Are you constantly running out of storage space on your PlayStation 5? With new AAA titles demanding ever more GBs and game installs growing larger, the internal 825GB SSD (of which only about 667GB is usable) quickly fills up. If you’re tired of deleting games just to make room for new ones, it’s time to consider a serious upgrade. And for serious gamers, a 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD is the ultimate solution, offering massive storage and blazing-fast speeds that meet or exceed Sony’s requirements.
Expanding your PS5’s storage isn’t just about capacity; it’s about maintaining the seamless, lightning-fast gaming experience the console was designed for. You need a drive that’s not only big but also fast and reliable. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best 4TB SSD for PS5, ensuring you get the performance and space you need to keep your game library growing without limits.
Why a 4TB SSD for Your PS5 is a Game-Changer
While a 1TB or 2TB SSD might offer some relief, a 4TB SSD provides truly future-proof storage. Imagine having enough room for dozens of demanding PS5 titles, all your favorite PS4 games, and still having space to spare for future releases. This means less time managing storage and more time gaming. Plus, with the right M.2 NVMe drive, you’ll benefit from incredibly fast load times, quick game installations, and smooth gameplay directly from the expanded storage.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a PS5 SSD
Before diving into our top picks, here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Speed: Sony recommends an SSD with sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster. All our picks easily exceed this.
- Heatsink: Critical for dissipating heat and maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. Many drives come with one pre-installed, or you’ll need to add one.
- Compatibility: Ensure the drive is an M.2 NVMe SSD (Type 2280) and supports PCIe Gen4 x4. All the drives on our list meet these specifications.
- Capacity: We’re focusing on 4TB models, which provide ample room for even the most extensive game libraries.
Ready to say goodbye to storage anxiety? Let’s check out the best 4TB SSD for PS5 that money can buy!
Product Reviews
1. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is often hailed as a top-tier choice for PS5 expansion, offering a fantastic blend of cutting-edge speed and intelligent thermal management. What truly makes it shine is its ability to deliver near-max PCIe 4.0 performance while keeping temperatures in check, thanks to its integrated ultra-slim heatsink specifically designed with the PS5 in mind. It’s a premium option for those who demand uncompromising performance and reliability from a trusted brand.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write.
- Integrated ultra-slim heatsink for superior temperature control.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance over previous gen.
- Designed for heavy computing, gaming, and video editing.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
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Pros:
- Exceptional read and write speeds.
- Reliable performance from a leading memory brand.
- Effective integrated heatsink for PS5 compatibility.
- Ideal for demanding applications and gaming.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Heatsink might be too tall for some very specific PC builds (not an issue for PS5).
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise its “set it and forget it” reliability and the noticeable boost in game loading times. Many appreciate the pre-installed heatsink, making installation a breeze for their PS5.
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2. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN850X is built from the ground up for serious gamers, making it an excellent contender for the best 4TB SSD for PS5. It pushes the boundaries of PCIe Gen4 performance, promising ridiculously short load times and an incredibly smooth gaming experience. Its optional heatsink version is a big plus for PS5 users, ensuring the drive stays cool even during marathon gaming sessions. Plus, with capacities up to 8TB, you know Western Digital is serious about storage.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
- Optional heatsink version available for sustained peak performance.
- Supports Game Mode 2.0 via WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
- Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
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Pros:
- Outstanding speeds perfect for PS5 requirements.
- Heatsink option ensures thermal stability.
- Designed specifically with gamers in mind.
- Known for reliability and performance.
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Cons:
- Dashboard features are Windows-only, so not applicable for PS5 users.
- Heatsink version may be slightly pricier.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently report significant improvements in load times and smooth performance. The SN850X is a popular choice for its “just works” compatibility with the PS5 and its robust build quality.
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3. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink stands out for its impressive blend of performance and power efficiency. It offers speeds competitive with top-tier drives while consuming significantly less power than some DRAM cache-enabled alternatives. This makes it an intriguing option for the PS5, as lower power consumption can contribute to a cooler running system. Its integrated heatsink and compatibility make it a straightforward upgrade for your console.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- Integrated heatsink designed for optimal cooling.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth performance.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent read/write speeds.
