WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD (4TB) - User Manual

1. Product Overview

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is a high-performance internal solid-state drive engineered to enhance your computing experience, particularly for gaming and demanding applications. It is designed to reduce load times, minimize throttling, and eliminate lagging and texture pop-ins, providing a smooth and fast experience.

This SSD offers impressive read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (for 1TB - 4TB models) and is available in capacities ranging from 1TB up to 8TB. An optional heatsink version is available for certain capacities to help maintain peak performance during intense usage. The downloadable SANDISK Dashboard software (Windows only) provides drive health monitoring, RGB lighting customization, and Game Mode 2.0 features to optimize your gaming.

Figure 1: WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD

2. Package Contents

• WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD (Internal SSD)

Figure 2: WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD Packaging

3. Setup & Installation

The WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD is designed for easy installation in compatible systems. Ensure your system (PC or PlayStation 5) supports M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs. For PlayStation 5, an optional heatsink is recommended to maintain optimal performance.

3.1 PC Installation

1. Power Off: Shut down your computer and disconnect all power cables.
2. Open Case: Open your computer case to access the motherboard.
3. Locate M.2 Slot: Identify an available M.2 slot on your motherboard. Refer to your motherboard's manual for exact location.
4. Insert SSD: Gently insert the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot at a 30-degree angle. Push it in until it is fully seated.
5. Secure SSD: Secure the SSD with the provided screw or retention mechanism on your motherboard.
6. Close Case: Close your computer case and reconnect power cables.
7. Initialize & Format: Boot your computer. Access Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to initialize and format the new SSD.

Figure 3: SSD installed in an M.2 slot

3.2 PlayStation 5 Installation

For PlayStation 5 installation, ensure you have the appropriate heatsink for your SSD. The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD with specific dimensions and performance. The WD_BLACK SN850X is compatible, especially the heatsink version.

1. Power Off PS5: Turn off your PlayStation 5 completely and disconnect all cables.
2. Remove Cover: Place the PS5 on a soft cloth. Carefully remove the bottom cover (the one without the PlayStation logo).
3. Access Expansion Slot: Locate the expansion slot cover and remove the screw.
4. Insert SSD: Gently insert the WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD (with heatsink) into the M.2 expansion slot.
5. Secure SSD: Secure the SSD with the screw and spacer provided by PlayStation.
6. Replace Covers: Reattach the expansion slot cover and the PS5 bottom cover.
7. Format: Power on your PS5. Follow the on-screen prompts to format the new M.2 SSD.

Figure 4: WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD in PlayStation 5 expansion slot

3.3 Installation Videos

4. Operating Instructions

Once installed and formatted, your WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD will function as a high-speed storage device. For Windows users, the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard software offers additional control and optimization features:

• Drive Health Monitoring: Check the status and performance of your SSD.
• RGB Lighting Customization: Personalize the RGB lighting (if applicable to your model).
• Game Mode 2.0: Activate performance-boosting features for an enhanced gaming experience.

Figure 5: WD_BLACK Dashboard software

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Keep Firmware Updated: Regularly check for and install firmware updates using the WD_BLACK Dashboard or Western Digital's official website.
• Avoid Overfilling: While SSDs perform well even when nearly full, leaving some free space (typically 10-15%) can help maintain performance.
• Ensure Proper Cooling: If using the heatsink version, ensure adequate airflow in your system to prevent thermal throttling.
• Use TRIM: Ensure TRIM is enabled on your operating system to optimize SSD performance and lifespan.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD, try the following steps:

• SSD Not Detected: Double-check that the SSD is correctly seated in the M.2 slot. Ensure your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to detect NVMe drives.
• Performance Issues: Verify that your system's M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen4 speeds. Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Check for thermal throttling using monitoring software.
• Formatting Problems: Ensure the SSD is properly initialized before attempting to format. Try formatting using a different utility or on another compatible system if possible.
• Heatsink Issues: If using a heatsink, ensure it is properly installed and making good contact with the SSD's components.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Your WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD comes with a limited warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, and driver downloads, please visit the official Western Digital (Sandisk) support website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.