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Corsair Neutron 256GB SSD vs WD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD

The Western Digital SN520 is the better buy for almost everyone. It is far faster over NVMe (up to 1,600 MB/s writes) and costs $89.99 at neweggbusiness.com as of November 7, 2026. The Corsair Neutron is a SATA 2.5-inch drive with no current price given, so compare only if you need a 2.5-inch bay drive and find it cheaper.

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Corsair
Corsair Neutron 256GB

Corsair Neutron 256GB SSD

Corsair Neutron 256GB

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Choose the Corsair Neutron if you need a 2.5-inch SATA drive for an older desktop or laptop with no M.2 slot.

Pros
  • Works in older desktops and laptops with a 2.5-inch SATA bay
  • MLC NAND and LAMD controller
  • 256 MB cache
  • Broad SATA compatibility
Cons
  • SATA speeds cap around 550 MB/s
  • No NVMe support
  • 4.6 W active draw is high for a small SSD
  • No current price given
Western Digital
Western Digital PC SN520 M.2 2242 256GB PCIe Gen3 x2 NVMe 1.3 64-layer 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SDAPMUW-256G

WD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD

Western Digital PC SN520 M.2 2242 256GB PCIe Gen3 x2 NVMe 1.3 64-layer 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SDAPMUW-256G

$89.99at neweggbusiness.comObserved at 8:52 AM
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Choose the WD SN520 if your machine has an M.2 slot and you want much faster boot and app load times at a known price.

Pros
  • Up to 1,600 MB/s writes, roughly 3x the Corsair
  • Low power draw suits laptops
  • M.2 2242 fits thin laptops and Surface Pro X
  • Known price: $89.99 at neweggbusiness.com as of November 7, 2026
Cons
  • M.2 2242 slot required; won't fit 2.5-inch bays
  • Only one store lists it new
  • Gen3 x2, not x4, so slower than premium NVMe drives

What separates them

Corsair Neutron 256GB SSDWD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD
InterfaceSATA 6 Gb/sPCIe Gen3 x2 NVMe 1.3
Form factor2.5-inch, 7mmM.2 2242
Sequential write450–511 MB/sUp to 1,600 MB/s
Sequential read540–555 MB/sNVMe Gen3 x2, well above SATA ceiling
Random IOPS83K read / 95K writeHigher queue-depth NVMe performance
Power4.6 W activeLow-power design
CompatibilityPC and laptop with 2.5-inch SATA bayLaptop, PC, Mac, Surface Pro X with M.2 2242 slot
PriceNot given$89.99 at neweggbusiness.com as of November 7, 2026

Price history

$94.99$87.65
Nov 2Nov 7
  • Corsair Neutron 256GB SSD: lowest $94.99 on Nov 2 at The Server Store Parts.
  • WD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD: lowest $87.65 on Nov 2 at Newegg.com; $89.99 on Nov 7.

Prices at every store

Corsair Neutron 256GB SSD

  • The Server Store PartsCheck price at The Server Store Parts
Prices and history →

WD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD

  • neweggbusiness.comNew

    In stock

    $89.99Observed at 8:52 AM
    Visit neweggbusiness.com

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Specs compared

SpecCorsair Neutron 256GB SSDWD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD
TypeSSD, Internal SSDSSD
UseInternalInternal
Device CompatibilityPC, LaptopLaptop, Mac, PC, Laptop 3, Microsoft Surface Pr…
InterfaceSATA 6 Gb/sM.2, NVMe
Write Speed511 MBps1600 MB/S
NVMe SupportNoYes
Form Factor2.5 inchM2 2230
Power Consumption4.6 Watt (active)low-power
Sequential Read / Write (MB/s)540 / 450—
Random Read / Write (IOPS)83K / 95K—
Wireless ConnectivityNo—
Read Speed555 MBps—
Show all 16 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCorsair Neutron 256GB SSDWD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD
Cache256 MB—
RemovableYes—
PCIe Support—Yes
Design Highlights—High-speed, low-power

What reviewers say

Corsair Neutron 256GB SSD

Owner feedback on the Neutron line is limited and dated. Buyers who had one generally found it a solid SATA upgrade over a hard drive, but it is not a drive people compare against current SSDs.

What people mention
  • SpeedMixedOwners say it beats a hard drive easily but is slow next to any NVMe drive.
  • CapacityCriticised256GB is described as tight once an OS and a few games are installed.
  • BuildPraisedMLC NAND and a 256MB cache are seen as sturdier than typical budget SATA drives.
  • CompatibilityPraisedThe 7mm 2.5-inch SATA form factor drops into most older laptops and desktops.

WD PC SN520 256GB NVMe SSD

Owner feedback on the SN520 line is generally positive for reliability and laptop fit, with speed complaints centered on the x2 interface and small capacity. Most buyers use it as a boot or secondary drive rather than for heavy workloads.

What people mention
  • SpeedMixedOwners find it much faster than SATA but slower than Gen3 x4 drives on large transfers.
  • FitPraisedThe 2242 length is the reason many buyers pick it, since 2280 drives won't fit their laptops.
  • CapacityCriticised256GB is seen as tight once an OS, apps and a few games are installed.
  • PowerPraisedLow power draw is noted as friendly to laptop battery life and heat.

Questions and answers

Which is faster?
The WD SN520. NVMe over PCIe Gen3 x2 reaches 1,600 MB/s writes, while the Corsair Neutron tops out near 511 MB/s on SATA.
Will the WD SN520 fit my laptop?
Only if it has an M.2 2242 slot. Many laptops take 2280 cards, so check the slot length before buying.
Is the Corsair Neutron worth it in 2026?
Only for machines with a 2.5-inch SATA bay and no M.2 slot. Otherwise the SN520 is faster and priced at $89.99 at neweggbusiness.com as of November 7, 2026.
Which lasts longer?
Neither listing gives endurance ratings, so compare TBW figures from the makers before relying on either for heavy writes.
Does the SN520 work in a Mac?
The listing says Mac compatible, but Macs need the right M.2 adapter and macOS support varies by model. Confirm before buying.

More comparisons

  • PNY CS900 Solid State Drive vs Western Digital PC SN520 M.2 2242 256GB PCIe Gen3 x2 NVMe 1.3 64-layer 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) SDAPMUW-256G