WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB ($570) vs Crucial T500 2TB ($369). $/TB analysis, performance, and use-case recommendations.
Both run on Gen 4 hardware but at different capacities: 4 TB for the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB versus 2 TB for the Crucial T500 2TB. Whether the larger drive's $/TB advantage justifies the higher upfront cost depends on how much you actually need.
Hardware-wise, the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB runs on the SanDisk A101 — a more recent design from the WD/SanDisk lineup. The Crucial T500 2TB pairs Phison's E25 silicon, found in many DRAM-equipped Gen 4 SSDs.
The cheaper drive — WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB at $142.50/TB — saves you $42.00 per TB versus the Crucial T500 2TB. Worth it if you're capacity-constrained; either works if you just want one fast drive.
Cache architecture differs: Crucial T500 2TB 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.
On warranty endurance the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB carries 2,400 TBW against Crucial T500 2TB's 1,200 TBW. Both will outlast typical use, but the gap matters if you're doing professional content work.
For PlayStation 5 builds, the console's internal M.2 slot tops out around 5,500 MB/s sustained, so both WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB and Crucial T500 2TB hit the same wall — pick whichever is cheaper at the moment you buy. Both drives use the 2280 form factor, which is too long for Steam Deck or ROG Ally — you'd need a 2230 variant if either manufacturer offers one, or a dedicated handheld-format drive instead.
Market context: the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB ranks #5 of 6 Gen 4 4 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the Crucial T500 2TB ranks #9 of 11 Gen 4 2 TB drives. Neither cracks the top of the value table, so it's worth glancing at the alternatives below before picking either.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB is the right call if better $/TB economics ($142.50/TB), and a higher TBW endurance rating (2,400 TBW) matter to you.
The Crucial T500 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($369 vs $570), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you. Crucial typically delivers the best $/TB among DRAM-equipped NVMes because Micron sells direct rather than going through brand licensing.