Upgrade Your PS5 Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5, however, offers a welcome change with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for the addition of off-the-shelf SSDs to significantly expand storage capacity beyond the console's initial 825GB (or 1TB for the Slim model). This guide highlights top SSD choices for enhancing your PS5 experience.
TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:
Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (See it on Amazon!)
Best Budget: Crucial T500 (See it on Amazon!)
Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus (See it at Best Buy!)
Best External: WD_Black P40 (See it on Amazon!)
PS5 SSD Requirements and Recommendations:
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 (or Gen 4) or higher is essential for optimal speeds (up to 7,500MB/s).
- Form Factor: M.2 is required. While the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the 2280 is the most common and recommended.
- Heatsink: A heatsink is crucial due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The heatsink's maximum height is 11.25mm. You can choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.
- Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but come at a higher price.
- Warranty and Endurance: Check the warranty period (typically five years) and the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's lifespan. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and longevity.
Top SSD Choices Detailed:
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Offers excellent value with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and an included heatsink. A 1TB version can often be found for under $80. TBW rating of 700TB.
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Crucial T500: A budget-friendly 1TB option with high speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read) and a built-in heatsink. Offers excellent value for the price. TBW rating of 600TB (1TB model).
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Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High-performance SSD with fast load times (up to 7,250MB/s read). Doesn't include a heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately. TBW varies by capacity (600TB for 1TB, 1200TB for 2TB, 2400TB for 4TB).
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WD_Black P40: An external SSD offering faster speeds than traditional hard drives (2,000MB/s read) via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Cannot run PS5 games but is useful for storing PS4 games and transferring data. TBW rating of 600TB.
PS5 SSD FAQ:
- Is an SSD worth it? Yes, if you frequently play multiple games or live-service titles that require significant storage.
- What speed SSD? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
- Best time to buy? Look for deals during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
- Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize their full potential. PCIe 4.0 offers sufficient performance.
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Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for step-by-step installation instructions.
