Sandisk rebrands WD Blue and WD_BLACK SSDs as Optimus, GX, and GX Pro
Sandisk used CES 2026 to introduce “Sandisk Optimus” as the new umbrella name for its internal consumer SSD lineup. The change retires the familiar WD color branding for these drives, replacing WD Blue and WD_BLACK naming with three Optimus tiers aimed at creators, gamers, and workstation users.
The move follows Western Digital’s split that separated its Flash business into an independent company again under the Sandisk name. Western Digital originally acquired SanDisk in 2016, but the Flash business separation was completed in February 2025.
Source: Sandisk
Sandisk says the new structure is meant to make performance tiers easier to understand. The base Optimus line replaces WD Blue models like the WD Blue SN5100, which becomes the Optimus 5100. Optimus GX is the gaming tier and picks up drives like the WD_BLACK SN7100, rebranded as the Optimus GX 7100. Optimus GX Pro sits at the top, with drives like the WD_BLACK SN8100 moving to the Optimus GX Pro 8100 name.
Source: Sandisk
Sandisk is also adding an M.2 2230 option for handhelds and thin laptops called the Optimus GX 7100M, with quoted sequential speeds up to 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write, in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
Products with Optimus branding are expected to start showing up at select retailers in the first half of 2026 for purchase, pre-order, or stock notifications.
Source: Sandisk
