The PCI-E 4 NVMe SSD question again...

[Lysrin]

I know we've hashed this over many times, but I don't track the drive changes as much as some of you do so asking again.

Several drives are on sale at Canada Computers, and available at my local one. I'm thinking I'd like to have a 4.0 drive in my empty 4.0 slot (it's calling to me ) ready for Starfield and I'd likely move Star Citizen there too. Wanting 2TB.

Considering the WD SN770, ADATA S70 Blade, or the WD SN850X, at least at first glance. Don't want a heatsink one as the motherboard has that. Here is the link: CanadaComputers - 4.0 NVMe, filtered on sale and 2 TB

Is the WD SN850X still the best option? Obviously it's the best stated performance, but it's also the most money. Can't remember if $185 off beats the other prices we've seen lately.

UPDATE: PC Gamer actually recommends the SN850X for a gaming drive in 2023: https://www.pcgamer.com/best-nvme-ssd/

 

[sswilson]

Personally, I like the Blade's bang-for-buck (I just grabbed a 2TB one @ $150), but there are some grumblings in the marketplace about possible hardware issues. (I haven't had any issues myself and I've got one of each size on hand ).

That said... the WD is probably still the top choice if you don't mind paying a bit of a premium.

 

[Sagath]

SN770 is a fine drive for the average user. The difference between it and the 850x for the average user is zero on day-to-day use.

Until Direct Drive becomes prevalent I think we're at the same point as the old SSD's (2.5ers) and plateaued.

 

[Lysrin]

SN770 is a fine drive for the average user. The difference between it and the 850x for the average user is zero on day-to-day use.

Until Direct Drive becomes prevalent I think we're at the same point as the old SSD's (2.5ers) and plateaued.

Is Direct Drive the same as Microsoft DirectStorage? Searching for Direct Drive is getting me lots of results for the mechanical implementation of direct drive

That tech was used in a recent game, if I recall? Forspoken maybe? Given that could be a helpful tech in future, and that I'm likely to be running this motherboard and the new drive for a good while, do you think it's not a bad idea to get the faster SN850X drive now to take advantage of that tech later? I mean would it do better utilizing that tech than the SN770?

 

[Lysrin]

Ah found this. Some good info: https://www.pcworld.com/article/1486755/microsoft-directstorage-tested-nvme-vs-sata-ssds.html

I think based on a quick read of that, there may not be much difference between using the SN770 vs the SN850X with DirectStorage, outside of the fact that the latter is just plain faster in its base specs.

 

[Sagath]

Sorry, yes, Direct Storage. And yes, there are games out there using it, which is why I used the term 'prevalent'. Its currently very limited (2 games?) and not really showing a lot of benefits it appears.

If the technology matures it seems like it'll be revolutionary, and you'd want the 850x over the 770 for sure, but we've seen this song/dance a lot in the PC world. Big IFs.

Also, by the time that happens, what else changes? Maybe VRAM goes down on GPU's, and new higher performing SSD's arrive? Too many what ifs.

 

[Bond007]

My thoughts:

1. Of the 3, I don't think anyone would argue with the SN850X being the best drive.
2. Agree with @Sagath that for games/general purpose use, you will never know the difference between any of the 3.
3. If you do heavy write intensive work, etc, that is where the SN850X would show a real world lead.
4. Agree with @sswilson that the S70 is a great bang for buck drive with great performance, and I know he has had great luck with them. Personally the only reason I don't often recommend them is that there seems to be a higher rate of early death on them than the WD options (not terrible or anything, just seems to be more prevalent). That is not first hand experience though, so you can research and draw your own conclusions if I am out to lunch or not.

EDIT: Depending on pricing/your preferences, Kingston KC3000 is another option (still below SN850X), as well as ADATA Premium PS5 (rumoured to be a rebadged S70 blade), and solidigm P44 Pro (same ballpark as SN850X, sometimes better).

 

[Lysrin]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the input on this topic... again!

 

[ipaine]

I'd echo basically what everyone else said.

I have a S70 2tb as my main OS drive and it has been great. I also have a 1TB WD Black nvme (before they changed the branding to SNxxx) and it has been a solid performer also. And then finally have a Seagate Firecuda 520 1tb that has also been great.

Now looking at those 3 choices you mentioned, I mean if you are using it as a secondary drive for games, then I would be extremely surprised if you see any difference in performance while playing. Because of that I say go with the best bang for your buck option and lean towards the SN770 or the S70. No real need to spend extra on the SN850X.

 

[JD]

If you're strapped for cash the SN770 is fine, but right now there's only a $40 difference between it and the SN850X... that's less than a family trip to McDonald's these days (before we used coffee but with inflation, lets use fast food instead!)

Since I haven't had any NVMe drive die on me yet, I'd go with the 850X personally under the premise of it lasting many years and that extra speed may prove useful down the road.