WD_BLACK SN850P PS5 SSD Review: Fast but Pricey Verdict
The WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink earns a strong 9/10 from cross-platform user feedback, praised for its lightning-fast speeds, seamless compatibility, and generous storage capacities up to 8TB. While users largely agree it delivers on its core promises, multiple reports highlight the high price and occasional thermal concerns. For serious PS5 gamers drowning in large game installs, this SSD is seen as a near-essential upgrade—if your budget allows.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for capacity-hungry PS5 owners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Blazing fast load and transfer speeds | High cost, especially at 4TB and 8TB |
| Officially licensed for PS5, guaranteed compatibility | Some users report higher-than-expected temperatures |
| Easy installation process with included heatsink | Performance gains vary by game type |
| Huge capacity options up to 8TB | Slightly slower than WD_BLACK SN850 in certain benchmarks |
| Reliable long-term performance | No RGB lighting compared to SN850X |
| 5-year limited warranty | Smaller capacities offer less value vs competitors |
| Seamless integration with PS5 UI | Price premium for PlayStation branding |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials promise "up to 7,300MB/s read speeds" and "worry-free installation thanks to an optimized heatsink." Digging into user reports, these claims mostly hold—but with some nuance. On installation, Best Buy buyers repeatedly described it as “super easy to install” and requiring “just a small Phillips head screwdriver.” Reddit user u/LevelUpMyPS5 noted: “Installation required opening the console, but it’s straightforward if you follow guides.”
Performance claims are generally accurate in benchmarks, though some users found the real-world PS5 speed test reports slightly lower. A reviewer on NewForTech measured the SSD at “5,966MB/s before reformatting, 6,338MB/s after,” which trails the advertised maximum but still exceeds the PS5’s own internal drive.
Thermal management is touted as a major feature. Trustpilot’s test report confirms the included heatsink “ensures consistent performance during extended gaming sessions,” but warns of “somewhat high temperatures” under sustained load—though most gamers did not experience throttling in practice.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised:
Speed and responsiveness dominate the praise. Best Buy buyer "Master Leba" reported copying a full Call of Duty install “in minutes” and cutting load times dramatically. A NexusHub reviewer found Final Fantasy VII Remake’s load reduced from 16.36 seconds on the internal drive to 9.90 seconds on the SN850P, saying the difference “was mind-blowing.” For gamers juggling massive installs, the capacity is a game-changer. An Amazon verified buyer appreciated being able to “store more titles without deleting favorites,” while Best Buy users described having “13 games installed now” and “no worries about storage ever.”
Ease of installation is another win. Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, users emphasized that even novices could fit the drive quickly. One Best Buy reviewer joked: “Don’t be scared! Super easy to install even for a novice. If you have more than 4 games you need this!” The PlayStation-optimized heatsink meant no compatibility guesswork—Amazon buyers liked knowing it was “officially licensed and tested specifically for PS5.”
Common Complaints:
Price is the most frequent sticking point. A Trustpilot review notes the SN850P “has a higher price point than the nearly identical SN850X,” and Reddit threads caution that “WD_BLACK ain’t cheap, especially at higher capacities.” Users weighing budget often find 1TB and 2TB models less compelling compared to Seagate or Kingston alternatives.
Thermals are another minor concern. While most buyers report stable performance, Trustpilot testers saw “strong heat development” during stress tests. This seems more relevant to long sessions in warm rooms, but it’s enough for some cautious buyers to consider additional cooling.
Performance variance across games also surfaces. Reddit commenters observed that “not all games benefit equally—older titles may not load much faster,” echoing NexusHub’s finding that online-heavy games like Monster Hunter Wilds saw only a small improvement.
Divisive Features:
The PlayStation branding is loved by some and dismissed by others. Fans appreciate the aesthetic and licensing guarantee, but others see it as “a premium you pay for a logo.” Similarly, capacity choices spark debate—while 8TB is unparalleled for PS5, several users feel smaller sizes are overpriced compared to similar-speed competitors.
Trust & Reliability
On Trustpilot, the SN850P scores high in verified reviews, with 90% giving 5 stars. The inclusion of a 5-year warranty reassures buyers. Long-term owners on Best Buy report no degradation in performance after a year or more, such as user “Exiled” who said it “works flawlessly” after a year in his son’s PS5.
There are no widespread scam concerns; the main caution is price relative to similar WD models. NexusHub points out WD’s own SN850X “is basically the same drive” yet cheaper, which has led some savvy buyers to opt for that instead.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned in user data include the Seagate Game Drive and Kingston Fury Renegade. At 1TB and 2TB, Seagate often undercuts WD in price while matching speed, with NewForTech noting Seagate’s benchmark slightly exceeded SN850P. Kingston’s Fury Renegade offers up to 4TB at lower cost per GB. However, neither matches the SN850P’s 8TB capacity, making WD’s flagship unique for extreme storage needs.
Price & Value
Current market data from eBay shows new 1TB units around $119.99, 2TB at ~$161.49, 4TB at $299–$318, and 8TB near $749.99. Resale values hold reasonably well; pre-owned 2TB drives still fetch $123. Seasonal sales, especially Black Friday, have delivered up to $100 off, with multiple Best Buy reviewers citing “got it on sale” as key to satisfaction.
Community buying tips include:
- Wait for sales on 1TB/2TB models to improve value.
- If budget allows, 4TB/8TB capacities are harder to match elsewhere.
- Consider SN850X if you don’t need PlayStation branding or 8TB.
FAQ
Q: Does the WD_BLACK SN850P work with PS5 Pro?
A: Yes, it’s fully compatible with both PS5 and PS5 Pro, as confirmed by multiple expert reviews.
Q: How much faster is it than the PS5’s internal storage?
A: For offline games, load times can be cut by several seconds; NexusHub saw a 6.5-second reduction in Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Q: Is installation difficult?
A: No. Most users report a 5-minute process requiring only a small screwdriver, with the PS5 automatically detecting and formatting the drive.
Q: Will all games load faster?
A: Not necessarily. Titles dependent on online servers may see minimal improvement, while newer, storage-optimized games benefit most.
Q: Is the heatsink necessary?
A: For PS5 use, yes—Sony requires an M.2 SSD with cooling. The included heatsink is designed for perfect fit and avoids compatibility issues.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a PS5 owner with a large library and want guaranteed compatibility, top-tier speeds, and the option for massive storage. Avoid if you’re budget-conscious and only need 1TB or 2TB—competitors offer similar performance for less. Pro tip from Best Buy community: “Wait for a sale; the performance boost is worth it, but the savings make it even sweeter.”
