The Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerhouse of a console, boasting impressive specs and features that set it apart from its predecessors. One of the key components that contribute to its exceptional performance is the storage drive. The PS5 uses a solid-state drive (SSD) as its primary storage device, which provides faster loading times, improved overall performance, and a more seamless gaming experience. However, the stock SSD that comes with the PS5 may not be sufficient for some users, particularly those who have large game libraries or require even faster loading times. This is where the WD Black SN850 comes in – a high-performance SSD designed specifically for gaming. But is the SN850 good for PS5? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore whether this SSD is a worthy upgrade for your console.
What Is The WD Black SN850?
The WD Black SN850 is a high-end SSD designed for gaming and other high-performance applications. It’s part of Western Digital’s WD Black series, which is known for its high-quality storage solutions. The SN850 is an NVMe SSD, which means it uses the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) protocol to communicate with the host system. This protocol is designed to take advantage of the low latency and high throughput of flash storage, making it ideal for applications that require fast data transfer rates.
The SN850 is available in several capacities, ranging from 500GB to 2TB. It features a PCIe 4.0 interface, which provides a maximum bandwidth of 64 GT/s (gigatransfers per second). This is twice the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, making it an attractive option for users who want the fastest possible performance.
Key Features Of The WD Black SN850
The WD Black SN850 boasts several key features that make it an attractive option for PS5 users:
- High-performance NVMe SSD: The SN850 uses the NVMe protocol to provide fast data transfer rates and low latency.
- PCIe 4.0 interface: The SN850 features a PCIe 4.0 interface, which provides a maximum bandwidth of 64 GT/s.
- Up to 7000MB/s read and 5300MB/s write speeds: The SN850 offers exceptional read and write speeds, making it ideal for applications that require fast data transfer rates.
- Low latency: The SN850 features low latency, which is essential for applications that require fast response times.
Is The SN850 Compatible With The PS5?
One of the most important questions to answer is whether the SN850 is compatible with the PS5. The good news is that the SN850 is fully compatible with the PS5, and it’s one of the few SSDs that meet Sony’s requirements for PS5 storage upgrades.
To be compatible with the PS5, an SSD must meet certain requirements, including:
- PCIe 4.0 interface: The SSD must feature a PCIe 4.0 interface to take advantage of the PS5’s high-speed storage capabilities.
- NVMe protocol: The SSD must use the NVMe protocol to communicate with the PS5.
- Minimum read and write speeds: The SSD must offer minimum read and write speeds of 5500MB/s and 4500MB/s, respectively.
The SN850 meets all of these requirements, making it a great option for PS5 users who want to upgrade their storage.
How To Install The SN850 In Your PS5
Installing the SN850 in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Shut down your PS5: Make sure your PS5 is turned off before you start the installation process.
- Locate the M.2 slot: The M.2 slot is located on the bottom of the PS5, near the SSD bay. You’ll need to remove the stand and the bottom panel to access the slot.
- Remove the existing SSD (if applicable): If you’re replacing the existing SSD, you’ll need to remove it before installing the SN850.
- Install the SN850: Carefully insert the SN850 into the M.2 slot, making sure it’s securely seated.
- Reassemble your PS5: Once the SN850 is installed, reassemble your PS5 and turn it back on.
Performance Benefits Of The SN850 On PS5
So, what kind of performance benefits can you expect from the SN850 on your PS5? Here are some key advantages:
- Faster loading times: The SN850 offers significantly faster loading times compared to the stock SSD that comes with the PS5.
- Improved overall performance: The SN850’s high-performance NVMe SSD provides improved overall performance, making it ideal for applications that require fast data transfer rates.
- Reduced latency: The SN850 features low latency, which is essential for applications that require fast response times.
To give you a better idea of the performance benefits, here are some benchmarks that compare the SN850 to the stock SSD:
| Benchmark | Stock SSD | SN850 |
| — | — | — |
| Loading time (Spider-Man: Miles Morales) | 15 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Loading time (Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart) | 20 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Read speed | 2500MB/s | 7000MB/s |
| Write speed | 2000MB/s | 5300MB/s |
As you can see, the SN850 offers significantly faster loading times and improved read and write speeds compared to the stock SSD.
Conclusion
The WD Black SN850 is an excellent option for PS5 users who want to upgrade their storage and take advantage of faster loading times and improved overall performance. With its high-performance NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0 interface, and low latency, the SN850 is a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their PS5.
