SanDisk has announced the launch of its new WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD, a high-performance PCIe Gen 5.0 storage device designed for demanding applications such as gaming, content creation, and data-intensive workloads. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 14,900 MB/s and available capacities up to 8 TB, the WD_BLACK SN8100 is aimed at users who need top-tier storage performance and reliability.
The transition to PCIe Gen 5.0 marks a significant step forward in SSD technology. Compared to PCIe Gen 4.0, the new interface offers double the data throughput, and SanDisk has capitalized on this advancement with a product that delivers not only faster speeds but also improved power efficiency. The company claims that the SN8100 is over 100% more power efficient than its previous PCIe Gen 4.0 models.
The SN8100 is equipped with SanDisk’s BiCS8 TLC 3D NAND technology and features a low-power design, which helps minimize thermal output. According to SanDisk, the average operating power stays under 7W, which can reduce the need for additional cooling and simplify system integration. For users building compact or quiet systems, this could be a notable advantage.
The SSD will be available in several capacities at launch: 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB, with MSRPs of $179.99, $279.99, and $549.99, respectively. A version with an integrated heatsink will also be offered, priced slightly higher, starting at $199.99 for the 1 TB model. The heatsink variant includes a passive cooling design made from anodized aluminum and features an RGB lighting element that can be customized to match a user’s setup.
An 8 TB version of the drive, both with and without a heatsink, is expected later this year.
From a performance standpoint, the drive targets users with intensive storage needs. The 2 TB and 4 TB versions deliver sequential write speeds up to 14,000 MB/s and random performance exceeding 2.3 million IOPS. The endurance rating is also high, with the 4 TB model offering up to 2,400 TBW, making it suitable for workloads such as video editing, large-scale game installs, and AI-based applications.
With support from industry partners including AMD and Intel, the SN8100 appears positioned as a flagship product in the client SSD market. As more motherboards and chipsets adopt PCIe Gen 5.0 support, products like the SN8100 will become more relevant for users seeking the next level of performance in desktop computing.
The WD_BLACK SN8100 is available now through SanDisk’s official store and major retailers worldwide.
