WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD vs WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2: Spec Comparison
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This comparison looks at the wd black 2tb sn850 nvme internal vs 2tb sn850p nvme m 2. Both drives offer 2TB of storage and use NVMe interfaces for fast data transfer. They share similar gaming-oriented performance profiles. The main difference lies in their intended use cases and physical design. The SN850 is a standard internal drive, while the SN850P includes a heatsink and targets PlayStation 5 expansion specifically.
Key differences
| Aspect | WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Max Read Speed | 7,000 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Cooling | Not listed | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming PCs | PlayStation 5 |
| Form Factor Height | 0.09 inches | 0.39 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD if
- You want a standard M.2 drive for a desktop or laptop with limited clearance.
- You do not need an integrated heatsink for your current build.
- You prefer a drive optimized for general PC gaming environments.
Choose WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD if
- You are installing storage directly into a PlayStation 5 console.
- You need official licensing for console compatibility.
- You want higher sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
Verdict: The SN850 is the better choice for general PC gaming builds where space and standard form factors matter. The SN850P is specifically designed for PS5 users who need official licensing and an integrated heatsink for easy installation. Choose the SN850P only if your primary goal is console expansion.
SN850 vs SN850P Specs Compared
Max Read Speed
The WD_BLACK SN850P delivers a higher maximum sequential read speed of 7,300 MB/s. The standard WD_BLACK SN850 tops out at 7,000 MB/s. This 300 MB/s difference is noticeable in large file transfers. Both drives utilize PCIe Gen4 interfaces to achieve these rates. You will see faster load times on the SN850P. The SN850 remains extremely fast for general gaming tasks. The SN850P holds a slight advantage in raw throughput numbers.
Cooling Solution
The WD_BLACK SN850P includes an official optimized heatsink designed for PlayStation 5 consoles. This integrated cooling helps maintain performance during extended gaming sessions. The WD_BLACK SN850 is sold as a bare drive without a heatsink. You must purchase a separate cooling solution for the SN850 if your system requires one. The built-in heatsink on the SN850P adds convenience and thermal management out of the box.
Physical Dimensions
Both drives share the same length of 3.15 inches. However, the WD_BLACK SN850P is significantly thicker at 0.39 inches due to its heatsink. The standard SN850 is much slimmer at just 0.09 inches. The SN850P is also slightly wider at 0.96 inches compared to the SN850’s 0.87 inches. Your available M.2 slot space will determine which drive fits best. The SN850 offers a more compact profile for tight builds.
Console Compatibility
The WD_BLACK SN850P is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles. It is tested and approved for direct installation into PS5 M.2 slots. The WD_BLACK SN850 is optimized for PC gaming and is not intended for NAS or server environments. It lacks official console licensing documentation in the provided data. If you are expanding PS5 storage, the SN850P provides verified compatibility and peace of mind.
NAND Type
Both the WD_BLACK SN850 and the SN850P utilize 3D NAND technology. This shared architecture ensures similar endurance and reliability characteristics. The data confirms both drives use this modern storage medium. You can expect comparable power efficiency and density from both units. There is no distinction in NAND technology between these two models. This results in a tie for this specific specification comparison.
Which WD_BLACK SSD fits your setup
PS5 owners needing official expansion
The SN850P is an officially licensed drive for PlayStation 5 consoles. It includes an optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5 M.2 slot, ensuring easy and worry-free installation. The higher 7,300 MB/s read speed supports seamless gameplay and short load times directly from the drive, making it the clear choice for console storage expansion.
PC gamers wanting compact drives
The standard SN850 features a compact M.2 2280 form factor with a slim profile of 0.09 inches. It delivers strong Gen4 PCIe performance with read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s. This drive is optimized for top-tier gaming on PCs and offers flexibility with options including a heatsink variant, making it ideal for tight PC builds.
Users prioritizing highest sequential speeds
If maximum sequential read speed is your primary metric, the SN850P leads with 7,300 MB/s compared to the SN850's 7,000 MB/s. This 300 MB/s advantage can benefit large file transfers. Both drives share 2TB capacity and NVMe interfaces, but the SN850P’s higher throughput makes it superior for data-intensive workloads.
