Samsung 990 Pro vs WD_BLACK SN850X for PS5
PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro storage, ranked by value on Amazon.co.uk
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For most PS5 owners the WD_BLACK SN850X is the smarter buy: it matches the Samsung 990 Pro's real-world PS5 performance and usually costs less per terabyte. Choose the 990 Pro if it is the cheaper of the two on the day or you prefer Samsung's heatsink design. Both are M.2 NVMe Gen4 drives with heatsink versions that meet the full PS5 spec, so the decision comes down to live price.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
990 Pro vs SN850X at a glance
| Samsung 990 Pro | WD_BLACK SN850X | |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | M.2 NVMe Gen4 | M.2 NVMe Gen4 |
| PS5 read speed | Above 5,500 MB/s | Above 5,500 MB/s |
| Heatsink option | Yes, low-profile | Yes, low-profile |
| PS5 fit | Clears 11.25 mm | Clears 11.25 mm |
| Position | Premium | Value-to-premium |
| Typical price per TB | Higher | Often lower |
Which should you buy?
Choose the 990 Pro if
- It is the cheaper of the two on the day you buy.
- You prefer Samsung's heatsink and ecosystem.
- You want a drive that also excels in a Gen4 PC.
Choose the SN850X if
- You want the best price per terabyte, which it usually wins.
- You are happy with WD's low-profile heatsink version.
- You want SN850P-class performance without the licensed premium.
The honest verdict
Inside the PS5 these two drives are functionally indistinguishable: both are fast Gen4 drives that clear Sony's requirements with room to spare, and neither has a meaningful load-time edge in the console. So the right pick is simply whichever is cheaper per terabyte when you buy.
The live table below shows both drives ranked by price per terabyte on Amazon.co.uk, so you can see today's gap and pick the value winner.
Compatible drives, live prices
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung 990 Pro or WD SN850X better for the PS5?
Inside the PS5 they perform the same. The SN850X usually costs less per terabyte, so it is the better value; pick the 990 Pro only if it is cheaper on the day or you prefer Samsung.
Do both the 990 Pro and SN850X have a heatsink for the PS5?
Yes, both are sold in a low-profile heatsink version sized for the PS5 bay, so either meets the cooling requirement and clears the 11.25 mm height limit.
Is the 990 Pro worth more than the SN850X for a PS5?
Not for performance; they are equal in the console. Pay more for the 990 Pro only if you value Samsung's design or it happens to be the cheaper drive.
Which is faster in the PS5, the 990 Pro or SN850X?
Neither in any way you would notice. Both exceed the PS5's 5,500 MB/s minimum, and PS5 load times are gated by the console, not the drive.
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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.