This 4TB NVMe SSD for PC gaming is nearly 65% cheaper than usual, but only for a limited time

A futuristic spiral design features multiple WD_BLACK SN710 NVMe SSDs with 4TB capacity, arranged in layers, emitting a warm glow against a circuit board backdrop. — (Image credit: WD_Black | Edited with Gemini)

SSD storage has recently been hit with price hikes caused by global supply chain issues and shortages, and just like RAM, an SSD has become one of the most expensive components in a PC.

One of the most popular and well-rated M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives, straight from the WD_Black factory, is enjoying a massive discount right now. A 4TB model has dropped from $1,413.99 at Best Buy to just $499.99, while 1TB and 2TB models have also fallen to half their regular price over at Amazon.

Can I use the WD_Black SN7100 for PC gaming?

Close-up of a WD Black SN770 SSD resting on its packaging. The sleek black design and visible circuit components highlight its advanced technology. — PC Gamer rated the SN7100 at a 92% score in its positive review. (Image credit: Future | PC Gamer)

Sandisk's WD_Black lineup of SSDs is indeed built for PC gaming, whether you're rocking a laptop or a desktop rig.

A combination of PCIe 4.0 and Sandisk's 3D TLC NAND provides superb performance, with the 4TB model reaching 7,000MB/s read and 6,700 MB/s write speeds. Performance only improves on the 1TB and 2TB models, hitting 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write speeds.

Endurance is also in line with top storage options, delivering a 600TBW rating for each terabyte of storage. For the 4TB model, that means you should realistically be able to write 2,400TB to the drive before a risk of failure. Not bad at all. The drives also come with a five-year warranty, should anything go wrong unexpectedly.

Our friends at PC Gamer reviewed the SN7100 1TB model, remarking:

"Despite product stack confusion, WD's latest Black SN7100 delivers some seriously impressive performance, particularly on the read front. It's cool, delivers where it needs to and is aggressively priced. Perfect for any gaming PC or console."

I haven't found a better price on these SN7100 SSDs anywhere else than Best Buy and Amazon, but do note that the sales are expected to end this weekend. That could change, but if you're interested, I recommend not waiting too long.

Having enough storage in a gaming PC is a struggle with which I can relate, and with prices normally so high these days, I'm seriously considering picking up one of these drives for myself while they're on sale at such a steep discount.

Does the WD_Black SN7100 SSD work in gaming handhelds?

In most cases, no, an M.2 2280 SSD will not work in gaming handhelds. However, there are some exceptions. The Xbox Ally and Ally X notably support M.2 2280 SSDs.

The ASUS ROG Ally X can make use of a full-size M.2 SSD with the help of an adapter, and some others, including those from GPD and AYANEO, support 2280 SSDs natively.

Does the WD_Black SN7100 SSD work in laptops?

Assuming your laptop has an open (or upgradeable) M.2 2280 slot inside, this SN7100 SSD should work fine.

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Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than nine years of experience writing about PC gaming, Windows laptops, accessories, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.