WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD or WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2? Which WD_BLACK Model to Buy
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You are comparing the wd black 2tb sn770 nvme internal vs 2tb sn850p nvme m 2. Both drives offer 2TB of storage and use PCIe Gen4 interfaces for fast data transfer. The main difference lies in their design and target use. The SN770 is a standard M.2 2280 drive focused on PC gaming. The SN850P includes a heatsink and is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 expansion.
Key differences
| Aspect | WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Max Read Speed | 5,150 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 4,850 MB/s | not listed |
| Cooling | not listed | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming (PC) | PS5 |
| Form Factor Height | 0.09 inches | 0.39 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD if
- You need a drive for a standard PC gaming setup without a pre-built heatsink.
- You want a lower-profile M.2 2280 drive that fits in tight spaces.
- You prioritize a known sequential write speed of 4,850 MB/s.
Choose WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD if
- You are expanding storage for a PlayStation 5 console.
- You want the highest sequential read speed available at 7,300 MB/s.
- You prefer a drive that includes an optimized heatsink for installation.
Verdict: The SN770 is the practical choice for PC gamers who need a standard, high-speed NVMe drive. The SN850P is better suited for PS5 owners who need official compatibility and included cooling. Choose based on your host device and cooling requirements.
SN770 vs SN850P Specs Comparison
Read Speed
The WD_BLACK SN850P leads with a maximum sequential read speed of 7,300 MB/s. This high throughput helps reduce load times significantly for large game files. The WD_BLACK SN770 offers a maximum read speed of 5,150 MB/s. While still fast for a PCIe Gen4 drive, it is noticeably slower than the SN850P. For users prioritizing raw data transfer rates, the higher number on the SN850P provides a clear performance advantage in handling massive assets.
Write Speed
The WD_BLACK SN770 lists a maximum sequential write speed of 4,850 MB/s in its specifications. The data for the WD_BLACK SN850P does not explicitly state its write speed, only highlighting its read performance. Without a published write speed figure for the SN850P, a direct comparison is incomplete. However, the SN770 provides a confirmed figure for sustained writes, which matters for saving large game updates or files.
Cooling
The WD_BLACK SN850P includes an optimized heatsink designed specifically for PlayStation 5 consoles. This helps manage thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The WD_BLACK SN770 is listed without a heatsink in its specifications. It relies on the host system for cooling. If you are installing this drive into a PS5, the SN850P’s integrated cooling solution offers a more plug-and-play experience without needing separate thermal pads or heatsinks.
Compatibility
The WD_BLACK SN850P is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring compatibility and easy installation. It is also compatible with PCIe Gen4 motherboards for PC use. The WD_BLACK SN770 supports PCIe Gen4 and is backwards-compatible with PCIe Gen3 slots. It also supports Microsoft’s DirectStorage technology for faster load times on compatible PCs. The SN850P has a distinct advantage for PS5 owners due to its official licensing.
Form Factor
Both drives use the M.2 form factor, but their physical dimensions differ. The WD_BLACK SN770 is a standard M.2 2280 drive, measuring 3.15 inches in length and 0.09 inches in height. The WD_BLACK SN850P is also M.2 but is thicker at 0.39 inches due to its integrated heatsink. Both share the same length. The SN770 is thinner, making it suitable for tight spaces or laptops, while the SN850P’s thickness accommodates its cooling solution.
Which WD_BLACK 2TB SSD Should You Buy
PS5 owners needing official expansion
The SN850P is officially licensed for PlayStation 5. It includes a custom heatsink that fits the console’s M.2 slot perfectly. This design ensures easy installation without compatibility worries. The 7,300 MB/s read speed allows seamless gameplay directly from the drive. You can store up to 200 games, eliminating the need to delete or transfer content frequently.
PC gamers wanting bare drive
The SN770 is a bare M.2 2280 drive without a heatsink. It fits standard PCIe Gen4 slots in desktops and laptops. With 5,150 MB/s read speeds, it reduces load times effectively. It supports DirectStorage for faster game loading. The WD_BLACK Dashboard helps monitor drive health on Windows. This model is ideal if you do not need a PS5-specific solution.
Users needing compact form factor
The SN770 has a slim profile at 0.09 inches thick. This makes it suitable for tight spaces inside laptops or slim desktops. The SN850P is 0.39 inches thick due to its heatsink. If your system has limited clearance or you prefer a standard drive without added bulk, the SN770’s physical dimensions offer better compatibility for general PC builds.
