WD_BLACK SN850P 1TB NVMe SSD for PS5: features, specs and who it suits

The WD_BLACK SN850P is an M.2 NVMe solid state drive made as storage expansion for PlayStation 5 consoles. This listing is the 1TB model (WDBBYV0010BNC-WRSN). It is officially licensed for the console and comes with a heatsink designed for the PS5's M.2 expansion slot.

Why an expansion SSD

The PS5's built-in storage fills quickly with large modern games. An M.2 drive in the expansion slot adds space and, unlike external USB storage, can run PS5 games directly. WD_BLACK says you can play straight from the drive, so you don't have to move games on and off it. Capacities range from 1TB to 4TB, and WD_BLACK says the 4TB model holds up to about 100 games, based on a 36GB average per game. The 1TB model will hold proportionally fewer, and the real number depends on game size and other files.

Licensed and tested

WD_BLACK describes the SN850P as officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and as tested and approved storage, so you shouldn't have to worry about compatibility. It adds that PlayStation 5 system software compatibility information is on the official WD_BLACK site, so check that before installing. Console software updates can change requirements.

PCIe Gen 4 speed

The drive uses PCIe Gen 4 and WD_BLACK rates reads at up to 7,300 MB/s, a figure based on internal testing. Speeds vary with the host device, usage and capacity. Sony's console sets requirements for expansion drives, and in practice the console's own interface and software also determine what you see. The headline figure helps with load times, though a faster drive does not change the game's own design.

The heatsink

PS5 expansion drives need cooling because the slot is enclosed. WD_BLACK says the SN850P has a new heatsink designed for the console, which allows an easy installation into the M.2 slot. The heatsink adds height, so it is made to fit within the console's cover. Follow the console maker's installation steps for opening the cover and fitting the drive.

Capacity notes

WD_BLACK points out that 1TB equals one trillion bytes, so the usable space shown by the console will be less than 1TB because of formatting and system files. This is normal for all storage drives.

Who it suits

It suits PS5 owners who have run short of storage and want a licensed drive with a heatsink in one package. It is a PS5-focused product, so it may be less convenient for a PC or laptop that needs a bare drive or different cooling.

What to check before you buy

• Console model: confirm that your PS5 has an accessible M.2 expansion slot and that the drive suits it.
• System software: check the official WD_BLACK site for compatibility notes.
• Capacity: work out how many games you want installed at once.
• Fit: make sure you can fit the heatsinked drive under the slot cover.
• Tools: have a suitable screwdriver ready, as the console's manual describes.
• Other uses: if you'd use it in a PC, check the heatsink clearance.

The short version

• An officially licensed M.2 NVMe SSD for PlayStation 5, 1TB in this listing.
• PCIe Gen 4 with reads rated up to 7,300 MB/s.
• Includes a heatsink designed for the PS5 M.2 slot.
• Lets you play games directly from the drive.
• Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.

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