A fast processor and powerful graphics card can only do so much if storage becomes the slowest part of the PC. This matters even more for gaming, video editing, large file transfers and demanding professional workloads.

SanDisk has now launched two new internal SSDs in India the SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 and SanDisk Optimus GX 7100. Both are designed for gamers, creators and professionals looking for faster storage performance.

The Optimus name may sound new, and that is because SanDisk has refreshed the branding of its internal SSD lineup following its separation from Western Digital. The familiar WD Black and WD Blue branding is being replaced by the new SanDisk Optimus family.

The GX Pro 8100 takes the place of the WD Black SN8100, while the GX 7100 carries forward the gaming-focused approach of the earlier WD Black SN7100.

SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 Price in India

The SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 is the more powerful drive in the new lineup. It uses a PCIe 5.0 NVMe interface, giving it much higher bandwidth compared to older PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

SanDisk claims sequential read speeds of up to 14,900MB/s, while sequential write speeds can reach up to 14,000MB/s.

SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 8100 NVMe™ SSD 1TB, M.2 2280, With Heatsink
SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 8100 NVMe™ SSD 1TB, M.2 2280, With Heatsink

To put that into perspective, an older SATA SSD generally tops out at around 550MB/s. The GX Pro 8100 is therefore aimed at users working with much larger files and more demanding workloads.

The SSD is available in capacities of up to 8TB. SanDisk also claims endurance of up to 4,800 TBW for the 8TB model.

TBW means Terabytes Written. It gives an idea of how much data can be written to an SSD during its expected working life. A higher TBW figure is useful for users who frequently move, edit or process large amounts of data.

SanDisk also offers the GX Pro 8100 with an anodised aluminium heatsink. This version is useful for systems running heavy workloads for long periods, as the heatsink can help manage temperatures and reduce the chances of performance dropping due to heat.

In India, the 1TB SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 without a heatsink is priced at INR 34,999.

SanDisk Optimus GX 7100 Price in India

The SanDisk Optimus GX 7100 is positioned below the GX Pro 8100. It is mainly aimed at gamers and PC users who want fast storage but do not necessarily need the extra bandwidth offered by PCIe 5.0.

This SSD uses the PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface.

On the 1TB and 2TB versions, SanDisk claims sequential read speeds of up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900MB/s.

SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe™ SSD 500GB, M.2 2280
SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe™ SSD 500GB, M.2 2280

These speeds are still more than enough for gaming, fast application loading, large file transfers and general high-performance PC use.

The drive also uses nCache 4.0 technology. This caching system helps improve performance during short bursts of heavy writing, such as when copying a large game installation or moving big folders containing photos and videos.

The GX 7100 will be available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, giving buyers several options depending on storage requirements and budget.

The 1TB SanDisk Optimus GX 7100 is priced at INR 26,799 in India.

SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 vs GX 7100 Specifications

SpecificationSanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100SanDisk Optimus GX 7100
InterfacePCIe 5.0 x4, NVMePCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe
Sequential read speedUp to 14,900MB/sUp to 7,250MB/s
Sequential write speedUp to 14,000MB/sUp to 6,900MB/s
Capacity optionsUp to 8TB500GB to 4TB
EnduranceUp to 4,800 TBW on 8TB modelNot specified for India launch
Heatsink optionYes, anodised aluminiumNot applicable
Best suited forAI workstations, creator PCs and high-end gaming rigsGaming PCs, laptops and high-performance everyday systems
India price for 1TBINR 34,999INR 26,799

What Do PCIe, NVMe and TBW Mean?

Some of the terms used with SSDs can look confusing, so here is a simple explanation.

NVMe, or Non-Volatile Memory Express, is a protocol designed specifically for fast SSDs. It allows the storage drive to communicate over the PCIe interface instead of using the much slower SATA connection found on older SSDs and hard drives.

PCIe generation tells you which version of the PCI Express standard the drive supports. Newer generations offer more bandwidth. This is why a PCIe 5.0 SSD such as the GX Pro 8100 can deliver almost twice the sequential speed of a PCIe 4.0 drive like the GX 7100.

Sequential speed is mainly important when moving large files. Video projects, game installations and other big files can benefit from higher sequential read and write speeds.

Random performance, usually measured in IOPS, tells you how quickly an SSD can handle lots of small files and requests. This has a bigger impact on everyday things such as opening applications, loading Windows and multitasking.

TBW, or Terabytes Written, indicates how much data can be written to an SSD over its expected lifespan.

SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 or GX 7100: Which One Should You Buy?

The SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 makes more sense for users building a high-end system where storage performance really matters.

It is better suited for AI workstations, professional content creation, large video projects and premium gaming PCs, especially if the system already supports PCIe 5.0.

For regular gaming and everyday high-performance use, the SanDisk Optimus GX 7100 is likely to be the more practical choice.

Its PCIe 4.0 speeds are already very fast, and many games will not show a major real-world improvement simply by moving to a faster PCIe 5.0 SSD.

It is also a good option for compatible gaming laptops and other systems where PCIe 4.0 support is already available.

Before buying either drive, make sure your motherboard or laptop supports the required PCIe generation and M.2 NVMe SSD format.

Where to Buy

Both SSDs are being introduced through retail channels in India.

You can check the latest price and availability of the SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100 on Amazon.

The SanDisk Optimus GX 7100 is also available to check through this Amazon listing page.

At INR 34,999 for the 1TB GX Pro 8100 and INR 26,799 for the 1TB GX 7100, both drives sit firmly in the premium SSD segment. The GX Pro 8100 is clearly built for users chasing maximum speed, while the GX 7100 offers a more balanced option for gaming and everyday high-performance PCs.