Crucial T710 vs WD Black SN8100 Which One to Choose
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In the fast-evolving world of storage solutions, the SSD (Solid State Drive) market is continually being revolutionized. Among the latest contenders are the WD Black SN8100 and the Crucial T710, both powerful Gen 5.0 SSDs that promise remarkable performance. However, with their distinct specifications and features, how do you decide which one is the right fit for your needs? This article will delve deep into their technical specifications, performance benchmarks, and practical implications to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding Theoretical Specifications
The theoretical specifications of an SSD often provide insight into its potential performance. The Crucial T710 utilizes Micron’s advanced 276-layer B68S FortisFlash TLC technology, designed for higher sequential write speeds, especially at lower capacities. This means that at the 1TB mark, the T710 can achieve write speeds up to 13,800 MB/s, while the SN8100 reaches up to 11,000 MB/s.
On the flip side, the WD Black SN8100 integrates Kioxia’s BiCS8 TLC technology, which, despite having fewer layers at 218, provides consistent performance at higher capacities (2TB and 4TB). Users can expect sequential write speeds that either match or exceed those of the T710 at these capacities, ensuring that the SN8100 maintains a competitive edge.
In summary, while the T710 is optimized for peak performance at lower capacities, the SN8100 excels in throughput consistency and endurance, especially when scaling up in size.
Benchmark Scores Comparison
Benchmark performance is a crucial factor in evaluating SSDs. Here’s a closer look at how the SN8100 and T710 stack up against each other across several benchmarks, specifically focusing on their 2TB variants:
PCMark10 Full Drive Benchmark
In the realm of real-world applications, the WD Black SN8100 significantly outperformed the Crucial T710, scoring 7694 compared to the T710’s 6583. This translates to an approximate 17% advantage in responsiveness and speed, impacting tasks such as application launches, file transfers, and OS boot times.
3DMark Storage Test for Gamers
In gaming scenarios, the differences were even more pronounced. The SN8100 achieved a score of 8100, while the T710 lagged behind at 6647, marking a 22% lead for the SN8100. This clearly indicates superior efficiency in handling data-intensive tasks, enhancing gameplay experience.
CrystalDiskMark Peak Sequential Read/Write Performance
When examining sequential performance, both drives performed similarly. Here are key points from the benchmark:
- Read speeds: T710 slightly ahead in QD1 read (9,737 MB/s vs. 9,609 MB/s).
- Write speeds: SN8100 exhibited better performance in QD8 writes (13,740 MB/s vs. 13,544 MB/s).
This indicates that while both SSDs are capable of high-speed transfers, the SN8100 shows its true strength in random access tasks.
CrystalDiskMark Peak Random Read/Write Performance
In light-load scenarios, the SN8100 consistently outperformed the T710, particularly in read operations at low queue depths, crucial for tasks like boot times and application launches. The T710, however, appealed more to read-heavy workloads, indicating a balance depending on user needs.
Factors Influencing Power Consumption and Efficiency
Power efficiency is increasingly crucial in SSD selection. The Crucial T710 boasts a higher throughput of 790 MB/s per watt, making it more efficient overall compared to the SN8100, which operates at 686 MB/s per watt.
However, the SN8100 has lower idle power consumption, ensuring it conserves energy when not in heavy use. Under load, the T710 uses more power, which is an essential consideration for users planning to run demanding applications.
Reliability Metrics: TBW, MTBF, and Warranty Period
Both SSDs feature similar specifications regarding Total Bytes Written (TBW), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and warranty periods, which typically indicate reliability. However, the SN8100 has a slight edge in MTBF, suggesting marginally better reliability. Here’s a brief overview:
| Metric | Crucial T710 | WD Black SN8100 |
|---|---|---|
| TBW | Similar | Similar |
| MTBF | Lower | Higher |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Technical Specifications Breakdown
When it comes to technical specifications, both SSDs are remarkably similar, featuring identical DRAM sizes, controllers, and NAND flash types. The controller in both models is the Silicon Motion SM2508, which utilizes an ARM Cortex-R8 quad-core processor.
Price Comparison
Price can often be a deciding factor in purchasing decisions. As of this writing, the Crucial T710 1TB variant typically retails around $154.99, while the WD Black SN8100 is available for approximately $149.99. Prices may vary, so it’s advisable to check current rates before making a final decision.
Final Verdict: Which one should you choose?
If the WD Black SN8100 is available at a lower price point than the T710, it is often considered the superior choice due to its better performance in a wide range of applications, especially for those engaged in content creation, gaming, or other performance-intensive tasks.
However, for the average consumer engaged in less demanding tasks, the Crucial T710 still offers excellent performance and might be a more economical option. It’s also worth noting that under heavy workloads, both drives can get quite hot, so investing in a heatsink variant is advisable for optimal performance.
Choosing between these two excellent SSDs ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the types of applications you run, your performance expectations, and any potential power consumption concerns as you make your decision.
For further insights, you can check out this informative video review:
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