Setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is a game-changer for anyone needing centralized data storage, robust backups, or a reliable media server. But to truly get the most out of your NAS, especially for demanding tasks like 4K video streaming, virtual machines, or speedy file access, the right storage drives are crucial. While traditional HDDs offer massive capacity at an affordable price, Solid State Drives (SSDs) bring unparalleled speed, silence, and durability to the table.
If you’re on the hunt for a high-performance, high-capacity solution, finding the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for NAS can significantly boost your system’s responsiveness. Many excellent SSDs under the SanDisk and WD_BLACK brands (both part of Western Digital) offer the perfect blend of speed and reliability.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 top 4TB SSDs from SanDisk and WD_BLACK, evaluating their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision for your NAS setup. We’ll explore various options, from internal drives designed for 24/7 operation to incredibly fast portable SSDs that can augment your NAS’s capabilities. Let’s get started!
Our Top 10 SanDisk & WD_BLACK 4TB SSD Picks
1. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD
This SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a fantastic choice if you need a super-fast, rugged external drive to complement your NAS. While it’s not designed to go inside your NAS bays, its blazing-fast NVMe performance makes it ideal for quick backups to or from your NAS, or for use as a high-speed external drive connected via USB-C for media editing projects where you pull files directly from your NAS. Its durable build means you can take your data anywhere with peace of mind.
Key Features:
– Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
– Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
– Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment.
– Password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.
– Easily manage files with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
Pros:
– Excellent portability and rugged design.
– Fast NVMe speeds for quick file transfers.
– Good data protection with encryption.
– Versatile for external use with NAS for backups or expanded storage.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for NAS bays.
– USB-C connectivity might require adapters for some older devices.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise its compact size, impressive speed for an external drive, and its robust build quality. Many find it invaluable for photography, videography, and as a reliable travel backup solution, often connecting it directly to their NAS for large data dumps.
2. WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a high-octane internal NVMe SSD that, while marketed for gaming, brings serious performance to a NAS that supports M.2 NVMe slots for caching or primary storage. Imagine your frequently accessed files, virtual machines, or Plex media server transcodes benefiting from these breakneck speeds! This drive is engineered for demanding workloads and offers impressive endurance, making it a solid contender for boosting your NAS’s internal muscle.
Key Features:
– Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
– PCIe Gen4 interface with SANDISK’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
– Multiple capacities up to 4TB.
– Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
– Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard for performance optimization.
– Up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model).
Pros:
– Extremely high read/write speeds for accelerated NAS operations.
– High endurance rating for reliable 24/7 NAS use.
– Power-efficient design.
– Ideal for NVMe cache pools or performance-focused storage in compatible NAS.
Cons:
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot in your NAS, which not all models have.
– Higher price point compared to SATA SSDs.
User Impressions:
Gamers love its speed for loading games, and NAS users find it excellent for caching duties, reporting noticeable improvements in responsiveness for file access and virtual machine performance. Its reliability under heavy load is frequently highlighted.
3. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD
Stepping up from the standard Extreme Portable, the SanDisk Extreme PRO offers even more incredible speeds, hitting up to 2000MB/s. This external marvel is perfect for professionals who need to move massive files quickly, whether you’re offloading footage from a shoot to your NAS or using it as a high-speed scratch disk for projects stored on your NAS. Its forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, ensuring sustained performance even during intense transfers, and its ruggedness means it’s ready for any adventure.
Key Features:
– Powerful NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
– Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained speeds.
– 5-year limited warranty.
– Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
– Handy carabiner loop for security.
– Easily manage files with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
Pros:
– Exceptional transfer speeds for an external drive.
– Durable and rugged, suitable for field use.
– Effective heat dissipation for consistent performance.
– Excellent for fast backups to/from NAS or as a mobile workspace.
Cons:
– Premium price for the performance.
– Still an external drive, not for internal NAS bays.
User Impressions:
Reviewers are blown away by its speed, often noting it performs as advertised or better. Professionals in media production, especially videographers and photographers, highly recommend it for its ability to handle large files and its robust build.
4. SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD
This is the second listing for the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, sharing the same excellent features as the first entry (Product 1). It’s a testament to its popularity and versatility. Once again, it shines as a superb external companion for your NAS. Imagine needing to quickly transfer a large photo library from your camera to your NAS, or setting up an encrypted backup of sensitive files from your NAS to take off-site. Its speed and toughness make it an ideal choice for these scenarios, providing that extra layer of security and convenience for your data.
Key Features:
– Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
– Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
– Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it.
– Password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.
– Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
Pros:
– Highly portable and resilient against drops, water, and dust.
– Fast NVMe speeds for efficient data movement.
– Hardware encryption adds a strong security layer.
– Perfect for external NAS backups or extending storage.
Cons:
– Not an internal NAS storage solution.
– Performance can vary based on host device.
User Impressions:
Customers consistently rate it highly for its portability, ruggedness, and reliable performance. It’s often chosen by users who need a robust external drive for large files, proving its worth whether connected directly to a computer or a NAS.
5. SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND 4TB Internal SSD
Now, this is an SSD designed to fit right inside your NAS! The SanDisk Ultra 3D NAND is a SATA III internal SSD, meaning it’s compatible with most standard 2.5-inch drive bays found in many NAS enclosures. It’s an excellent option for accelerating your NAS’s overall performance, offering faster boot-up times (if used for the NAS OS), snappier application loading, and quicker file access compared to traditional hard drives. Its 3D NAND technology also ensures better endurance and power efficiency, which are vital for a device running 24/7.
Key Features:
– Accelerate your PC for faster boot-up and blazing-fast gaming and graphics.
– Ultra-fast sequential read speeds of up to 560MB/s; sequential write speeds of up to 520MB/s.
– 3D NAND provides greater endurance and less power consumption.
– nCache 2.0 technology delivers blazing-fast speeds.
– Shock-resistant to help keep your data safe.
Pros:
– Direct replacement/upgrade for 2.5″ SATA HDD bays in NAS.
– Significant speed boost over HDDs for OS, apps, and frequently accessed data.
– Good endurance and power efficiency for NAS environments.
– Cost-effective compared to high-end NVMe drives.
Cons:
– Slower than NVMe SSDs, so not for the absolute highest performance needs.
– Limited to SATA III speeds.
User Impressions:
Users frequently report a dramatic improvement in system responsiveness after switching from HDDs to this SSD. It’s lauded for its reliability and consistent performance, making it a popular choice for mainstream internal storage upgrades.
6. Western Digital 4TB WD Red SA500 NAS 3D NAND Internal SSD
If you’re looking for a SanDisk best 4TB SSD for NAS that’s purpose-built for the job, the WD Red SA500 is it. Designed specifically for NAS systems, this SSD is optimized for caching, which means it rapidly accesses your most frequently used files, dramatically reducing latency and improving responsiveness for applications running on your NAS. Its superior endurance ensures it can handle the heavy read and write loads of a 24/7 NAS environment, making it a super reliable choice for businesses and power users alike.
Key Features:
– Storage optimized for caching in NAS systems.
– Superior endurance can handle heavy read and write loads demanded by NAS.
– Purpose-built for NAS with proven Western Digital 3D NAND.
– Reduces latency and improves responsiveness for databases, multi-user environments, 4K/8K video editing.
– Available in 2.5” and M.2 form factors.
Pros:
– Specifically designed and optimized for NAS environments.
– High endurance and reliability for 24/7 operation.
– Excellent for caching frequently accessed data, boosting overall NAS performance.
– Available in both 2.5″ SATA and M.2 form factors for versatility.
Cons:
– Performance is limited by the SATA interface, not as fast as NVMe.
– Might be overkill if your NAS doesn’t heavily utilize caching.
User Impressions:
NAS enthusiasts and small business owners consistently recommend the WD Red SA500 for its reliability and performance in multi-user environments. Many report a noticeable improvement in file server responsiveness and media streaming fluidity when using these drives for caching.
7. WD_BLACK SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive
Prepare for incredible speed with the WD_BLACK SN8100. This PCIe Gen 5.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD is a beast, offering breakneck sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s! While not many current NAS devices fully support PCIe Gen 5 yet, if your NAS has an M.2 slot and you’re looking to future-proof, or for an extremely high-performance direct-attached storage solution, this drive is a powerhouse. It’s designed for the most demanding content creation and gaming, meaning it can handle any data-intensive task you throw at your NAS, such as ultra-fast virtual machine storage or AI application data processing.
Key Features:
– EXPERIENCE PCIe Gen 5.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD.
– Sequential read speeds up to an astonishing 14,900MB/s, write speeds up to 14,000MB/s (2TB-4TB model).
– Over 100% more power efficiency than PCIe Gen4 drives.
– Up to 4,800 TBW (8TB model) endurance with latest TLC 3D CBA NAND technology.
– Immense capacities up to 8TB.
– SANDISK Dashboard for drive management and Acronis True Image for Sandisk for data migration.
Pros:
– Unprecedented speeds for blazing-fast data transfer and access.
