Rebranding doesn't have to be harmful; it can breathe new life into an existing product and spark consumer interest. The Optimus series launches with a small 5% premium over the original models' MSRP. Understandably, Sandisk must invest resources in redesigning and marketing its Optimus drives. Like every company, Sandisk wants to recoup its investments.
The Optimus GX Pro 8100, which replaces the venerable WD Black SN8100 , is the first model to reach the U.S. retailers. It's the flagship series, and the original WD Black line is what put the company on the map, so it's sensible to lead with the Optimus GX Pro series. The 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB drives sell for $459, $919, and $1,799, respectively. The Optimus GX Pro 8100 is also available on Amazon, but the retailer has added a significant markup.
Amazon is selling the Optimus GX Pro 8100 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB for $499, $999, and $1,949, respectively. They are up to 9% more expensive than prices on Sandisk's online store. The Optimus GX Pro 8100 also comes with an optional heatsink, but those SKUs carry a 2% premium on top of the already inflated prices.
The Optimus GX 7100 and Optimus 5100 replace the WD Black SN7100 and WD Blue SN5100 , respectively. For now, you can purchase them directly from Sandisk. However, it shouldn't be long before they reach the other U.S. retailers.
The previous WD color-based drives will continue to coexist with the rebranded counterparts until the former's inventory depletes. Sandisk has already started to phase out the WD Black and WD Blue series, so once they go out of stock, you won't have a chance to buy them anymore. Nonetheless, the company will continue to provide product support and warranty for WD-colored models before and after this new chapter in Sandisk's history.
The Optimus models come in different designs, but the original models' performance and other features remain unchanged. Therefore, you aren't losing anything; on the contrary, you could save hundreds of dollars by sticking to the previous versions. Since the phase-out of WD Black and WD Blue models began, they're now more affordable than the Optimus that recently came off the grill.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/sandisks-rebranded-optimus-ssds-now-available-at-usd999-for-2tb-usd1-9459-for-4tb-pcie-5-optimus-brings-a-5-percent-msrp-over-previous-models-but-wd-black-predecessors-can-still-be-found-for-less#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.