WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD vs WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD
For a gaming PC or any build with a full-length M.2 slot, the WD_Black SN770 is the clear pick: it is roughly twice as fast on reads and about five times faster on writes, and it comes in 2TB. The SN530 is a small 2230 drive meant for laptops and compact desktops, where its 256GB capacity and Gen3 speeds are the point. No prices were provided for either drive, so check current store prices on this page before deciding.
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WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD
Western Digital WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD
Choose the WD_Black SN770 if you have a standard M.2 2280 slot and want fast Gen4 speed and room for games and large files.
- Gen4 speeds up to 5,150 MB/s read and 4,850 MB/s write
- 2TB capacity with 1,200 TBW endurance
- Single-sided 2280 design fits most desktops and the PS5
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for game mode and drive health
What separates them
| WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD | WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD | |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | M.2 2280 (80mm long) | M.2 2230 (30mm long) |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4, backward compatible with Gen3 | PCIe Gen3 x4, NVMe 1.4 |
| Sequential read | Up to 5,150 MB/s | About 2,400 MB/s |
| Sequential write | Up to 4,850 MB/s | About 950 MB/s |
| Capacity | 2TB | 256GB |
| Endurance | 1,200 TBW | Not published; 256GB TLC |
| Hardware encryption | None | Not listed |
| Best fit | Desktop gaming PCs and PS5 | Laptops, ultrabooks, compact desktops |
Price history
- WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD: lowest $69.99 on Oct 29.
- WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD: lowest $108.15 on Oct 29.
Specs compared
| Spec | WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD | WD SN530 256GB NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2TB | 256GB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 2230 |
| Sequential Read | 5150MB/s | 2,291 MBytes/Sec |
| Sequential Write | 4850MB/s | 857 MBytes/Sec |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 | PCIe Gen3x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Type | NVMe SSD | SSD |
| Use | Internal | Internal |
| Device Compatibility | PC | PC, Laptop |
| Wireless Connectivity | No | No |
| Read Speed | 5150 MB/s (1TB and 2TB models) | 2400 MB/s |
What reviewers say
WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD
Owners generally rate the SN770 as a solid value Gen4 drive that loads games and large files quickly. Complaints center on write speed dropping during long transfers and on the lack of DRAM and hardware encryption.
- SpeedPraisedOwners say games and large files load noticeably faster than on SATA or Gen3 drives.
- Sustained writesCriticisedLong transfers slow down once the SLC cache is exhausted, which reviewers note on big file copies.
- DRAM cacheCriticisedThe drive is DRAM-less, and reviewers say this hurts heavy random workloads.
- Fit
Questions and answers
- Which is better for gaming?
- The SN770. Its Gen4 read and write speeds are roughly double to five times the SN530's, and 2TB holds far more games. The SN530 is fine for light gaming on a laptop that cannot fit a longer drive.
- Will the SN770 fit my laptop?
- Only if the laptop has a full-length M.2 2280 slot. Many thin laptops take only 2230 drives, in which case the SN530 is the one that fits.
- Is the SN530 worth it over the SN770?
- Only when size or slot length forces it. Otherwise the SN770 gives much more speed and capacity for a desktop build.
- Which lasts longer?
- The SN770 is rated at 1,200 TBW. WD does not publish a TBW figure for the 256GB SN530, so the SN770's rating is the safer guide for heavy writes.
- Can I put either drive in a PS5?
- The SN770 in 2280 form meets the PS5 slot requirements. The SN530's 2230 length does not fit the PS5's standard slot without an adapter.
- Do either have hardware encryption?
- The SN770 lists no AES hardware encryption, and the SN530 does not list it either. Use software encryption such as BitLocker if you need it.
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 WD_Black SN770 NVMe SSD vs WD Green SN3000 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
