Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB

Name: Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB
Brand: Western Digital
SKU: 4981

Manufacturer: Western Digital

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB is a high-performance NVMe SSD designed to offer fast storage for a wide range of users. With a maximum sequential read speed of 6600 MB/s, it delivers strong performance in demanding tasks, such as gaming or content creation.

This SSD features a 500GB internal storage capacity and operates with PCIe 4.0. It utilizes a WD Polaris 3 controller and supports HMB (Host Memory Buffer) for enhanced speed. It has a MTBF of 1.3 million hours, a warranty period of 5 years, and a TBW rating of 300, ensuring longevity and durability.

Pros

High sequential read speed of 6600 MB/s, ideal for large file transfers and high-speed data access.
Fast random read speed of 660,000 IOPS, providing responsive performance for tasks with smaller files.
Supports NVMe 2.0, ensuring modern and efficient communication between the SSD and the system.
500GB of internal storage provides a balanced capacity for everyday computing needs.
Rated for 300TBW and a 1.3 million-hour MTBF, offering a durable and reliable lifespan.

Cons

Lacks an integrated heatsink, which may affect thermal management in extended heavy workloads.
Does not support hardware encryption (0 bits of AES encryption), limiting security features for sensitive data.
No RGB lighting, which may be a downside for users seeking aesthetic customization options.

Who is this for?

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB is ideal for users who require fast and reliable storage, such as gamers or content creators. With its high sequential read speed of 6600 MB/s and random read speed of 660,000 IOPS, this SSD is well-suited for tasks that demand high data throughput and responsiveness, such as loading large files, running applications, or gaming.

Who is this NOT for?

This SSD may not be suitable for users who require top-tier security or heavy-duty data protection, as it does not support AES encryption and lacks features like an integrated heatsink. Additionally, its 500GB storage capacity may not meet the needs of those working with large-scale data sets or requiring extensive storage space for professional workloads.

Read speed:

sequential read speed	6600 MB/s
random read speed	660000 IOPS

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB offers impressive read speeds, including a sequential read speed of 6600 MB/s for efficient large file transfers. Additionally, its random read speed reaches up to 660000 IOPS, ensuring fast access to smaller files and improved system responsiveness during everyday tasks.

Write speed:

sequential write speed	5600 MB/s
random write speed	1100000 IOPS

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB provides solid write performance, with a sequential write speed of 5600 MB/s for quick file writes. Additionally, it achieves a random write speed of 1100000 IOPS, making it well-suited for tasks involving frequent small data writes, such as running applications or gaming.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result	31151

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB has achieved a PassMark result of 31151, reflecting its strong overall performance in real-world SSD benchmark tests. This score provides an indication of its capabilities in tasks requiring sustained storage speeds and responsiveness.

General info:

type	M2
SSD cache	HMB (Host Memory Buffer)
Is an NVMe SSD	✓
NVMe version	2
internal storage	500GB
release date	August 2025
controller	WD Polaris 3 A101-000103-A1
SSD storage type	QLC
PCI Express (PCIe) version	4
Controller channels	4
Terabytes Written (TBW)	300
MTBF	1.3million hours
warranty period	5 years
Has an integrated heatsink	✕
bits of encryption supported	0
has RGB lighting	✕

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB is an NVMe SSD with a M.2 form factor and uses QLC NAND flash technology. It features a WD Polaris 3 controller and is equipped with HMB (Host Memory Buffer) for improved performance. With 500GB of internal storage, it operates on the PCIe 4.0 interface, supporting up to 4 controller channels. The drive is rated for 300TBW and has a MTBF of 1.3 million hours, backed by a 5-year warranty period.

Final Verdict

The Western Digital WD Blue SN5100 500GB is a solid NVMe SSD that offers high sequential read speeds of 6600 MB/s and impressive random read performance of 660,000 IOPS, making it a great choice for users seeking fast, reliable storage for everyday computing, gaming, or content creation. While it lacks certain features like AES encryption and an integrated heatsink, it delivers excellent durability with a 5-year warranty and a TBW rating of 300. Overall, this drive is a strong option for users prioritizing speed and performance in moderate storage capacities.