SanDisk announced a unified naming and branding strategy for its NVMe SSD product line at CES 2026. The new SANDISK Optimus family is a unified brand of client SSDs for gamers, creators and professionals, replacing the existing WD_BLACK and WD Blue brands. The family consists of three grades: SANDISK Optimus, SANDISK Optimus GX and SANDISK Optimus GX PRO.
SanDisk is positioning the Optimus brand as a framework that provides a more intuitive understanding of performance ratings, workload optimization, and target use cases. The company is refreshing its product packaging and design to reflect its new brand image while maintaining the engineering and reliability characteristics that existing WD_BLACK and WD Blue users have come to expect. This is intended to create a scalable platform that can accommodate future embedded SSD products, especially as client workflows such as gaming, content creation, and AI-based PC configuration continue to evolve.
The SANDISK Optimus basic line is designed for users who value a balance between performance and price. This family is ideal for content creators and general work environments who want fast, smooth system responsiveness without requiring high-performance gaming or workstation specifications. The Optimus line replaces the WD Blue NVMe family (including the WD Blue SN5100 NVMe SSD) and is positioned as the default performance option for desktop and laptop users where consistent throughput and responsiveness are important purchasing criteria.
SANDISK Optimus GX is a family of high-performance SSDs for gaming systems. Developed based on the WD_BLACK gaming portfolio, including the WD_BLACK SN7100 NVMe SSD, it is optimized for fast loading speeds, large game libraries, and efficient power consumption on the latest gaming PCs and laptops. SANDISK aims to provide gaming SSD options specific to its brand, targeting users who value frame rates and loading speeds, as well as OEMs and channel partners building gaming PCs.
The top-of-the-line SANDISK Optimus GX PRO is designed for high-performance AI-accelerated client platforms, including AI PCs, workstations, and high-performance gaming systems. This family succeeds the more advanced WD_BLACK family, such as the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD. Equipped with advanced storage technology and large capacity, it supports demanding developer workflows, professional content creation, and high-end gaming environments. The GX PRO family is built for technical professionals who value sustained performance across a variety of workloads and build systems that need to handle large data sets, complex applications, and emerging AI use cases.
product specifications
| Specifications | 1TB | 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and model | ||
| capacity | 1TB | 2TB |
| model number | SDSP71100TAT | SDSP71200TAT |
| platform | ||
| form factor | M.2 2230-S3-M | |
| interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe 2.0 | |
| nand | SanDisk TLC 3D CBA NAND | |
| DRAM cache | host memory buffer | |
| SLC cache | SanDisk nCache 4.0 | |
| performance | ||
| Sequential read (1MB) Queue Depth=8, Thread=1 |
7,250 MB/s | 7,250 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (1MB) Queue Depth=8, Thread=1 |
6,900 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s |
| Random reads (4KB) Queue Depth=32, Threads=16 |
1 million IOPS | 1 million IOPS |
| Random writes (4KB) Queue Depth=32, Threads=16 |
1.3 million IOPS | 1.3 million IOPS |
| output of power | ||
| Average active power (reading) | 3.5 wins | 3.7 wins |
| Average active power (write) | 3.8 wins | 4.0 wins |
| Sleep (PS4) | 5 mW | |
| reliability | ||
| Endurance (TBW) | 800 | 1,200 |
| MTTF (maximum) | 1.75 million hours | |
| limited warranty | 5 years | |
| regulation | ||
| Product specifications | BSMI, CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B), CB-Scheme, CE, FCC, KCC, Morocco, RCM, TÜV, UL, VCCI, UKCA | |
| RoHS compliance | possible | |
| security | Pyrite 2.01, ATA Secure Passthrough over NVMe | |
| Recommended Software | SANDISK Dashboard (Windows only), Acronis True Image for SANDISK software | |
| environment | ||
| operating temperature | 32ºF ~ 185ºF (0ºC ~ 85ºC) | |
| non-operating temperature | -40ºF ~ 185ºF(-40ºC ~ 85ºC) | |
| working vibration | 5gRMS, 10-2000Hz, 3-axis | |
| Non-operating vibration | 4.9gRMS, 7-800Hz, 3-axis | |
| impact | 1,500G @ 0.5ms half sine wave | |
| Dimensions (M.2 2230) | ||
| width | 22 mm | |
| height | 2.38 mm | |
SanDisk executives describe the SANDISK Optimus rebrand as a rationalization of its client SSD portfolio and an opportunity to clarify performance and market positioning for customers and partners. The new name is an evolution that better reflects the maturity of the product lineup and makes it easier for buyers to find the right SKU for their specific workloads.
The transition from the WD_BLACK and WD Blue brands to SANDISK Optimus will begin immediately, and drives under the new brand name will be available at select retailers worldwide in the first half of 2026.
For additional details please visit: SanDisk Optimus.com.
