The SanDisk Optimus GX7100M emerges as a compelling contender in the realm of small form factor storage, specifically designed to enhance the performance of gaming handheld devices. This PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers remarkable sequential read and write speeds, significantly outperforming many of its predecessors and even some full-sized desktop counterparts. While its random performance doesn't quite match the top-tier Gen 5 drives, its overall responsiveness, particularly in game loading scenarios, makes it an attractive upgrade. However, consumers should be mindful of its higher price point, a reflection of both its advanced technology and current market trends in solid-state drive pricing.
Introduced as SanDisk's foray into the highly competitive small form factor SSD market, the Optimus GX7100M represents a new chapter for the brand, following the spin-off of Western Digital's gaming SSD division. Historically, similar drives might have been seen under the WD Black label, such as the WD_Black SN770M. The GX7100M, a M.2 2230-sized drive, is perfectly suited for compact devices like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Xbox Ally, where space is at a premium. The reviewed 2TB model, available for approximately £402.99 / $449.99, reflects the fluctuating and generally elevated prices in the SSD market over the past year.
Key features of the SanDisk Optimus GX7100M include its compact M.2 2230 form factor, making it ideal for portable gaming consoles. It adheres to the PCIe 4.0 standard, pushing the boundaries of what this generation of technology can offer in terms of speed, even if it doesn't quite reach Gen 5 levels. SanDisk also provides a robust five-year warranty, coupled with commendable endurance ratings (1200TBW for the 2TB model), offering users peace of mind regarding the drive's longevity and reliability. The drive uses layered TLC NAND and employs Host Memory Buffer (HMB) instead of a dedicated DRAM cache, a common design choice for more cost-effective drives that leverages system RAM for caching.
Performance benchmarks reveal the Optimus GX7100M's strengths. In CrystalDiskMark 8, sequential read speeds reached an impressive 7367.03 MB/s and write speeds hit 6971.36 MB/s, surpassing SanDisk's official quoted figures. This places it ahead of the SN770M and slightly above the SN7100 in sequential operations. Real-world tests further underscored its efficiency, with a 120GB file transfer completing in just 40.5 seconds, and the Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker benchmark loading in a swift 7.86 seconds. While its 4K random performance is somewhat lower than some high-end alternatives, and PCMark 10 results were more aligned with value-oriented drives, the GX7100M still offers a highly responsive experience for its intended use case.
In conclusion, the SanDisk Optimus GX7100M stands out as an exceptional small form factor PCIe 4.0 SSD. It delivers impressive sequential speeds and rapid game loading times, representing a significant advancement over older M.2 2230 drives and holding its own against larger desktop SSDs. Despite the current high market prices for SSDs, which might make its initial cost a consideration, its performance and compact design make it an outstanding choice for those looking to upgrade their gaming handhelds. For general PC or PS5 use, comparable M.2 2280 drives might offer similar performance for less, but for the specific needs of portable gaming devices, the Optimus GX7100M is a formidable option.
