Which PCIe Gen4 SSD is the better choice in 2026?
Both of these drives are modern, high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs aimed at mainstream and enthusiast buyers. They both deliver very fast storage for gaming, content creation, general computing, and business use.
But they are designed with slightly different goals in mind. This article breaks down the differences in a way that matters for real buyers, not just benchmark numbers.
1. What These Drives Are Designed For
WD Black SN7100
- A high-speed Gen4 SSD with a DRAM-less architecture that uses host system memory (HMB) instead of dedicated DRAM.
- Designed for efficiency, cooler operation, strong real-world performance, and great value in mainstream systems.
- Often marketed as an upgrade for gamers, creators, and everyday enthusiasts.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus
- A newer Samsung SSD designed to combine high Gen4 performance with modern features.
- Supports both PCIe Gen4 x4 and PCIe Gen5 x2 modes, but its practical performance in Gen4 systems is what matters here.
- Also uses DRAM-less design with HMB, like many high-performance mainstream drives today.
- Positioned slightly above the base EVO models in Samsung’s lineup with stronger sequential speed claims.
2. Architecture: NAND, DRAM, and Controller
NAND Type
Both drives use TLC NAND memory, which is a higher-end flash type compared to QLC:
- TLC generally gives better endurance and performance.
- This matters most for sustained workloads and lifespan.
DRAM Cache
- Neither drive has onboard DRAM — they both use Host Memory Buffer (HMB).
- HMB borrows a small portion of system RAM to help manage translations and reduce latency.
- This design is common in modern mainstream performance SSDs to improve efficiency and lower cost.
In short: DRAM-less doesn’t mean slow — both drives perform very well for real tasks.
3. Performance Numbers Explained
These numbers are manufacturer-rated “up to” figures. Real-world performance may vary slightly, but the relative comparison holds.
WD Black SN7100 (capacity dependent)
- Sequential Read: up to ~7250 MB/s
- Sequential Write: up to ~6900 MB/s
Samsung 990 EVO Plus
- Sequential Read: up to ~7250 MB/s
- Sequential Write: up to ~6300 MB/s
What this means for you:
- Both drives are extremely fast and in the same performance class for read speeds.
- In most peak read scenarios, they are almost neck and neck.
- SN7100’s write performance is a bit higher in rated figures.
4. Real-World Use Cases
Boot Times & Everyday Responsiveness
- Both drives feel instantaneous for operating system booting and launching apps.
- Everyday users will not notice a meaningful difference in start times or app loading between them.
Gaming
- Both deliver excellent game load performance and texture streaming speed.
- Differences in real games will typically be small and not critical unless you are comparing frame times or very specific scenarios.
Professional Tasks
- For large file transfers, video editing scratch disks, and sustained workloads:
- SN7100 generally maintains very high throughput.
- 990 EVO Plus is slightly more tuned toward broader compatibility and balanced performance across tasks.
Overall: Both drives handle everyday and heavy workloads very well, but peak sustained write performance leans slightly in SN7100’s favor based on manufacturer figures.
5. Power and Thermal Behavior
Both SSDs are designed for efficiency, but subtle differences exist:
WD Black SN7100
- Typically praised for cooler operation and lower power draw compared to older high-end drives.
- Great choice for laptops and compact desktops where heat and power are a concern.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus
- Still efficient, but its design balances Gen4 and broader interface support.
- Very good thermally, especially with proper airflow.
In practice: both are excellent in thermal behavior, but SN7100’s focus on efficiency often results in cooler real-world operation.
6. Endurance and Warranty
These drives support similar durability expectations, suitable for many years of daily use:
- 1 TB endurance: ~600 TBW
- 2 TB endurance: ~1200 TBW
- Warranty: 5 years (limited) for both
This means both are built to handle heavy daily workloads — suitable for gamers, creators, and business users alike.
7. Key Differences Buyers Should Know
| Feature | WD Black SN7100 | Samsung 990 EVO Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Max Read | ~7250 MB/s | ~7250 MB/s |
| Rated Max Write | ~6900 MB/s | ~6300 MB/s |
| DRAM | No (HMB) | No (HMB) |
| Best for | Cooler, efficient builds | Balanced Gen4 performance |
| Real heavy sustained write | Slightly stronger | Strong |
| Brand ecosystem | WD Black performance line | Samsung EVO mainstream |
8. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose WD Black SN7100 if:
✔ You want maximum Gen4 sequential performance
✔ You are building a laptop or compact cooler system
✔ You want efficiency and speed balance in everyday and heavy tasks
✔ You value strong real-world sustained write bandwidth
Choose Samsung 990 EVO Plus if:
✔ You prefer Samsung’s firmware tuning and ecosystem
✔ You want an extremely versatile high-speed SSD
✔ You are upgrading across multiple platforms
✔ You want a well-rounded high-performance mainstream Gen4 drive
In many real tasks, both drives deliver excellent performance — the difference is usually subtle.
9. Final Summary for Buyers
- Both SSDs are excellent PCIe Gen4 drives with very fast reads and writes.
- SN7100 tends to have slightly higher rated write speeds.
- Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus is a strong, well-rounded performer with very capable speeds and broad compatibility.
- Both are appropriate for gaming, content creation, and professional workloads.
There is no wrong choice — only slightly different strengths.