PNY XLR8 CS3140 vs WD_BLACK SN850X for PS5
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Speed will not separate them in a console: each is above the 5,500 MB/s Sony recommends. What does is a heatsink version that is known to fit the bay, which favours the WD_BLACK SN850X. If the XLR8 CS3140 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead. Today only the WD_BLACK SN850X has a compatible new listing in stock, at £399.63 (£199.82/TB), as of 21 October 2026.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
XLR8 CS3140 vs WD_BLACK SN850X: PS5 spec comparison
| PNY XLR8 CS3140 | WD_BLACK SN850X | |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe Gen4 |
| Read speed (up to) | 7,500 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Speed inside a PS5 | Gen4 link | Gen4 link |
| DRAM cache | Yes | Yes |
| NAND | - | TLC |
| Endurance per TB | - | 600 TBW |
| Heatsink for PS5 | Height unverified | Version fits |
| Officially licensed | No | No |
| Largest size | 4TB | 8TB |
| Cheapest 2TB-class listing today | None in stock | £399.63 (£199.82/TB) |
Which should you buy for a PS5?
Speed will not separate them in a console: each is above the 5,500 MB/s Sony recommends. What does is a heatsink version that is known to fit the bay, which favours the WD_BLACK SN850X. If the XLR8 CS3140 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead.
Today only the WD_BLACK SN850X has a compatible new listing in stock, at £399.63 (£199.82/TB), as of 21 October 2026.
Choose by what matters to you
XLR8 CS3140
- PNY rates the 2TB and 4TB models at 7,500 MB/s read and 6,850 MB/s write; the 1TB model writes at 5,650 MB/s.
- Compatible on speed at 7,500 MB/s.
- Sizes: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB.
WD_BLACK SN850X
- WD's mainstream Gen4 performer.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
Go deeper
Spec sheets and every listing in stock are on the individual pages for the PNY XLR8 CS3140 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 PNY XLR8 CS3140 or the WD_BLACK SN850X better for the PS5?
Speed will not separate them in a console: each is above the 5,500 MB/s Sony recommends. What does is a heatsink version that is known to fit the bay, which favours the WD_BLACK SN850X. If the XLR8 CS3140 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead.
Does the XLR8 CS3140 or the WD_BLACK SN850X cost less right now?
Today only the WD_BLACK SN850X has a compatible new listing in stock, at £399.63 (£199.82/TB), as of 21 October 2026.
Is there a speed difference between the XLR8 CS3140 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 XLR8 CS3140 is rated at 7,500 MB/s and the WD_BLACK SN850X at 7,300 MB/s.
Which has a heatsink that fits the PS5, the XLR8 CS3140 or the WD_BLACK SN850X?
PNY XLR8 CS3140: height unverified. 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.