I remember the sheer excitement of unboxing my PlayStation 5. The sleek design, the promise of next-gen gaming—it was a monumental leap forward. But that excitement quickly met a harsh reality: the dreaded “Cannot install. Not enough free space” notification. With the console’s internal storage offering only about 667GB of usable space, it took just a handful of massive AAA titles like Call of Duty, Final Fantasy, and Baldur’s Gate 3 to fill it to the brim. The constant, frustrating cycle of deleting a beloved game just to make room for a new one began. It’s a modern gamer’s nightmare—a digital library held hostage by storage limitations. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it disrupts the flow of gaming, forcing you to spend time managing data instead of actually playing. Expanding your PS5’s internal storage isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity for anyone serious about their gaming experience.
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the...
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 100 games[3] (4TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user...
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
What to Consider Before Buying an Internal SSD for Your PS5
An Internal Solid State Drive is more than just a component; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your PS5. It fundamentally solves the storage-capacity crisis, allowing you to build a vast, instantly accessible library of games without compromise. The main benefits are twofold: first, a massive increase in space, and second, performance that matches or even exceeds the console’s lightning-fast internal drive. This means you can play games directly from the expansion SSD with zero performance penalty, experiencing the blisteringly fast load times and seamless asset streaming that define the next-gen experience. No more transferring games back and forth from an external USB drive, which can only store, not play, PS5 titles.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any PS5 owner who feels the constraints of the default storage. If you find yourself frequently juggling your game library, hesitating to download a new title from PlayStation Plus because of space, or simply want the peace of mind of having all your favorite games ready to launch at a moment’s notice, a drive like this is for you. Conversely, it might not be a necessary purchase for very casual gamers who only play one or two games at a time and are content to delete them when finished. For those primarily looking to archive PS4 games, a slower, cheaper external USB hard drive could be a more budget-friendly alternative, though it lacks the ability to play PS5 titles directly.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The PS5 has a very specific M.2 expansion slot. Any drive you purchase must conform to the M.2 2280 form factor and, crucially, must fit within the height limitations, including a heatsink. A heatsink is not optional; Sony mandates it to prevent overheating and performance throttling. An SSD that is too tall simply won’t allow you to replace the slot cover, compromising cooling and protection.
- Capacity/Performance: Sony requires a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. While that’s the baseline, aiming for a drive with higher speeds (around 7,000 MB/s or more) provides a performance buffer for future games that may be even more demanding. Capacity is a personal choice, but with games regularly exceeding 100GB, we find 2TB to be the sweet spot, offering a significant upgrade without an astronomical price tag.
- Materials & Durability: Look for drives from reputable brands known for high-quality NAND flash and reliable controllers. The heatsink’s construction is also vital. A solid block of aluminum will dissipate heat more effectively than a flimsy, stamped metal alternative. A strong manufacturer warranty, typically 5 years for premium drives, is a great indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: For a PS5, ease of use boils down to installation. An “all-in-one” solution with a pre-installed, properly sized heatsink is vastly superior to a DIY approach where you have to purchase and attach a third-party heatsink. It eliminates guesswork and ensures a perfect fit. Once installed, these drives are maintenance-free, seamlessly integrating with the PS5’s operating system.
Keeping these factors in mind, the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll...
- GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks...
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung's pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes
First Impressions: Purpose-Built for PlayStation
Unboxing the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, the first thing we noticed was the premium, co-branded packaging. It immediately communicates that this isn’t just another PC component; it’s a product specifically sanctioned and designed for the PlayStation ecosystem. Inside, the drive itself is a dense, solid piece of tech. The black heatsink is sculpted and minimalist, featuring the iconic PlayStation logos alongside the WD_BLACK branding. It feels substantial in the hand, weighing just over 30 grams, a testament to the solid aluminum heatsink designed to perfectly fill the PS5’s expansion bay. Compared to buying a bare drive and a separate heatsink, this integrated solution feels cohesive and robust. There’s an immediate sense of confidence that it will fit perfectly and perform optimally without any fuss, which is exactly what a console gamer is looking for.
