The new WD Black SN8100 NVMe SSD from SanDisk sets a new standard for storage speed, promising significant performance gains for PC enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals. Boasting sequential read speeds up to 14,900 MB/s and write speeds reaching 14,000 MB/s, this PCIe Gen 5 drive pushes the boundaries of consumer SSD technology. This drive outpaces even some of the top-performing NVMe SSDs currently available, including the Crucial T705.
Performance and Capacity Options
The SN8100 comes in the standard M.2 2280 form factor and offers a range of capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and an upcoming 8TB option. While the 1TB model has a slightly lower write speed of 11,000 MB/s, the 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB models maintain the maximum 14,000 MB/s write speed. SanDisk designed this SSD for demanding applications, including gaming, content creation, and AI workflows, where fast data access is paramount.
Technology and Efficiency
Leveraging SanDisk’s BiCS8 TLC 3D CBA NAND technology, the SN8100 achieves its remarkable performance while maintaining a smaller footprint for improved thermal management. Furthermore, SanDisk claims the Gen 5.0 model is twice as power-efficient as its Gen 4.0 predecessor, consuming an average of only 7W.
SN8100 vs. Crucial T705: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Comparing the WD Black SN8100 to the Crucial T705, a leading PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD, highlights the SN8100’s advantages. The SN8100 edges out the T705 in sequential read speeds (14,900 MB/s vs. 14,500 MB/s) and significantly surpasses it in write speeds (14,000 MB/s vs. 12,700 MB/s). Random performance also favors the SN8100, with 2.3 million IOPS for both reads and writes compared to the T705’s 1.5 million IOPS. While these differences might not be noticeable for everyday users, they can be impactful for demanding workloads.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
A key differentiator is the SN8100’s power efficiency. Consuming an average of 7W, compared to the T705’s approximately 11W, translates to less heat generation and potentially better sustained performance, particularly in systems with limited airflow.
Availability and Pricing
The WD Black SN8100 is currently available from SanDisk and other major retailers. The 1TB model retails for $179.99, the 2TB model for $279.99, and the 4TB model for $549.99. The 8TB version is expected later this year. Heatsink-equipped versions, featuring a low-profile aluminum heatsink with customizable RGB lighting, will also be available for a $20 premium.
Conclusion
The WD Black SN8100 represents a significant step forward in NVMe SSD technology. With blistering speeds, increased capacity, and improved power efficiency, it caters to the needs of power users and sets a new benchmark for high-performance storage. Whether for gaming, content creation, or professional workloads, the SN8100 promises to deliver a substantial upgrade in data access and overall system responsiveness.
