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Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD vs WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against NVMe SSDs at a similar price

The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD scores 7.0/10 overall, ahead of the Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD at 6.6/10.

The Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD leads on software.

The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD leads on performance and efficiency and thermals.

They score the same on endurance and warranty.

Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD

Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD

6.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Lexar EQ790 is a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 drive for buyers who want a long warranty and high endurance ratings at the 2TB size. It suits desktop builds and homelab machines where airflow is decent or a heatsink is fitted. It is less suited to anyone who needs steady writes over very large transfers or a laptop with tight cooling.

Typically about £134.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

WD_BLACK SN7100 NVMe SSD, 2TB

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD

7.0/10verdict: buy

The WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB is for buyers who want a PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 2280 drive with low power draw. It suits desktops and Windows machines where the Dashboard software is usable. Linux and macOS users, and anyone who needs a heatsink variant, should read the limitations first.

Typically about £270 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightLexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSDWD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD
Performance35%6/107/10
Endurance20%8/108/10
Warranty15%9/109/10
Efficiency and thermals15%5/107/10
Software15%5/104/10
Overall6.6/107.0/10

Specifications

SpecLexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSDWD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD
InterfacePCIe Gen4x4PCIe Gen 4x4 NVMe
Sequential readUp to 7000 MB/s (1TB)7,250 MB/s (up to)
Sequential writeUp to 6000 MB/s (1TB, base page; the heatsink page and a press report give 5000 MB/s)6,900 MB/s (up to)
Endurance (2TB)600 TBW (1TB); 1200 TBW (2TB)1,200 TBW (2TB)
Form factorM.2 2280, 80 x 22 x 2.45 mm (base model)M.2 2280
WarrantyFive-year limited warranty5-year limited (or Max Endurance TBW limit, whichever occurs first)

Strengths and weaknesses

Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD

  • + 1,200 TBW endurance rating at 2TB
  • + Five-year limited warranty
  • + Heatsink version available as a separate SKU
  • − Base model has no heatsink
  • − Throttling recorded once cache fills at 224 GB
  • − Sequential write figure conflicts between sources

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who move several hundred gigabytes in single transfers and need steady write speed.
  • Laptop owners with poor cooling who don't want a heatsink or can't fit one.
  • Anyone who needs published firmware tooling or an update history.
Read the full Lexar EQ790 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD review ›

WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD

  • + Rated 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write
  • + 1,200 TBW and a five-year warranty
  • + Low measured power draw during transfers
  • − Dashboard software is Windows-only
  • − No heatsink variant listed
  • − Owner complaints about laptop idle power and ASPM

Skip it if:

  • Linux or macOS users who want manufacturer health-monitoring software
  • Buyers who want a drive with a factory-fitted heatsink
  • Laptop owners who prioritise the lowest possible idle power
Read the full WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD review ›

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