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The WD_BLACK SN770M 1TB is a single-sided M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD for devices whose documentation explicitly supports that size and interface. It posts high manufacturer-rated burst speeds, but ServeTheHome’s May 22, 2024 test found long sequential writes falling to 350 MB/s after cache and a peak temperature of 82°C with a heatsink installed. It is a plausible compact-device upgrade, not a universal fit or a promise of sustained performance.
What the SN770M 1TB is—and what must fit
The SN770M is a short, 30 mm M.2 2230 drive with a single-sided design. ServeTheHome identifies the 1TB model as PCIe 4.0 x4 and NVMe 1.4. Those interface details matter as much as the physical length: a device needs an M.2 2230 slot that supports NVMe, and a compatible retention arrangement. A drive that is physically small enough is not automatically compatible.
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Western Digital positions the family for compatible handheld gaming devices and M.2 2230-compatible laptops. Before buying for a Steam Deck or another handheld, consult that device’s official service documentation for supported drive dimensions and replacement requirements. A 2230 label alone does not establish compatibility with every handheld, laptop, or slot.
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Specifications and rated performance
| 1TB specification | Published figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | M.2 2230, single-sided | 30 mm long; the host must support this size and provide compatible retention. |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4; NVMe 1.4 | Host support for NVMe is required; the interface rating does not guarantee a particular real-world speed. |
| Sequential read | Up to 5,150 MB/s | Manufacturer-rated maximum for the 1TB model, not a sustained-use guarantee. |
| Sequential write | Up to 4,900 MB/s | Manufacturer-rated maximum for the 1TB model, not a sustained-use guarantee. |
| Random read | Up to 740K IOPS | Manufacturer-rated maximum. |
| Random write | Up to 800K IOPS | Manufacturer-rated maximum. |
| Endurance | 600 TBW | ServeTheHome lists this rating for the 1TB model. |
| Warranty | Five-year limited warranty | ServeTheHome lists this term; confirm the applicable regional terms and product documentation. |
The sequential and random performance figures are from the WD_BLACK SN770M datasheet. The manufacturer presents them as “up to” maxima; they should not be read as continuous write speeds in a long transfer.
#1 Best Overall
- Introducing the WD_BLACK™ SN770M SSD, the first M.2 2230 NVMe™ SSD built from a brand gamers trust.
- Supercharge compatible handheld devices such as the ASUS™ ROG Ally™ and Valve® Steam® Deck with speeds up to 5,150 MB/s (1TB and 2TB models) for blazingly quick game installations and level loads.
- Play more games, larger games wherever you are with up to 2TB* of trusted Western Digital® TLC 3D NAND storage.
- Get ready for an immersive experience with exclusive gaming features including PCIe® Gen 4.0, Western Digital's nCache™ 4.0 technology, and Microsoft's DirectStorage Support.
- Revitalize and expand the storage of your M.2 2230 SSD compatible laptop such as many Microsoft® Surface and Dell™ models.
What ServeTheHome’s testing found
Test setup and scope
In its May 22, 2024 review, ServeTheHome tested the drive in an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X system with an MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk motherboard and 32 GB of DDR5-6000 memory. The SSD was used as a boot drive. The reviewer says the motherboard’s M.2_1 slot did not natively support the short 2230 drive, so he rigged it into place and reported that this did not affect testing. The drive was initially filled to 85%; after deleting some data, about 60% remained occupied during the tests.
Short benchmarks and other 2230 drives
In smaller sequential tests, the SN770M’s results were similar to the other 2230 drives in the review. In the larger ATTO test, ServeTheHome described the difference as negligible while placing the SN770M first among the three 2230 drives shown. Anvil read results were in line with the Lexar PLAY and Silicon Power UD90, with slightly higher write performance in the 1GB test. These are comparisons within that review’s limited sample, not a ranking of every M.2 2230 SSD.
Rank #2
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Reviewer Will Taillac wrote that, “In comparison with my other 2230 sized drives, the WD Black SN770M actually does the best of the lot here.” That assessment refers to the larger ATTO comparison—not every workload or every 2230 drive. See the review’s benchmark page for the charts and context.
Long writes and temperature
ServeTheHome measured 350 MB/s for long-term sequential writes after the drive’s cache was exhausted. That result is a more useful qualification for a prolonged transfer than the 4,900 MB/s rated sequential-write maximum: short bursts and long writes are different workloads. Whether the slower post-cache rate matters depends on the size and frequency of transfers; it is less relevant to a short install or ordinary game loading than to a sustained large write.
Rank #3
![WD_BLACK 1TB SN770 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 5,150 MB/s - WDS100T3X0E - [Previous Generation]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dOBI0lrHL._SL160_.jpg)
- Get into the game fast as you zoom past load times with blazing speeds of up to 5,150MB/s(1) (1TB and 2TB models)..date transfer rate:5150.0 megabytes_per_second.Sequential Write Performance : 4900MB/s
- Equipped with a PCIe Gen4 interface(4), the WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD helps fuel in-game responsiveness, minimize stutter, and provide smooth streaming for a performance boost you can see and feel.
- Get tons of space for your latest games, future updates, and downloadable content with capacities up to 2TB(2).
- Supports future games developed for Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology for faster load times.
- Optimize peak performance in gaming mode and monitor your drive’s health with the WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) so you can game with confidence using this reliable drive from a trusted brand.
The same review recorded a maximum observed temperature of 82°C during benchmark runs. The drive was tested with a heatsink mounted, and the reviewer improvised the mounting and cooling arrangement for the short SSD. This is a result from that test setup, not a claim that every SN770M in every host reaches that temperature. The review’s sustained-write and thermal page provides the test details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it a good choice for a Steam Deck or compact laptop?
It can be a reasonable candidate if the specific device supports an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD and its service instructions permit the replacement. The form factor and intended device class make the SN770M relevant to compatible handhelds and compact laptops; they do not prove fit for a particular model. Check the device maker’s documentation before purchasing, including any stated SSD size, interface, and installation constraints.
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X NVMe SSD
- TRANFORM YOUR PC: Insane speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB - 4TB models) deliver top-tier performance with ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation — for the elite experience you’ve been waiting for.
- MORE ROOM FOR MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with SANDISK TLC 3D NAND, means you get to keep more games at the ready — and get into the action even faster.
- Consider it when your device explicitly supports M.2 2230 NVMe and your workload benefits from a compact PCIe 4.0 SSD.
- Look more closely at sustained-write behavior if you regularly move very large files or write continuously; the review’s post-cache result is far below the manufacturer’s brief-peak rating.
- Check device-specific thermal conditions if the drive will operate in a tightly enclosed handheld or laptop. The review’s 82°C peak is a reason to consider the host environment, not a universal temperature prediction.
- Verify warranty and capacity terms for the exact regional product listing rather than assuming every capacity or market has identical terms.
Verdict
The WD_BLACK SN770M 1TB combines a compact, single-sided 2230 design with strong rated burst performance, and it compared well in the limited 2230 benchmark set in ServeTheHome’s review. Its main qualifications are the sharp drop in long sequential writes after cache and the high peak temperature observed in that review’s heatsink-equipped test setup. Buy it only after confirming exact device compatibility, and weigh those workload-specific caveats against how you actually use the drive. Current price and availability are not established here.
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