Does the WD_BLACK SN770 work in a PS5?
PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro storage, ranked by value on Amazon.co.uk
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability come from Amazon.co.uk as of the last update and may change.
Works, but below spec. The PS5 accepts it because it is Gen4 NVMe, but its 5,150 MB/s read speed is under Sony's 5,500 MB/s recommendation. It currently sells from £346.92.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
WD_BLACK SN770: the figures that decide it
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Works, below spec |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, M.2 2280 |
| Sequential read (up to) | 5,150 MB/s |
| Sequential write (up to) | 4,900 MB/s |
| Sony's recommended read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster |
| NAND type | TLC |
| DRAM cache | No (host memory buffer) |
| Controller | WD in-house |
| Endurance | About 600 TBW per TB (1,200 TBW at 2TB) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Capacities | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Heatsink version | No, sold bare |
| Officially PlayStation-licensed | No |
| Launched | 2022 |
Figures are the maker's published "up to" ratings, checked October 2026 against the maker's spec sheet.
Why the WD_BLACK SN770 falls short
Two tests matter. Interface: the WD_BLACK SN770 is Gen4, so it passes. Speed: it is rated at 5,150 MB/s, and Sony's M.2 SSD requirements recommend 5,500 MB/s or more, so it does not.
In practice most games still run from it, and the PS5 shows a read speed figure after formatting so you can see what you got. The risk is with games that stream data aggressively, where a slower drive can mean longer loads. We show these drives in a separate "below spec" section, never in the main ranking.
WD rates the SN770 at 5,150 MB/s for 1TB and 2TB, 5,000 MB/s at 500GB and 4,000 MB/s at 250GB. It is DRAM-less and sold without a heatsink.
A close alternative that passes
If you have not bought yet, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is the closest alternative that clears Sony's recommendation, at 7,250 MB/s. For the lowest price on any drive that passes, see the cheapest PS5 SSDs or the best value PS5 SSDs.
Already own the WD_BLACK SN770? It is fine to try it. If the PS5 formats it and your games load acceptably, there is no harm in using it.
Does the WD_BLACK SN770 need a heatsink?
There is no heatsink edition of the WD_BLACK SN770. You will need to fit a slim M.2 heatsink before installing it, because Sony does not permit an uncooled drive. The bay takes drive and heatsink together up to 11.25mm thick and 25mm wide, per Sony's M.2 SSD requirements.
Coolers sold for the job are listed under standalone PS5 heatsinks; the measurement itself is explained in the 11.25mm height guide.
More on compatibility
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
| Product | Capacity | Price | Price per TB | Tech | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD_BLACK SN770 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD, M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, Gaming Solid State drive, PCIe Gen4, High Performance Gaming drive, Read speeds up to 5150 MB/s | 2 TB | £346.92 | £173.46 | NVMe | - | Buy on Amazon |
Related comparisons and guides
You may also want PS5 SSD requirements, Which SSD is compatible?, Cheapest PS5 SSD, Read speed too slow warning, All models, 2TB.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WD_BLACK SN770 work in a PS5?
Yes, but below Sony's recommended speed. Works, but below spec. The PS5 accepts it because it is Gen4 NVMe, but its 5,150 MB/s read speed is under Sony's 5,500 MB/s recommendation.
Does the WD_BLACK SN770 trigger the PS5's slow read speed notice?
Expect the notice. It appears after formatting when the measured speed is below the recommended figure, and it does not stop you using the drive.
What is a better alternative to the WD_BLACK SN770 for PS5?
The WD_BLACK SN7100, rated at 7,250 MB/s, is the nearest option that meets Sony's recommendation. Compare live prices on the cheapest PS5 SSD page.
Does the WD_BLACK SN770 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.
Independent comparison site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation and PS5 are trademarks of Sony.
Last updated: 2026-10-19 12:05:53 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.