iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes—the heatsink-equipped WD_BLACK SN850 is designed for PS5 use, and its 1TB model’s manufacturer-rated sequential read speed exceeds Sony’s recommendation. That is a specification-based compatibility verdict, not a promise of identical performance to the PS5’s internal SSD: Sony warns that game performance can vary, and it may not guarantee every third-party M.2 drive will work.
Check the exact SN850 variant and capacity before buying. The SN850 with a built-in heatsink, the bare SN850, and the separate SN850P product family are not interchangeable names.
Which WD_BLACK SN850 is the PS5-compatible model?
SN850 with a heatsink
Western Digital’s PS5-specific SN850 data sheet identifies the NVMe drive for PS5 use, including the heatsink-equipped version. For a straightforward installation, look for the SN850 model with a heatsink already fitted, and verify the capacity and exact product identifier on the listing. The built-in cooling structure avoids choosing and fitting a separate heatsink, but the complete drive still needs to meet Sony’s size limits.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Bare SN850 and SN850P are different choices
A bare SN850 does not include the same built-in cooling arrangement. If you use one, its separately fitted cooling structure must fit inside the PS5’s limits; a drive’s 2280 form factor alone does not establish that the whole assembly will fit. Do not add another heatsink on top of a model that already has one.
#1 Best Overall
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X NVMe SSD
- TRANFORM YOUR PC: Insane speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB - 4TB models) deliver top-tier performance with ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation — for the elite experience you’ve been waiting for.
- MORE ROOM FOR MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with SANDISK TLC 3D NAND, means you get to keep more games at the ready — and get into the action even faster.
The SN850P is a separate WD product family with its own model identifiers and specifications, not another name for the SN850. Check the product name and SKU rather than relying on a seller’s abbreviated title. WD’s SN850P data sheet identifies that product separately.
Do the SN850’s specifications meet Sony’s requirements?
Sony’s current PS5 M.2 support guidance sets the compatibility limits below. The drive and any cooling hardware must fit as an assembled unit.
Rank #2
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X NVMe SSD
- TRANFORM YOUR PC: Insane speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB - 4TB models) deliver top-tier performance with ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation — for the elite experience you’ve been waiting for.
| Requirement | Sony’s stated limit or guidance | What to check for the SN850 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive type | PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe, Key M; M.2 SATA is not supported | Confirm the listing identifies the drive as NVMe PCIe Gen4. |
| Capacity | 250GB–8TB | Confirm the chosen capacity falls within this range. |
| Supported form factor and length | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 | Confirm the drive’s form factor. |
| Maximum width | 25mm total | Include any cooling structure in the measurement. |
| Maximum thickness | 11.25mm total, including cooling hardware | Check the complete heatsink-equipped drive or bare drive plus heatsink. |
| Sequential read speed | Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s or faster | The SN850 1TB model is rated by WD at up to 7,000 MB/s sequential read. |
| Heat dissipation | An effective cooling structure is required | Use a compatible built-in or separately fitted cooling structure; single-sided structures are easier to fit. |
These compatibility criteria come from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PS5 M.2 support guide. The drive-specific speed figures come from WD’s 2022 SN850 PS5 data sheet. Confirm dimensions for the exact SKU, particularly if pairing a bare drive with a third-party heatsink.
Recommended Free Tools
What do the SN850 speed ratings mean in a PS5?
WD rates the 1TB SN850 at up to 7,000 MB/s sequential read and 5,300 MB/s sequential write. The read rating is higher than Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation. These are manufacturer-rated drive specifications; they do not establish the speed the PS5 will report or predict a particular game’s load time.
Rank #3
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Sony cautions that games may not perform exactly like they do on the internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even when an M.2 drive’s sequential read speed exceeds 5,500 MB/s. The available specifications therefore support calling the 1TB model fast enough on paper for Sony’s recommendation, but not claiming parity, a specific improvement, or a guaranteed experience in every game. No independent SN850-in-PS5 benchmark is established here.
What can you store and play from an installed M.2 SSD?
After installation and formatting, a compatible M.2 drive can store, download, copy, update, and launch PS5 and PS4 games, and can hold media apps. PS5 games can be played directly from M.2 storage.
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
This differs from USB extended storage: PS5 games can be stored on USB extended storage but must be copied to the console’s internal storage or M.2 storage to play. All data for a single game must be stored in one place. Sony explains these storage options in its M.2 installation and storage guidance.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat should you know about cooling, installation, and warranty?
Cooling is required
Sony requires effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. A single-sided cooling structure is easier to fit. If the SN850 already has a built-in heatsink, do not stack another one on it; Sony says an added heatsink may reduce cooling effectiveness. For a bare SN850, check that the complete drive and cooling assembly stays within Sony’s width and thickness limits.
Best Value
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Update the console and follow the installation guide
Sony advises installing the latest PS5 system software before adding a compatible M.2 SSD. Follow the current console-specific installation instructions and format the drive when prompted. Use Sony’s official PS5 M.2 installation guide for the applicable procedure.
Warranty guidance is qualified
Sony says, in general, manufacturer warranty coverage should not be affected when an M.2 drive meets the requirements and is installed according to instructions. It also says damage caused by failing to follow those requirements or instructions may not be covered. This is Sony’s general guidance, not a universal guarantee for every regional warranty term or every type of damage.
When should you choose another M.2 drive?
The SN850’s compatibility case is strongest when you confirm the exact heatsink-equipped SKU and capacity, and the dimensions satisfy Sony’s limits. Consider another option if the listing does not clearly identify the variant, the full cooling assembly’s dimensions cannot be verified, or you need evidence of game-specific performance that manufacturer speed ratings cannot provide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Compare total price for the capacity you need; current pricing and availability are not established here.
- Check whether a heatsink is included and whether the full assembly fits.
- Compare manufacturer-rated sequential read speed with Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation without treating it as a game-performance guarantee.
- Verify warranty and endurance terms for the exact model and region.
- Distinguish the SN850 from the separately specified SN850P.
Sony notes that even an M.2 drive meeting the listed specifications is not guaranteed to work in every case. If a game has problems when run from M.2 storage, Sony advises moving it to the console’s internal storage.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
