WD_BLACK SN7100 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 WD_BLACK SN7100 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead. Today the WD_BLACK SN7100 is £68.52/TB cheaper. The cheapest 2TB-class listings we found on 21 October 2026 were £131.30/TB (WD_BLACK SN7100) and £199.82/TB (WD_BLACK SN850X).
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
Side by side: WD_BLACK SN7100 and WD_BLACK SN850X
| WD_BLACK SN7100 | WD_BLACK SN850X | |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe Gen4 |
| Read speed (up to) | 7,250 MB/s | 7,300 MB/s |
| Speed inside a PS5 | Gen4 link | Gen4 link |
| DRAM cache | No | Yes |
| NAND | TLC | TLC |
| Endurance per TB | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Heatsink for PS5 | None, sold bare | Version fits |
| Officially licensed | No | No |
| Largest size | 4TB | 8TB |
| Cheapest 2TB-class listing today | £262.60 (£131.30/TB) | £399.63 (£199.82/TB) |
The verdict for PS5 owners
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 WD_BLACK SN7100 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead.
Today the WD_BLACK SN7100 is £68.52/TB cheaper. The cheapest 2TB-class listings we found on 21 October 2026 were £131.30/TB (WD_BLACK SN7100) and £199.82/TB (WD_BLACK SN850X).
Reasons to pick each
WD_BLACK SN7100
- A DRAM-less Gen4 drive that replaced the SN770 with much higher speeds.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
WD_BLACK SN850X
- WD's mainstream Gen4 performer.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
More on both drives
Start with the two model pages, WD_BLACK SN7100 and WD_BLACK SN850X, for fit verdicts and live prices. Then widen the search: all 2TB PS5 SSDs, the cheapest PS5 SSDs, or only drives with a heatsink. PS5 SSD requirements explains the gate, and the model index lists further comparisons.
Compatible drives, live prices
Related comparisons and guides
More to read: All models, 2TB, With heatsink, Cheapest PS5 SSD, PS5 SSD requirements, Best value PS5 SSD.
Frequently asked questions
Which wins for PS5, the WD_BLACK SN7100 or the WD_BLACK SN850X?
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 WD_BLACK SN7100 is clearly cheaper per terabyte today, that is reason enough to choose it instead.
Does the WD_BLACK SN7100 or the WD_BLACK SN850X cost less right now?
Today the WD_BLACK SN7100 is £68.52/TB cheaper. The cheapest 2TB-class listings we found on 21 October 2026 were £131.30/TB (WD_BLACK SN7100) and £199.82/TB (WD_BLACK SN850X).
Is there a speed difference between the WD_BLACK SN7100 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 WD_BLACK SN7100 is rated at 7,250 MB/s and the WD_BLACK SN850X at 7,300 MB/s.
Do the WD_BLACK SN7100 and WD_BLACK SN850X both fit the PS5 with a heatsink?
WD_BLACK SN7100: none, sold bare. WD_BLACK SN850X: version fits. Sony's limit is 11.25mm total thickness, so a bare drive needs a low-profile heatsink added.
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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.