PCIe Gen 4 SSDs top out at around 7,000MB/s data transfer speeds, but the WD_BLACK SN850X from Western Digital takes it one step further with its 7,300MB/s sequential read speeds. The 4TB version of this SSD is available for $379.99 on Amazon, making it slightly pricier than those PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, but so much more capable than you could possibly imagine. For starters, the biggest difference between PCIe Gen 3 SSDs is compatibility with your PS5.
Sony recommends at least a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, as games can take immediate advantage of that increased bandwidth. Luckily for you, the WD_BLACK SN850X offers that and more. The 4TB SSD can comfortably fit in the console and your laptop’s or desktop’s vacant M.2 slot. If you are a PC gamer, please make sure that your slot is compliant with the PCIe Gen 4 standard, otherwise you will lose out on those increased speeds. Thankfully, the WD_BLACK SN850X is backwards compatible, so there is nothing else to worry about.
Regarding write speeds, the WD_BLACK SN850X tops out at 6,350MB/s, which is plentiful for the average user. If you are using this drive exclusively on your PS5, we highly recommend purchasing an inexpensive SSD heatsink. We say this because PCIe Gen 4 SSDs tend to run hot, and you really do not want these drives to start throttling. Besides, heatsinks are extremely affordable on Amazon.
Installation of such drives is seamless, with a single screw required to keep them in place. While the 4TB SSD should have zero issues slotting into the PS5 and your desktop’s motherboard, you will have to double-check for your laptop’s compatibility. 4TB PCIe SSDs have flash memory chips on both sides, and if your laptop is designed in such a way that it can only accommodate SSD with memory
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