The products compared
WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: PC gamers needing fast Gen4 reads and 2TB capacity
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen4
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 5150MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 4850MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN770 is a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD built for gaming. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,850 MB/s over a PCIe Gen4 interface. The drive supports DirectStorage for faster load times. You can monitor health via the WD_BLACK Dashboard on Windows. It fits standard M.2 slots and offers ample space for large game libraries.
Pros
- 2TB storage capacity for extensive game libraries
- Sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage technology
- Compatible with PCIe Gen4 and Gen3 motherboards
Cons
- Lower sequential write speed than the SN850P
- WD_BLACK Dashboard software is Windows-only
- No included heatsink for thermal management
Good fit if
- You need 2TB of fast storage for PC gaming
- You want a PCIe Gen4 drive that fits Gen3 slots
- You prefer drives with DirectStorage support
Skip if
- You require macOS compatibility for the management software
- You need the absolute highest sequential write speeds available
- You are building a PlayStation 5 and need a specific certified drive
Verdict: The WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe offers strong Gen4 read performance and DirectStorage support for PC gamers. It is a solid choice for those prioritizing read speeds and capacity over maximum write throughput.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 storage expansion
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 4
- Form Factor
- M.2
- Max Read Speed
- 7,300 MB/s
- Cooling
- Heatsink
- Compatibility
- PS5
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN850P is a 2TB M.2 SSD built for PlayStation 5 expansion. It uses PCIe Gen 4 NVMe technology to deliver sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. The drive includes an optimized heatsink designed for PS5 installation. It allows direct gameplay without transferring files. This model suits players needing fast load times and verified console compatibility.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles
- Includes optimized heatsink for easy installation
- 2TB storage capacity for game libraries
Cons
- Limited to M.2 form factor
- Specific to PS5 compatibility
- Higher cost than non-licensed drives
Good fit if
- You are expanding PS5 storage
- You want verified console compatibility
- You need fast game load times
Skip if
- You use a PlayStation 4
- You need desktop PC optimization only
- You prefer smaller 1TB capacity
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is ideal for PS5 owners who prioritize verified compatibility and high-speed performance. It delivers the necessary bandwidth for seamless gameplay expansion.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | WD_BLACK SN770 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe Gen 4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 |
| Max Read Speed | 5150MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | 4850MB/s | not stated |
| Cooling | not stated | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming | PS5 |
| Size | 2TB | 2TB |
| Dimensions | 3.15 × 0.87 × 0.09 inches | 3.15 × 0.96 × 0.39 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 1.07 ounces |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | WDS200T3X0E | WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN |
Frequently asked questions
Is the WD_BLACK SN770 good for PC gaming?
Yes, the WD_BLACK SN770 is a solid choice for PC gamers. It offers strong Gen4 read performance and supports DirectStorage technology. This combination helps load large game assets quickly. If you prioritize fast read speeds and a 2TB capacity on a standard PC, this drive fits your needs well.
Does the SN850P come with a heatsink?
Yes, the WD_BLACK SN850P includes a custom heatsink. This component helps manage thermal output during intensive tasks. The heatsink is designed to fit the PS5 M.2 slot perfectly. This ensures stable performance and easy installation for console owners who need reliable thermal management for their storage expansion.
Can I use the SN770 in a PlayStation 5?
The WD_BLACK SN770 is designed primarily for PC gaming compatibility. It does not carry the official PlayStation 5 license that the SN850P holds. While it may physically fit, the SN850P is the verified option for PS5 expansion. For console owners, sticking with the licensed model ensures seamless gameplay and compatibility.
What is the difference in physical size between the two?
The WD_BLACK SN770 is thinner, measuring 0.09 inches in height. The SN850P is thicker at 0.39 inches due to its included heatsink. Both share the same 3.15-inch length and 2TB capacity. You should choose the thinner SN770 for standard PC builds and the SN850P for PS5 expansion where the heatsink is beneficial.
Which drive has faster sequential read speeds?
The WD_BLACK SN850P leads with a maximum sequential read speed of 7,300 MB/s. The SN770 offers a maximum read speed of 5,150 MB/s. The higher throughput of the SN850P helps reduce load times for large files. If raw speed is your top priority, the SN850P provides the performance edge.
Is the SN850P officially licensed for PS5?
Yes, the WD_BLACK SN850P is officially licensed for PlayStation 5. This certification guarantees it meets Sony’s specific requirements for console storage expansion. The drive delivers the necessary bandwidth for seamless gameplay. PS5 owners should choose this model to ensure verified compatibility and optimal performance within their console.