WD_BLACK SN850P
Officially Licensed for PlayStation 5 | PCle Gen4 x4 Interface | High-Capacity Options
Introduction
The WD_BLACK SN850P represents Western Digital’s targeted entry into the console-optimized storage market, combining PCIe Gen4 performance with PlayStation 5 certification. As Sony’s console requires specific thermal and form-factor standards for expandable storage, this drive fills a niche for gamers seeking seamless integration. Its design balances high-speed data transfer with reliability, positioning it as a premium choice for both PS5 upgrades and PCIe Gen4-enabled PCs.
Product Overview
The WD_BLACK SN850P is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB capacities. Designed primarily for PlayStation 5 storage expansion, it includes a preinstalled heatsink optimized for the console’s M.2 slot. The drive leverages 3D NAND flash and a proprietary controller to deliver sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, targeting gamers and power users who prioritize rapid load times and large game libraries.
Key Features
Officially Licensed for PlayStation 5
The SN850P meets Sony’s stringent requirements for PS5 compatibility, including thermal design and performance benchmarks. Its heatsink integrates the PlayStation logo and conforms to the console’s spatial constraints, ensuring reliable operation without voiding warranties.
PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface
Utilizing the PCIe 4.0 interface, the drive achieves peak sequential read speeds of 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s (1TB model). This positions it among the fastest consumer-grade NVMe drives, though real-world performance may vary depending on workload and cooling conditions.
High-Capacity Options
With configurations up to 8TB, the SN850P allows users to store over 100 modern games. This addresses the growing storage demands of titles like Call of Duty and Gran Turismo 7, which frequently exceed 150GB per installation.
Performance Analysis
Sequential Speeds
The drive’s sequential read performance reaches 7,300 MB/s in ideal conditions, matching PCIe Gen4 theoretical limits. Write speeds scale with capacity: 6,300 MB/s for 1TB models and 6,600 MB/s for 2TB/4TB variants. These figures slightly outperform SATA SSDs and older PCIe Gen3 drives but align with current Gen4 competitors like the Seagate FireCuda 530.
Random Performance
Random read/write operations reach 1,200K/1,100K IOPS on higher-capacity models, facilitating smooth asset streaming in open-world games. The 1TB variant’s 800K read IOPS remains sufficient for most gaming workloads but falls short of workstation-grade SSDs optimized for heavy multitasking.
Thermal Management
An aluminum heatsink with directional fins dissipates heat during sustained workloads. While effective for PS5 integration, the fixed heatsink adds 9.89mm to the drive’s height, potentially conflicting with some PC motherboard designs. Thermal throttling occurs at approximately 85°C, though typical gaming workloads rarely reach this threshold.
Compatibility
PlayStation 5
The SN850P is explicitly certified for PS5 use, requiring no additional modifications. Its 80mm x 24.46mm form factor fits the console’s M.2 expansion slot, and the preinstalled heatsink maintains compliance with Sony’s thermal guidelines. Users must ensure their PS5 runs system software version 21.02-04.00.00 or later.
Desktops and Laptops
Compatible with any PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 slot, the drive works in modern PCs running Windows 8.1 or later. The integrated heatsink may interfere with motherboard-mounted cooling solutions, necessitating physical clearance checks. Laptop compatibility depends on chassis thickness and NVMe support.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
PS5 Optimization: Certification guarantees compatibility and performance consistency with Sony’s console.
Scalable Capacity: 8TB models future-proof storage needs for next-generation game installations.
Constraints
Premium Pricing: Costs exceed non-licensed alternatives with comparable specifications.
Fixed Heatsink Design: Limits flexibility in compact PC builds or laptops with space constraints.
Conclusion
The WD_BLACK SN850P excels as a PS5-focused SSD, offering plug-and-play expansion with minimal setup. While its premium pricing and fixed heatsink deter budget-conscious buyers, the drive’s reliability and high throughput make it ideal for gamers prioritizing official hardware validation. PC users seeking Gen4 speeds may prefer modular alternatives, but PlayStation owners will appreciate the hassle-free installation and sustained performance.
Works Cited
“WD Black SN850P Review: One to Grab on Sale.” TechRadar, www.techradar.com/gaming/wd-black-sn850p-ssd-review.
“WD Black SN850P Review: A Little Disappointing, and Even More Puzzling.” GamesRadar+, www.gamesradar.com/wd-black-sn850p-review.
“WD’s PS5-Branded SN850P Is Just an Overpriced SN850X.” Tom’s Hardware, www.tomshardware.com/news/wds-ps5-branded-sn850p-ssd-is-just-an-overpriced-sn850x.
