Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB specifications and in-depth review

Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB

Manufacturer: Western Digital

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB is a high-performance NVMe SSD designed for demanding storage needs. With a sequential read speed of 6800 MB/s, it provides fast data access and reliable performance for a variety of tasks.

It features a PCIe 4.0 interface and supports HMB (Host Memory Buffer) for optimized performance. The drive offers 500GB of internal storage, a TBW of 300, and comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency for heavy workloads.

Pros
  • High sequential read speed of 6800 MB/s for fast data access.
  • Impressive random read speed of 760,000 IOPS, improving responsiveness during heavy workloads.
  • Supports PCIe 4.0, offering faster data transfer capabilities.
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty, providing long-term reliability.
  • Equipped with HMB (Host Memory Buffer) for optimized performance.
Cons
  • Does not feature an integrated heatsink, which could limit thermal management under heavy usage.
  • Lacks AES encryption support, which may be a drawback for users requiring enhanced data security.
  • Does not have RGB lighting, which may be a disadvantage for users seeking a visually customizable SSD.
Who is this for?

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB is ideal for users seeking high-performance storage solutions, especially for tasks that demand fast data access and transfer speeds. Its sequential read speed of 6800 MB/s and random read speed of 760,000 IOPS make it a great choice for gamers, content creators, or professionals working with large files and high-speed applications. Its PCIe 4.0 support further enhances its suitability for users with modern systems requiring fast, efficient storage.

Who is this NOT for?

This SSD may not be the best choice for users who prioritize advanced security features, as it lacks AES encryption support. Additionally, those working in environments with heavy thermal demands may find the absence of an integrated heatsink a limitation. The lack of RGB lighting also makes it less appealing to users looking for aesthetic customization in their build.

Read speed:

sequential read speed 6800 MB/s
random read speed 760000 IOPS

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB offers impressive read speeds with a sequential read speed of 6800 MB/s for fast data transfer. In addition, it delivers a high random read speed of 760,000 IOPS, ensuring quick access to scattered data for improved performance in demanding tasks.

Write speed:

sequential write speed 5800 MB/s
random write speed 1200000 IOPS

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB offers a sequential write speed of 5800 MB/s, ensuring fast data writing for high-performance applications. It also provides an impressive random write speed of 1,200,000 IOPS, enhancing overall responsiveness during intensive workloads.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 38921

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB achieved a PassMark result of 38,921, showcasing its strong performance in benchmark tests. This score reflects the drive's ability to handle demanding tasks with efficiency and reliability.

General info:

type M2
SSD cache HMB (Host Memory Buffer)
Is an NVMe SSD
NVMe version 1.4
internal storage 500GB
release date March 2025
controller Polaris 3 A101-000172-A1
SSD storage type TLC
PCI Express (PCIe) version 4
Controller channels 4
Terabytes Written (TBW) 300
warranty period 5 years
Has an integrated heatsink
maximum operating temperature 85 °C
bits of encryption supported 0
has RGB lighting

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB is an M.2 NVMe SSD that features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) for optimized performance. It has 500GB of internal storage, uses a TLC storage type, and supports PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfers. With a 5-year warranty and a TBW of 300, this drive is built for durability and reliability under heavy usage.

Final Verdict

The Western Digital WD Black SN7100 500GB is a high-performance NVMe SSD that excels in tasks requiring fast data access, thanks to its impressive sequential read speed of 6800 MB/s and random read speed of 760,000 IOPS. With PCIe 4.0 support and a 5-year warranty, it is well-suited for demanding applications and heavy workloads. However, it may not meet the needs of users requiring advanced security features or thermal management. Overall, this SSD is a reliable choice for those seeking top-tier storage performance for gaming, content creation, and high-speed applications.

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