Sabrent Rocket 5 NVMe SSD vs Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB NVMe SSD
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Rocket 5 is Sabrent's latest PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD, delivering sequential read speeds up to 14 GB/s and write speeds up to 13 GB/s. It uses a high‑density NAND stack and a custom controller to provide low latency and high endurance for demanding workloads. Available in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB capacities, the drive fits any standard M.2 2280 slot and comes with a five‑year limited warranty, making it a solid choice for high‑performance PCs, workstations, and gaming rigs.
The WD Black SN850X 2 TB is a high‑end PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid‑state drive that delivers up to 7,300 MB/s sequential reads and 6,300 MB/s writes, making it ideal for demanding workloads. It features a heatsink‑compatible design, low latency, and a five‑year limited warranty for peace of mind. Designed for gamers, creators, and power users, the SN850X offers rapid game load times, fast 4K video editing, and swift data transfers. Its firmware is optimized for Windows 11 and supports the latest NVMe 2.0 features, ensuring future‑proof performance.
- Exceptional sequential read/write speeds
- Robust thermal design maintains performance
- Wide capacity options up to 4 TB
- Five‑year warranty provides peace of mind
- Industry‑leading sequential read/write speeds
- Heatsink‑compatible design for sustained performance
- Five‑year warranty for reliability
- Optimized for Windows 11 DirectStorage
- Requires a PCIe 4.0 compatible motherboard to reach full speeds
- Higher price per GB compared to SATA SSDs
- No bundled software for performance monitoring
- Higher price point than SATA SSDs
- Requires PCIe 4.0 motherboard for full speed
- No bundled heatsink in base model
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Sabrent Rocket 5 offers roughly double the sequential speeds at a lower price, while the WD Black SN850X adds Windows 11/DirectStorage tuning and a heatsink‑ready design.
Key differences
- •Sequential read/write: Rocket 5 up to 14 GB/s read & 13 GB/s write vs SN850X up to 7.3 GB/s read & 6.3 GB/s write.
- •Price: Rocket 5 $149 (1 TB) vs SN850X $199.99 (2 TB) – lower cost per GB for Rocket.
- •Thermal design: Rocket 5 uses an integrated aluminum label; SN850X is heatsink‑compatible but ships without a heatsink.
- •Software: SN850X includes WD Dashboard for health monitoring; Rocket 5 provides no bundled monitoring tools.
- •Future‑proof spec: SN850X supports NVMe 2.0; Rocket 5 spec does not mention NVMe version.
Performance
Rocket 5 lists 14 GB/s read and 13 GB/s write, roughly twice the SN850X's 7.3 GB/s read and 6.3 GB/s write.
Build quality
Both use M.2 2280 form factor with metal thermal solutions; neither includes a separate heatsink.
Connectivity
Both use PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe interfaces; no difference in lane count or protocol.
Power & efficiency
Power consumption figures are not provided for either drive.
Compatibility
SN850X advertises Windows 11 DirectStorage optimization and NVMe 2.0 support, giving it a slight edge.
Price & value
Rocket 5 costs $149 for 1 TB (~$149/GB) versus SN850X $199.99 for 2 TB (~$100/GB) but per‑GB Rocket is cheaper at comparable capacity.
Warranty & support
Both offer a five‑year limited warranty and no open‑source firmware.
Choose Sabrent Rocket 5 NVMe SSD if…
Buyers who need raw speed and lower cost, and have a PCIe 4.0 board.
Choose Western Digital Black SN850X 2 TB NVMe SSD if…
Buyers who want Windows 11/DirectStorage tuning and a heatsink‑ready SSD.
Common questions
Will the Rocket 5 reach its advertised 14 GB/s speed on my system?
Only if the motherboard supports PCIe 4.0 x4; otherwise speeds will be limited by the older interface.
Do I need to buy a separate heatsink for the SN850X?
Yes, the base model is heatsink‑compatible but does not include a heatsink; a third‑party or WD kit is required for optimal thermals.
Is the WD Dashboard necessary for monitoring SSD health?
It provides real‑time health data and firmware updates, whereas the Rocket 5 offers no bundled monitoring software.