– Excellent power efficiency for its performance class.
– Very high endurance for long-term, heavy usage.
– Ideal for future-proofing or the most demanding NAS caching/storage.
Cons:
– PCIe Gen 5 compatibility is rare in current NAS systems, limiting its full potential.
– High price point.
– May require passive or active cooling in some NAS environments due to its performance.
User Impressions:
Early adopters are amazed by its raw speed, reporting significantly reduced loading times and smoother performance in demanding applications. Its power efficiency is a pleasant surprise for such a high-performing drive.
8. SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-G40 SSD
For the ultimate in external performance and ruggedness, the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD is in a league of its own. Boasting Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) connectivity, it can move 50GB in less than a minute! This is a dream come true for professionals working with large media files who need to rapidly ingest data onto their NAS or use the drive as a high-speed shuttle. Its dual-mode compatibility means it also works with USB-C, and its extreme IP68 dust/water resistance, crush resistance, and drop protection make it practically indestructible for field use before transferring to your central NAS.
Key Features:
– Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write with Thunderbolt 3.
– Dual-mode compatibility with both Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps).
– Ultra-rugged design: IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush resistance, and 3m drop resistance.
– Cool aluminum core pulls heat away to maintain transfer speeds.
– Pro-grade enclosure for premium strength.
Pros:
– Unmatched external transfer speeds with Thunderbolt 3.
– Extremely durable and robust for harsh environments.
– Excellent heat management for sustained performance.
– Highly versatile with dual-mode compatibility (Thunderbolt/USB-C).
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for NAS.
– Requires Thunderbolt 3 port for maximum speeds.
– Premium professional-grade price.
User Impressions:
Professionals, especially those in video production and photography, rave about its speed and durability. They appreciate its ability to withstand rough handling while ensuring quick data transfers, making it a reliable workhorse for their high-volume workflows.
9. SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD with USB4
This version of the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD takes connectivity to the next level with USB4. If your system or NAS supports USB4, you’re looking at read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s! This makes it one of the fastest portable drives available, perfect for turbocharging external data operations with your NAS. Whether you’re moving massive datasets, doing rapid backups, or even running virtual machines directly from the external drive connected to a powerful NAS, its speed and robust design ensure peak performance and data protection on the go.
Key Features:
– UNLEASH USB4 SPEEDS: Read speeds up to 3800 MB/s and write speeds up to 3700 MB/s.
– BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY: Supports USB 3.2, USB 2.0 devices, and Thunderbolt 4.
– POWERFUL PROTECTION: Rugged silicone shell and forged aluminum chassis.
– OUTSTANDING RELIABILITY: 5-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Incredible speeds with USB4, rivaling internal SSDs.
– Broad compatibility with various USB and Thunderbolt standards.
– Highly durable with robust construction.
– Ideal for high-speed external storage and backup for advanced NAS setups.
Cons:
– USB4 adoption is still growing, so not all systems can fully utilize its speed.
– Premium price for bleeding-edge performance.
– Still an external drive, not for internal NAS bays.
User Impressions:
Users with USB4 compatible devices are thrilled by the sheer speed this drive offers, noting how it significantly cuts down transfer times for large files. Its robust build and backward compatibility are also frequently praised.
10. SanDisk Professional 4TB PRO-Blade SSD Mag
The SanDisk Professional PRO-Blade SSD Mag is a unique and innovative solution for those who demand modularity and scalability in their professional workflow. This isn’t a standalone SSD for direct NAS insertion, but rather a compact, portable SSD cartridge that pairs with a PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT enclosure (for portable use) or a PRO-BLADE STATION (for desktop use). This system allows you to easily swap huge capacities of storage, making it incredibly versatile for editors, photographers, or anyone working with large files that need to be moved between different workstations or quickly ingested into a central NAS.
Key Features:
– Compact, lightweight design for carrying more capacity.
– Modular versatility for scaling and customizing your setup.
– Ultra-durable build withstands 3m drop and 4000lb crush.
– Pair with PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT for up to 2000MB/s, or PRO-BLADE STATION for up to 3000MB/s.
– Stack up to 16TB total capacity in PRO-BLADE STATION.
Pros:
– Highly modular and scalable storage solution.
– Extremely durable and robust design.
– Excellent speeds when paired with its enclosures.
– Ideal for professionals who need to physically move large amounts of data between systems.
Cons:
– Requires separate PRO-BLADE TRANSPORT or STATION enclosures to function as an SSD.
– Not a direct internal or external drive for NAS without its ecosystem.
– Higher overall cost once you factor in the enclosures.
