Overview
- The Optimus family is organized into three tiers: Optimus for entry-level and creators, Optimus GX for gamers, and Optimus GX Pro for flagship workloads with PCIe 5.0 options.
- Legacy drives keep their model numbers under new names, including WD Blue SN5100 as Optimus 5100 and WD Black SN7100 and SN850X as Optimus GX 7100 and Optimus GX Pro 850X.
- SanDisk introduced the M.2 2230 Optimus GX 7100M for handheld gaming devices, rated up to 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
- Coverage indicates the shift is primarily a renaming and packaging update, with underlying hardware and supplier relationships such as Kioxia remaining consistent.
- Products with Optimus branding begin appearing at retailers in early 2026 with a broader rollout planned through the first half of the year.