WD unwraps the holidays with new high-performance PCIe Gen 4x4 SSDs starting under $60
WD introduces high-performance PCIe Gen 4x4 SSDs starting under $60 with 500 GB to 2 TB capacities, offering significant speed improvements.
Western Digital has provided a new lineup of storage options with the WD Black SN7100 series of PCIe Gen 4x4 SSDs, available for as low as $59.99. Focusing on performance, these SSDs are designed for mainstream gamers and employ Western Digital's latest TLC 3D NAND technology, offering storage capacities of 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The highest-performing 2 TB model achieves sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s for writes with random IOPS reaching 1000K and 1400K respectively. These drives outperform their predecessors by 35%, while the 500 GB model, priced at $59.99, delivers somewhat reduced read/write speeds but offers excellent value for its cost.
Built with gaming laptops and handhelds in mind, the SN7100 series prioritizes energy efficiency, being up to 100% more power-saving compared to previous generation drives. The entire lineup conforms to the M.2 280 form factor and includes a five-year limited warranty, making them dependable choices for tech-savvy consumers. The durability is highlighted by a 1,200 TBW endurance rating for the 2 TB variant, although exact details for other models remain unspecified.
The DRAMless design of these SSDs results in lower costs due to fewer components, yet remains capable of significant performance. By reducing component count, power consumption is also minimized, catering to power-conscious buyers. Additionally, Western Digital's new announcements extend to other products, such as the SanDisk-branded Extreme Pro portable SSD and the anticipated 4 TB SN7100 model expected in 2025, showcasing their continued innovation in the storage sector.