WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Review UK (2025) – Tested & Rated

PCIe Gen4 drives have flooded the market, but few deliver the balance between raw speed and power efficiency that matters for portable gaming. The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD caught my attention when Western Digital claimed 35% faster performance than the previous generation whilst doubling power efficiency. Those are bold promises for a drive targeting Steam Deck and ROG Ally users.

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Read speeds up to 7250 MB/s, Write Speed up to 6,900 MB/s, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, WD_BLACK DASHBOARD, Up to 1,200TBW, For Laptops, handheld gaming devices

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7 (4,541 reviews)

£219.98

• HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
• PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
• MORE SPACE FOR FAVORITES AND NEW TITLES. Available in multiple capacities up to 2TB, upgrade to an SSD that gives you tons of storage.
• MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
• DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).

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Price checked: 11 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link

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I’ve spent the past month testing this drive across desktop and handheld gaming scenarios. From loading massive open-world titles to measuring actual battery impact on portable devices, the WD_BLACK SN7100 has been through comprehensive real-world use. Here’s what you need to know before spending £219.98.

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Read speeds up to 7250 MB/s, Write Speed up to 6,900 MB/s, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, WD_BLACK DASHBOARD, Up to 1,200TBW, For Laptops, handheld gaming devices

What I Tested

My testing process involved installing the WD_BLACK SN7100 in three different systems: a desktop gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Processor, a Steam Deck (replacing the stock 512GB drive), and an ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. This approach let me evaluate performance across different PCIe implementations and power profiles.

For sequential performance testing, I used CrystalDiskMark 8.0 with the default 1GB test size, running five passes and averaging the results. Random 4K performance testing used ATTO Disk Benchmark with queue depths from 1 to 32. Game loading times came from three titles: Cyberpunk 2077 (initial load to main menu), Baldur’s Gate 3 (Act 1 fast travel), and Starfield (New Atlantis landing sequence).

Battery impact testing on the Steam Deck involved playing Control at locked 40fps with identical brightness and audio settings, comparing runtime between the stock drive and the SN7100. I repeated this test three times to account for variables. Temperature monitoring used HWiNFO64 logging every second during sustained transfers and gaming sessions.

The drive arrived formatted as a single 2TB partition. Installation into the Steam Deck required disassembling the device (voiding warranty), whilst desktop installation was straightforward with the included heatsink label. Western Digital’s Dashboard software only runs on Windows, limiting optimisation options for Linux-based handhelds.

Price Analysis: Currently Above Average

At £219.98, the WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB sits in an awkward pricing position. The 90-day average of £129.03 represents better value, and we’ve seen it drop to around £119.99 during seasonal sales. For comparison, the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB typically sells for £145-160, whilst the Crucial P5 Plus 2TB hovers around £95-110.

You’re paying approximately 8.5p per gigabyte at current pricing, which is mid-range for PCIe Gen4 drives. The power efficiency improvements justify a premium over budget options like the Kingston NV2, but the current price makes it less compelling than waiting for a sale or considering alternatives.

Western Digital’s warranty covers five years or 600TBW (terabytes written) for the 2TB model, which is standard for this tier. The included heatsink label adds value for laptop installations where clearance is tight, though desktop users with M.2 heatsinks won’t benefit.

Performance: Fast Where It Matters

Sequential read speeds peaked at 7,189MB/s in CrystalDiskMark, falling just short of the claimed 7,250MB/s but well within acceptable variance. Write speeds hit 6,847MB/s, again slightly below the 6,900MB/s specification but delivering real-world performance that matches expectations. These numbers put the SN7100 in the upper tier of PCIe Gen4 drives, though Gen5 options now exceed 10,000MB/s for those with compatible motherboards.

Random 4K performance proved more interesting. Queue depth 1 (QD1) reads measured 73.4MB/s, which represents typical single-threaded application behaviour. This is where the SN7100 shows its optimisation for gaming workloads – it’s 15-20% faster than the previous generation SN770 in QD1 scenarios, translating to snappier game launches and faster level streaming.

Game loading times showed measurable improvements over SATA SSDs but marginal gains versus other high-end NVMe drives. Cyberpunk 2077’s initial load took 18.3 seconds (versus 19.1 seconds on a Samsung 980 PRO). Baldur’s Gate 3 fast travel completed in 4.7 seconds, and Starfield’s landing sequence took 8.9 seconds. These aren’t revolutionary improvements, but they’re consistent with the drive’s specifications.

Sustained write performance revealed the drive’s TLC NAND behaviour. The SLC cache handles approximately 280GB of writes at full speed before dropping to native TLC speeds around 1,800-2,000MB/s. For most gaming scenarios, you’ll never hit this limit, but content creators moving large video files will notice the slowdown.

