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- Best overall: Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink
- Best budget: Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Best premium: WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink: Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB reaches up to 14,900 MB/s sequential reads and is the speed-focused alternative.
- Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB offers up to 14,700 MB/s sequential reads, with a version that includes a heatsink.
- Both drives need a compatible PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach their advertised peak speeds.
- Capacity, motherboard cooling and the price gap matter more than small differences in headline speed.
- Eight PCIe 5.0 SSD choices cover desktop upgrades, demanding creative work and value-focused builds.
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB and WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB are two fast PCIe 5.0 SSDs to compare for Black Friday 2026, with advertised sequential reads of up to 14,700 MB/s and 14,900 MB/s respectively. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify the best fit for gaming PCs, workstations and storage upgrades.
The difference between these drives is more than a two-hundred-megabyte-per-second read-speed gap: cooling, available capacities, bundled heatsinks and your motherboard all affect the buying decision. The guide also considers six alternatives, explains the specifications that matter, and offers practical shopping advice without treating a headline speed as a promise of everyday gains.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-listed sequential read and write speeds, capacity options and endurance ratings where available.
- Prioritized PCIe 5.0 M.2 drives with clear specifications and a defined role for gaming, creator work or general upgrades.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product documentation for notes on heat, cooling requirements, compatibility and installation.
- Considered whether a heatsink is included, since motherboard M.2 covers and case airflow change what a buyer needs.
- Favored choices that make sense as Black Friday 2026 candidates based on useful features, rather than headline speed alone.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Sequential read (MB/s) | Sequential write (MB/s) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink | Desktop cooling included | 14,700 | 13,400 | 2TB |
| WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Top listed read speed | 14,900 | 14,000 | 2TB |
| Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Large libraries | 14,800 | 13,400 | 4TB |
| WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | High-capacity speed | 14,900 | 14,000 | 4TB |
| Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink | Included cooling | 14,500 | 12,700 | 2TB |
| Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Fast 2TB alternative | 14,800 | 14,000 | 2TB |
| Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | A cooled PCIe 5.0 build | 14,000 | 12,000 | 2TB |
| Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Practical PCIe 5.0 upgrade | 10,000 | 10,000 | 2TB |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is the best all-around pick for a fast desktop upgrade, with sequential reads up to 14,700 MB/s. The included heatsink simplifies cooling when a motherboard cover is not the preferred solution.
Best for: A high-speed desktop build needing an included heatsink
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,700 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 13,400 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Strong sequential read and write specifications
- Integrated heatsink helps manage drive temperature
- 2TB capacity suits a game library and work files
- A PCIe 5.0 slot is required for peak throughput
- Heatsink height needs clearance in the M.2 area
Is the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is worth considering for a compatible desktop that needs fast storage and simple cooling. The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink's 14,700 MB/s maximum sequential read rating and included heatsink make the feature set easy to assess.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best speed-first pick for a PCIe 5.0 desktop, with sequential reads up to 14,900 MB/s. The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's high rated read and write speeds suit demanding file transfers and workstation use.
Best for: Speed-focused desktop upgrades
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,900 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 14,000 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Highest listed sequential read speed among these two lead picks
- Fast rated write speed for large transfers
- 2TB capacity fits a broad range of PC builds
- Plan for effective M.2 cooling
- Performance depends on a compatible PCIe 5.0 system
Is the WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a strong buy for a compatible system where fast sequential transfers matter. The drive is rated for reads up to 14,900 MB/s and writes up to 14,000 MB/s, so cooling and slot support should guide the choice.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best high-capacity choice for a workstation or large game library, with sequential reads up to 14,800 MB/s. The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's 4TB capacity keeps more active projects and games on one drive.
