Maximize Your PS5 Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage. The PS5 changed this with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage capacity (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), significantly boosts game loading speeds.
TL;DR – Top PS5 SSD Recommendations:
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 Considerations:
- Interface: Requires a PCIe 4.0 (or Gen 4) drive or faster. These offer speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a substantial improvement over Gen 3.
- Form Factor: An M.2 drive is essential. While the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the standard M.2 2280 is recommended.
- Heatsink: A heatsink is crucial due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The PS5's internal space limits passive cooling. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink (maximum height 11.25mm) or purchase a compatible separate heatsink.
- Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling the console's storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available, but at a higher cost.
PS5 SSD Details:
Numerous compatible SSDs are available at various price points. While larger drives (e.g., 8TB) offer substantial capacity, they come with a significantly higher price tag.
Ensure your chosen NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD meets the PS5's dimensional requirements (including heatsink: 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm). The heatsink is vital for preventing overheating and performance throttling.
The minimum sequential read speed should be 5500MB/s. Most drives exceed this, with the PS5's internal speed test often peaking around 6500MB/s. Drives significantly faster than this offer minimal additional benefit for PS5 use.
Consider the warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and durability for gaming.
The PS5's limited storage often necessitates an SSD upgrade. Games frequently exceed 100GB, quickly filling the console's internal storage. The M.2 slot allows for expansion up to 8TB. 1TB offers a good balance of capacity and cost.
External hard drives can supplement storage (PS4 games only), but they don't offer the same loading speeds as internal SSDs. Refer to our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance.
Individual SSD Reviews:
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value, high read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s), pre-installed heatsink. A strong contender despite not being the absolute fastest.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX Specifications:
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential Read Speed: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 5,800MB/s
- NAND Type: 3D TLC
- TBW: 700TB
2. Crucial T500: Best value option, high speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read), includes heatsink.
Crucial T500 Specifications:
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential Read Speed: 7,300MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 6,800MB/s
- NAND Type: Micron TLC
- TBW: 600TB
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: Excellent performance, fast load times, but requires a separate heatsink.
Samsung 990 Evo Plus 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)
4. WD_Black P40: Faster than traditional external hard drives, but cannot run PS5 games directly. Suitable for PS4 games and data transfer.
WD_Black P40 Specifications:
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential Read Speed: 2,000MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: 2,000MB/s
- NAND Type: WD TLC
- TBW: 600TB
PS5 SSD FAQ:
- Is an SSD worthwhile? Yes, if you play multiple games or live-service titles that require significant storage.
- Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0).
- Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
- Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize their full capabilities.
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