WD_PC Black 2TB SN740 M.2 2230 NVMe SSD - Compact Gen4 Performance

In this review the focus is on a compact Gen4 NVMe upgrade for ultra-thin and handheld devices. The WD_PC Black 2TB SN740 in M.2 2230 format targets Steam Deck and similar handhelds, and the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of the small 2230 footprint with high sequential throughput, which accelerates loading, transfers, and boot times without forcing a larger module. For anyone upgrading a compatible device that needs both capacity and speed, this drive pairs real-world convenience with PCIe Gen4 performance.

Key Features

• Compact M.2 2230 form factor: Designed to fit Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop families, MSI CLAW and Legion Go where space is limited.
• Gen4 PCIe x4 interface: The NVMe 1.4 interface provides maximum bandwidth for the class and supports faster game and application load times.
• High sequential read speed: Up to 5150MB/s sequential read performance reduces level and asset streaming delays in modern games.
• High sequential write speed: Up to 4850MB/s sequential write lets large installs and file transfers complete much faster than SATA drives.
• 3D TLC NAND: High-density NAND balances performance and endurance so the drive stays responsive over years of normal use.

Who It's For

This drive is aimed at gamers and power users who own handheld PCs or ultra-thin laptops that accept M.2 2230 modules and need both capacity and PCIe Gen4 speed. Owners of Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI CLAW, Legion Go, and supported Surface devices will find the 2TB option especially useful for large game libraries and media collections.

Users who need enterprise features, hardware encryption specifics, or non-standard NVMe form factors should look elsewhere; this product is focused on consumer handheld and thin-and-light device upgrades rather than datacenter or full-size desktop replacements.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Small M.2 2230 size fits tight internal spaces in handhelds and select laptops.
• Very fast sequential read and write speeds thanks to PCIe Gen4 x4, improving load times and transfers.
• Good capacity choice at 2TB while using 3D TLC NAND for balanced endurance and performance.

Cons

• Limited to devices that accept the 2230 form factor, so it is not compatible with most full-size M.2 slots without adapters.

Specifications

Form factor	M.2 2230
Interface	PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4
Capacity	2TB
Sequential read	Up to 5150MB/s
Sequential write	Up to 4850MB/s
NAND type	High-density 3D TLC

Our Verdict

The WD_PC Black 2TB SN740 M.2 2230 is a practical, high-performance upgrade for handhelds and ultra-thin laptops that accept 2230 modules. It delivers Gen4 speed and roomy capacity in a tiny package, making it a good value for gamers and mobile power users who need faster load times and large storage without sacrificing space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Steam Deck?
Yes, the M.2 2230 form factor is fully compatible with the Valve Steam Deck and similarly sized handhelds that accept 2230 modules.

Does it use PCIe Gen4 speeds?
Yes, the drive uses a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 interface and reaches up to 5150MB/s read and 4850MB/s write in supported systems.

Is the NAND type durable?
The drive uses high-density 3D TLC NAND, which offers a practical balance of performance and longevity for consumer use.