Best for: Large libraries and active project storage
- Capacity
- 4TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,800 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 13,400 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Generous 4TB storage capacity
- High rated sequential throughput
- Useful for multiple large games and media projects
- Requires good M.2 cooling under sustained workloads
- A 4TB drive is more storage than many users need
Is the Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is worth a look for users who need substantial fast local storage. The Samsung 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's 4TB capacity and 14,800 MB/s maximum sequential read rating make it a practical single-drive option for large libraries and active projects.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best high-capacity speed pick for demanding desktop users, with sequential reads up to 14,900 MB/s. The combination of 4TB capacity and high listed write speed supports large working libraries.
Best for: High-capacity, high-throughput desktop storage
- Capacity
- 4TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,900 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 14,000 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- 4TB capacity for large files and game collections
- High sequential read and write ratings
- Fits a performance-oriented PCIe 5.0 PC
- Check case airflow and M.2 heatsink support
- Peak speeds require a compatible PCIe 5.0 slot
Is the WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a good fit for users who need both fast transfer specifications and room for large files. The WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's 14,900 MB/s maximum sequential read rating and 4TB capacity are the key reasons to shortlist it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is the best alternative for buyers who want a bundled cooling solution, with sequential reads up to 14,500 MB/s. The included heatsink suits a desktop without a preferred motherboard M.2 cover.
Best for: A fast desktop upgrade with included cooling
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,500 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 12,700 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Heatsink-equipped configuration is available
- Fast sequential read specification
- 2TB offers a useful middle ground for storage
- Check heatsink clearance before installation
- Peak throughput depends on system support and cooling
Is the Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Crucial T705 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is worth considering for a desktop that needs a fast drive and bundled cooling. The 14,500 MB/s rated sequential read speed is strong, while the heatsink adds convenience for compatible builds.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best alternative for users balancing high throughput with a 2TB capacity, with sequential reads up to 14,800 MB/s. The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's specifications place it near the top tier of PCIe 5.0 drives.
Best for: A high-speed 2TB desktop build
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,800 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 14,000 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Very high listed sequential read and write speeds
- 2TB capacity suits gaming and creative use
- A strong competitor to the lead Samsung and WD drives
- Requires a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for peak speeds
- Confirm the motherboard provides adequate cooling
Is the Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is worth shortlisting for a compatible PC that needs top-tier sequential throughput. The Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's rated read speed reaches 14,800 MB/s, and the 2TB capacity is practical for a main games or work drive.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best fit for a performance-focused build already planned around active M.2 cooling, with sequential reads up to 14,000 MB/s. The drive pairs a fast interface with a straightforward 2TB capacity.
Best for: A PCIe 5.0 build with planned M.2 cooling
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 14,000 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 12,000 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Fast PCIe 5.0 sequential performance
- 2TB capacity works well as a primary drive
- Useful option for a system with a motherboard heatsink
- Cooling should be part of the build plan
- Top sequential speeds are below the fastest entries here
Is the Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is worth considering for a PCIe 5.0 desktop with suitable M.2 cooling. The Corsair MP700 PRO SE 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's maximum sequential read rating is 14,000 MB/s, and its 2TB capacity offers room for games, software and active files.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is the best pick for buyers who want a capable PCIe 5.0 drive without chasing the highest advertised speed, with sequential reads up to 10,000 MB/s. The Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD's 2TB capacity suits a broad range of desktop upgrades.
Best for: A practical PCIe 5.0 upgrade
- Capacity
- 2TB
- Sequential read
- Up to 10,000 MB/s
- Sequential write
- Up to 10,000 MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe
- Balanced 10,000 MB/s read and write ratings
- 2TB capacity provides useful everyday storage
- A sensible alternative to top-speed models
- Lower peak sequential speeds than the lead picks
- System cooling and slot support still matter
Is the Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Seagate FireCuda 540 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is worth considering when a 10,000 MB/s-rated drive meets the workload and the Black Friday value is compelling. The 2TB capacity makes it a versatile desktop option for games and everyday files.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is faster, Samsung 9100 PRO or WD_BLACK SN8100?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD lists sequential read and write speeds of 14,900 MB/s and 14,000 MB/s. The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink lists 14,700 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write.
