Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB ($769) vs WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB ($319). $/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 4TB runs on the proprietary Samsung Presto silicon found only in the 9100 PRO line. The WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB pairs an A101 controller that replaced the older WD designs in the SN7100 generation.
The cost difference is hard to ignore: 59% per TB (WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB at $79.75/TB versus Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB at $192.25/TB). Unless you specifically need the Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB's peak performance, the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB delivers more storage for the money.
In the read department, the Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB leads by roughly 7 GB/s. The difference is more academic than practical for typical use, but it does matter for video editors moving multi-GB project files.
Write performance separates them too. The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB sustains 13,400 MB/s writes versus 6,700 MB/s for the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB — a real advantage for video editors and anyone doing heavy file operations.
Cache architecture differs: Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB has DRAM hardware, WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB 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 (7,000 MB/s read). The console can't take advantage of speeds beyond that, so save money by choosing the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB. The Gen 5 Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB 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. For content creators routinely rendering 4K or 8K video, the Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB's 13,400 MB/s sustained write is the deciding factor — multi-GB project files land noticeably faster than on the alternative. Note for handheld gamers: M.2 2280 is the desktop/laptop standard. Steam Deck and the ROG Ally line need 2230 drives — neither Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB nor WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB fits without modification.
The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (14,800 MB/s), higher sustained writes (13,400 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Among consumer SSD makers, Samsung's PRO series consistently scores highest on long-term reliability surveys (Backblaze, Puget Systems Q1 2026 data).
The WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($319 vs $769), and better $/TB economics ($79.75/TB) matter to you.