4.80 by 22 reviews.

WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Review: A Gamer’s Dream Come True

When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. That’s why I decided to upgrade my gaming rig with the WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD. Designed for serious gamers and content creators, this SSD promises blazing-fast speeds, exceptional durability, and seamless compatibility with modern gaming systems. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into my experience and what other users have to say.

Product Overview

The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a Gen4 PCIe NVMe SSD built for gamers who demand top-tier performance. With read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, it’s designed to handle the most demanding games and applications. Its M.2 2280 form factor makes it compatible with laptops, desktops, and even handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck.

Key features include:

  • PCIe Gen4x4 interface for maximum bandwidth.
  • Next-gen TLC 3D NAND technology for improved efficiency and durability.
  • Up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model) for long-lasting reliability.
  • Up to 100% better power efficiency for portable gaming.

Pros and Cons

Performance: Blazing-Fast Speeds

One of the standout features of the WD_BLACK SN7100 is its performance. Users have praised its ability to drastically reduce load times and enhance system responsiveness.

  • "The speed is keeping up good with my PS5, and downloading large games is pretty decent," shared one user.
  • Another gamer noted, "Games boot quickly, and there have been no crashes or indications of drive failure."

The SSD’s 7,250 MB/s read speed ensures that even the most demanding games load in a flash, while the 6,900 MB/s write speed makes it ideal for content creators who need to transfer large files quickly.

Usability: Easy Installation and Compatibility

Installation is a breeze, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Many users appreciated the straightforward setup process.

  • "Installation was a piece of cake, especially after using the automated SSD cloner," said one reviewer.
  • Another user mentioned, "The drive was simple to unpack and install. After initiating it with Windows 11 Drive Manager, it worked perfectly."

However, some users noted that the package doesn’t include an M2 screw for mounting, which can be a minor inconvenience. "I deducted a star because the product packaging did NOT include an M2 screw for mounting," one reviewer pointed out.

Durability and Reliability: Built to Last

The WD_BLACK SN7100 is designed to withstand the rigors of intense gaming and content creation. Its 2,400TBW endurance ensures long-term reliability, even under heavy use.

  • "It works well and boots fast and reliably. Easy fit and will last a long time," shared a satisfied customer.
  • Another user added, "I have purchased several of these for new system builds, and their performance is amazing. Purchased over 25 so far and haven’t had a problem."

The SSD’s advanced thermal management also prevents overheating, ensuring consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.

Value for Money: A Worthy Investment

While the WD_BLACK SN7100 is priced higher than some competitors, users agree that it offers excellent value for money.

  • "It’s very reliable and has unmatched value for money," said one reviewer.
  • Another gamer noted, "The value for the quality is great as well."

However, some users felt that the 1TB model might not be enough for modern gaming libraries. "1TB seems to not be enough in the gaming world nowadays though haha. Maybe shell out a little more for the 2TB+ if you have it," one user joked.

Conclusion

The WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD is a powerhouse that delivers on its promises. With blazing-fast speeds, easy installation, and exceptional durability, it’s a top choice for gamers and content creators alike. While the lack of an M2 screw in the package and the 1TB capacity might be minor drawbacks, these are outweighed by the SSD’s overall performance and reliability.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming rig or handheld device, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is a worthy investment. Whether you’re diving into next-gen gaming or tackling AI-driven applications, this SSD will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars. A high-performance SSD that’s perfect for gamers and creators, but consider the 2TB+ model if you need more storage.

Specification WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s - WDS100T4X0E:


Internal Ssd
Yes
M 2 Nvme
Yes

Comments from Amazon:


 But it turned out to be the fast 2230 drive I have ever tested, and it has really good thermals

I was skeptical of the performance of this SSD, since I typically only buy the best, and have now multiple SN850x, so this sn770 felt like a downgrade. But it turned out to be the fast 2230 drive I have ever tested, and it has really good thermals. I'm running most of my games directly off it. It's very reliable , has unmatched value for money, and it comes with bunch of tools for speed testing. Installation was peice of cake, especially after using the automated SSD cloner. Overall, if you are able to use 2280 instead, then use those. If you must use 2230, then this SN770 is by far the best. It's massive upgrade over my previous sabrent ssd. If your device (like my GPD Win Max 2 2023) has only two slots, one is 2280, and other 2230, and you want the best, then for sure this sn770 2TB for the small 2230 slot, and pair it with 2TB SN850x or 990 PRO in bigger 2280 slot.