The products compared
WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Best for: high-performance gaming storage
- Storage Capacity
- 2TB
- Interface
- Gen4 PCIe
- Form Factor
- M.2 2280
- Max Read Speed
- 7,000 MB/s
- Compatibility
- Gaming
- NAND Type
- 3D NAND
View on Amazon: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD Affiliate link
The WD_BLACK SN850 is a 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe drive built for gaming. It uses Gen4 PCIe and 3D NAND to deliver read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s. The drive reaches 1,000,000 IOPS. It includes a compact design and optional heatsink variant. You can use the WD_BLACK Dashboard software to manage performance. This drive suits gamers needing fast load times and high capacity.
Pros
- Gen4 PCIe interface for high bandwidth
- Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
- 1,000,000 IOPS for 2TB model
- Includes WD_BLACK Dashboard software
Cons
- Not intended for NAS or server environments
- No warranty details listed in data
- Heatsink is an optional variant, not standard
Good fit if
- You need fast game load times
- You have a Gen4 PCIe slot
- You want 2TB of storage
Skip if
- You need NAS compatibility
- You require server-grade endurance
- You want a budget SATA drive
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850 2TB NVMe SSD delivers top-tier Gen4 speeds for gaming. It fits players who prioritize performance over server features.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD
Best for: PS5 game 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 NVMe drive built for PlayStation 5 expansion. It features a PCIe Gen 4 interface with read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. The unit includes an optimized heatsink designed for easy installation into the console's M.2 slot. This officially licensed storage allows you to play games directly without transferring files. It suits players needing high-speed load times and reliable compatibility.
Pros
- Read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Officially licensed for PlayStation 5
- Includes optimized heatsink for installation
- 2TB storage capacity
Cons
- Limited to PS5 console compatibility
- Heatsink adds physical bulk
- No software management tools listed
Good fit if
- You own a PlayStation 5 console
- You want to expand game storage
- You need fast load times
Skip if
- You use a PlayStation 4 console
- You need PC-only optimization
- You prefer bare drives without heatsinks
Verdict: WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB PS5 SSD delivers official PS5 compatibility and high read speeds for seamless gaming. It is the right choice for PlayStation 5 owners expanding their library.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | WD_BLACK SN850 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD | WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P PS5 NVMe SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB |
| Interface | Gen4 PCIe | PCIe Gen 4 |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 | M.2 |
| Max Read Speed | 7,000 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Cooling | not stated | Heatsink |
| Compatibility | Gaming | PS5 |
| NAND Type | 3D NAND | not stated |
| 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 | WDS200T1X0E | WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN |
Frequently asked questions
Is the SN850P better than the SN850 for PS5?
The SN850P is the superior choice for PlayStation 5 owners. It is an officially licensed drive for the console, ensuring seamless compatibility. The SN850P also includes a dedicated heatsink optimized for the PS5 M.2 slot, which simplifies installation and helps manage thermals in the console's tight space.
What is the difference in physical size between these drives?
The SN850P is thicker than the standard SN850. The SN850P measures 0.39 inches in height, while the SN850 is only 0.09 inches thick. Both share the same 3.15-inch length and similar widths, but the SN850P’s added height accommodates its integrated heatsink for better cooling performance.
Which drive has faster read speeds?
The SN850P offers faster sequential read speeds. It reaches a maximum of 7,300 MB/s, whereas the standard SN850 tops out at 7,000 MB/s. This 300 MB/s difference can make large file transfers slightly quicker on the SN850P, though both drives utilize PCIe Gen4 interfaces for high performance.
Can I use the SN850P in a desktop PC?
Yes, you can use the SN850P in a desktop PC. It uses an NVMe interface and M.2 form factor, making it compatible with most modern motherboards. However, the included heatsink adds height, so you must ensure your PC case or motherboard has sufficient clearance for installation.
Does the SN850P come with a heatsink?
The SN850P includes a built-in heatsink. This feature helps dissipate heat during intense gaming or large data transfers. The standard SN850 does not list a heatsink in its attributes, so you may need to purchase one separately if your system lacks adequate airflow or a motherboard-mounted cooler.
Are both drives suitable for high-performance gaming?
Both drives are designed for high-performance gaming. The SN850 is marketed specifically for gaming storage, while the SN850P is optimized for PS5 game expansion. Both use 3D NAND technology and NVMe interfaces to deliver fast load times and responsive performance for demanding titles and large game libraries.