WD_BLACK SN850X for PS5: heatsink version or bare drive?
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For most PS5 owners the heatsink edition of the WD_BLACK SN850X is the better buy. It drops into the bay as it is, and the bare drive only makes sense if the saving exceeds the £8 to £12 a slim third-party heatsink costs. We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
WD_BLACK SN850X: heatsink version vs bare drive
| With heatsink | Bare drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to install in a PS5 | Yes | No, add a heatsink first |
| Total height | Inside the 11.25mm limit | Depends on the heatsink you add |
| Performance in a PS5 | Identical | Identical once cooled |
| Reuse in a laptop later | No, too thick for most laptops | Yes |
| Cheapest 2TB today | £399.63 | None in stock |
The verdict
For most PS5 owners the heatsink edition of the WD_BLACK SN850X is the better buy. It drops into the bay as it is, and the bare drive only makes sense if the saving exceeds the £8 to £12 a slim third-party heatsink costs.
We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
Going bare: what you need
A bare WD_BLACK SN850X cannot go in uncooled: Sony's M.2 SSD requirements say so. Pick a slim cooler from standalone PS5 heatsinks and check the stack against the 11.25mm height guide.
The WD_BLACK SN850X page has the full spec sheet. Rival ready-to-fit drives are on PS5 SSDs with a heatsink, bare ones on PS5 SSDs without a heatsink, and the rule behind all this is explained in does a PS5 SSD need a heatsink.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the WD_BLACK SN850X with or without the heatsink for a PS5?
For most PS5 owners the heatsink edition of the WD_BLACK SN850X is the better buy. It drops into the bay as it is, and the bare drive only makes sense if the saving exceeds the £8 to £12 a slim third-party heatsink costs.
How much more is the WD_BLACK SN850X heatsink version today?
We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
Does the heatsink change the WD_BLACK SN850X's performance?
No. Both versions use identical hardware. A heatsink keeps temperatures down during long transfers so the drive does not slow itself, and that is all.
Is the WD_BLACK SN850X's heatsink detachable?
Treat it as permanent. Prising off a factory heatsink can damage the chips and may void the warranty, so choose the bare drive if you expect to reuse it elsewhere.
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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.