The WD Black SN850P SSD offers a significant storage boost for PlayStation 5 users, but does its performance justify the cost? With capacities ranging up to 8TB, it’s one of the largest storage solutions for PS5. However, its real-world performance and price competitiveness leave much to be considered. Here’s our deep dive into this SSD to help you decide.
Key Features at a Glance
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s (8TB: 7,200 MB/s)
- Write Speed: 6,600 MB/s
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price Range: $119.99 – $749.99
WD Black SN850P Review: Quick Overview
The WD Black SN850P is a licensed PS5 SSD that delivers satisfactory gaming performance but struggles to match its premium price point. Its 1TB and 2TB models offer less value compared to competitors like the Seagate Game Drive M.2 SSD. However, its 4TB and 8TB variants stand out for users seeking massive storage upgrades. If you’re buying during a sale, the SN850P’s pricing becomes much more appealing.
Despite its potential, the SN850P falls short in benchmark performance, lagging slightly behind the older WD Black SN850. While real-world use reveals decent load and transfer speeds, its competitors often outperform it in cost-effectiveness and speed.
Pricing and Availability
| Capacity | Price (USD) | Price (GBP) | Key Competitor Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1TB | $119.99 | £107.99 | Seagate Game Drive: $99.99 (£99.90) |
| 2TB | $189.99 | £184.99 | Seagate Game Drive: $159.99 (£159.90) |
| 4TB | $319.99 | £329.99 | Kingston Fury Renegade: $299.99 (£273.71) |
| 8TB | $749.99 | £705.99 | Few 8TB alternatives available |
The WD Black SN850P frequently sees discounts, particularly on its 1TB and 2TB variants. During sales, these models often drop by up to $50, significantly improving their value proposition. The larger 4TB and 8TB capacities are harder to beat, especially for users prioritizing officially licensed options.
WD Black SN850P Review: Design and Features
- Streamlined Aesthetic: The SN850P features a sleek black heatsink, though it removes the LED lighting found on the SN850.
- PlayStation Branding: A white PlayStation logo complements its design, making it visually cohesive with the PS5.
- Thermal Management: A redesigned heatsink optimizes heat dispersion, ensuring consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
- Warranty: A robust five-year limited warranty guarantees long-term reliability.
While the heatsink’s new design enhances thermal performance, the absence of the SN850’s LED light gives the SN850P a more generic appearance. However, its minimalist look is unlikely to bother most users, as the SSD remains hidden inside the console.
WD Black SN850P Review: Performance Analysis
Benchmark Results
Upon installation, the PS5’s internal storage benchmark measured the WD Black SN850P at 5,966 MB/s—well below its advertised 7,300 MB/s. After reformatting, this increased to 6,338 MB/s, though still trailing behind its predecessor, the SN850 (6,400 MB/s), and competitors like the Seagate Game Drive (6,459 MB/s).
Real-World Tests
| Test Case | Transfer Time |
|---|---|
| Vampire the Masquerade (23.24GB) | 12.61 seconds |
| Lords of the Fallen (33.35GB) | 15.89 seconds |
| Far Cry 6 (101.9GB) | 43.74 seconds |
| Multiple Games (226.9GB total) | 3 minutes, 14 seconds |
While slightly slower than some competitors, the WD Black SN850P offers adequate performance for most gamers. Loading times and gameplay remained smooth across all tests, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience.
WD Black SN850P Review: Comparisons
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | WD Black SN850P | Seagate Game Drive | Kingston Fury Renegade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Capacity | 8TB | 2TB | 4TB |
| Read Speed | 7,300 MB/s (8TB: 7,200 MB/s) | 7,300 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Price (1TB) | $119.99 (£107.99) | $99.99 (£99.90) | $95.59 (£94.99) |
For users needing extreme storage, the 8TB SN850P is a standout. However, for smaller capacities, alternatives like the Seagate Game Drive or Kingston Fury Renegade provide better value and comparable performance.
Should You Buy the WD Black SN850P?
Buy It If:
- You Find a Sale: The frequent discounts make the SN850P a much better value.
- You Need 8TB Capacity: Few officially licensed SSDs offer such high storage for PS5.
Skip It If:
- You’re on a Budget: Cheaper alternatives offer better value for 1TB and 2TB capacities.
- Performance is Critical: Slightly faster SSDs are available at similar price points.
WD Black SN850P Review: Final Verdict
The WD Black SN850P is a solid option for PS5 users, particularly those needing large storage capacities. While its performance and pricing fall short for smaller models, its 4TB and 8TB versions remain competitive. If you prioritize officially licensed hardware and find a good deal, the SN850P can be a worthwhile upgrade.
FAQ
1. Does the SN850P work with PS5 Pro?
Yes, it’s fully compatible with both PS5 and PS5 Pro.
2. How does it compare to standard PS5 storage?
It offers faster load times and significantly higher capacity than the default PS5 storage.
3. Is installation easy?
Yes, installation involves removing the PS5’s side panel and securing the SSD in the M.2 slot.
