With the advent of the PS5, Sony has embraced a gamer-friendly approach by including an internal M.2 PCIe slot, a stark contrast to the expensive memory cards paired with the PS Vita and PSP. This slot allows you to expand the console's base storage of 825GB with off-the-shelf SSDs. For instance, you can enhance your gaming experience with high-performance SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top choice, which matches the speed of the console's built-in drive and allows you to store even more games.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
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!
When selecting an SSD for your PS5, you'll need to consider a few key specifications. The drive must be a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 model, capable of speeds up to 7,500MB/s, far surpassing the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. It should also be an M.2 drive, with the PS5 accommodating all sizes of M.2 drives, though the most common and recommended is the M.2 2280.
A built-in heatsink is crucial for these SSDs. Due to the tight space within the PS5, heatsinks ensure the drive doesn't overheat and throttle performance. The heatsink can't be taller than 11.25mm, but most SSDs on the market fit this requirement. You can either choose an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.
When it comes to capacity, decide based on your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, doubling your storage and accommodating several large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. However, if you want to build a vast game library, consider investing in a larger 4TB drive, keeping in mind the higher cost.
PS5 SSD Basics:
The market for PS5-compatible SSDs has grown significantly, offering a range of high-speed, affordable options. For those looking to expand storage, larger drives like the upcoming 8TB from Western Digital are available, albeit at a premium.
Ensure your SSD fits within the PS5's maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The console's internal space can get warm, making a heatsink essential to prevent performance throttling. Most drives come with optional heatsinks, but ensure any standalone heatsink you buy stays within the 8mm height limit above the SSD.
Your SSD should be at least a PCIe 4.0 model with sequential read speeds of 5500MB/s or faster. The PS5 will run its own speed test on installation, with speeds typically capping around 6,500MB/s. This means PCIe 5.0 drives, while backward compatible, aren't necessary for the PS5.
Consider the drive's warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates the lifespan before potential failure. Also, check the type of NAND memory used: QLC, TLC, or MLC. TLC, used in our recommended drives, offers a good balance between durability and cost.
Given the PS5's limited base storage, particularly with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 taking up over 100GB each, expanding storage is essential. The M.2 slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective sweet spot. For larger libraries, 4TB drives are available.
For external storage, consider using an external SSD, though these can't run PS5 games directly. They're useful for storing games to avoid redownloads, and PS4 titles can be played from them.
For installation assistance, refer to our guide on upgrading your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware skills are required.
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 swift data loading. Ideal for enhancing your PS5 gaming experience without breaking the bank. 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 available
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX remains a top choice for PS5 storage upgrades. While newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs exist, the PS5 can't fully utilize their speeds, making the cost-effective MP600 a smart pick at around $80 for 1TB.
Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
Crucial T500
0 Offering 1TB of storage with a heatsink for under $100, this drive provides high speeds and great value. 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 exceptional value, doubling your PS5 storage and maintaining high performance with its Micron TLC 3D NAND. Though a 4TB option isn't available, the 2TB model boosts storage and speeds further.
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 price
- Extremely fast load times
Cons:
- Doesn't come with a heatsink
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers great performance at a reasonable cost. While it doesn't include a heatsink, you can easily purchase one for a few dollars. Its speeds are more than sufficient for PS5 gaming, with the 2TB model offering a robust 1,200TBW rating.
WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
WD_Black P40
1 This external SSD provides 1TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, making it a fast and versatile option. 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 drives
- Multiplatform support
Cons:
- Can't run PS5 games
The WD_Black P40 is a fast external SSD, ideal for storing PS5 games to avoid redownloads, though it can't run them directly. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC, offering versatility across platforms.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
Absolutely, especially if you're juggling multiple games. The PS5's built-in 825GB SSD leaves around 650GB for games, which can fill up quickly with titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Upgrading with an SSD is a smart move to keep your game library accessible.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
You'll want an SSD with at least 5,500MB/s read speed. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and anything above 6,500MB/s is more than sufficient for PS5 gaming.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
For the best deals, consider purchasing during Amazon Prime Day in July, or during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Prices have dropped over the years, but these events offer the best discounts.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, the PS5 can't fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 SSDs, making PCIe 4.0 drives a more cost-effective choice for the console.
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