At CES 2026, Sandisk introduced a consolidated naming and branding strategy for its internal NVMe SSD lineup. The new SANDISK Optimus family now serves as the umbrella brand for its client SSDs for gamers, creators, and professionals, replacing the legacy WD_BLACK and WD Blue labels in this segment. The portfolio is structured around three tiers: SANDISK Optimus, SANDISK Optimus GX, and SANDISK Optimus GX PRO.
Sandisk positions the Optimus brand as a more intuitive framework for understanding performance tiers, workload alignment, and target use cases. The company is updating product packaging and industrial design to reflect the new identity while maintaining the same underlying engineering and reliability characteristics that existing WD_BLACK and WD Blue users expect. The intent is to create a scalable platform that can accommodate future internal SSD offerings as client workflows continue to evolve, particularly in gaming, content creation, and AI-enabled PC configurations.
The base SANDISK Optimus line is aimed at users who need a balance of performance and cost. This tier targets content creators and everyday professional workloads that benefit from faster, smoother system responsiveness without requiring the high-end gaming or workstation specifications. The Optimus line replaces the WD Blue NVMe family, including the WD Blue SN5100 NVMe SSD. It is positioned as the default performance option in the stack, suitable for mainstream desktops and notebooks where consistent throughput and responsiveness are key buying criteria.
SANDISK Optimus GX is the performance tier dedicated to gaming-centric systems. This line builds on the WD_BLACK gaming portfolio, including the WD_BLACK SN7100 NVMe SSD. It is optimized for fast load times, large-capacity game libraries, and power-efficient operation in modern gaming rigs and laptops. SANDISK is targeting users who prioritize frame pacing and load times, as well as OEMs and channel partners building gaming-focused PCs that need a clearly branded, gaming-aligned SSD option.
At the top of the stack, the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO is positioned for high-performance, AI-accelerated client platforms, including AI PCs, workstations, and high-end gaming systems. This tier succeeds higher-end WD_BLACK SKUs, such as the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD. It is described as incorporating advanced storage technologies and higher capacities to support demanding developer workflows, professional content creation, and intensive gaming scenarios. The GX PRO line is intended for technical buyers who prioritize sustained performance under heavy, mixed workloads and are building systems that must handle large datasets, complex applications, and emerging AI use cases.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | 1TB | 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacities & 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, Threads=1 |
7,250 MB/s | 7,250 MB/s |
| Sequential Write (1MB) Queue Depth=8, Threads=1 |
6,900 MB/s | 6,900 MB/s |
| Random Read (4KB) Queue Depth=32, Threads=16 |
1M IOPS | 1M IOPS |
| Random Write (4KB) Queue Depth=32, Threads=16 |
1.3M IOPS | 1.3M IOPS |
| Power | ||
| Average Active Power (Read) | 3.5 W | 3.7 W |
| Average Active Power (Write) | 3.8 W | 4.0 W |
| Sleep (PS4) | 5 mW | |
| Reliability | ||
| Endurance (TBW) | 800 | 1,200 |
| MTTF (up to) | 1.75M Hours | |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years | |
| Regulatory | ||
| Certifications | BSMI, CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B), CB-Scheme, CE, FCC, KCC, Morocco, RCM, TÜV, UL, VCCI, UKCA | |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | |
| Security | Pyrite 2.01, ATA Security passthrough over NVMe | |
| Featured Software | SANDISK Dashboard (Windows only), Acronis True Image for SANDISK software | |
| Environmental | ||
| Operating Temperature | 32ºF to 185ºF (0ºC to 85ºC) | |
| Non-Operating Temperature | -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC) | |
| Operating Vibration | 5 gRMS, 10-2000 Hz, 3 axes | |
| Non-Operating Vibration | 4.9 gRMS, 7-800 Hz, 3 axes | |
| Shock | 1,500G @ 0.5 ms half-sine | |
| Dimensions (M.2 2230) | ||
| Width | 22 mm | |
| Height | 2.38 mm | |
Sandisk executives characterize the SANDISK Optimus rebrand as both a rationalization of the client SSD portfolio and an opportunity to clarify performance and segment positioning for customers and partners. It presents the new naming as an evolution that better reflects the maturity of its product lineup. Additionally, it makes it easier for buyers to match SKUs to specific workloads.
The transition from WD_BLACK and WD Blue branding to SANDISK Optimus begins immediately, with drives featuring the new identity expected to appear at select retailers worldwide in the first half of 2026.
For additional details, visit SandiskOptimus.com.
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