The world of handheld PC gaming is booming, and with it, the demand for high-performance storage that fits in a tiny footprint. Western Digital has answered the call with a drive designed specifically to supercharge these pocket-sized powerhouses. The WD Black SN770M aims to be the definitive storage upgrade for devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, promising top-tier speed in the smallest of packages.
Blistering Speed in a Bite-Sized Package
At the heart of the SN770M is its PCIe 4.0 interface, a crucial feature that unlocks performance far beyond the stock drives found in most handhelds and ultrabooks. In testing, the drive lives up to its on-paper promises, delivering sequential read speeds over 5,000 MB/s and write speeds approaching 4,900 MB/s. In practical terms, this translates to dramatically faster game load times, quicker system boot-ups, and a snappier overall user experience. Moving large game files or installing updates feels significantly more responsive.
Like its full-sized sibling, the SN770, this M.2 2230 version is a DRAM-less SSD. While this can be a red flag for performance purists, WD leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and its proprietary nCache 4.0 technology to mitigate the traditional downsides. For the burst-heavy workloads typical of gaming and general use, this design works remarkably well, and you’d be hard-pressed to notice a performance deficit compared to drives with a dedicated DRAM cache. However, during very long, sustained write operations, you may see speeds dip as the SLC cache is exhausted, but this is an edge case for its intended use.
Designed for a Tight Squeeze
The M.2 2230 form factor is the star of the show here. Measuring just 30mm long, it’s purpose-built for the cramped interiors of modern handhelds and ultra-thin laptops. WD made the smart choice to keep the SN770M a single-sided drive, meaning all the NAND chips and the controller are on one side of the PCB. This is a critical detail for ensuring compatibility, as double-sided drives can physically interfere with components or prevent proper seating in devices like the Steam Deck. The build quality is exactly what you’d expect from the WD Black line—solid, clean, and ready for installation. One consideration is heat; under heavy load, the drive can get quite warm, which is typical for high-performance NVMe drives in this form factor. Ensuring your device has adequate airflow is important.
Value and The Verdict
The WD Black SN770M enters a competitive but still niche market. It often carries a slight premium over rivals like the Sabrent Rocket 2230, a cost justified by WD’s brand recognition, robust 5-year warranty, and the excellent WD Black Dashboard software. This utility provides drive health monitoring, performance optimization tools, and a “Gaming Mode” that reduces latency by disabling low-power states. When you factor in the availability of a spacious 2TB model—a godsend for ever-expanding game libraries—the value proposition becomes much clearer.
Ultimately, the WD Black SN770M is an outstanding performer and a top-tier choice for its target audience. If you’re looking to eliminate storage bottlenecks and slash loading times on your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or compatible ultrabook, this SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make. It delivers a tangible, immediate performance uplift that makes your entire device feel faster and more capable.
Where to Buy:
WD Black SN770M M.2 2230 SSD Quick Summary
Key Scores:
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Value:
87% -
Design:
85% -
Performance:
90% -
Quality:
92% -
Popularity:
95%
Top Pros
- ✅ Delivers exceptional PCIe 4.0 speeds for its class.
- ✅ Single-sided design ensures broad device compatibility.
- ✅ Available in a high-capacity 2TB version.
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Key Cons
- ❌ The DRAM-less architecture can slow on sustained writes.
- ❌ It often carries a price premium over its competitors.
- ❌ The drive can run noticeably hot under heavy load.
