Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB ($465) vs WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB ($165). $/TB analysis, performance, and use-case recommendations.
When generations cross paths in a comparison like this one, the older-spec drive almost always wins on value while the newer one wins on benchmarks. Whether that benchmark advantage matters depends entirely on what you do with the drive.
Hardware-wise, the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB runs on Samsung's Presto controller — built in-house to push V-NAND to its Gen 5 ceiling. The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB pairs the SanDisk A101 — a more recent design from the WD/SanDisk lineup.
The cost difference is hard to ignore: 65% per TB (WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB at $82.50/TB versus Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB at $232.50/TB). Unless you specifically need the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB's peak performance, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB delivers more storage for the money.
On sequential reads the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB pulls ahead by 7,450 MB/s (14,700 MB/s versus 7,250 MB/s). That matters for moving large files but rarely shows up in game loads.
Write speeds skew toward the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB: 13,400 MB/s sustained against 6,900 MB/s. Content creators feel this; gamers do not.
Cache architecture differs: Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB has DRAM hardware, WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB uses HMB. For OS, gaming, browsing — indistinguishable. For databases, large file ops, or 4K video editing — DRAM has a small but consistent edge.
For PS5 expansion, both are PCIe Gen 4 M.2 2280 drives that meet Sony's minimum spec (7,250 MB/s read). The console can't take advantage of speeds beyond that, so save money by choosing the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB. The Gen 5 Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB pulls ahead on sequential bandwidth, but Gen 5 advantages rarely surface during everyday tasks — most software hasn't been rewritten to exploit 14,000+ MB/s pipelines. Video editors will gravitate toward the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB for its write headroom (13,400 MB/s sustained). Project saves and proxies move faster, which compounds across a workday. Heads-up — these are full-length 2280 drives. Steam Deck and most current handhelds require shorter 2230 modules, so check capacity-specific 2230 variants if that's your target platform.
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (14,700 MB/s), higher sustained writes (13,400 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Samsung backs the PRO series with one of the strongest warranty experiences in consumer storage — RMAs typically process within 5 business days globally.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($165 vs $465), and better $/TB economics ($82.50/TB) matter to you.