Lexar NM790 vs WD_BLACK SN850X for PS5
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In a PS5 both clear Sony's speed recommendation and load games alike, so the WD_BLACK SN850X wins on the things that differ: a DRAM cache. Buy the NM790 instead if it is clearly cheaper per terabyte today. On price, as of 21 October 2026: NM790 £152.00/TB, WD_BLACK SN850X £199.82/TB. Today the NM790 is £47.82/TB cheaper at 2TB.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
NM790 against WD_BLACK SN850X, spec for spec
| Lexar NM790 | WD_BLACK SN850X | |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe Gen4 |
| Read speed (up to) | 7,400 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Speed inside a PS5 | Gen4 link | Gen4 link |
| DRAM cache | No | Yes |
| NAND | TLC | TLC |
| Endurance per TB | 750 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Heatsink for PS5 | Version fits | Version fits |
| Officially licensed | No | No |
| Largest size | 4TB | 8TB |
| Cheapest 2TB-class listing today | £303.99 (£152.00/TB) | £399.63 (£199.82/TB) |
Our pick
In a PS5 both clear Sony's speed recommendation and load games alike, so the WD_BLACK SN850X wins on the things that differ: a DRAM cache. Buy the NM790 instead if it is clearly cheaper per terabyte today.
On price, as of 21 October 2026: NM790 £152.00/TB, WD_BLACK SN850X £199.82/TB. Today the NM790 is £47.82/TB cheaper at 2TB.
What each drive has going for it
NM790
- A DRAM-less TLC drive.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 750 TBW per terabyte.
WD_BLACK SN850X
- WD's mainstream Gen4 performer.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
Keep comparing
Spec sheets and every listing in stock are on the individual pages for the Lexar NM790 and the WD_BLACK SN850X. If neither appeals, the cheapest PS5 SSDs and all 2TB PS5 SSDs rank the alternatives, and PS5 SSDs with a heatsink narrows them to ready-to-fit drives. Other head-to-heads are linked from the model index; the criteria are in PS5 SSD requirements.
Compatible drives, live prices
Related comparisons and guides
Other places to go from here: All models, 2TB, With heatsink, Cheapest PS5 SSD, PS5 SSD requirements, Best value PS5 SSD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lexar NM790 or the WD_BLACK SN850X better for the PS5?
In a PS5 both clear Sony's speed recommendation and load games alike, so the WD_BLACK SN850X wins on the things that differ: a DRAM cache. Buy the NM790 instead if it is clearly cheaper per terabyte today.
Which is cheaper today, the NM790 or the WD_BLACK SN850X?
On price, as of 21 October 2026: NM790 £152.00/TB, WD_BLACK SN850X £199.82/TB. Today the NM790 is £47.82/TB cheaper at 2TB.
Is there a speed difference between the NM790 and WD_BLACK SN850X in a PS5?
Not one you will notice. The PS5 slot is PCIe Gen4, and once a drive clears about 5,500 MB/s, game load times are close to identical. The NM790 is rated at 7,400 MB/s and the WD_BLACK SN850X at 7,300 MB/s.
Which has a heatsink that fits the PS5, the NM790 or the WD_BLACK SN850X?
Lexar NM790: version fits. WD_BLACK SN850X: version fits. Whichever you choose must end up no thicker than 11.25mm with its heatsink on.
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Last updated: 2026-10-21 06:04:07 UTC. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated on Amazon.co.uk and are subject to change. Any price displayed at the time of purchase will apply. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.