2 2230 NVMe SSD is a standout option for gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking a reliable and high-performance storage solution

The WD_BLACK 2TB SN770M M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is a standout option for gamers and tech enthusiasts seeking a reliable and high-performance storage solution. As an upgrade for devices like the Steam Deck, this SSD excels in both performance and convenience. Performance The SN770M offers impressive read and write speeds, making it perfect for demanding applications like gaming. With sequential read speeds of up to 5,150 MB/s and write speeds reaching 4,900 MB/s, it drastically reduces load times, enhances system responsiveness, and provides a smoother gaming experience. This performance uplift is particularly noticeable in the Steam Deck, where game load times can be significantly reduced, and multitasking becomes more efficient. Compatibility The SN770M's M.2 2230 form factor ensures it fits perfectly into the Steam Deck's SSD slot. The installation process is straightforward, and the drive's compatibility with the latest PCIe Gen4 interfaces means users can fully leverage the Steam Deck's hardware capabilities. For those concerned about compatibility issues, the SN770M integrates seamlessly with the Steam Deck, requiring minimal setup effort. Capacity With a generous 2TB of storage, the SN770M offers ample space for a large library of games, multimedia files, and other applications. This capacity is particularly beneficial for Steam Deck users who want to carry a vast collection of games without worrying about running out of storage space. Durability and Reliability WD_BLACK products are known for their durability and reliability, and the SN770M is no exception. It features advanced thermal management technologies to prevent overheating, ensuring consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, Western Digital's reputation for quality and robust customer support adds an extra layer of confidence in the product's longevity. Gaming Experience on the Steam Deck Upgrading a Steam Deck with the WD_BLACK SN770M transforms the handheld gaming experience. Games launch quicker, and in-game transitions are smoother. The increased storage allows for a broader selection of games to be installed simultaneously, catering to both casual gamers and those who like to switch between different titles frequently. The overall performance boost makes the Steam Deck feel more responsive and capable, bridging the gap between portable and desktop gaming. Conclusion The WD_BLACK 2TB SN770M M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is an excellent upgrade for the Steam Deck. It offers a substantial performance boost, ample storage capacity, and reliable operation, enhancing the overall gaming experience. For Steam Deck owners looking to maximize their device's potential, this SSD upgrade is a highly recommended investment.

 The speed is keeping up good with PS5 and downloading large games to it is pretty decent

So far giving 5 stars cause it was an easy install on my PS5 and so far working good for me. The speed is keeping up good with PS5 and downloading large games to it is pretty decent. Just wish it came with a heat sink on it already

 Easy fit and will last a long time

It works well and boots fast and reliably. Easy fit and will last a long time. 1tb seems to not be enough in the gaming world nowadays though haha. Maybe shell out a little more for the 2tb+ if you have it.

 Purchased over 25 so far and haven't had a problem

I have purchased several of these for new system builds and their performance is amazing. Purchased over 25 so far and haven't had a problem. The value for the quality is great as well.

2 2280 configuration

I got the 500 GB, M.2 2280 configuration. The package arrived several days earlier than Amazon originally stated, which was a pleasant surprise. The drive was simple to unpack and install (for the most part; more on that later). After initiating the drive with Windows 11 Drive Manager, it worked perfectly. It runs at the advertised read and write speeds, and has the available capacity (+- necessary controlling software). I use it for gaming, and even for extended periods of playing relatively demanding games (Rainbow Six, Sea of Thieves, Genshin Impact, Risk of Rain, etc.), I have experience no temperature problems at all. Games boot quickly, and there have been no crashes or indications of drive failure. It has been a flawless experience. I deducted a star because the product packaging did NOT include an M2 screw for mounting. I had to order screws separately. If yours does not include a screw either, you can temporarily hold the SSD in place with a small strip of electrical tape, or keep it pressed down with other components like a heat spreader or laptop backplate (but get the screw eventually).

I've used this for my PS5 for a couple months now, and it's been a nice experience, has been a high quality SSD for me, I haven't experienced any slow boot times or anything like that, the performance has been really nice overall.

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