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Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive vs Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive

These are the same Western Digital SN530 drive in two different lengths. The 2280 version (A) fits standard desktop and laptop M.2 slots; the 2230 version (B) is the short card made for Steam Deck, Surface, and other tight slots. Buy whichever length your slot takes, since performance is nearly identical. No prices were provided for either drive, so check current listings on Deal.ai before buying.

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Western Digital
Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive

Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive

Choose the IX SN530 2280 if your M.2 slot holds a full-length 80mm card, which covers most desktops and many laptops.

Pros
  • Full 2280 length fits most desktop and laptop M.2 slots
Published 170,000/120,000 IOPS random read/write
  • 200 TB endurance rating is stated outright
  • Same TLC NAND and Gen3 x4 interface as the 2230
    • Cons
    • Too long for 2230-only devices like the Steam Deck
    • 256GB fills fast with modern games
    • No DRAM cache listed
    Western Digital
    Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive

    Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive

    Choose the SN530 2230 if you are upgrading a Steam Deck, Surface, ultrabook, or any device with a short 30mm M.2 slot.

    Pros
    • 30mm length fits Steam Deck, Surface, and other tight slots
    • Low 75 mW active power draw suits battery-powered devices
    • Same Gen3 x4 TLC design as the 2280 version
    • Easy drop-in upgrade for compact laptops
    Cons
    • Too short to screw down in a standard 2280 slot without an adapter
    • 256GB is small for a game library
    • Endurance and IOPS figures are not published

    What separates them

    Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State DriveWestern Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive
    Form factorM.2 2280 (80mm long)M.2 2230 (30mm long)
    PCIe interfacePCIe Gen3 x4 NVMePCIe Gen3 x4, NVMe 1.4
    Sequential read2,400 MB/s2,291 MB/s (listing also states 2,400 MB/s)
    Sequential write950 MB/s857 MB/s (listing also states 950 MB/s)
    Random 4K read170,000 IOPSNot published as IOPS
    Random 4K write120,000 IOPSNot published as IOPS
    Endurance rating200 TB writtenNot stated
    Device fitDesktops and laptops with a full-length slotSteam Deck, Surface, ultrabooks, compact desktops

    Price history

    • Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive: lowest $315.90 on Oct 29.
    • Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive: lowest $108.15 on Oct 29.

    Specs compared

    SpecWestern Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State DriveWestern Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive
    InterfacePCIe Gen3*4 NVMePCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.4
    Form FactorM.2 2280M.2 2230
    TypeInternalSSD
    Capacity256 GB256GB
    Formatted Capacity256GB—
    Max Sequential Read2,400 MB/s—
    Max Sequential Write950 MB/s—
    Endurance Type200 TB—
    Max 4KB Random Read170000 IOPS—
    Maximum 4KB Random Write120000 IOPS—
    Height0.1 inch—
    Weight0.26 ounce—
    Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecWestern Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State DriveWestern Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive
    ConnectionM.2—
    NVMeYes—
    NAND flash type—TLC
    Sequential read—2,291 MBytes/Sec
    Sequential write—857 MBytes/Sec
    Random seek read write—388 MBytes/Sec
    IOPS 4KQD1—42 MBytes/Sec
    Drive size—238.5 GB
    Use—Internal

    What reviewers say

    Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive

    Buyer feedback on this drive is thin. Most comments concern the seller's delivery and service rather than the SSD's speed or reliability, so treat performance claims with caution.

    Pros
    • Arrived quickly and well packaged
    • Refurbished units looked near-new
    • Worked as an accurate replacement for older parts
    Cons
    • Shipped without manufacturer packaging
    • One unit arrived dead on arrival, though it was replaced
    • Orders sometimes shipped from different locations

    Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive

    Owner feedback on this drive centers on stable, error-free performance after heavy use and easy installation. Complaints are mostly about packaging and shipping rather than the drive itself, including units arriving without retail packaging and one dead-on-arrival example that was replaced.

    Pros
    • Fast, stable performance with no errors after stress testing
    • Easy setup and flawless operation after install
    • Refurbished units arrived in near-new condition with low run time
    • Quick replacement when a unit arrived faulty
    Cons
    • Some units shipped without manufacturer packaging
    • Occasional dead-on-arrival drive, though replaced
    • Orders shipped from different locations than expected

    Questions and answers

    Are these the same drive?
    Yes. Both are Western Digital SN530 256GB TLC NVMe drives. The only real difference is the card length: 80mm for A, 30mm for B.
    Which fits a Steam Deck?
    The 2230 version (B). The Steam Deck takes a short 30mm M.2 card, and the 2280 drive will not fit.
    Which is faster?
    On paper A is slightly ahead, with published 170,000 IOPS random read and 200 TB endurance. Real-world speed is close because both use the same Gen3 x4 interface and TLC NAND.
    Can I use the 2230 drive in a desktop?
    Only with a 2230-to-2280 adapter bracket. Most desktop boards expect a full-length card and have no screw hole at 30mm.
    Is 256GB enough?
    For an OS and a few apps, yes. For a game library or video work, no. Plan on 1TB or more if you store large files.
    Is one worth extra money?
    Pay only for the length you need. If both fit, buy the cheaper one, since performance is nearly the same.

    More comparisons

    • Western Digital IX SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 Solid State Drive vs Western Digital PC SN730 256 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - PCI Express NVMe
    • Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive vs Western Digital PC SN730 256 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - PCI Express NVMe
    Device Compatibility
    —
    PC, Laptop
    Wireless Connectivity—No
    Read Speed—2400 MB/s
    Write Speed—950 MBps
    NVMe Support—Yes
    PCIe Support—Yes
    Cache—256 MB
    Design Highlights—Portable
    Typical Users—Gaming professional, Creative professional
    Power Source—3.3 V (operating supply voltage)
    Power Consumption—75 mW (active)