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WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD vs SanDisk Z400s SSD

The WD SN530 is the clear pick for almost every shopper here. It is a PCIe NVMe drive with roughly 2,400 MB/s reads and 950 MB/s writes, while the SanDisk Z400s is a SATA drive with 48 MB/s sequential writes. The SN530's M.2 2230 size fits modern laptops and compact desktops; the Z400s comes in mSATA or 2.5-inch and suits older machines. Check current prices at your stores before buying, since no price was provided for either drive.

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

WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD

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

See all prices and details

Choose the WD SN530 if you have an M.2 2230 slot and want NVMe speed for booting, apps or games.

Pros
  • NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 speed, far faster than SATA
  • Small M.2 2230 size fits thin laptops and compact builds
  • 256 MB cache and TLC NAND
  • Low active power draw of about 75 mW
Cons
  • 256GB fills quickly with games and large files
  • M.2 2230 slot required; not for older SATA-only machines
  • Some buyers reported units arriving without retail packaging
SanDisk
SanDisk Z400s Solid State Drive SD8S

SanDisk Z400s SSD

SanDisk Z400s Solid State Drive SD8S

4(55 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the SanDisk Z400s if you are reviving an older laptop or desktop with a SATA or mSATA slot and only need basic storage.

Pros
  • Works in older machines with SATA or mSATA slots
  • Shock-resistant design
  • Windows WHCK certified for Windows 7
  • Rated 4 out of 5 from 55 ratings
Cons
  • Very slow 48 MB/s sequential writes
  • DRAM-less design
  • No NVMe or PCIe support
  • Aimed at OEM customers, not retail upgrades

What separates them

WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSDSanDisk Z400s SSD
InterfacePCIe Gen3 x4 NVMeSATA
Form factorM.2 2230mSATA or 2.5-inch
Sequential readAbout 2,400 MB/sNot listed; SATA-class
Sequential writeAbout 950 MB/s48 MB/s
Capacity256GBNot listed
DRAM cache256 MB cacheDRAM-less
CompatibilityPC and laptop with M.2 2230 slotWindows WHCK certified, Windows 7
DurabilityWear leveling and error correctionShock-resistant

Price history

  • WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD: lowest $108.15 on Oct 29.
  • SanDisk Z400s SSD: lowest $23.00 on Oct 29.

Specs compared

SpecWD SN530 256GB NVMe SSDSanDisk Z400s SSD
InterfacePCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.4SATA
Form factorM.2 2230mSATA, 2.5-inch
TypeSSDSSD, Solid State Drive
UseInternalInternal
Device CompatibilityPC, LaptopWindows WHCK certified, Windows 7
Wireless ConnectivityNoNo
Write Speed950 MBps48 MB/s (sequential writes)
NVMe SupportYesNo
PCIe SupportYesNo
Cache256 MBDRAM-less
Design HighlightsPortableSmaller than a hard drive
Typical UsersGaming professional, Creative professionalOEM customers
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecWD SN530 256GB NVMe SSDSanDisk Z400s SSD
Power Source3.3 V (operating supply voltage)SATA power cable from your power supply
Capacity256GB—
NAND flash typeTLC—
Sequential read2,291 MBytes/Sec—
Sequential write857 MBytes/Sec—
Random seek read write388 MBytes/Sec—
IOPS 4KQD142 MBytes/Sec—
Drive size238.5 GB—
Read Speed2400 MB/s—
Power Consumption

What reviewers say

WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD

Buyers describe fast, stable performance with no errors after heavy use and stress testing, and easy setup.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners report fast, stable speeds with no errors even after heavy use and stress testing.
  • SetupPraisedBuyers say installation and first boot were easy and worked without issues.
  • ConditionMixedRefurbished drives arrived near-new with low run time, but one unit was dead on arrival.
  • PackagingCriticisedAt least one buyer received the drive outside the manufacturer's packaging.

SanDisk Z400s SSD

  • 4 / 555 ratings

Rated 4 out of 5 from 55 ratings. Owners generally treat it as a cheap way to replace a hard drive in an older machine, and some note the slow writes.

What people mention
  • SpeedMixedOwners like the boot-speed gain over a hard drive but find writes slow.
  • ValuePraisedBuyers see it as a low-cost way to add an SSD to an old PC.
  • CompatibilityPraisedThe SATA interface and mSATA option fit many older laptops and desktops.

Questions and answers

Which is faster for everyday use?
The WD SN530 by a wide margin. Its NVMe interface and roughly 2,400 MB/s reads make booting and app loading much quicker than the SATA-based Z400s.
Which fits my laptop?
Check your slot first. The SN530 needs an M.2 2230 slot; the Z400s fits mSATA or 2.5-inch bays, which are common in older laptops.
Is the SN530 worth the extra cost?
For any machine with an M.2 slot, yes. The speed gap is large, and the SN530 is the more modern drive. Compare live prices before deciding.
Which lasts longer?
Neither listing gives endurance ratings in TBW. The SN530 uses TLC NAND with wear leveling; the Z400s is older, DRAM-less SATA hardware. Check the warranty terms for each.
Can I use the Z400s in a new PC?
Only if the board has a SATA or mSATA port. Most new builds use M.2 NVMe, where the SN530 fits and the Z400s does not.
Which is better for a gaming build?
The SN530. Faster reads cut load times, and its small size suits compact cases. The Z400s write speed of 48 MB/s is a bottleneck for installs.

More comparisons

  • 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
  • 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
  • Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive vs WD Green SN3000 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
  • Western Digital WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD vs Western Digital SN530 256GB Triple-Level Cell PCI Express NVMe 3.1 x4 M.2 2230 Solid State Drive
75 mW (active)
—
Durability—Shock-resistant
Removable—No
BuildPraised
The shock-resistant, moving-part-free design is seen as durable.