WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB ($348) vs Crucial P310 4TB ($519). $/TB analysis, performance, and use-case recommendations.
Both run on Gen 4 hardware but at different capacities: 2 TB for the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB versus 4 TB for the Crucial P310 4TB. Whether the larger drive's $/TB advantage justifies the higher upfront cost depends on how much you actually need.
Hardware-wise, the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB runs on WD's second-generation G2 in-house controller, tuned for sustained gaming I/O. The Crucial P310 4TB pairs Phison's E27T — a four-channel Gen 4 controller for HMB designs.
The cost difference is hard to ignore: 25% per TB (Crucial P310 4TB at $129.75/TB versus WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB at $174.00/TB). Unless you specifically need the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB's peak performance, the Crucial P310 4TB delivers more storage for the money.
Cache architecture differs: WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB has DRAM hardware, Crucial P310 4TB uses HMB. For OS, gaming, browsing — indistinguishable. For databases, large file ops, or 4K video editing — DRAM has a small but consistent edge.
On warranty endurance the Crucial P310 4TB carries 1,760 TBW against WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB's 1,200 TBW. Both will outlast typical use, but the gap matters if you're doing professional content work.
If this purchase is for a PS5 storage expansion, the comparison flattens — Sony's PCIe Gen 4 controller normalizes both WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB and Crucial P310 4TB to roughly equal in-game load times. The cheaper drive is the smart pick. Heavy write workloads — video editing, RAW photo libraries, backup operations — favor the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB's 6,600 MB/s sustained write speed. Both drives use the 2280 form factor, which is too long for Steam Deck or ROG Ally — you'd need a 2230 variant if either manufacturer offers one, or a dedicated handheld-format drive instead.
Market context: the WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB ranks #8 of 11 Gen 4 2 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the Crucial P310 4TB ranks #3 of 6 Gen 4 4 TB drives. Neither cracks the top of the value table, so it's worth glancing at the alternatives below before picking either.
The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($348 vs $519), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. The SN850X has been the best-selling Gen 4 NVMe in PCPartPicker builds for two consecutive years — Game Mode 2.0 prioritizes I/O when supported titles need it.
The Crucial P310 4TB is the right call if better $/TB economics ($129.75/TB), and a higher TBW endurance rating (1,760 TBW) matter to you.