Western Digital has unveiled three new high-performance storage solutions in its WD_BLACK gaming line, including an SSD with read speeds up to 7000Mbps.
The WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD, available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations, delivers fast read/write speeds up to 7000/5300MB/s for the 1TB model. According to WD, it offers faster and smoother loading, and is optimised for top-tier and high-intensive gaming; additionally, an optional RGB-enabled heatsink model will reduce thermal throttling.
Also in the lineup is the fully bootable plug-and-play WD_BLACK AN1500 NVMe SSD Add-in-Card (pictured top), available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB. WD bills its two internal SSDs with RAID 0 and PCIe Gen3 x8 technology as delivering read speeds up to 6500 MB/s1 and write speeds up to 4100MB/s for the 2TB and 4TB models. The card features customisable RGB lighting for Windows, and an integrated heatsink.
Finally, the WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock NVMe SSD is designed for Thunderbolt-compatible laptops, and offers fast speeds, additional storage, and multiple ports for accessories. Also featuring RGB lighting, the dock is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, as well as a cheaper option with no SSD.
According to Jim Welsh, senior vice president, Consumer Solutions, Western Digital, the new solutions are designed to keep up with the latest developments in high-end gaming.
“Innovative, high-performance storage solutions are essential to keep up with this ever-changing landscape. Our latest WD_BLACK products have been purpose-built to allow gamers to meet the increasingly high standards of future games and gaming platforms.
“We’ve optimised these products to not only provide more storage for gamers but to elevate the gaming experience as a whole,” he said.
The WD_BLACK AN1500 NVMe SSD Add-in-Card will be available starting at $399 AUD from October 22. The WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock ($549) and WD_BLACK D50 Game Dock NVMe SSD ($849), as well as the WD_BLACK SN850 NVMe SSD standard non-heatsink model ($225), will retail starting in December, with the SN850’s heatsink model coming in the first quarter of next year.
