WD_BLACK 8TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5: features, specs and who it suits

The WD_BLACK SN850P is an M.2 NVMe solid state drive that is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles. It adds storage to the console's expansion slot so more games can be kept installed. The 8TB model, WDBBYV0080BNC-WRSN, comes with a heatsink already attached. Here is what that means in practice.

Officially licensed storage

WD_BLACK says the drive is tested and approved for the PS5, and that games can be played directly from it. This matters because the console only runs PS5 games from internal-speed storage, and a drive that isn't up to the mark can't be used for them. Playing from the drive also means games don't have to be moved back and forth. For firmware compatibility, WD_BLACK points buyers to the product page on its own website.

PCIe Gen4 speed

The drive uses PCIe Gen4 technology, with read speeds up to 7,200 MB/s according to WD_BLACK's internal testing. The company notes that performance varies with the host device, usage conditions and capacity. PCIe Gen4 is the interface generation the PS5's expansion slot is built around, so the figure shows what the drive can do; actual load times also depend on the game and the console. In general, faster storage means shorter loading screens.

The built-in heatsink

M.2 drives get warm under sustained load, and the PS5 needs a cooler fitted for its expansion slot. WD_BLACK says this model has a new heatsink designed especially for the console, so there is no separate cooler to buy or fit. Check the installation instructions for the heatsink's dimensions against the slot cover on your console.

Capacity

The SN850P range runs from 1TB to 8TB. WD_BLACK notes that 1TB is one trillion bytes, so the capacity your console reports will be a little lower, and some space is taken by system files. At 8TB, a large library of big modern games can stay installed at once. The drive weighs about 0.1 lb (around 45 g). The listing also mentions that a PlayStation Plus Premium or Deluxe trial is included in the box.

Who it suits

It suits PS5 owners with a large and growing games library who are tired of deleting and re-downloading titles. It is most useful for players who want to keep many games ready to launch at once.

What to check before you buy

• Console model: confirm that your PS5's expansion slot and firmware support this drive, using the manufacturer's compatibility page.
• Slot access: check how to open the console's expansion bay, and use Sony's own instructions.
• Space: the heatsink adds height; check it fits under the cover.
• Capacity: work out how many of your games would fit, as game sizes keep growing.
• Backups: saves and settings should be backed up as the console recommends.
• Warranty: read the manufacturer's current terms.

The short version

• An 8TB M.2 NVMe SSD, officially licensed for PlayStation 5.
• Rated at up to 7,200 MB/s read on PCIe Gen4, based on WD_BLACK's testing.
• Comes with a heatsink designed for the PS5.
• Games can be played directly from the drive.
• Check firmware and slot compatibility with the manufacturer first.

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