SanDisk revealed a notable shift in its internal storage strategy at the Consumer Electronics Show CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The company confirmed that it is officially retiring the WD Blue and WD_BLACK branding for its internal solid state drives and bringing the entire lineup under a new unified name, SANDISK Optimus. This move comes after the corporate split in early 2025, when SanDisk became an independent company centered solely on flash memory technologies, while Western Digital retained control of the hard drive business.
At a glance, the change may look cosmetic, but there is a broader intention behind it. SanDisk says the refreshed portfolio is designed to make it easier for customers to select the right SSD based on how they actually use their systems. Whether that is gaming, video editing, creative workloads, or day to day office computing, the idea is to reduce confusion and make the lineup feel more purposeful.
Key Takeaways
- SanDisk is rebranding all internal SSDs previously sold as WD Blue and WD_BLACK under the Optimus name.
- The new lineup is split into three tiers: Optimus, Optimus GX, and Optimus GX PRO.
- SanDisk introduced a compact SSD called the Optimus GX 7100M aimed at handheld gaming devices such as the Steam Deck.
- The new branding brings updated packaging and visual design that reflects SanDisk’s long-standing history in flash memory.
- Drives carrying the Optimus branding are expected to arrive in global retail channels during the first half of 2026.
The decision to move away from the WD naming is part of SanDisk’s effort to establish a clearer identity following its separation from Western Digital. Importantly, the company has been careful to stress that while the names and packaging are changing, the engineering inside the drives is not. The same controller designs, NAND technology, and performance characteristics that users trusted in WD Blue and WD_BLACK SSDs are continuing under the Optimus label.
Interestingly, the Optimus name is not entirely new. SanDisk previously used it for enterprise storage products more than a decade ago. Bringing it back now seems like a deliberate attempt to connect its consumer and professional SSD offerings under a single, familiar identity. It feels like a reset, but not a risky one.
A clearer lineup for different users
SanDisk has divided the Optimus range into three tiers, with a focus on simplicity, especially for markets like India where buyers often compare value very closely.
The standard SANDISK Optimus series replaces what was formerly the WD Blue lineup. Models such as the Optimus 5100 are aimed at everyday PC users, content creators, and students who want a responsive system without paying a premium for features they may not need. These drives are positioned as reliable upgrades for laptops and desktops used for office work, editing, and general multitasking. For many users, this tier will probably be the most practical choice.
Stepping up, the SANDISK Optimus GX line takes over from the mid range WD_BLACK SSDs. This tier is clearly built with gamers in mind. The Optimus GX 7100 is the headline product here, offering fast game load times and improved power efficiency. Alongside it, SanDisk also announced the Optimus GX 7100M, which is particularly interesting. This is a compact M.2 2230 SSD designed specifically for handheld gaming devices. Despite its small size, it delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, putting it among the fastest portable gaming SSDs available right now.
At the top end sits the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO series. This tier replaces the highest performance WD_BLACK models such as the SN850X and SN8100. These drives are targeted at power users, including those building AI focused PCs, professional workstations, or premium gaming rigs. They rely on PCIe 5.0 technology and offer higher capacities to manage large datasets, demanding applications, and intensive workloads. This is clearly where SanDisk wants to showcase its technical capabilities.
Anil Moolchandani, a Vice President at SanDisk, commented that the new branding reflects the strength and maturity of the company’s internal SSD portfolio. He added that these products are designed to meet the demanding needs of both developers and gamers. According to SanDisk, consumers should start seeing the new red and white Optimus packaging on store shelves soon, although WD branded inventory will continue to be sold until existing stock is cleared.
Related FAQs
Q1: Will my existing WD_BLACK or WD Blue warranty still work?
A1: Yes. SanDisk confirmed that it will continue to provide full support and honor all warranties for flash products that carry the Western Digital or WD_BLACK names.
Q2: Is the hardware inside the Optimus SSDs different from the WD versions?
A2: No. The underlying technology and components are the same. The change is primarily in the branding, name, and external packaging to align with SanDisk as an independent company.
Q3: What is the difference between Optimus GX and Optimus GX PRO?
A3: The GX series is designed for mainstream gaming and offers a balance between performance and price. The GX PRO line sits at the top, delivering higher performance levels and newer interfaces such as PCIe 5.0 for AI workstations and professional grade gaming systems.
Q4: When can I buy SanDisk Optimus SSDs in India?
A4: SanDisk expects the newly branded Optimus SSDs to reach Indian retailers in the first half of 2026. Availability at major electronics stores and online platforms should begin around the middle of the year.
