Hardware

Is the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 5 speeds worth it?

We analyze the solid-state drive that redefines performance, efficiency, and capacity for gamers and content creators.

Update: Sep 29th, 2025 19:13 CEST

SanDisk, under the Western Digital (WD) brand, has unveiled its latest and most powerful solid-state drive, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD. This launch is not a simple upgrade, but a significant leap in storage technology, designed to win over the most demanding users, from PC Master Race enthusiasts to professionals working with high-resolution content creation and artificial intelligence. The key to its performance lies in taking full advantage of PCIe Gen 5.0 technology.

A quantum leap in speed and performance

The SN8100 sets a new standard in speed, with the company announcing sequential read speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s. For gamers and content creators, these speeds translate directly into a radically improved experience: games that load almost instantly, seamless 8K video editing, and the ability to handle complex AI models with ease. In field tests, with a state-of-the-art setup, it has been reported that the loading times of most games are reduced by half, making them virtually imperceptible. This speed is achieved thanks to the integration of Western Digital’s latest TLC 3D CBA NAND technology and the innovative nCache 4.0, available in 2TB and 4TB models. It is worth mentioning that to exploit these speeds, you need a compatible motherboard and processor to deliver these read and write speeds.

Efficiency and durability for everyday use

Beyond raw speed, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD stands out for its focus on efficiency and long-term endurance. According to the manufacturer, the new drive is more than 100% more energy efficient than its PCIe Gen 4 predecessor, maintaining an average of 7W or less in use. This low power consumption profile not only contributes to a cooler system, but also eliminates the need for complex and expensive cooling solutions for the drive.

Durability is guaranteed, with an impressive endurance of up to 2,400 TBW (Terabytes Written) on the 4TB model. This high endurance ensures that the drive can withstand intense, continuous workloads, such as constant video editing or handling large volumes of AI data. Users can rely on the longevity of the device, a commitment backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Is the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with PCIe Gen 5 speeds worth it?

Expanded capabilities and additional security

The SSD will be available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options, offering ample space for massive projects and entire game libraries. Furthermore, with professionals who handle sensitive information in mind, the SN8100 includes advanced security features such as TCG Opal, a tool that protects and encrypts data. This combination of capacity, performance, and security makes the WD_BLACK SN8100 the ideal choice for those looking for a comprehensive and reliable upgrade, taking their computing experience to the next generation.

Testing the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD

In the speed tests we ran, we exceeded 14,000 MB/s for both reading and writing with CrystalDiskMark, and when playing games on a PC with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and an NVIDIA GeForce 5090, we literally cut the loading times for most games in half, making them literally imperceptible.

Conclusion

The Sandisk WD_BLACK SN8100 SSD is exactly what you would expect from a solid-state drive of this generation, as it is extremely fast if you have a system that allows you to use it. If you are looking to literally fly with your system, this will undoubtedly be your first step into the next generation of SSDs.

Best

Gen 5 SSD
Energy efficiency
Capabilities and security

Worst

Price

Score: 9