WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB ($440) vs WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB ($305). $/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 WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB runs on SMI's SM2508 silicon, which became the default Gen 5 controller for power-conscious flagships. 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: 31% per TB (WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB at $152.50/TB versus WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB at $220.00/TB). Unless you specifically need the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB's peak performance, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB delivers more storage for the money.
On sequential reads the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB pulls ahead by 7,650 MB/s (14,900 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 WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB: 11,000 MB/s sustained against 6,900 MB/s. Content creators feel this; gamers do not.
Cache architecture differs: WD_BLACK SN8100 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 WD_BLACK SN8100 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 WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB for its write headroom (11,000 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.
Market context: the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB ranks #9 of 11 Gen 5 2 TB drives we track by $/TB, while the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB ranks #6 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.
As of September 7, 2026, these tracked drives undercut both the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB and WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB on $/TB:
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB is the right call if meaningfully faster reads (14,900 MB/s), higher sustained writes (11,000 MB/s), and a dedicated DRAM cache chip matter to you.
The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB is the right call if the lower retail price ($305 vs $440), and better $/TB economics ($152.50/TB) matter to you.