WD_BLACK SN850 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink: features, specs and who it suits

The WD_BLACK SN850 with heatsink (WDS200T1XHE) is a 2TB internal NVMe SSD built for gaming PCs and for PlayStation 5 consoles. It uses the PCIe Gen4 interface in the M.2 2280 format and comes with a heatsink fitted. WD_BLACK says it is optimised for gaming and not intended for NAS or server environments.

What the speed figures mean

WD_BLACK quotes read and write speeds of up to 7,000/5,300 MB/s, and up to 1,000,000 IOPS. Note that the speed figures are given for the 1TB model, while the IOPS figure applies to both the 1TB and 2TB models. IOPS counts how many small read or write operations the drive handles each second, which matters for loading game worlds made of many small files. Higher figures generally mean shorter load times, though your processor, graphics card and the game itself also play a part.

Why the heatsink matters

Fast SSDs generate heat, and when they get too hot they slow themselves down, which is called thermal throttling. WD_BLACK says the heatsink model is designed to minimise throttling so the drive can sustain its performance. A built-in heatsink is also convenient on the PS5, which generally requires a heatsink on any added M.2 drive. Be sure the height of the combined drive and heatsink fits your slot.

PlayStation 5 compatibility

The listing says the drive is compatible with PS5 consoles and requires PS5 system software version 21.02-04.00.00 or higher. That makes it a way to expand console storage for a larger game library. Follow Sony's current guidance for installing M.2 drives.

Capacity and software

A 2TB drive is useful because modern games are often tens of gigabytes each, and a handful of large titles can take up a whole smaller drive. With up to 2TB, the drive can hold a sizeable library. WD_BLACK also offers downloadable Dashboard software to customise and control the drive, for Windows only.

Who it suits

Gamers are the clear audience, but anyone who wants fast storage for large projects can use it too. It suits gamers upgrading a desktop or adding console storage, and anyone with a PCIe Gen4 slot who wants fast loading. If your computer only supports older standards, check compatibility first.

What to check before you buy

• Slot: confirm a free M.2 2280 slot with NVMe support, ideally PCIe Gen4.
• Clearance: the heatsink adds height. Check your motherboard, laptop or console bay.
• Console software: make sure your PS5 is on the required system software version.
• Intended use: the maker says it is not intended for NAS or server environments.
• Backups: copy important data before installing.

The short version

• 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 SSD with a fitted heatsink.
• PCIe Gen4, with 1TB-model speeds rated up to 7,000/5,300 MB/s.
• Up to 1,000,000 IOPS on the 1TB and 2TB models.
• Compatible with PS5 on the required software version.
• Dashboard software is Windows only.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.