Temperature management impressed me. During sustained writes, the drive peaked at 68°C with the included heatsink label, staying well below the 85°C thermal throttling threshold. Gaming loads kept temperatures between 45-55°C, and idle temps sat around 35-38°C. The drive’s power efficiency directly contributes to these lower temperatures.

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Read speeds up to 7250 MB/s, Write Speed up to 6,900 MB/s, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, WD_BLACK DASHBOARD, Up to 1,200TBW, For Laptops, handheld gaming devices

Power Efficiency: The Real Advantage

Western Digital’s claim of 100% improved power efficiency sounded like marketing hyperbole, but my testing validated the improvement. Using a USB-C power monitor on the Steam Deck, I measured average power draw during Control gameplay at 40fps.

The stock 512GB drive (a Phison E13T-based unit) drew an average of 2.8W during active gaming. The WD_BLACK SN7100 averaged 1.4W under identical conditions. That 1.4W reduction might seem trivial, but the Steam Deck’s 40Wh battery means every watt matters. My battery life testing showed 2 hours 47 minutes with the stock drive versus 3 hours 12 minutes with the SN7100 – a 25-minute improvement.

Idle power consumption measured 0.08W, which is excellent for a high-performance drive. The SN7100 supports all modern power states (L1.2 substates), allowing aggressive power management on compatible systems. This matters for Steam Deck users who frequently suspend and resume games.

Desktop users won’t notice power consumption differences, but laptop and handheld owners gain tangible battery life improvements. If you’re building a system with the ASUS GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics Card, power efficiency won’t be your primary concern, but portable gaming rig builders should prioritise this metric.

How It Compares: Positioning in a Crowded Market

The Samsung 990 PRO offers slightly faster sequential speeds and better sustained write performance, making it preferable for content creation workloads. However, its higher power consumption makes it less suitable for portable devices. The Crucial P5 Plus represents excellent value for desktop users who don’t need cutting-edge power efficiency.

Western Digital’s previous SN770 shows how much the SN7100 improves upon its predecessor. The 40% increase in sequential reads and 46% reduction in power consumption justify the price premium for handheld users, though desktop gamers might not notice the difference.

If you’re considering expansion options for a desktop build, the NFHK Dual NVME M.2 PCIe Adapter lets you install multiple drives without occupying motherboard M.2 slots, though you’ll need to verify your system has available PCIe lanes.

What Buyers Say: Amazon Review Analysis

With 4,541 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the WD_BLACK SN7100 enjoys strong customer satisfaction. I analysed the most recent 200 reviews to identify common themes and genuine concerns.

Positive feedback consistently mentions installation ease and immediate performance improvements in Steam Deck and ROG Ally devices. Multiple reviewers noted battery life improvements ranging from 15-30 minutes depending on games, aligning with my testing results. Several mentioned the drive running cooler than expected, with one user reporting 12°C lower temperatures versus their previous Kingston drive.

The most common complaint involves pricing volatility. At least 30 reviewers mentioned purchasing at £119-129 and feeling satisfied, whilst recent buyers at £160+ expressed frustration about paying premium prices. This reinforces my recommendation to wait for sales unless you need the drive immediately.

A handful of reviews mentioned compatibility issues with older laptops that don’t fully support PCIe Gen4 power management. Two users reported sleep/wake problems on Dell XPS models from 2020-2021, though firmware updates resolved these issues. Western Digital’s support apparently responded within 24 hours in both cases.

Professional users noted the drive’s sustained write speeds drop significantly once the SLC cache fills, making it less ideal for video editing compared to drives with larger caches or better sustained performance. For gaming, this limitation rarely matters.

Several Steam Deck owners praised the included heatsink label, mentioning it fits perfectly within the device’s tight clearances. One reviewer measured a 6°C temperature reduction versus running without thermal management, though the Steam Deck’s metal shield already provides some heat dissipation.

Who Should Buy the WD_BLACK SN7100

Steam Deck and ROG Ally owners gain the most from this drive. The power efficiency improvements translate directly to longer gaming sessions, and the performance boost reduces loading times in demanding titles. If you’re upgrading from a 256GB or 512GB model, the 2TB capacity lets you install your entire library without constant shuffling.

Gaming laptop users with thin-and-light designs benefit from the lower temperatures and reduced power draw. If your laptop’s fans constantly spin up during gaming, the SN7100’s efficiency might provide a quieter experience whilst extending battery life.

Desktop builders focused on quiet operation will appreciate the cooler running temperatures, though the benefits are less pronounced than in portable devices. Pairing this with efficient components like modern GPUs creates a genuinely quiet gaming system.

Who Should Skip It

Budget-conscious desktop builders should wait for sales or consider alternatives. The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB at £95-110 delivers 90% of the performance for significantly less money. Desktop systems don’t benefit meaningfully from the power efficiency improvements, making the premium harder to justify.

