WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD POWERED BY SANDISK 2 TB

The 2TB WD_BLACK SN8100 SSD leverages the potential of the fifth-generation PCIe interface for systems that demand speed. It targets the needs of gaming rigs, professional workstations, and artificial intelligence computing systems. Its high transfer speeds and minimal latency radically shorten application loading times, game maps, and the processing of large datasets, leading to a smoother workflow and eliminating lag under intense loads.

Performance and PCIe Gen 5 interface

The drive achieves sequential read speeds of up to 14900MB/s and write speeds of up to 14000MB/s. Equally important is its random operation performance, with values exceeding 2.3 million IOPS for reading and 2.4 million IOPS for writing. This combination significantly shortens game level loading, 4K video rendering, and code compilation times. Communication occurs via the PCIe Gen 5.0x4 interface, which uses the NVMe protocol designed for flash memory. This setup offers a direct connection to the processor, bypassing slower system buses. The full bandwidth of four data lanes is crucial for operations requiring immediate response, such as streaming high-resolution textures or working with large real-time databases.

Long internal SSD endurance

The 1200TBW endurance rating specifies the total amount of data that can be written to the drive during its operational cycle before an expected decline in cell reliability. This parameter defines the total volume of data written to the drive and confirms its suitability for demanding and frequent use. The 2TB capacity offers space to install an operating system and all applications. This applies, for example, to game titles with high-resolution textures, 8K video editing projects, or large-scale AI data models.

TLC 3D NAND technology and game mode

The drive uses TLC 3D CBA NAND technology. The designation TLC (Triple-Level Cell) means that each memory cell stores three bits of data, which is an effective compromise between capacity and endurance. 3D NAND technology, where memory cells are vertically stacked, increases data storage density on a smaller chip area while also contributing to energy efficiency compared to older technologies. The SanDisk Dashboard software integrates a Game Mode function specifically for gamers. Activating it purposefully disables all the drive's power-saving modes. This keeps the drive in a state of full performance, ready to respond instantly to the game's demands.

nCache 4.0 and power consumption

nCache 4.0 technology uses a hybrid approach to data writing. Part of the TLC memory operates in the faster SLC mode, serving as a buffer. This way, the drive accelerates work with small files and responds instantly to burst writes, for example during software installation. Once the cache is full or during idle periods, data is efficiently moved to the main TLC storage without impacting system performance. Despite its high performance, the drive is among the energy-efficient solutions within the PCIe Gen 5 standard, with an average operating consumption of under 7.5W. This means lower operating temperatures and less strain on the computer's power supply.

SanDisk Dashboard management software

The SanDisk Dashboard software, available for Windows, serves as a central control panel for managing the drive. In it, users can monitor the storage's status and performance in real time, check the current temperature, update the firmware to ensure optimal functionality, or track the remaining endurance of the memory cells. The application also displays detailed S.M.A.R.T. attributes for advanced diagnostics.

NVMe M.2 form factor and data migration with Acronis True Image

The drive uses the standardised M.2 2280 form factor, where the numbers indicate dimensions of 22×80mm. This compact design supports direct installation on most motherboards into the corresponding M.2 slot with an M-key connector. This eliminates the need for separate data or power cables, simplifying installation and contributing to better airflow inside the computer case. Acronis True Image for Western Digital software makes switching to the new drive easier. This tool simplifies cloning an existing drive to the new storage, including the operating system, applications, and user data. This means the user does not have to perform a new installation and configuration of the entire system. Additionally, the software offers advanced data backup and recovery features for protection against data loss.