The Western Digital WD Black SN850X 4TB is the objective winner of this comparison, securing four out of six total specification victories. Its most significant advantage over the competition is its sequential read speed, which is 1204% better than that of the alternative. While the Crucial MX500 2TB holds its own in one category and ties in another, it cannot match the raw performance output provided by the superior read capabilities of the Western Digital drive.

Users who prioritize maximum performance and high-capacity storage should choose the Western Digital WD Black SN850X 4TB for their systems. Conversely, the Crucial MX500 2TB is the better option for budget-conscious buyers, as it offers a 74% better MSRP compared to the higher-performing alternative. Selecting between these two components depends entirely on whether your primary requirement is the significant speed advantage of the former or the cost efficiency of the latter.