User Impressions:
Professionals love the flexibility and ruggedness of the PRO-Blade system. They highlight its utility for managing multiple projects on interchangeable media, making workflows incredibly efficient when offloading to or from a central NAS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a NAS SSD and why should I use one?
A: A NAS SSD is a Solid State Drive specifically designed or well-suited for use within a Network Attached Storage system. Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), SSDs offer superior speed, silence, and durability. Using an SSD in your NAS can dramatically improve boot times, application loading, file transfer speeds, and overall system responsiveness, especially for demanding tasks like 4K video editing, virtual machines, or caching frequently accessed data.
Q2: Can I use any 4TB SSD for my NAS?
A: Not necessarily. While many SSDs will physically fit (if it’s a 2.5-inch SATA or M.2 NVMe), it’s best to choose drives optimized for NAS environments. These drives often feature higher endurance (TBW rating) to withstand the constant read/write cycles of 24/7 operation and specific firmware that integrates better with NAS operating systems for sustained performance and reliability. Portable SSDs (like many SanDisk Extreme models reviewed here) are generally external drives, not meant to be installed inside NAS bays, but can be connected via USB for backup or expanded storage.
Q3: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs for NAS?
A:
– SATA SSDs (e.g., SanDisk Ultra 3D, WD Red SA500 2.5″) connect via the SATA III interface and typically offer speeds up to around 550 MB/s. They’re compatible with most NAS models that have 2.5-inch drive bays and are a cost-effective upgrade over HDDs.
– NVMe SSDs (e.g., WD_BLACK SN7100, SN8100) connect via the PCIe interface (usually in an M.2 slot) and offer significantly higher speeds, often in the thousands of MB/s. They are ideal for NAS caching or as primary storage in high-performance NAS systems that support M.2 NVMe slots, providing much faster data access.
Q4: Do I really need a 4TB SSD for my NAS, or is a smaller capacity enough?
A: The ideal capacity depends on your specific needs.
– For caching, a smaller SSD (e.g., 500GB or 1TB) might be sufficient to significantly speed up frequently accessed data.
– For primary storage, especially for media libraries, large project files, or multiple virtual machines, a 4TB SSD provides ample space.
– If you’re replacing HDDs entirely or running an all-flash NAS, 4TB offers a good balance of capacity and performance for many users. Consider your budget and how much data you actively use and store.
Q5: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why does it matter for NAS SSDs?
A: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its reliability may start to decline. For NAS SSDs, which are often subjected to continuous read and write operations (especially if used for caching or 24/7 logging), a higher TBW rating is crucial. It signifies the drive’s longevity and reliability under demanding workloads, giving you peace of mind that it will last for years.
Q6: Can I use portable SSDs (like SanDisk Extreme) inside my NAS?
A: No, portable SSDs like the SanDisk Extreme series are designed for external use and connect via USB-C or Thunderbolt. They cannot be installed internally into a NAS drive bay (which typically require 2.5-inch SATA or M.2 NVMe form factors). However, you can connect a portable SSD to your NAS via its USB port. This is a great way to:
* Perform quick, high-speed backups from your NAS.
* Expand your NAS storage externally.
* Transfer large files to your NAS from a camera or computer.
Q7: How do I install an internal SSD in my NAS?
A:
1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your NAS model supports 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or M.2 NVMe SSDs, depending on your drive.
2. Power Down: Always power off your NAS completely and unplug it.
3. Open Enclosure: Refer to your NAS manual to open the drive bays or access the M.2 slots.
4. Install Drive:
* For 2.5-inch SATA SSDs: Mount the SSD onto a drive tray (often using screws) and slide it into an available bay.
* For M.2 NVMe SSDs: Insert the M.2 stick into the designated slot on the motherboard and secure it with a small screw.
5. Close & Power Up: Close the enclosure, plug in and power on your NAS.
6. Configure in OS: Access your NAS’s operating system (e.g., Synology DSM, QNAP QTS) through a web browser. The OS will usually detect the new drive, allowing you to create new storage pools, volumes, or set it up for caching.
Conclusion
Choosing the SanDisk best 4TB SSD for NAS ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for an internal NVMe powerhouse for caching and lightning-fast primary storage, a reliable SATA SSD to upgrade your existing bays, or a super-speedy external drive to complement your workflow, SanDisk and WD_BLACK offer a fantastic array of options.
Remember to consider your NAS model’s compatibility, the type of workload you’ll be putting on the drives, and your desired balance between performance and cost. With any of these top picks, you’ll be well on your way to a faster, more responsive, and more robust NAS experience!