WD Red SA500 WDS100T1R0B 1TB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - SATA (SATA/600)

The WD Red SA500 NAS SATA SSD is purpose-built to supercharge your network-attached storage environment with steady, reliable performance that keeps pace with the demanding needs of always-on systems. If you run a home media server, a small business NAS, or a surveillance system that requires quick access to large file sets, this drive is engineered to deliver a consistently responsive experience under heavy workloads. Built on proven WD Red NAS optimization, the SA500 is more than a fast SSD—it’s a durable storage companion that prioritizes reliability, endurance, and energy efficiency so your data is accessible whenever you need it most. With a 1TB capacity in a compact M.2 2280 form factor and a SATA interface, it blends seamlessly into compatible NAS devices and workstation boards, giving you the flexibility to upgrade without compromising space or portability. In short, the WD Red SA500 is designed to reduce latency, accelerate file transfers, and keep your NAS running smoothly 24/7, even in busy offices, media centers, or remote locations where uptime matters.

Designed for 24/7 NAS workloads — The SA500 is built to withstand continuous operation, a critical requirement for NAS environments. It leverages WD’s NAS-optimized firmware and reliability engineering to handle persistent workloads without the performance cliff that can occur with consumer-grade drives. This translates to snappier responsiveness when accessing shared files, faster backups, and a smoother experience when streaming high-bitrate media or running multiple users processes at once. If your NAS serves multiple users or devices around the clock, you’ll notice that system responsiveness—whether you’re transferring large video files, indexing media libraries, or running automated backups—remains consistently strong rather than dipping during peak hours. This reliability is a cornerstone of WD’s Red line, which aims to deliver predictable performance and long-term endurance in non-destructive, real-world NAS scenarios.

1TB capacity in a compact M.2 2280 package — The WDS100T1R0B combines generous capacity with a space-efficient M.2 2280 physical footprint. This makes it an ideal choice for NAS setups that include M.2 slots or for expanding a compatible system that supports high-density storage within a compact form factor. The 1TB capacity provides ample headroom for shared networks, media libraries, and caching layers, while preserving the sleek, low-profile design that fits in tight enclosures or compact hardware. This combination of capacity and size helps you maximize your NAS’s performance without sacrificing chassis space or upgrade flexibility.

NAS-grade durability and endurance — Reliability is the cornerstone of WD Red SA500’s appeal. The drive is engineered to tolerate the sustained load of 24/7 NAS operation, with robust endurance designed to handle frequent reads and writes across multiple users and applications. This means your data stays accessible even when the NAS is under heavy use, and the drive remains resilient to the vibration and heat generated by continuous operation. WD’s testing and qualification process for NAS environments goes beyond typical consumer SSDs, ensuring that the SA500 provides predictable performance and sustained reliability in real-world NAS deployments—whether you’re running a home entertainment server, a small business cloud, or a surveillance station demanding constant access to stored footage.

Energy efficiency and quiet operation — In a 24/7 NAS environment, power efficiency matters as much as speed. The WD Red SA500 is designed to minimize power consumption during active workloads and idle periods, helping to reduce overall NAS energy usage and heat output. Lower heat generation translates to cooler operation, which in turn supports longer drive life and more stable performance across extended duty cycles. The absence of moving parts means quieter operation, which is particularly valuable in home offices and media centers where ambient noise matters. If your NAS runs in a living space or shared environment, the SA500’s efficiency and quiet performance contribute to a more pleasant, less disruptive experience while still delivering the speed needed for quick file access and smooth streaming.

Seamless NAS compatibility and WD ecosystem support — The SA500 is designed to integrate smoothly with a wide range of NAS devices and configurations. Its SATA interface (SATA/600) aligns with common NAS motherboards and slots, enabling straightforward installation and compatibility with a broad spectrum of systems. When paired with other WD Red drives, it contributes to a unified storage strategy that emphasizes reliability and predictable performance. WD’s support ecosystem, documentation, and firmware updates help ensure that your NAS remains up-to-date with the latest improvements and security features, further reinforcing the long-term value of adopting the WD Red NAS SSD lineup for your network storage needs.

• Performance engineered for NAS 24/7 workloads — Optimized firmware and reliability engineering ensure consistent responsiveness under heavy concurrent access, so your users experience minimal latency during backups, media streaming, and file sharing.
• 1TB capacity in an M.2 2280 form factor — A compact SSD that fits into M.2 slots while delivering ample space for data, caches, and rapid access to shared NAS content.
• Endurance and durability for continuous operation — Built to withstand prolonged workloads, with vibration tolerance and heat management designed for steady NAS performance over time.
• Energy efficiency and quiet operation — Low power consumption and near-silent operation support 24/7 NAS environments in homes and offices, helping to reduce noise and cooling needs.
• Warranty and compatibility — 5-year limited warranty and broad compatibility within the WD Red NAS ecosystem, backed by WD’s support and documentation.

Technical Details of WD Red SA500 WDS100T1R0B 1TB

• Capacity: 1 TB
• Model: WDS100T1R0B
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: SATA (SATA/600)
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

How to Install WD Red SA500 M.2 2280 Internal SATA SSD

• Power down your NAS or host device and unplug from power. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge and handle the drive by its edges.
• Locate a compatible M.2 slot (2280) on your NAS or motherboard that supports SATA M.2 SSDs. Confirm the slot supports the drive’s interface and form factor.
• Align the SA500 with the M.2 slot and insert gently at about a 30-degree angle. Once the connector is seated, press the module down toward the motherboard to lay it flat.
• Secure the drive with the mounting screw provided by your device or chassis. Ensure the screw is snug but not overtightened to avoid substrate damage.
• Power on the system and enter the NAS or BIOS/UEFI utility. Initialize and format the drive as needed for your storage pool or cache layer. If applicable, run any recommended firmware updates during the initial setup.
• Verify that the drive is recognized by your NAS or operating system and monitor for stable performance during first data transfers and routine workloads.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the WD Red SA500 compatible with most NAS systems? A: Yes. The WD Red SA500 is designed with NAS environments in mind, offering NAS-optimized performance and reliability that align with a wide range of NAS enclosures, controllers, and software ecosystems. If you’re upgrading an existing NAS or building a new one, this drive provides a dependable storage option that integrates smoothly with common NAS configurations.
• Q: What kind of performance can I expect from this SATA SSD? A: The SA500 delivers solid SATA-level performance appropriate for NAS workloads. While exact speeds depend on the rest of your hardware (controller, interface, and system load), you can expect responsive file access, faster boot times for NAS-based services, and improved caching and data transfer experiences compared with traditional hard drives in similar NAS roles.
• Q: How long will the drive last in a 24/7 NAS environment? A: WD designs the Red SA500 with endurance in mind, specifically for continuous operation in NAS setups. While actual lifespan depends on workload, drive usage, and environmental conditions, the 5-year limited warranty reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in its reliability over extended duty cycles, providing reassurance for home and small business deployments.