Microsoft officially announcing the end of support for Windows 10, users across the globe are now compelled to transition to Windows 11 to ensure continued access to security updates, feature enhancements, and compatibility with modern applications. While this upgrade promises a more refined and secure computing experience, it also places greater demands on system resources—particularly storage performance. Many legacy systems, although equipped with capable processors and sufficient RAM, begin to show signs of sluggishness when paired with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) under the weight of Windows 11’s more complex architecture and background services.
I am using a PC powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor Clocked at 2.9GHz, complemented by 16GB of DDR4 RAM with 2133Mhz and a 1TB WD Blue SATA HDD. Despite the processor and memory being adequate for general tasks, the system’s responsiveness deteriorated significantly after the OS upgrade in my PC. Boot times increased, file indexing slowed, and overall user experience suffered—clearly indicating that the bottleneck lay in the storage subsystem.
To address this issue without sacrificing existing data stored on the HDD, I opted for a strategic upgrade: installing a WD Green SN350 NVMe SSD as a dedicated drive for the operating system. This approach allowed me to retain the 1TB HDD for bulk data storage while leveraging the high-speed capabilities of the NVMe SSD for system operations. The result was transformative—dramatically faster boot times, snappier application launches and a noticeably smoother computing experience, all achieved with minimal investment and efforts.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
🚀 Performance & Real-World Impact
After installing Windows 11 on the WD Green SN350 NVMe SSD, the user reported a dramatic improvement in system responsiveness. Boot times dropped to just 5–7 seconds and file indexing and search operations became significantly faster. This real-world performance boost is a testament to the drive’s 2400MB/s read speed and efficient NVMe architecture.
🧠 Uses & Benefits
🏢 Office Productivity
• Faster boot and application launch times mean less waiting and more doing.
• Ideal for multitasking with productivity suites like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
• Enhanced indexing and file retrieval speed improves workflow efficiency.
🎓 School & Academic Work
• Students benefit from quick access to research files, assignments, and cloud sync tools.
• Lightweight design and low power consumption make it perfect for laptops and portable setups.
🎮 Gaming Experience
• While not a high-end gaming SSD, the SN350 significantly reduces game load times compared to HDDs.
• Smooth performance for casual and mid-tier games like Valorant, CS:GO, and FIFA.
🎬 Entertainment & Media
• Seamless streaming, video editing, and media playback.
• Quick access to large media libraries stored on secondary drives.
🔧 Installation & Software Support
• Form Factor: The slim M.2 2280 design allows easy installation in most modern desktops and laptops.
• WD SSD Dashboard: A free utility to monitor drive health, temperature, and performance metrics.
🛡️ Reliability & Durability
• Shock-resistant design: With no moving parts, the SN350 is resilient against physical bumps and drops.
• Endurance: Rated for 40TBW, suitable for daily use over several years.
• Certifications: Globally recognized safety and performance standards ensure peace of mind.
💸 Value Proposition
At just ₹2,100, the WD Green SN350 offers exceptional value for users seeking a budget-friendly NVMe upgrade. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to breathe new life into aging systems without replacing existing HDDs.
🔚 Final Verdict
The WD Green SN350G2G0C NVMe SSD is a smart, cost-effective upgrade for anyone transitioning to Windows 11 or simply looking to enhance system performance. Whether you're a student, professional, gamer, or casual user, this SSD delivers speed, reliability, and efficiency in a compact form factor. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a transformation.
