In recent console generations, gamers often found themselves limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. However, Sony took a progressive step with the PS5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to enhance their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from Sony's past practices, such as the exorbitantly priced memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP, particularly given the PS5's initial 825GB of storage. Now, enthusiasts can seamlessly integrate high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX—our top recommendation—to accommodate more games and enjoy loading speeds nearly as rapid as the console's built-in drive.
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9See it at Amazon
### CrucialT500
0See it at Amazon
### Samsung990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
### WD_Black P40
1See it at Amazon
When choosing an SSD for the PS5, there are specific requirements to consider. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or better drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s—a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 is compatible with M.2 drives, and while the physical size doesn't matter, an M.2 2280 drive is most common and recommended.
It's also crucial to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot is in a confined space that can lead to heat buildup. The heatsink must not exceed 11.25mm in height, but most SSDs fit within these limits. PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate considerable heat under load, and a heatsink prevents performance throttling and potential damage.
Capacity is another consideration. A 1TB drive is usually sufficient for most users, effectively doubling your storage and allowing room for multiple games. However, if you're a collector, you might opt for a larger 4TB drive to store a vast library, though these are pricier.
The market for PS5-compatible SSDs is thriving, with numerous options offering high speeds at competitive prices. A 1TB SSD can often be found for under $100, while larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can exceed $500. When installing an SSD, ensure it's an NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's confined space necessitates a heatsink to manage heat, and most drives come with one or allow you to add one that meets the height requirements.
Your SSD should have sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives exceed this, typically ranging from 7,000 to 7,500MB/s. The PS5 will test the drive's speed upon installation, with a peak around 6,500MB/s. Faster drives aren't necessary as the PS5 can't fully utilize their speeds.
Consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates how much data the drive can handle over its lifespan. Most SSDs come with a five-year warranty and sufficient TBW for gaming needs.
The type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects endurance and price. TLC NAND, used in the recommended drives, offers a balanced performance and durability.
Given the PS5's limited initial storage and the increasing size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often necessary. The M.2 slot supports expansions from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective choice. Larger drives up to 4TB are available for those with extensive libraries.
In addition to internal SSDs, external hard drives can store PS5 games for quick access, though they cannot run them. PS4 games, however, can be played directly from an external SSD, freeing up internal space for PS5 titles.
For installation guidance, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage, which is straightforward and doesn't require extensive hardware knowledge.
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9With blistering read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load up data quickly every time.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5, and it continues to be a top performer. Although it doesn't match the speeds of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 can't fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for the 1TB version, it's an unbeatable value.
This SSD boasts a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, well within the PS5's compatibility range. On the PS5, it achieves speeds around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for fast game loading.
The 1TB version's durability rating is 700TBW, which means it's designed to handle significant data writing over its lifetime. While this might be a concern for professional use, it's unlikely to be an issue for most gamers.
### CrucialT500
0A 1TB drive that hits high speeds and includes a heatsink for use with the PS5, all for less than you’d expect.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
The Crucial T500 offers exceptional value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. For just over $100, you get 1TB of storage with an included heatsink, eliminating the need to purchase one separately. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures high performance, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s.
The 2TB version doubles the storage and TBW rating to 1,200TB, maintaining the same five-year warranty. Unfortunately, a 4TB option isn't available for those needing more space.
### Samsung990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price. Although its endurance rating is lower than the more expensive 990 Pro, it's more than sufficient for console use. The 2TB version, with a 1,200TBW rating, provides ample durability for gamers.
The drive achieves sequential read speeds of up to 7,250MB/s, though the PS5 rates it at around 6,137MB/s, which is still fast enough for PS5 games. In tests, it loaded games slightly faster than the PS5's native drive. As a DRAM-less SSD, it's less suited for professional workloads but perfectly adequate for gaming.
Note that the Samsung 990 Evo Plus does not come with a heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately, which is typically affordable and widely available.
### WD_Black P40
11TB of storage with blistering 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection allows this option to act like an external SSD rather than a traditional hard drive.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
PROS
CONS
The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without needing to open the PS5. It's compatible with multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC. However, it cannot run PS5 games; it can only store them for later use, making it ideal for PS4 games or as additional storage for PS5 games.
With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it excellent for transferring data between consoles.
Absolutely, especially if you're juggling multiple games. The PS5's initial storage is somewhat limited, and modern games can quickly fill it up. An SSD is a valuable accessory for expanding your library and enhancing your gaming experience.
You need an SSD with at least 5,500MB/s read speed. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are optimal for gaming needs.
SSD prices have decreased over time, but the best times to buy are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, where you can find significant discounts.
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for the PS5, as the console can't fully utilize their speeds. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.
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