The WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD offers impressive performance at a remarkably affordable price. This DRAM-less SSD leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to deliver speeds that rival some DRAM-equipped drives, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. This review dives into the SN5000’s features, performance benchmarks, and overall value.
WD Blue SN5000: Features and Specifications
The WD Blue SN5000 is a standard 2280 (22mm wide, 80mm long) M.2 NVMe SSD that utilizes the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. This DRAM-less design uses HMB, meaning it borrows system memory for caching, which helps keep costs down. The 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB models utilize 112-layer TLC NAND, while the 4TB version features 162-layer TLC NAND. WD’s in-house controller manages data operations efficiently.
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Pricing and Availability
The WD Blue SN5000 offers exceptional value, often competing with entry-level SATA SSDs in price. The drive is available in various capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. Check WD’s website and major retailers for current pricing and availability.
Performance Analysis
The WD Blue SN5000 performs admirably for a budget NVMe SSD. Testing the 4TB model revealed impressive results, often exceeding expectations for its price point.
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CrystalDiskMark sequential read and write speeds are very competitive within the PCIe 4.0/HMB SSD segment. While random read/write performance doesn’t quite match DRAM-equipped drives, it still surpasses many bargain competitors.
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In 48GB transfer tests, the SN5000 delivered competitive results, although not the absolute fastest among budget drives.
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However, the SN5000 truly shone in the 450GB write test. The 4TB model achieved a remarkable time, demonstrating the effectiveness of HMB technology in handling large file transfers.
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Final Verdict
The WD Blue SN5000 is a compelling option for those seeking affordable NVMe performance. While it may not be the absolute fastest drive on the market, its price-to-performance ratio is exceptional. It’s a great choice for everyday computing tasks and offers a significant upgrade over traditional SATA SSDs.
Testing Methodology
Performance testing was conducted using Windows 11 on an X790 motherboard with an i5-12400 CPU, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and PCIe 4.0/5.0 support. Tests included CrystalDiskMark, 48GB file transfers, and a 450GB write test. Results may vary depending on system configuration and SSD capacity.
Note: Performance can vary by capacity due to factors like the number of NAND chips and available space for secondary caching. Vendors may also change components, so always consider reviews of the specific capacity you’re interested in purchasing.