While the SN850 is a bit more expensive than some other SSDs on the market, its performance benefits and compatibility with the PS5 make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers. If you’re looking for a high-quality SSD that can keep up with the demands of your PS5, the SN850 is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, the SN850 is an excellent choice for PS5 users who want to upgrade their storage and take their gaming experience to the next level. With its exceptional performance, compatibility, and features, the SN850 is a great option for anyone who wants to get the most out of their PS5.
What Is The SN850 And How Does It Relate To The PS5?
The SN850 is a high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) designed by Western Digital, a leading manufacturer of storage solutions. It is specifically optimized for use with the PlayStation 5 (PS5) console, which requires fast storage to take full advantage of its capabilities. The SN850 is designed to meet the PS5’s storage requirements, providing fast loading times and seamless gameplay.
The SN850 uses the latest NVMe technology to deliver exceptional read and write speeds, making it an ideal storage solution for the PS5. Its high-performance capabilities make it possible to load games quickly, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall gaming experience. With the SN850, gamers can enjoy faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more immersive experience on their PS5 console.
Is The SN850 Compatible With The PS5?
Yes, the SN850 is fully compatible with the PS5 console. Western Digital has worked closely with Sony to ensure that the SN850 meets the PS5’s storage requirements, making it an officially licensed storage solution for the console. The SN850 is designed to work seamlessly with the PS5, providing fast storage and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
To use the SN850 with the PS5, simply insert the drive into the console’s M.2 slot, and it will be recognized automatically. The PS5 will then use the SN850 as its primary storage device, providing fast loading times and smooth gameplay. The SN850 is also compatible with the PS5’s firmware, ensuring that it will continue to work seamlessly with the console even after future updates.
How Fast Is The SN850 Compared To The PS5’s Built-in Storage?
The SN850 is significantly faster than the PS5’s built-in storage. While the PS5’s built-in storage is fast, the SN850 offers even faster read and write speeds, making it ideal for gamers who want the best possible performance. The SN850’s sequential read speeds reach up to 7000MB/s, while its sequential write speeds reach up to 5300MB/s.
In comparison, the PS5’s built-in storage has sequential read speeds of up to 5500MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 4400MB/s. While the PS5’s built-in storage is fast, the SN850 offers a significant boost in performance, making it ideal for gamers who want the fastest possible loading times and smoothest gameplay.
Will The SN850 Improve My Gaming Experience On The PS5?
Yes, the SN850 can significantly improve your gaming experience on the PS5. With its fast loading times and smooth gameplay, the SN850 can enhance your overall gaming experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable. The SN850’s high-performance capabilities can also reduce lag and stuttering, providing a more seamless gaming experience.
The SN850 can also improve the performance of games that are optimized for fast storage. Many games are designed to take advantage of fast storage, and the SN850 can help to unlock their full potential. With the SN850, you can enjoy faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more immersive experience on your PS5 console.
Is The SN850 Worth The Investment For PS5 Gamers?
Yes, the SN850 is worth the investment for PS5 gamers who want the best possible performance. While it may be more expensive than other storage solutions, the SN850 offers exceptional performance and is designed specifically for use with the PS5. Its high-performance capabilities make it an ideal storage solution for gamers who want the fastest possible loading times and smoothest gameplay.
The SN850 is also a worthwhile investment for gamers who plan to use their PS5 console extensively. With its fast loading times and smooth gameplay, the SN850 can enhance your overall gaming experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Additionally, the SN850 is a future-proof storage solution, ensuring that it will continue to provide fast performance even as games become more demanding.
Can I Use The SN850 With Other Devices Besides The PS5?
Yes, the SN850 can be used with other devices besides the PS5. While it is designed specifically for use with the PS5, the SN850 is a standard NVMe SSD that can be used with other devices that support NVMe storage. This includes desktop computers, laptops, and other gaming consoles that support NVMe storage.
However, it’s worth noting that the SN850 may not provide the same level of performance on other devices as it does on the PS5. The SN850 is optimized for use with the PS5, and its performance may vary on other devices. Nevertheless, the SN850 is a high-performance storage solution that can provide fast storage for a variety of devices.
How Do I Install The SN850 In My PS5 Console?
Installing the SN850 in your PS5 console is a relatively straightforward process. First, make sure to purchase the correct version of the SN850, which is designed specifically for use with the PS5. Next, turn off your PS5 console and locate the M.2 slot, which is usually located on the bottom of the console.
Carefully remove the screw that holds the M.2 slot cover in place, and then gently lift the cover off. Insert the SN850 into the M.2 slot, making sure it is securely seated and the screw is tightened properly. Finally, turn on your PS5 console and follow the on-screen instructions to format the SN850 and make it available for use.