Do I need a heatsink for the SN8100?

Yes for sustained Gen 5 workloads. This version ships without one, so use your motherboard's M.2 heatsink or an add-in card to avoid throttling during long writes.

Will it work in a Gen 4 slot?

It fits and works, but it will run at Gen 4 speeds, roughly half the rated sequential throughput. You need a PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slot to reach the advertised figures.

Is it compatible with a laptop?

The no-heatsink model fits laptops with an M.2 2280 M-key slot and enough clearance. Check that your laptop supports Gen 5 or accept Gen 4 speeds.

How does it compare with the Samsung 9100 Pro?

Both are top-tier Gen 5 drives. The SN8100 is generally more power-efficient and runs cooler, while the Samsung is close on peak speed and offers its own heatsink options.

The drive itself, without a heatsink or mounting screws. You supply cooling and any mounting hardware your motherboard requires.

Is 4TB enough for a gaming build?

For most players, yes. It holds a large game library plus recordings, though heavy modding or video work can still fill it.

What do buyers say about the WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD, without Heatsink?

Rated 3 out of 5 from 4 ratings.

Where can I buy the WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD, without Heatsink?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Newegg, Best Buy.

WD BLACK

WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD, without Heatsink

Q: Where is the WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD, without Heatsink cheapest?

At Newegg, for $717.78, 17% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$717.78at NeweggChecked 11 h ago

17% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Visit Newegg

What reviewers say

Reviewers rate the SN8100 among the fastest Gen 5 consumer SSDs and single out its efficiency, since it delivers top speeds without the power draw and heat of some rivals. Owners praise the speed and capacity, while the main complaints are heat in bare-drive installs and the need for a Gen 5 slot to see the benefit.

What people mention

SpeedPraisedReviewers describe it as one of the fastest consumer SSDs, with sequential rates near the top of the Gen 5 class.
Power efficiencyPraisedIt draws less power than several earlier Gen 5 drives, which reviewers link to cooler running and better laptop behavior.
HeatMixedThe bare drive runs warm under sustained Gen 5 writes, so reviewers recommend a motherboard heatsink or add-in card.
CapacityPraisedOwners value getting 4TB in a single M.2 2280 slot for game libraries and large project files.
ValueMixedReviewers note the premium over Gen 4 drives buys little in everyday tasks, though it is competitive within the Gen 5 tier.

About the WD_BLACK 4TB SN8100 NVMe SSD, without Heatsink

Build your new gaming or workstation system with our cutting-edge PCIe® Gen 5 SSD, delivering blistering speeds up to 14,900 MB/s for demanding tasks like high-level gaming, professional content creation, and AI applications. As an industry-leader for PCIe® Gen 5 power efficiency, the WD_BLACK™ SN8100 NVMe™ SSD harnesses advanced TLC 3D CBA NAND technology to help ensure performance and reliability, while a low-power profile keeps your system running smoothly. Our new integrated heatsink features a signature WD_BLACK™ design and customizable RGB lighting. Engineered with anodized aluminum, double TIM pads, and a sleek low-profile design, it helps keep temperatures in check with a superior passive cooling design — no noisy fans or extra power cords required. With up to 4TB of storage and a suite of powerful features, this SSD is the ultimate upgrade for discerning users. Compatibility Windows 10+ Laptop PC's (without Heatsink model only) and Desktop PC's PC with M.2 (M-key) port, capable of taking M.2 2280 form factor Product Features