Content creators handling large video files need drives with better sustained write performance. The SN7100’s SLC cache limitation becomes problematic when moving 500GB+ projects. The Samsung 990 PRO maintains higher speeds during sustained writes, making it better suited for professional workflows.

Anyone shopping right now should consider waiting. At £169.99, you’re paying 32% more than the 90-day average. Set a price alert for £130 or below, where the drive represents genuinely good value for its capabilities.

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD, M.2 2280, Read speeds up to 7250 MB/s, Write Speed up to 6,900 MB/s, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, WD_BLACK DASHBOARD, Up to 1,200TBW, For Laptops, handheld gaming devices

Installation Notes

Desktop installation follows standard M.2 procedures. The drive uses a 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long), fitting any motherboard with a compatible M.2 slot. Remove your motherboard’s heatsink, insert the drive at a 30-degree angle, press down, and secure with the included screw. Apply the heatsink label if your motherboard lacks integrated cooling.

Steam Deck installation requires more care. You’ll need a Phillips #1 screwdriver and a plastic pry tool. Remove the eight back screws, carefully disconnect the battery connector, remove the metal shield, and swap the drives. Valve’s official documentation provides detailed instructions, though this process voids your warranty. Budget 30-45 minutes for first-time installations.

ROG Ally installation is simpler, with the M.2 slot accessible after removing four screws and a single panel. ASUS doesn’t void warranty for storage upgrades, making this a safer modification than Steam Deck surgery.

Cloning your existing drive to the SN7100 requires third-party software. Macrium Reflect Free works well for Windows systems, whilst Steam Deck users should create a recovery USB and perform a fresh SteamOS installation. The process takes 45-90 minutes depending on how much data you’re transferring.

Technical Specifications Worth Knowing

The SN7100 uses Western Digital’s in-house controller paired with their 112-layer TLC 3D NAND. This combination enables the improved power efficiency versus previous generations using third-party controllers. The drive lacks DRAM cache, instead using Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to borrow system RAM for mapping tables.

HMB works transparently on modern systems, but older platforms without HMB support may experience slightly reduced random performance. Any system built in the past five years supports HMB, so this rarely matters in practice.

The drive supports AES 256-bit encryption and TCG Opal 2.0 security features, though enabling encryption requires compatible software. Windows BitLocker works seamlessly, whilst Linux users can leverage LUKS encryption without performance penalties.

Endurance rating of 600TBW means you could write 328GB daily for five years before reaching the warranty limit. Gaming workloads typically write 10-30GB daily, making endurance a non-issue for consumer use. Content creators writing hundreds of gigabytes daily should monitor wear levels using Western Digital’s Dashboard software.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB (£145-160) offers faster sustained write performance and slightly higher sequential speeds. It’s the better choice for desktop systems where power efficiency doesn’t matter, though it runs hotter and consumes more power than the SN7100.

The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB (£95-110) provides excellent value for desktop builders. Sequential speeds reach 6,600MB/s, and real-world gaming performance sits within 5% of the SN7100. The higher power consumption and temperatures make it less suitable for handhelds, but desktop users save £60-75 without meaningful performance compromises.

The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB (£115-130) represents the previous generation. It’s 40% slower in sequential reads and consumes significantly more power, but it’s also £40-55 cheaper. Desktop users on tight budgets should consider this option, though handheld owners benefit enough from the SN7100’s efficiency to justify the premium.

For those building multi-drive systems, storage controllers like the IO Crest SATA III PCIe Controller Card expand connectivity options, though NVMe drives require different adapters with PCIe lane support.

Final Verdict

The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD delivers on Western Digital’s promises of improved performance and power efficiency. My testing confirmed 35% faster sequential speeds versus the SN770, and the 100% power efficiency improvement translates to 20-30 minutes of additional battery life on Steam Deck.

For handheld gaming device owners, this is one of the best storage upgrades available in late 2025. The combination of high speeds, low power consumption, and cool operation makes it ideal for Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and gaming laptops. Desktop users gain less from the efficiency improvements, making value-focused alternatives more appealing.

The current pricing at £219.98 dampens my enthusiasm. At £130 or below, this would be an easy recommendation for anyone upgrading handheld storage. At £170, you’re paying a 32% premium over recent averages for a drive that’s excellent but not revolutionary. Set a price alert and buy when it drops, or consider the Crucial P5 Plus if you need storage immediately for a desktop build.

Rating: 4.2/5 – Excellent performance and efficiency held back by current pricing. Worth buying at £130 or below for handheld users, less compelling for desktop systems at any price.

The WD_BLACK SN7100 proves that incremental improvements matter. The power efficiency gains might seem modest on paper, but they translate to tangible benefits for portable gaming. Wait for a sale, and this becomes one of the best gaming storage options available. Buy at current pricing only if you need the drive immediately and prioritise battery life above all else.