TeamGroup Z540 2TB ($329) vs WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB ($290). $/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 TeamGroup Z540 2TB runs on an original Phison E26 chip that defined the Gen 5 reference design. The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB pairs an A101 controller that replaced the older WD designs in the SN7100 generation.
The cheaper drive — WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB at $145.00/TB — saves you $19.50 per TB versus the TeamGroup Z540 2TB. Worth it if you're capacity-constrained; either works if you just want one fast drive.
In the read department, the TeamGroup Z540 2TB leads by roughly 5 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 TeamGroup Z540 2TB sustains 11,800 MB/s writes versus 6,900 MB/s for the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB — a real advantage for video editors and anyone doing heavy file operations.
Cache architecture differs: TeamGroup Z540 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.
If this purchase is for a PS5 storage expansion, the comparison flattens — Sony's PCIe Gen 4 controller normalizes both TeamGroup Z540 2TB and WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB to roughly equal in-game load times. The cheaper drive is the smart pick. The Gen 5 TeamGroup Z540 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. For content creators routinely rendering 4K or 8K video, the TeamGroup Z540 2TB's 11,800 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 TeamGroup Z540 2TB nor WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB fits without modification.
Market context: the TeamGroup Z540 2TB ranks #2 of 11 Gen 5 2 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB ranks #3 of 11 Gen 4 2 TB drives. One of them is genuinely among the cheapest options in its class, so this matchup includes a real value pick.
As of July 27, 2026, these tracked drives undercut both the TeamGroup Z540 2TB and WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB on $/TB:
The TeamGroup Z540 2TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (12,400 MB/s), higher sustained writes (11,800 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Budget-tier drives like the TeamGroup Z540 2TB have closed the gap with premium NVMes — the MAP1602 controller is genuinely competitive for everyday workloads at half the price.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($290 vs $329), and better $/TB economics ($145.00/TB) matter to you.