In the past, gamers were limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, with the PlayStation 5, Sony introduced a significant upgrade by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This allows gamers to expand their storage using off-the-shelf SSDs, a refreshing change from the costly proprietary memory cards of the PS Vita and PSP. With only 825GB of internal storage, the ability to add high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is a game-changer, enabling you to store and load more games with speeds comparable to the console's built-in drive.
TL;DR - Best SSDs for PS5:
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9 See it at Amazon!
Crucial T500
0 See it at Amazon!
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
0 See it at Best Buy!
WD_Black P40
1 See it at Amazon!
There are some key considerations when choosing an SSD for your PS5. Firstly, you'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which can reach speeds up to 7,500MB/s, significantly faster than Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports all sizes of M.2 drives, but the most common and recommended size is the M.2 2280.
It's also crucial to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink due to the potential for high temperatures in the PS5's SSD slot. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height. This helps prevent overheating and performance throttling. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase a separate one that meets the size requirements.
When it comes to capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient to double your storage, accommodating several large games. For those with extensive libraries, larger capacities like 4TB are available, albeit at a higher cost.
For Xbox owners, check out our guide on the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.
Answer See ResultsPS5 SSD Basics
--------------There's a wide range of SSDs compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, thanks to increased competition. You can find high-speed, affordable options under $100. Larger drives, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, will cost over $500.
Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with 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 drives come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it's under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
The SSD should have a sequential read speed of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, which the PS5 can handle up to around 6,500MB/s. Check the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), to gauge the drive's lifespan.
Consider the type of NAND memory: QLC, TLC, or MLC. TLC NAND, used in the drives listed here, offers a good balance between endurance and cost. With the PS5's limited internal storage, an M.2 SSD can add between 250GB and 8TB. A 1TB drive strikes a balance between capacity and price, but for larger libraries, 4TB options are available.
Besides internal SSDs, you can use an external hard drive, though PS5 games can't be played directly from them. They're useful for storing games to avoid redownloading and can run PS4 titles directly.
For installation help, refer to our guide on upgrading your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required.
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
------------------------Best PS5 SSD
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9 With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD ensures quick data loading. See it at Amazon!
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 5,800MB/s
- NAND type: 3D TLC
- TBW: 700TB
PROS
- Excellent value
- High read speed
CONS
- Not the fastest drive around
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX has been a top choice for PS5 SSDs since its introduction. While it may not be the fastest compared to newer PCIe 5.0 models, it's well-suited for the PS5, which can't fully utilize higher speeds. Priced at around $80 for a 1TB model, it's a cost-effective choice.
Rated for 7,100MB/s read and 5,800MB/s write speeds, it performs well within PS5's capabilities, typically reaching around 6,500MB/s. The durability rating of 700TBW ensures longevity for most gamers, though it might be a concern for those considering using it in other high-demand applications later.
2. Crucial T500
---------------Best Budget PS5 SSD
Crucial T500
0 A 1TB drive with high speeds and an included heatsink, all at a budget-friendly price. See it at Amazon!
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,300MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 6,800MB/s
- NAND type: Micron TLC
- TBW: 600TB
PROS
- TLC 3D NAND flash memory
- Impressive speeds
CONS
- No 4TB option
The Crucial T500 offers excellent value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5's limited space. With a 1TB capacity, it doubles your storage and uses high-quality Micron TLC 3D NAND, achieving read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s.
For those needing more space, the 2TB model offers increased storage and even faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200. Unfortunately, there's no 4TB option available.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
-----------------------Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
0 See it at Best Buy!
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 6,300MB/s
- NAND type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
- TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)
PROS
- Excellent performance for the money
- Extremely fast load times
CONS
- Doesn't come with a heatsink
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers great performance at a competitive price, though it lacks a heatsink. With a lower endurance rating than the 990 Pro, it's still more than sufficient for console use. The 2TB model is rated for 1,200TBW, providing ample durability.
With a rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, it performs well on the PS5, achieving speeds around 6,137MB/s. It loads games like Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the native drive. Note that it's a DRAM-less SSD, but this doesn't impact PS5 performance. You'll need to buy a separate heatsink, which is affordable and available on Amazon.
4. WD_Black P40
----------------Best External PS5 SSD
WD_Black P40
1 1TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. See it at Amazon!
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 2,000MB/s
- NAND type: WD TLC
- TBW: 600TB
PROS
- Faster than traditional hard drive
- Multiplatform support
CONS
- Can't run PS5 games
The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, avoiding the need to open the PS5. It's compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's ideal for storing game data to avoid redownloads. PS4 games can be played directly from this drive, freeing up space on the internal SSD.
With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it excellent for transferring data between PS4 and PS5 during setup.
PS5 SSD FAQ
-----------Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB for games after system files. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer more storage, but for gamers with multiple games or live service titles, additional storage becomes essential. An SSD is a worthwhile investment to expand your gaming library.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
Aim for an SSD with at least 5,500MB/s read speed. PCIe 4.0 drives typically meet this requirement. Speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal for most users.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday for significant discounts.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and can't utilize the full speed of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more economical choice.
