Does the WD Blue SN5100 work in a PS5?
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Works and meets spec. Despite the budget WD Blue badge it reads at up to 7,100 MB/s on the 1TB and 2TB models, above Sony's recommendation. Cheapest listing today: £98.75.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
WD Blue SN5100 against the PS5 requirements
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Yes |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, M.2 2280 |
| Sequential read (up to) | 7,100 MB/s |
| Sequential write (up to) | 6,700 MB/s |
| Sony's recommended read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster |
| NAND type | QLC |
| DRAM cache | No (host memory buffer) |
| Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Heatsink version | No, sold bare |
| Officially PlayStation-licensed | No |
| Launched | 2025 |
Figures are the maker's published "up to" ratings, checked October 2026 against the maker's spec sheet.
Why the WD Blue SN5100 works
On paper there is nothing doubtful about it: Gen4 NVMe, 7,100 MB/s, against a recommendation of 5,500 MB/s in Sony's M.2 SSD requirements. The question gets asked because it is priced like a budget drive, or because an earlier model with a similar name fell short.
A 2025 QLC drive that is far faster than the SN5000 it replaced. Sold bare, so it needs a low-profile heatsink in the PS5.
Heatsink and fit for the WD Blue SN5100
The WD Blue SN5100 is sold bare, with no factory heatsink version. Sony requires a heat dissipation structure, so add a low-profile M.2 heatsink that keeps the total under 11.25mm. Sony's limit is 11.25mm total thickness and 25mm width (see Sony's M.2 SSD requirements).
See standalone PS5 heatsinks for coolers that fit, or the 11.25mm height guide for the rule in full.
Related checks
Every rule a drive has to meet is set out in PS5 SSD requirements; the short version is which SSD is compatible with the PS5. Look up another drive on the PS5 SSD model index or browse WD drives that pass. Fitted a drive that does not show up? Try PS5 SSD not detected.
Live listings of this model
Related comparisons and guides
Useful next steps: PS5 SSD requirements, Which SSD is compatible?, Cheapest PS5 SSD, Read speed too slow warning, All models, 2TB.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WD Blue SN5100 work in a PS5?
Yes. Works and meets spec. Despite the budget WD Blue badge it reads at up to 7,100 MB/s on the 1TB and 2TB models, above Sony's recommendation.
Does the WD Blue SN5100 trigger the PS5's slow read speed notice?
It should pass the console's own read test, which runs at the end of formatting.
What should I buy instead of the WD Blue SN5100?
None is needed. This drive passes. Look elsewhere only if you would rather have a heatsink fitted at the factory.
Does the WD Blue SN5100 work in the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro?
The answer is the same on every model. The PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro share one M.2 slot specification, so a drive that works in one works in all, subject to the heatsink fitting.
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Last updated: 2026-10-21 00:03:24 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.