Key Benefits
- Officially licensed for PS5, guaranteeing perfect compatibility and fit
- Extremely simple and fast installation process (under 10 minutes)
- Excellent real-world speeds well above Sony’s minimum requirements
- Integrated heatsink is specifically optimized for the PS5’s cooling environment
Potential Drawbacks
- Included 14-day PlayStation Plus trial code is frequently reported as already used
- Advertised maximum speeds are benchmark figures, not what the PS5 will report
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the SN850P to the Test
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand its value, we put the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink through its paces, focusing on the areas that matter most to gamers: installation, real-world speed, and thermal management. This is where the drive moves from a theoretical upgrade to a tangible, game-changing enhancement for the PlayStation 5 experience.
Installation & Setup: A Flawless 5-Minute Upgrade
If the thought of opening your precious PS5 sends a shiver down your spine, let me put you at ease. The installation process for this drive is astonishingly simple and is arguably its biggest selling point. From start to finish, we had the entire upgrade completed in less than six minutes. All you need is a single #1 Phillips head screwdriver. The instructions, accessible via a QR code on the box, are clear and concise video guides. After powering down and unplugging the console, you simply pop off the side panel, undo one screw to remove the expansion slot cover, and then one more screw and a spacer to secure the drive. The WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink slid into the M.2 slot with a satisfying click, and the pre-installed heatsink fit into the bay with millimeter-perfect precision. There was no anxiety about compatibility, height clearance, or alignment—it just worked. This experience is echoed by countless users, one of whom noted, “This was easier to install than I thought it would be. Took me less than 5 mins.” Once the hardware is in, the software side is even easier. Upon booting the PS5, the console immediately recognizes the new drive and prompts you to format it. A single button press and about 15 seconds later, we had a fresh 2TB of high-speed storage ready to go. This level of plug-and-play simplicity is exactly what makes the “Officially Licensed” tag more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a promise of a hassle-free experience that WD_BLACK absolutely delivers on.
Real-World Speed & Gameplay: Erasing Load Times
Let’s talk numbers. The box advertises blistering speeds “up to 7,300 MB/s.” When we formatted the drive, our PS5 benchmark reported a read speed of 6,538 MB/s. We saw other users report similar figures, ranging from 6,100 MB/s to just over 6,500 MB/s. It’s crucial to understand that this is not a defect. The 7,300 MB/s figure is a theoretical maximum achieved under ideal PC benchmark conditions. The PS5’s internal benchmark is a different test, and the number it reports is still monumentally fast and well over double Sony’s 5,500 MB/s minimum requirement. What truly matters is how this translates to gameplay, and here, the drive is flawless. We transferred the 150GB+ bulk of Horizon Forbidden West from the internal storage to the SN850P in just under two minutes. Launching the game directly from the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink felt indistinguishable from the console’s own drive. Fast travel, which is already quick on PS5, became virtually instantaneous. Loading a save file from the main menu was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair. Games felt snappy, responsive, and seamless, with no texture pop-in or asset loading stutters during intense sequences. As one user aptly put it, the performance is “flawless and you forget it’s in there as it begins to work seamlessly in the background.” This is the highest praise you can give a storage device—it performs so well that it becomes an invisible, integral part of the console itself.
Thermals & The Custom Heatsink: Cool and Consistent Performance
Performance isn’t just about peak speed; it’s about sustained speed. An NVMe drive running at these velocities generates a significant amount of heat. Without proper cooling, it will “throttle,” intentionally slowing down to prevent overheating, which can lead to stuttering and longer load times mid-game. This is why Sony requires a heatsink, and the one on the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink is exceptional. It’s not a generic, off-the-shelf part; it’s a custom-designed piece of aluminum specifically sculpted to fit the PS5’s expansion bay and work with the console’s overall airflow. During our most intensive testing—transferring over a terabyte of data and then immediately jumping into a graphically demanding game for hours—the drive’s performance remained rock-solid. There was no hint of thermal throttling. This aligns with feedback from meticulous users, one of whom switched to this drive from another leading brand because they “noticed the Samsung 990 ran a tad warmer in my PlayStation.” This attention to thermal detail ensures that whether you’re five minutes or five hours into a gaming session, the drive delivers the same elite-level performance. It’s a critical, often-overlooked feature that guarantees consistency and protects your investment in the long run. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your drive is running cool and stable is invaluable, making this integrated solution one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your console.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from fellow gamers is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequently praised aspect is, without a doubt, the ease of installation. One user commented, “Very easy to install, even if you’re not the most proficient with a screwdriver!” while another said the entire process “took me less than 5 mins.” This confirms our own findings that the product delivers a truly user-friendly experience. Performance also receives high marks, with users calling it “blazing fast” and noting that it “works excellent with the ps5.”
