Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews inside TV, where we break down the tech products that matter to you. Today, we’re looking at the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD, designed to supercharge your PlayStation 5 experience. If you’ve been dealing with storage limitations on your PS5, this officially licensed M.2 SSD might be the solution. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD promises to expand your PS5’s storage while keeping things fast and efficient. Built with PCIe Gen 4 technology, it supports read speeds up to 7,300MB/s. For anyone who’s experienced the constant need to delete and reinstall games, that’s a game-changer. It’s available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB, allowing you to store anywhere from 20 to over 100 games, depending on your console’s capacity and the size of your games. Plus, it comes with an optimized heatsink specifically designed to ensure proper airflow and temperature regulation during intense gaming sessions.
What does this mean for you, the gamer? Essentially, it means seamless storage that lets you play directly from the drive without having to worry about transferring files back and forth. The SSD is specifically designed for plug-and-play compatibility with your PS5, meaning no complex setup or risk of failure—just solid performance when you need it.
In my experience, the setup was a breeze. It slotted right into the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot without any issue, and the SSD was immediately recognized. I loaded up a few demanding titles—think the latest action-packed blockbusters—and I noticed a marked improvement in loading times compared to the PS5’s internal storage. Games launched faster, and I experienced fewer stutters when transitioning between areas. The heatsink did its job as well, as the drive stayed cool even during long gaming sessions, which is crucial for maintaining that high-speed performance over time.
However, there are a few areas where the SN850P might not be for everyone. The read speed of 7,300MB/s is impressive on paper, but real-world gaming performance is more about how quickly the system can load your assets in-game. For casual gamers or those who primarily play older titles, the blazing-fast speed may not be as noticeable. That said, if you’re into modern, graphically intensive games, the SSD definitely improves the overall experience.
The build quality feels premium. The sleek black design, combined with the low-profile heatsink, matches the aesthetic of the PS5 while not adding too much bulk. However, if you’re someone who’s particularly conscious about the overall look of your console, the SSD does add a slight bump in size, though it’s minimal and unlikely to interfere with most setups. One thing to keep in mind is that, like many high-performance drives, the SN850P isn’t the most affordable option on the market. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are other drives out there that offer lower capacities for less money, though they may not deliver the same speeds.
When it comes to value for money, it really depends on how you use your PS5. If you’re someone who enjoys a wide variety of titles and doesn’t want to constantly juggle storage, the 2TB model could be worth the price, especially when you consider the added benefit of PlayStation Plus Premium for 14 days, giving you access to a massive library of games to test the storage out. However, if you mostly play a handful of games and don’t mind occasionally deleting or moving files, you could find less expensive options that meet your needs without the added performance boost.
In comparison to other storage expansion options, the WD_BLACK SN850P stands out for its high read speeds and PS5-specific optimizations. For instance, the Samsung 980 Pro is also a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, and while it offers solid performance, it lacks the PlayStation-specific enhancements like the heatsink. The Seagate FireCuda 530 is another competitor in the same space, with similar speeds, but it comes at a comparable price point and doesn’t include the PlayStation Plus subscription. While both of these drives are excellent, the WD_BLACK SN850P offers the most seamless experience for PlayStation 5 users, with its easy installation and optimized cooling.
Build quality is solid. The drive is made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability over time. There’s no long-term reliability data for this specific model yet, but WD’s reputation for producing dependable storage drives certainly helps ease any concerns. The included heatsink is a nice touch, and with long-term use, it seems likely that the SN850P will continue to perform well without issues.
As for customer support, I haven’t had the need to reach out to WD for any problems, but based on the brand’s reputation, I’d expect responsive service in case anything comes up. WD is known for providing solid support and a warranty to back their products.
Wrapping things up, the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD is a solid choice for PS5 owners who need more storage and want to make sure their games load as quickly as possible. The 7,300MB/s read speed is a standout feature, and the included heatsink makes sure that performance doesn’t suffer even after long gaming sessions. It’s easy to install, designed specifically for PlayStation 5, and offers good value for those who need extra space for their games.
If you’re on the fence, I would recommend the SN850P for anyone who plays a wide variety of modern titles and values smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. For more casual users or those with smaller game libraries, however, there might be cheaper alternatives that still get the job done. Ultimately, it all depends on how much you’re willing to invest for speed, storage, and convenience.
Thank you for watching today’s review of the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD. If you have any questions, or if you’ve already used this drive in your own setup, drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts. If you found this review helpful, be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that bell so you never miss out on our latest reviews. Goodbye till next time—keep those load times short and your gaming session long, right here on Reviews inside TV!
Available to buy here:
