SanDisk - WD Blue SN5100 1TB Internal SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe for laptops and desktops
BRAND: SanDisk

SanDisk - WD Blue SN5100 1TB Internal SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe for laptops and desktops

Starting at

$209.99

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Market Insight: Great Deal

This value is significantly below average $277.49.

Under
Average
Over

Historical Pricing

Specifications

BRAND
SanDisk
USAGE
Everyday computing
FORM FACTOR
M.2 2280
INTERFACE S
PCIe Gen 4 x4
PRODUCT NAME
WD Blue SN5100 1TB Internal SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe for laptops and desktops
PRODUCT WIDTH
0.87 inches

PRICELAB AI INSIGHTS

Automated Market Analysis
9.5
Expert Rating

The SanDisk - WD Blue SN5100 1TB Internal SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe for laptops and desktops is a solid-state drive engineered for mainstream computing, offering a balance of performance and efficiency within the PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface. This unit leverages a DRAM-less architecture combined with advanced QLC NAND technology to deliver high sequential throughput for everyday tasks, gaming, and creative workflows.

Key Advantages

  • Achieves high sequential read speeds of up to 7100 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6700 MB/s, maximizing the PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface bandwidth for its class.
  • Demonstrates excellent power efficiency with an average active power consumption of 3.9W, making it well-suited for laptops and systems with thermal constraints.
  • Incorporates SanDisk nCache 4.0 technology, a pseudo-SLC cache, to provide robust burst write performance for large file transfers.
  • Offers a competitive 600 TBW endurance rating for the 1TB capacity, coupled with a 5-year limited warranty.
  • Includes Acronis True Image for SanDisk data migration software, enhancing user convenience for system upgrades.

Limitations

  • Utilizes QLC NAND flash memory across all capacities, which may result in reduced sustained write performance after the SLC cache is depleted and potentially lower long-term endurance compared to TLC-based alternatives.
  • Features a DRAM-less controller design, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB), which can present performance limitations in specific intensive workloads compared to drives with dedicated DRAM.
  • Ships without a factory-installed heatsink, which could necessitate additional cooling solutions in systems subjected to prolonged heavy data transfers to prevent thermal throttling.
  • Lacks support for full hardware-based AES encryption, offering TCG Pyrite 2.01 for security.

Expert Verdict

The SanDisk - WD Blue SN5100 1TB Internal SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe for laptops and desktops represents a significant engineering achievement in the mainstream PCIe Gen 4 SSD segment. This platform delivers sequential read and write speeds that push the boundaries of the Gen 4 x4 interface, particularly impressive for a DRAM-less QLC drive. The integration of the Polaris 3 controller with BiCS8 QLC NAND and nCache 4.0 technology provides a highly responsive storage solution for a broad range of computing tasks. Its exceptional power efficiency makes it an ideal candidate for mobile platforms and energy-conscious desktop builds. While the reliance on QLC NAND and a DRAM-less design introduces specific performance characteristics under sustained heavy loads, the overall performance profile, robust endurance rating, and comprehensive warranty position this unit as a highly competitive and technically sound offering for users seeking high-speed internal storage.

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AI-Powered Insights:This analysis is generated by PRICELAB’s AI engine based on technical specifications and market dynamics.