Yes, the SN850X is one of the best SSDs for PS5. It delivers 7,300 MB/s read speeds, well above Sony's 5,500 MB/s requirement. Game load times are virtually identical to the internal SSD. Available with an optional heatsink designed specifically for PS5's expansion slot. If buying without heatsink, add a third-party one (keep total height under 11.25mm). Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB — 2TB is the sweet spot for most users.

Buy whichever is cheaper — they're virtually identical in real-world use. The 990 Pro has slightly better specs on paper (7,450 vs 7,300 MB/s), but game load times and daily use feel the same. Both are excellent for PS5 and gaming PCs. Both have 5-year warranties. The SN850X has Game Mode; 990 Pro has better power efficiency. Check prices in our detailed comparison.

For PS5: Yes, a heatsink is strongly recommended. The PS5 expansion slot has limited airflow, so a heatsink helps maintain performance and longevity. You can buy the WD heatsink version or add a third-party heatsink to the bare drive (often cheaper). For desktop PCs: Most motherboards include M.2 heatsinks — use yours if available. Without any heatsink, the drive may throttle under sustained loads but will work fine for typical use.

Game Mode is a WD Dashboard software feature that disables the drive's low-power idle states. This potentially reduces wake latency when games access data after the drive has been idle. Real-world impact is minimal — most testing shows negligible difference. It's a nice-to-have feature but not a reason to choose SN850X over alternatives. Game Mode is only available on Windows PCs (not PS5).

The SN850X is the updated version with improved controller, slightly faster speeds, and Game Mode 2.0. The original SN850 hit 7,000 MB/s; SN850X reaches 7,300 MB/s. Random IOPS are also improved. If prices are similar, get the SN850X. If you find the original SN850 significantly cheaper, it's still an excellent drive — the difference is marginal in real-world use.

2TB is the sweet spot for most gamers. Modern games can be 100GB+ each, and 1TB fills up quickly (Windows + apps take ~100GB). 2TB holds 15-20 large games comfortably. 4TB is for those who want their entire library installed without managing space — it's the maximum PS5 supports. 1TB works if you actively manage installed games or use it alongside other storage. Price per TB is often similar, so bigger is usually better value.

Yes, the SN850X has excellent reliability. WD is a major storage manufacturer with a strong track record. Endurance is rated at 600-2,400 TBW depending on capacity — far more than typical users will ever write. The 5-year warranty provides peace of mind. No widespread reliability issues have been reported since launch. For a flagship drive from a major brand, you can buy with confidence.

No — Gen 4 is the sweet spot in 2026. Gen 5 drives cost significantly more (nearly 2x), run hotter (requiring better cooling), and show minimal real-world improvement for gaming and typical workloads. PS5 doesn't support Gen 5 speeds anyway. Gen 5 only makes sense for professional video editors or enthusiasts wanting maximum specs regardless of cost. For gaming, content creation, and general use, Gen 4 offers the best value.