Western Digital introduces WD_Black SN770M: Next-Gen M.2-2230 SSD for Gaming Consoles

Western Digital has recently launched the WD_Black SN770M SSD, a compact version of its popular WD_Black SN770 SSD. This new offering is specifically designed for handheld gaming consoles such as the ASUS ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck">Steam Deck. While it may not boast the latest PCIe Gen5 technology, the SN770M delivers impressive performance metrics that are perfect for portable consoles with limited power and heat constraints.

The WD_Black SN770M shares the same platform as its larger counterpart, offering comparable performance. It features sequential read speeds of up to 5150 MB/s, sequential write speeds of up to 4900 MB/s, and random read/write IOPS of up to 740K/800K. These figures may not be , but they are certainly impressive for a compact SSD designed for gaming on the go.

In terms of storage capacity, the WD_Black SN770M is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB variants, providing ample options for gamers looking to expand their storage. This is particularly significant considering that both the Asus ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck come with limited built-in storage.

Pricing for the WD_Black SN770M starts at $74.99 for the 500 GB model, making it an affordable choice for gamers. The 1 TB model is priced at $109.99 and is exclusively available through Western Digital’s online store and Best Buy. For those in need of even more storage, the 2 TB version is sold exclusively at Best Buy for $219.99.

One notable aspect of the WD_Black SN770M is its use of the M.2-2230 form factor. This form factor was primarily developed for ultra-thin Laptops that prioritize portability over top-tier performance. While there are high-performance SSDs available in this form factor, they are not typically designed for gaming systems. Western Digital recognized this gap in the market and created the WD_Black SN770M to cater specifically to gamers, offering a blend of solid performance and gaming-centric features that are rare in M.2-2230 drives.

Overall, the WD_Black SN770M is a welcome addition to Western Digital’s lineup, providing gamers with a compact SSD option that delivers impressive performance for handheld gaming consoles. With its range of storage capacities and affordable pricing, it’s a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their portable gaming experience.

Background Information

---

About ASUS: ASUS, founded in 1989 by Ted Hsu, M.T. Liao, Wayne Hsieh, and T.H. Tung, has become a multinational tech giant known for its diverse hardware products. Spanning laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and more, ASUS has gained recognition for its innovation and commitment to high-performance computing solutions. The company has a significant presence in gaming technology, producing popular products that cater to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a focus on delivering and reliable technology, ASUS maintains its position as a important player in the industry.

  

---

About Valve: Valve Corporation, often referred to as Valve, is a important American video game and software development company. for its titles like Half-Life, Portal, and the digital distribution platform Steam, Valve has played a significant role in shaping the gaming industry. Established in 1996 by former Microsoft employees, Valve has since garnered a reputation for innovation, user-centric design, and fostering a strong modding community.

  

---

About Western Digital: Western Digital, established in 1970, is a important data storage solutions provider known for its wide range of hard drives and solid-state drives. Catering to various applications, from personal computers to enterprise storage systems, Western Digital emphasizes data management and security. With a reputation for reliability and innovative solutions, the company has been pivotal in shaping the storage industry. Their products are trusted by individuals, businesses, and data centers worldwide

  

Technology Explained

---

M.2: M.2, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a computer expansion card format that is designed to replace the outdated mSATA standard. It is thinner and longer than mSATA, which gives it a much higher data transfer rate. The M.2 format measures 22mm in width and can measure up to 110mm in length. It uses the M-key and B-key connectors to interface with PC host systems, and can connect to both SATA III and PCIe for data transfer. Due to its small size, M.2 is often used for ultra-slim laptops and netbooks, as well as in embedded SSDs for tablets and other mobile devices. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the desktop computer industry, thanks to its compactness and fast transfer speeds. This makes M.2 ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and other demanding applications that require high levels of data throughput.

---

PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

---

PCIe Gen5: PCIe Gen5, or PCI Express Generation 5, is the latest technology advancement in the computer industry. It is the first major upgrade to the current PCIe standard. Compared to PCIe Gen3, PCIe Gen5 increases bandwidth throughput that is almost double, resulting in faster data transfer speeds. This means that it can provide higher data transfer rates for output devices like graphics cards, network cards, RAID controllers, and sound cards. It also supports faster NVMe storage devices, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. PCIe Gen5 can also support multiple concurrent data streams and is backward compatible with older PCIe slots. In the computer industry, PCIe Gen5 allows for faster data transfer, improved graphics quality, faster memory access, and higher GPU performance, making the technology ideal for gaming and server builds.

---

SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation

---

Steam Deck: Steam Deck is a revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the computer industry. It is a cloud-based platform that allows users to access their applications and games from any device, anywhere in the world. Steam Deck is a great way to access the latest games and applications without having to install them on your computer. It also allows users to access their games and applications from multiple devices, making it easier to stay connected and play with friends. Steam Deck also offers a variety of features such as cloud storage, game streaming, and more. This technology has made it easier for gamers to stay connected and play their favorite games without having to worry about hardware or software compatibility. Steam Deck is a great way to stay connected and enjoy the latest games and applications.