Product features
- EXPANDED STORAGE. Hold more masterpieces and enjoy endless inspiration with up to 4TB capacity with the WD Blue SN5000 internal SSD, NVMe SSD
- BOOST YOUR FLOW. Harness AI and streamline your workflow with the combined power of PCIe Gen 4, up to 5,500MB/s read speeds (4TB model), and Western Digital nCache 4.0 Technology
- PRO MULTITASKING. Switch smoothly between applications and projects with high-end NVMe storage technology.
- DEPENDABLE ENDURANCE. Create confidently with up to 1,200TBW (4TB model) endurance for ideating, drafting, and finalizing your creative work.
- FREE Acronis True Image. Download Acronis True Image for Western Digital data migration software to transfer your files.
WD Blue SN5000 500GB SSD Review
Overview The WD Blue SN5000 is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD designed for entry-level users seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It is available in various capacities, including 500GB, and features a Sandisk Polaris 3 controller paired with Kioxia 162-layer BiCS6 QLC NAND flash memory.
Performance The WD Blue SN5000 boasts read speeds of up to 5,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. While these speeds are respectable for an entry-level drive, they are somewhat dated compared to higher-end models. The drive's performance is further highlighted by its random 4K read and write speeds, which are around 80 MB/s and 297 MB/s, respectively. These figures are solid for a QLC NAND drive but may not impress users accustomed to TLC or SLC NAND drives.
Pros
- Huge Capacities Available: The SN5000 is available in various capacities, including 500GB, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
- Strong Game Load Times: The drive's performance is particularly beneficial for gaming, providing strong game load times.
- Solid Random 4K Performance: The drive's random 4K read and write speeds are respectable, especially considering its QLC NAND configuration.
Cons
- Performance Compared to Competitors: The drive's performance is somewhat sluggish compared to more advanced SSDs, particularly those using TLC or SLC NAND.
- Temperature Issues: The drive tends to run hot, with temperatures reaching up to 81°C during benchmarking. This could be a concern for users who prioritize cooling.
- Price: While the drive is reasonably priced, it is not the cheapest option available, especially when compared to other entry-level SSDs.
Verdict The WD Blue SN5000 is a solid entry-level SSD that offers a good balance of performance and affordability. However, its performance is somewhat dated, and it runs hot, which may be a concern for some users. For those seeking a large capacity SSD for gaming or general use, the SN5000 is a viable option, but users should be aware of its limitations.
Features Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Memory Controller | Sandisk Polaris 3 |
| Flash Memory | Kioxia 162-layer BiCS6 QLC NAND |
| Read Speed | Up to 5,500 MB/s |
| Write Speed | Up to 5,000 MB/s |
| Random 4K Read | Around 80 MB/s |
| Random 4K Write | Around 297 MB/s |
| Endurance | 1,200 TBW |
| Warranty | Five years |
| Price | $120-$150 USD |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 single-sided |
| Included Software | Free Acronis True Image data migration software |