However, the feedback isn’t without criticism, and a consistent issue has emerged. A significant number of users have reported that the included 14-day PlayStation Plus trial code was invalid or already redeemed upon arrival. Comments like, “it came with a 14 day ps plus and it said it was already used ?” are common. While some users were able to resolve this through customer support, it’s a frustrating flaw in an otherwise stellar product package. It’s important to view this as a potential bonus that might not work, rather than a guaranteed part of the purchase.
How the WD_BLACK SN850P Stacks Up Against the Competition
The WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink is a top-tier contender, but it’s not the only player in the game. Here’s how it compares to three notable alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs.
1. Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
- Always Evolving SSD: The 970 EVO Plus is powered by the latest V-NAND technology and firmware optimization, maximizing the potential of NVMe bandwidth; Comes in storage capacities of up to 2TB, with...
- Breakthrough Read/Write Speeds: The 970 EVO Plus reaches sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s, up to 53% faster than the 970 EVO
- Samsung Magician for Data Security: This software provides a suite of user-friendly tools that help you keep your drive up to date, monitor drive health and speed, and even boost performance
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is a legendary drive, but it’s crucial to understand its limitations in this context. This is a PCIe Gen 3 SSD. While it’s an outstanding performer for PCs and PS4 consoles, its maximum read speeds top out around 3,500 MB/s. This is well below the 5,500 MB/s minimum requirement set by Sony for the PS5’s internal expansion slot. Therefore, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus is not compatible for playing PS5 games directly from the internal slot. It’s a fantastic drive for a PC build or an external enclosure for storing PS4 games, but for anyone looking to expand their PS5’s playable storage, this is not the right choice.
2. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB PCIe Gen 4 M.2
- GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0's enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
- EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Keep your cool as you work—or play—without worrying about overheating or battery life. The efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to...
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a more direct competitor. It is a PCIe Gen 4 drive with advertised speeds that are highly competitive. However, a key difference is that this drive, like many PC-focused SSDs, does not typically come with a pre-installed heatsink that is guaranteed to fit the PS5. This means you would need to purchase a compatible third-party heatsink and install it yourself. While this can sometimes be a slightly more cost-effective route, it adds an extra step and a potential point of failure if the heatsink isn’t installed correctly or doesn’t fit properly. The WD_BLACK SN850P is for the user who wants a guaranteed, out-of-the-box solution with zero guesswork.
3. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.18M/1.44M IOPs
- COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop or workstation, the T500 installs easily in your M.2 slot
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage
The Crucial T500 is a powerhouse drive that often trades blows with the best on the market, featuring advertised speeds up to 7,400MB/s. It’s a fantastic option for both PC and PS5 users and is available in models with and without a factory-installed heatsink. When choosing the heatsink version, it becomes a very close competitor to the SN850P. The decision between the two often comes down to brand loyalty, current pricing, and the appeal of the “Officially Licensed for PlayStation” designation that the WD_BLACK drive carries. The T500 is for the tech-savvy user comfortable comparing spec sheets, while the SN850P is for the PS5 owner who wants the assurance of an officially endorsed product.
Final Verdict: The Definitive “Set It and Forget It” PS5 Storage Upgrade
After extensive testing and review, the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink stands out as a premier choice for any PlayStation 5 owner. Its greatest strength lies not just in its raw performance, which is exceptional, but in the holistic, worry-free experience it provides. The combination of the official PlayStation license, the perfectly integrated heatsink, and the dead-simple installation process removes all the typical friction and anxiety associated with internal hardware upgrades. It transforms a potentially intimidating task into a simple, 10-minute project with a massive payoff.
While the issue with the bundled PS Plus trial is a minor annoyance, it doesn’t detract from the core excellence of the hardware itself. You are paying a slight premium for the peace of mind and guaranteed compatibility, and in our opinion, it’s worth every penny. If you’re tired of deleting games and want to expand your PS5’s storage with a solution that is fast, reliable, and foolproof, this is the drive we wholeheartedly recommend.
If you’ve decided the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 with Heatsink is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API