These are maximum sequential speeds, not a measure of every everyday task. Both drives need compatible PCIe 5.0 hardware and effective cooling. Choose based on capacity and heatsink fit as well as rated speed.
Is the Samsung 9100 PRO a better Black Friday 2026 buy?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink suits buyers who want an included cooler and a 2TB drive. Samsung also offers a 4TB configuration.
Compare the exact capacity and heatsink version. Check whether your motherboard already has an M.2 cooler and whether 2TB meets your storage needs.
Who should choose the WD_BLACK SN8100?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD suits desktop users who prioritize high sequential throughput and have compatible M.2 cooling. Its listed speeds are 14,900 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write; a 4TB version is also available.
Check that your motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 before choosing this drive. For PCIe 4.0 systems or everyday gaming and office use, a compatible SSD with enough capacity can be a more balanced choice.
Do PCIe 5.0 SSDs need a heatsink?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink includes a cooler. Other drives need a compatible heatsink from the SSD or motherboard, particularly during sustained high-speed work.
Check your motherboard manual for M.2 cooler dimensions and clearance. Avoid stacking a drive heatsink beneath a motherboard cover, and make sure the selected configuration fits securely.
What matters more than headline SSD speed?
Capacity, PCIe compatibility and cooling matter alongside sequential speed. Check your motherboard’s M.2 generation, supported drive length, available slots and heatsink clearance. Consider 2TB for a general library or 4TB for larger collections and projects.
Sequential ratings describe large, continuous transfers, not every task. Compare Black Friday 2026 listings by exact model, capacity, cooling and warranty terms. Keep backups regardless of drive size.
Buying Guide
Confirm your M.2 slot
Check the motherboard manual for PCIe generation, drive length and lane limits. A PCIe 5.0 x4 slot is needed to target the drive’s full advertised throughput.
Choose capacity for your library
A 2TB SSD suits many gaming and work PCs; 4TB offers more room for large projects and game collections. Check your current storage use before choosing.
Match the heatsink to the board
Compare the exact SSD version with your motherboard’s M.2 cover. Confirm the cooler fits and makes proper contact without stacking components.
Compare the whole configuration
For Black Friday 2026, compare capacity, heatsink, warranty and exact model name alongside speed. Choose a configuration that fits your system.
Keep real-world use in perspective
Sequential ratings focus on large transfers. Everyday users should prioritize compatibility and capacity; creators moving large files can prioritize throughput.
FAQ
Samsung 9100 PRO vs WD_BLACK SN8100: which SSD is faster?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD has the higher rated sequential read speed at 14,900 MB/s, compared with 14,700 MB/s for the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink. The WD model also lists faster sequential writes.
Is the Samsung 9100 PRO good for gaming?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is a capable gaming drive for a compatible PC, with a 2TB capacity and sequential reads up to 14,700 MB/s. Confirm your motherboard supports the drive and can accommodate its heatsink.
Is the WD_BLACK SN8100 compatible with a PCIe 4.0 motherboard?
The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD can operate in a compatible backward-compatible M.2 slot, but a PCIe 4.0 system does not provide PCIe 5.0 speeds. Check the motherboard documentation for supported M.2 drives and installation details.
Should I buy a 2TB or 4TB PCIe 5.0 SSD?
A 2TB drive such as the Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink suits a broad mix of apps, games and files. Choose a 4TB model such as the WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD when larger libraries need fast local storage.
Do I need the heatsink version of the Samsung 9100 PRO?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is a convenient choice when the build needs a drive-side cooler. A motherboard heatsink can also work with a compatible bare-drive configuration; check clearance and the board's installation guidance first.
Which PCIe 5.0 SSD is best for Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with Heatsink is a strong all-around Black Friday 2026 pick for a compatible desktop, with up to 14,700 MB/s sequential reads. The WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD is a better match for buyers prioritizing the highest listed read speed.