this NVMe SSD fits the 2.5-inch criteria which aligns with my desktop’s mounting points.
Heat Dissipation: Paying mind to thermal management, I got a non-heatsink version, as my customized desktop has ample airflow. However, if your system tends to run hot, you might want to consider a heatsink model.
Indeed, the installation was a breeze. The drive slotted into the motherboard with ease. The absence of the tiny screw was a bit of a nuisance and it’s something to look out for if you don’t already have one at hand. Here’s where you can find the right screw for your motherboard.
Once installed, I hopped into the BIOS and set it as the boot device. Despite the SN750 not being the latest model, I noticed significant improvements in boot and load times when compared to my previous SATA SSD.
My only gripe, which is fairly minor in the grand scheme, is that the drive didn’t come with any cloning software. It’s not a deal-breaker, after all, there’s plenty of cloning software available online, but it would’ve been a nice touch for a smoother transition for users looking to replicate their old disk onto their new NVMe drive.
In summary, if you’re after a reasonably priced, high-speed storage solution for your PC or laptop, the WD 1TB SN750 NVMe SSD is a strong contender. Ensure your system is compatible, keep an eye out for the tiny screw during installation, and enjoy the boosted performance without breaking the bank.
Longevity and Durability for Hardcore Usage
After putting my Western Digital 1TB SN750 NVMe SSD through the paces for quite some time, I’m in a solid position to talk about its longevity and durability. The endurance rating is what caught my attention first; this drive is built to handle up to 600 TBW (terabytes written), which is plenty for intensive, daily gaming, workload, and productivity tasks.
Here’s a quick rundown of the lasting power-related aspects I’ve noticed:
Robust Build Quality: The SSD feels sturdy. Even though it’s a component that typically doesn’t suffer from physical wear from external elements, knowing that the drive is constructed with longevity in mind provides extra peace of mind.
Consistent Performance: Over time, SSDs can slow down a bit, especially with heavy write and delete cycles. However, the SN750 has kept its speed, suggesting good wear leveling and flash memory management.
Thermal Management: Whilst the drive lacks a built-in heatsink, it’s maintained acceptable temperatures under load with adequate case airflow. Excessive heat can shorten an SSD’s life, so I’m careful to monitor this.
Of course, no product is without potential drawbacks. The main issue I’ve encountered is the discrepancy in advertised versus actual storage capacity - the 1TB is not the 1024 GB you might expect but rather 1000 GB, a common marketing vs. reality scenario in the storage world. Also, I’ve read some concerns about firmware issues that may throttle performance, particularly when installed in certain configurations or on some AMD platforms, but fortunately, this hasn’t affected me personally.
Western Digital’s reputation for reliability is partly why I leaned towards the SN750 in the first place. In my two years of use, the drive is yet to show signs of fatigue or performance hiccups. I’ve written gigabytes of data in and out daily, with this drive acting as the heart of my workflow, as well as the library for my game collection. So far, it hasn’t skipped a beat.
In the end, the SN750 is an SSD I regularly recommend when asked. Its price-to-performance ratio, coupled with the reliability I’ve experienced, makes it an appealing choice for those looking for storage with staying power. Sure, there are newer models with better speeds or larger capacities, but for a solid workhorse that won’t let you down during an intense gaming session or in the midst of a critical data transfer, the SN750 has proven to be a steadfast companion in my machine.
While I don’t expect to push it to its upper endurance limits any time soon, I’m confident that it could handle the challenge, and that’s exactly what you want from a drive built for hardcore usage.