WD_BLACK SN850X vs WD_BLACK SN8100 for PS5
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In a PS5 these two load games alike, because the slot limits the Gen5 WD_BLACK SN8100 to Gen4 speed. That makes the WD_BLACK SN850X the sensible purchase unless the drive is destined for a Gen5 PC later. Today the WD_BLACK SN850X is £25.18/TB cheaper (£199.82/TB for the WD_BLACK SN850X against £225.00/TB for the WD_BLACK SN8100), 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 against WD_BLACK SN8100, spec for spec
| WD_BLACK SN850X | WD_BLACK SN8100 | |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 | PCIe Gen5 |
| Read speed (up to) | 7,300 MB/s | 14,900 MB/s |
| Speed inside a PS5 | Gen4 link | Gen4 link |
| DRAM cache | Yes | Yes |
| NAND | TLC | TLC |
| Endurance per TB | 600 TBW | 600 TBW |
| Heatsink for PS5 | Version fits | Height unverified |
| Officially licensed | No | No |
| Largest size | 8TB | 8TB |
| Cheapest 2TB-class listing today | £399.63 (£199.82/TB) | £449.99 (£225.00/TB) |
Our pick
In a PS5 these two load games alike, because the slot limits the Gen5 WD_BLACK SN8100 to Gen4 speed. That makes the WD_BLACK SN850X the sensible purchase unless the drive is destined for a Gen5 PC later.
Today the WD_BLACK SN850X is £25.18/TB cheaper (£199.82/TB for the WD_BLACK SN850X against £225.00/TB for the WD_BLACK SN8100), as of 21 October 2026.
What each drive has going for it
WD_BLACK SN850X
- WD's mainstream Gen4 performer.
- Compatible.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
WD_BLACK SN8100
- SanDisk's Gen5 flagship, also sold as the SanDisk Optimus GX Pro 8100.
- Compatible, but the PS5 runs it at Gen4 speed.
- Rated endurance: 600 TBW per terabyte.
Keep comparing
Each drive has its own page with a full spec sheet and every live listing: WD_BLACK SN850X and WD_BLACK SN8100. For the wider field see all 2TB PS5 SSDs, PS5 SSDs with a heatsink and the cheapest PS5 SSDs. The rules both drives are judged against are in PS5 SSD requirements, and more pairings are on the model index.
Compatible drives, live prices
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Frequently asked questions
Is the WD_BLACK SN850X or the WD_BLACK SN8100 better for the PS5?
In a PS5 these two load games alike, because the slot limits the Gen5 WD_BLACK SN8100 to Gen4 speed. That makes the WD_BLACK SN850X the sensible purchase unless the drive is destined for a Gen5 PC later.
What is the price gap between the WD_BLACK SN850X and the WD_BLACK SN8100?
Today the WD_BLACK SN850X is £25.18/TB cheaper (£199.82/TB for the WD_BLACK SN850X against £225.00/TB for the WD_BLACK SN8100), as of 21 October 2026.
Will I notice the WD_BLACK SN850X or WD_BLACK SN8100 being faster in games?
No. Their ratings differ (7,300 MB/s for the WD_BLACK SN850X, 14,900 MB/s for the WD_BLACK SN8100), but above roughly 5,500 MB/s the console's Gen4 slot and the games themselves set the pace.
What are the heatsink options for the WD_BLACK SN850X and WD_BLACK SN8100?
WD_BLACK SN850X: version fits. WD_BLACK SN8100: height unverified. A bare drive of either model needs a slim heatsink, within 11.25mm overall.
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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.