Best Efficient PCIe 4.0 · SSDs
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB
The SN7100 gets close to the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives while using less power and running cooler, which makes it a great fit for laptops and handheld gaming PCs as well as desktops.
- Brand
- WD_BLACK
- Best for
- Laptops, handhelds and cool-running desktops
- Price range
- Mid-range
- Our score
- 8.5/10
Our take
The WD_BLACK SN7100 gets close to the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives while using less power and running cooler. That makes it a great fit for laptops and handheld gaming PCs, as well as desktops.
Performance
The SN7100 is rated for up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write on the 2TB model, close to the WD_BLACK SN850X. In published testing it's one of the fastest DRAM-less drives available, and in games and everyday use it's practically indistinguishable from more expensive drives.
Without a DRAM cache it relies on Host Memory Buffer, and under very heavy sustained work, such as large video projects or virtual machines, a drive with DRAM like the SN850X stays faster. For most people that won't matter.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the SN7100's strength. It draws less power than most high-performance drives, which means it runs cool and can extend battery life in laptops and handhelds. It's a good choice for upgrading a gaming laptop, or for desktops where airflow around the M.2 slot is limited.
Reliability and software
The 2TB model is rated for 1,200TB written with a five-year warranty, matching premium drives. WD's Dashboard software handles firmware updates and health monitoring.
For a PS5 you'll need to add your own slim heatsink, since there's no heatsink version of the 2TB drive.
Who should buy it
Buy the SN7100 for a laptop or handheld upgrade, or as an efficient, fast main drive for a desktop. For heavy creative work, the SN850X or Samsung 990 PRO keeps up better under sustained load.
Key specifications
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe |
|---|---|
| Form factor | M.2 2280 |
| Cache | None (DRAM-less, uses Host Memory Buffer) |
| Flash memory | TLC 3D NAND |
| Sequential read | Up to 7,250MB/s |
| Sequential write | Up to 6,900MB/s |
| Endurance | 1,200TBW |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Strengths and weaknesses
Pros
- Near top-tier PCIe 4.0 speed
- Low power and heat
- Generous endurance rating
- WD Dashboard software
Cons
- No DRAM cache, which matters only for very heavy workloads
- No heatsink version for PS5 at this capacity
Verdict
The SN7100 gets close to the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives while using less power and running cooler, which makes it a great fit for laptops and handheld gaming PCs as well as desktops. It earns our Best Efficient PCIe 4.0 award in our guide to the best SSDs.
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