When it comes to choosing the right drive for your computing needs, the options can be overwhelming. Among the options available in the market, Western Digital’s SN770 and SN850 are two popular NVME choices that often come up in discussions.
If you are a gamer who is looking for uninterrupted gameplay without compromising on budget or storage space, then the SN770 is a better option as compared to the SN850. However, if you are looking for a future-proof and reliable SSD to install in your PC that offers slightly better performance, then SN850 is a better choice for a higher price.
Both are high-performance NVMe SSDs by Western Digital, designed to provide fast storage solutions, but they are used for slightly different purposes. This article will delve into a detailed comparison between SN770 vs SN850 to help you determine which one is the better choice for you.
SN770 vs SN850: Overview
Western Digital SN770 is a mid-range SSD that offers a balance between performance and affordability. It is designed for users who need a fast and reliable storage solution without breaking the bank. The SN770 is based on the PCIe Gen4 interface, which allows it to deliver faster speeds compared to older PCIe Gen3 SSDs.
Western Digital SN850 is a high-end SSD aimed at enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who demand the highest possible performance. It also utilizes the PCIe Gen4 interface but is designed to push the limits of what an SSD can achieve in terms of speed and responsiveness. The SN850 is one of the fastest SSDs available in the market, making it a favorite among power users.
SN770 vs SN850: Performance Comparison
Performance is a critical factor when choosing an SSD, and both the SN770 and SN850 deliver impressive results, albeit at different levels.
Read and Write Speeds
SN770: The SN770 offers sequential read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 4,800 MB/s. These speeds are more than sufficient for most users, including gamers and professionals who need fast access to large files.
SN850: The SN850 takes performance to the next level with sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s. This makes it one of the fastest SSDs on the market, ideal for tasks that require rapid data transfer and reduced load times.
Check out our NVME Price per GB tool, to get the maximum value for every dollar you spend.
Random Read and Write Performance
SN770: It delivers random read speeds of up to 740,000 IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and random write speeds of up to 800,000 IOPS. These figures indicate its capability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks with ease.
SN850: With random read speeds of up to 1,000,000 IOPS and random write speeds of up to 720,000 IOPS, the SN850 excels in scenarios that require handling numerous small files or running multiple applications simultaneously.
Here is a comparison from the ATTO Disk Benchmark tested for a 256MB file.
As we can see in the comparison, the SN850 offers slightly better read and write speed as compared to the SN770.
Reliability
Endurance, often measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing an SSD.
SN770: The SN770 has a TBW rating of up to 600 TB for the 1TB model. This endurance level is suitable for regular use, ensuring that the drive will last for many years under typical usage conditions.
SN850: The SN850, on the other hand, offers a higher TBW rating of up to 1,200 TB for the 1TB model. This makes it a better choice for users who perform intensive write operations regularly, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy gaming.
Thermal Management
Thermal performance is critical for maintaining the reliability and longevity of an SSD. High-performance SSDs tend to generate more heat, which can lead to thermal throttling if not managed properly. We have also attached CrystalDiskInfo temperature during tests for a better comparison.
SN770: The SN770 is designed with efficient thermal management in mind, featuring a robust heat sink that helps dissipate heat during prolonged use. However, its performance may slightly throttle under extremely heavy loads.
SN850: The SN850 is equipped with advanced thermal management features, including a heat sink and thermal throttling mechanisms that ensure consistent performance even under intense workloads. This makes it more suitable for sustained high-performance tasks.
SN770 vs SN850: Value for Price
Price is often a determining factor when choosing between different SSDs. The SN770 and SN850 are positioned at different price points, reflecting their target audiences and performance capabilities.
SN770: Positioned as a mid-range SSD, the SN770 offers excellent value for its price. It provides a significant performance boost over older SSDs for the price of $72.99 (1TB) while being more affordable than top-tier options like the SN850.
SN850: The SN850, being a high-end SSD, comes with a premium price tag of $84.99 (1TB). However, for users who require the highest possible performance and are willing to pay for it, the SN850 offers unmatched speed and reliability. So you may have to compromise for low SSD storage in a budget price for SN850.
SN770 vs SN850: Use Case Scenarios
To understand which SSD is a better choice, it’s essential to consider your specific use case scenarios.
For General Users and Gamers
The SN770 is more than adequate for general users and gamers. It provides fast load times, quick file transfers, and smooth multitasking, making it a solid choice for everyday computing and gaming needs. Its affordability also makes it an attractive option for users looking to upgrade from a traditional HDD or an older SSD.
For Enthusiasts and Professionals
For enthusiasts, gamers with high-performance demands, and professionals engaged in intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and large data transfers, the SN850 is the better choice. Its superior read and write speeds, coupled with higher endurance and robust thermal management, make it ideal for scenarios that require sustained high performance.
Check out our NVME Price per GB tool, to get the maximum value for every dollar you spend.
SN770 vs SN850: Which One is More Future Proof?
Future-proofing is an important consideration, especially given the rapid advancements in technology. Checking SSD health is another factor to consider, which depletes with the passage of time. Investing in an SSD that can keep up with future demands can save you from needing another upgrade in the near future.
SN770: While the SN770 is an excellent choice for current needs, its performance may become less competitive as newer, faster SSDs enter the market. However, it still offers a great balance of performance and value for the foreseeable future.
SN850: The SN850, with its cutting-edge performance, is more future-proof. Its high speeds and robust build make it likely to remain a top performer for several years, providing long-term value for those who invest in it.
SN770 vs SN850: Which One is the Better Choice?
Choosing between the SN770 and SN850 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
SN770
If you are a general user, a gamer with standard performance needs, or someone looking for a reliable SSD at an affordable price, the SN770 is an excellent choice. It offers impressive performance, good endurance, and efficient thermal management at a price point that won’t break the bank.
SN850
If you are an enthusiast, a high-performance gamer, or a professional who needs the best possible performance, the SN850 is the better choice. Its superior read and write speeds, higher endurance, and advanced thermal management make it worth the investment for those who demand the highest performance levels from their SSD.
FAQs
Is the SN850X Better Than the SN850?
SN850X offers better read a write speeds, with 7,377MB/s read and 6,673MB/s write, respectively. On the other hand, SN850 is a bit older and offers only 6,974M/s read and 5,194MB/s write speed.
Is SN850 Faster than PS5’s Stock Storage Drive?
Yes, SN850 offers a reading speed of 7,000 MB/s, which is faster than PS5’s stock storage drive.
Is SN770 Good for Gaming?
SN770M is the perfect SSD for demanding tasks like gaming due to its high read and write speed.
Conclusion
While comparing SN770 vs SN850, we can confidently say that both SSDs are outstanding from Western Digital, each covering different segments of the market. By carefully considering your performance requirements, usage scenarios, and budget, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Whether you choose the SN770 or the SN850, you can be confident that you are investing in a high-quality SSD that will enhance your computing experience.
