The data storage experts from Western Digital (WD) want to make slow SATA SSDs obsolete once and for all. This is supposed to succeed with the introduction of the WD Green SN350. The NVMe SSD is not only supposed to be fast, but also shine with a fair price.
Three models are to be available
The Green SSD is supposed to be available in three different models. All three are M.2 SSDs that support the blazing fast NVMe protocol. Although the SSDs of the WD Green SN350 series are cheaper than comparable models from the manufacturer, you also have to make a few concessions to the top models. Especially in terms of speed and storage space, the cheap models of the series lag behind other M.2 SSDs from the manufacturer.
WD’s cheapest product line
If you take a look at WD’s other SSD series, you will quickly notice differences. While the Blue series is already significantly more expensive, the premium WD Black line represents a completely different league. This does not only affect the prices, but also the performance. However, those who want to save money and do not have too many demands will also be happy with the performance of the inexpensive Green line. WD wants to sell the three models of its new series in the 2280 format. Shorter cards, on the other hand, are not to be available. PCIe Gen3 x4 is to be used as the interface for the new Green series. However, we do not yet know which controller and flash memory is installed.
Will QLC memory be used?
Most likely, QLC memory will be used for the optional 240 GB, 480 GB or 960 GB SSDs. The memory sizes indicate this. We already know this kind of NAND from other inexpensive SSDs. Accordingly, we would not be surprised if it is used here as well. The green SSD with a storage capacity of 960 GB is supposed to reach speeds of 2.4 GB/s (read) and 1.9 GB/s (write). In contrast, the smaller M.2 SSDs have to accept a significant setback. The two smaller models only manage 1.65 GB/s (read) and 900 MB/s (write), respectively. Without a doubt, these are much higher speeds than SATA. Nevertheless, the values are below those of premium SSDs.
Durability worse than WD Blue
Not only in terms of speed can the WD Green not keep up with the WD Blue, let alone the WD Black. Users also have to make concessions in terms of durability. Thus, you should be aware that the WD Green SN350 with 960 GB is supposed to be able to offer a guaranteed write volume of just 80 terabytes. In comparison, the WD Blue SN550 with one terabyte of storage offers a guaranteed write volume of 600 terabytes. The difference is really serious.
Prices
Surprisingly large, however, are also price differences. This mainly concerns the models with large storage capacities. For the WD Green SN350, the manufacturer calls for an MSRP of 44 US dollars. In comparison, the WD Blue SN550 costs 55 US dollars. The WD Green SN350 with 480 GB costs 55 US dollars, and 70 US dollars for the WD Blue SN550 (500 GB). The largest model of the WD Green SN350 with 960 GB starts at 100 US dollars. On the other hand, the WD Blue SN550 with 1 terabyte costs 130 US dollars. We are curious how clear the differences will be in practice. However, average users should be able to save a lot of money with the new WD Green series.
