As gamers, seeing the low storage notification on our Xbox Series X is the worst because it means it is running out. It also does not help that Game Pass always gives us an extensive collection of excellent games we cannot resist. Fortunately, our WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review has a solution for this storage problem.
WD_Black introduces its C50 Xbox Expansion SSD to help you expand the storage of your Xbox Series X|S. You can plug this officially licensed product into your console. Plus, it provides the same function as the internal storage of Xbox, making it a must-have item.
The expansion SSD comes in two capacities and has notable features you will love. Learn more about the C50 in this WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review. We will discuss its design, functions, specifications, package contents, and how it performs.
WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Packaging
The C50 ships in a black and green-themed cardboard box featuring the Xbox logo in front. This area also displays the product name, an image of it, and the company branding.
You will not find much inside the box since the C50 only ships with two items. One is a protective cover, and the other is a quick installation guide.
WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review – Design and Functionality
If you are familiar with the industrial, all-black aesthetic of WD, you will easily spot the C50 a mile away. In our WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review, we will look into its design and what it does.
The expansion SSD is about the size of a Nintendo DS cartridge and is as thin as a gum pack. Like always, its build quality is sturdy and has a rugged casing that can withstand wear and tear.
While writing this WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review, we realised this product stands out in the aesthetic category. WD integrated its industrial design with ridges to give the C50 a distinct appearance.
Like Seagate, the C50 can neatly slot into the Xbox Series X|S console. It is possible with the help of its dedicated expansion card port. Generally, this product has a no-fuss setup: slot the SSD in, then go through a formatting phase. From there, the card is good to go.
Key Features of the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD
Want to find out what elements make the C50 an expansion SSD to consider? We listed all these in our WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review. These will help determine if this SSD and its capabilities are adequate.
Enjoy More for Your Xbox
Games get larger with every release, and the C50 is an ideal option to boost your console capacity. With it, you can conveniently keep more titles on your Xbox. It functions like an internal storage of your console, allowing you to plug it directly in to use.
When you purchase, it comes with a 1-month membership for the Game Pass Ultimate. You will get access to 100+ games on consoles, PCs, and online console multiplayer.
Xbox Quality Performance
C50 optimises the Xbox Velocity Architecture, delivering enhanced performance like the Xbox Series X|S internal storage. It will let you enjoy seamless gameplay with your favourite titles.
Store More Huge Titles with the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD
The C50 lets you choose between 512GB or 1TB capacities for increased capacity. With this much space, you can keep all your favourite titles without worrying about storage.
Easy to Install
When we tested it for our WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review, we realised it was a plug-and-play SSD. So, plugging the C50 into your Xbox Series X|S will not leave you worrying about compatibility or installation.
Design by WD_BLACK
We love the slick and industrial aesthetics of the C50. It gives off the cool factor that WD_Black is known for, making it fit perfectly for your console.
Store More, Play More on Xbox With the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD
Transferring games to and from the console is necessary when using non-expansion card solutions. Fortunately, the C50 lets you enjoy gameplay quicker, so you can game anytime.
Quick Resume-Compatible
Take a break from your current game to play a different one. Then, return to the first title as if you never left! Only the internal SSD and expansion cards of the Xbox can support and take advantage of this convenient feature.
Specifications
- Form Factor: Xbox Expansion Slot
- Capacity: 512GB or 1TB
- Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S
- Interface: Xbox Expansion Slot
- Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty
- Weight: 25g
- Operating / Non-operating Temperature: -5°C to °C / -20°C to 85°C
Hands-on with the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD
We used the product for a week to test the C50 for this WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review. Based on our experience, we will share everything you need to know about its performance. Plus, we will give you insights if there are any issues to watch out for.
Before discussing its performance, let us focus on the installation process of this SSD.
Installation of the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD
Upgrading our storage was simple since we only had to slide the C50 into its designated slot. Specifically, it is along the rear of the console.
WD labelled the slot as storage expansion to make it easier to find. It will guarantee you will not slip the product into the wrong slot.
After setting the C50, we immediately switched on our console and waited for an on-screen installation process. While the SSD was formatting, we also expected some wait time.
Surprisingly, we did not experience any issues or delays. The Xbox booted as usual, but what excited us most was seeing our available storage. After we installed the C50, we immediately assessed its performance by putting it through various tests.
WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Performance
When it comes to game transfer speeds we found that the C50 works exceptionally. It was able to meet the high standards set by the internal SSD of the console.
The first test we did was to transfer games of different sizes. Doing so gave us an idea of how long the transfer process would take.
We also considered the boot times between the SSD and internal storage of the Xbox. Doing so allowed us to see any differences in how long it takes for these to load our favourite games.
We transferred our collection of optimised games back and forth, then loaded and played a few titles. Doing all these was quick and convenient since the console was consistent and reliable.
The Xbox Velocity Architecture helped keep its performance flawless. Plus, there were no observable differences in load/transfer between the C50 and similar products.
Quick Resume also worked as we expected. It is one of the best features in Xbox storage solutions since it guarantees excellent performance. Quick Resume ensures that your SSD performs at excellent speeds.
Aside from fast transfer speeds, we tested the boot times of the C50, which also impressed us. Its speed was slightly slower than starting games installed on the internal storage. But despite that, it was not too slow, so we do not have complaints regarding this.
We launched some heavy and demanding video games, and their boot-up to in-game took less than 1.5 minutes. It was only a few seconds slower than the boot time of the internal storage. This speed will only be noticeable when copying massive data to the SSD.
We were impressed with the C50 from WD. Its comparable performance to the Xbox Series X and S internal storage makes it an excellent SSD for your console. Aside from the speed and boot time that makes it better for expanding your game library, it is user-friendly.
WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review Summary
The market offers many SSDs varying by size and format. However, you only have minimal options when expanding your Xbox Series X or S. Due to the minimal options available, the prices of these cards are higher than most SSDs.
Which one is better, and which should you choose? You only need to consider price, size, and personal preference. We highly recommend expanding the storage of your Xbox Series X or S with the C50. It is a powerhouse that delivers impressive transfer speeds and solid game boot times.
When we tested the product for this WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD Review, its performance impressed us. Its similar transfer speeds and boot times were quick and comparable to the internal console storage. We had no issues with it, thanks to its smooth performance.
With the C50, WD combines reliability and affordability in one simple and compact package. We loved its blazing-fast transfer speeds that worked even with heavy files, making it an excellent bang for your buck. It is excellent when you want to transfer massive files from different Xbox consoles quickly and efficiently.
We highly recommend the C50 for expanding the storage of your Xbox Series X or S. Its excellent performance makes it an ideal SSD choice.
Visit the official product page of WD for more details about the WD_Black C50 Xbox Expansion SSD.
