In the past, gamers using consoles with built-in storage were limited to the capacity provided by the console itself. However, Sony's decision to include an internal M.2 PCIe slot in the PS5 marks a significant departure from this norm. This move is particularly noteworthy considering Sony's history with the PS Vita and PSP, which were paired with prohibitively expensive memory cards. The PS5's built-in storage of 825GB can feel restrictive, but the M.2 slot allows users to expand it with off-the-shelf SSDs, such as the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, which can load games nearly as quickly as the console's internal drive.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
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There are a few key requirements to consider when choosing an SSD for your PS5. Firstly, you must use a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which can reach speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a substantial leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports M.2 drives of all sizes, but the most common and recommended size is the M.2 2280.
Another crucial aspect is the inclusion of a heatsink. PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat under load, and the PS5's SSD slot is in a confined space with limited airflow. A heatsink is essential to prevent overheating and performance throttling. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase a separate one, as long as it does not exceed 11.25mm in height.
When it comes to capacity, consider how much storage you need. A 1TB drive is typically sufficient to double your available storage and can hold numerous games. For those with extensive libraries, larger drives up to 4TB are available, albeit at a higher cost.
For Xbox users, check out our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.
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A variety of SSDs are now available that are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can find high-speed, cost-effective drives for under $100. Larger drives, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, cost significantly more, often over $500.
Ensure your SSD fits the PS5's maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's limited space can lead to high temperatures, making a heatsink essential to prevent performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need a separate one, ensure it fits within the height restrictions of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
You'll need a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs are rated at around 7,000–7,500MB/s. The PS5 will run its own speed test during installation, typically peaking at around 6,500MB/s, so higher speeds aren't necessary.
Consider the drive's warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). This indicates the amount of data the drive can handle before potential failure. The type of NAND memory used – QLC, TLC, or MLC – also affects endurance and price, with TLC NAND being a balanced choice for gamers.
Given the PS5's base storage of 825GB and the PS5 Slim's 1TB, additional storage is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can take up over 100GB each. The M.2 slot allows for expansion up to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for balancing capacity and cost. Mainstream PCIe 4.0 SSDs are available up to 4TB.
While internal SSDs are the best option, you can also use an external hard drive for storage. External SSDs offer higher speeds but cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing PS5 games to avoid redownloading and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive.
For help with installing your PS5 SSD, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required.
With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load data quickly every time. See it at Amazon!
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The Corsair MP600 was one of the first SSDs marketed for the PS5 and remains one of the best. Although it doesn't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective choice.
Rated at 7,100MB/s read speed and 5,800MB/s write speed, it's well-suited for the PS5, though actual speeds on the console peak at around 6,500MB/s. This is still fast enough for most PS5 games.
The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's warrantied until it writes 700TB over its lifetime. Most gamers won't reach this limit, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
A 1TB drive with high speeds and an included heatsink, all for less than you'd expect. See it at Amazon!
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The Crucial T500 offers the best value for money, with a significant performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. For just over $100, it provides 1TB of storage with an attached heatsink, fitting perfectly into the PS5's cramped space.
With Micron TLC 3D NAND, it achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers. The 2TB version offers even more storage and faster speeds with a doubled TBW rating of 1,200TB.
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The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price. While its endurance rating is lower than the 990 Pro, it's more than adequate for console use. The 2TB model has a 1,200TBW rating, sufficient for most gamers.
Rated at up to 7,250MB/s read speeds, the PS5 tests it at around 6,137MB/s, still fast enough for PS5 games. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the native drive's 4.47 seconds.
As a DRAM-less SSD, it has lower peak performance for professional workloads, but this doesn't affect its use in the PS5. You'll need to add a separate heatsink, which are affordable and widely available.
1TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. See it at Amazon!
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The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, eliminating the need to open the PS5's M.2 slot. It's compatible with multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC, but it can't run PS5 games. It's ideal for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive.
With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, it's much faster than traditional hard drives, making it perfect for transferring data between PS4 and PS5.
With system files taking up a significant portion of the PS5's 825GB SSD, leaving around 650GB of usable space, additional storage is often necessary. The PS5 Slim offers more storage, and the PS5 Pro increases it to 2TB. If you play multiple games or enjoy live service games that grow with updates, an SSD is a valuable investment.
You need an SSD with a minimum read speed of 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds of 6,500MB/s or higher are sufficient for most users.
PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are often available.
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and while PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, the PS5 can't utilize their full speeds. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the console's requirements.
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