Head-to-head · Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink vs WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about PS5 owners who want zero installation hassle — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

4.7

$130

The 990 Pro with Heatsink is the fastest pick. 7,450 MB/s edges out the WD SN850X on raw spec. Best for users who want top-of-spec performance and don't mind paying Samsung's premium.

Strengths

— 7,450 MB/s sequential read — fastest in this lineup
— Heatsink with RGB lighting (visible through PS5 expansion slot)
— Samsung's class-leading endurance ratings

Watch-outs

— RGB lighting requires Samsung Magician software on PC to customize (one-time setup)
— Slightly higher price than WD SN850X with heatsink
— Samsung's premium tax — non-Pro SSDs hit similar real-world PS5 speeds

$130 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink

4.8

$150

The SN850X with Heatsink is the best-overall PS5 SSD pick. Sony-compliant heatsink pre-installed plus 7,300 MB/s reads makes it the easiest PS5 upgrade. Best for users who want to install once and forget it.

Strengths

— 7,300 MB/s sequential read — exceeds Sony's 5,500 MB/s PS5 requirement comfortably
— Pre-installed heatsink meets Sony's 11.25mm M.2 size requirement
— Plug-and-play install — no separate heatsink purchase needed

Watch-outs

— Slightly more expensive than non-heatsink versions
— 1TB feels limiting for modern AAA games at 100+ GB each
— WD's customer support varies regionally

$150 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

Fastest spec. Most premium pick. RGB heatsink unique here. Samsung tax over WD SN850X.

WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink

Best plug-and-play (heatsink pre-installed). Sony-compliant out of box. More expensive than Crucial T500.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink	WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink
Capacity	1TB	1TB
Read Speed	7,450 MB/s	7,300 MB/s
Heatsink	Pre-installed RGB	Pre-installed
Warranty	5-year	5-year
Form Factor	—	M.2 2280 (Sony-compliant)

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