The Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB is the objective winner of this comparison, securing three out of five total specification categories. Its most impactful advantage is a 7742% improvement in sequential read performance compared to the Seagate Barracuda 1TB. While the latter holds a lead in one category and ties in another, the significant speed gap established by the Western Digital drive makes it the superior choice for high-performance storage requirements.

Users prioritizing maximum data throughput and capacity should select the Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB for their systems. Conversely, the Seagate Barracuda 1TB remains the appropriate choice for budget-conscious buyers, as it maintains a 93% advantage in MSRP. Choosing between these two components depends entirely on whether your primary objective is achieving the highest possible read speeds or minimizing your initial financial investment.