- Good power efficiency.
- Integrated heatsink for PS5.
- Strong warranty.
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Cons:
- Might not be as widely recognized as Samsung or WD in the gaming SSD space.
- No DRAM cache (relies on HMB).
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User Impressions: Users often highlight its surprising speed for its price point and appreciate the built-in heatsink. Many find it to be a very reliable and cost-effective upgrade for their gaming machines, including the PS5.
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4. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
For those seeking absolute peace of mind, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the ONLY officially licensed 4TB M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles. This means you can install it with zero concerns about compatibility, as it’s been rigorously tested and approved by PlayStation themselves. Its optimized heatsink is specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring a perfect fit and uninterrupted gameplay. It’s the “plug-and-play” dream for PS5 storage expansion.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed by PlayStation for PS5 consoles.
- Capacities up to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5.
- Play directly from the drive with tested and approved storage.
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility with PS5.
- Perfectly sized and optimized heatsink.
- Excellent speeds and storage capacity.
- Easy, worry-free installation.
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Cons:
- Typically carries a premium price due to official licensing.
- The PlayStation Plus trial is a nice bonus but not a core SSD feature.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners rave about the seamless installation and instant recognition by their console. The peace of mind from having an “officially licensed” product is a huge selling point, with users reporting flawless performance and game loading.
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5. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 4TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe
The Fikwot FX991 positions itself as a strong contender, offering lightning-fast performance comparable to top-tier drives, making it a great option if you’re looking for a reliable best 4TB SSD for PS5 that doesn’t break the bank. Its focus on intelligent thermal management, including an auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and a high-conductivity graphite heatsink, ensures that even under heavy loads, your internal SSD speed remains near its peak.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast performance up to 7300MB/s read and 6200MB/s write.
- Auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management.
- Equipped with a high-conductivity graphite heatsink.
- HMB and Smart SLC cache for outstanding performance.
- Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, AES-256 encryption.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops.
- 5-year limited service/2400TBW endurance.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for a competitive price.
- Effective thermal management features.
- Strong compatibility across devices, including PS5.
- Good endurance and warranty.
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Cons:
- Brand recognition might be lower compared to giants like Samsung or WD.
- Write speeds are slightly lower than some premium competitors.
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User Impressions: Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the performance for the price, noting its quick installation and reliable operation in their PS5s and PCs. The included heatsink and long warranty are frequently cited as benefits.
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6. fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD for
The fanxiang S880E is explicitly designed for hardcore gamers, emphasizing extreme performance and reliability, making it a strong candidate for your PS5 upgrade. Its PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology push sequential speeds to impressive levels, ensuring that DirectStorage and PS5 game loads are incredibly fast. The clever thermal control, using graphite and aluminum foil layers, helps maintain high performance even during intense gaming marathons.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller with NVMe 2.0 technology.
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage.
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory.
- Efficient thermal control via graphite coated copper foil and aluminum foil layers.
- 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support.
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Pros:
- High speeds ideal for gaming.
- Explicit PS5 compatibility.
- Innovative passive thermal design.
- Strong warranty and customer support.
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Cons:
- Less common brand compared to more established names.
- Doesn’t include a rigid heatsink, relying on its thermal sticker design.
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User Impressions: Users report excellent gaming performance, noting how quickly games load and run from this SSD on their PS5. The robust support and good value for money are often highlighted.
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7. WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
While perhaps not the absolute fastest in the WD_BLACK lineup, the SN7100 offers a compelling balance of speed, efficiency, and capacity, making it a solid choice if you’re looking for a best 4TB SSD for PS5 without needing the bleeding edge performance of its SN850X sibling. Designed with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, its improved power efficiency means it can run cooler, which is a bonus for any console. It’s a workhorse built for serious gaming and content creation endurance.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- PCIe Gen4 interface with latest TLC 3D NAND.
- Up to 4TB capacity.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- Up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model).
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for PS5 standards.
- Improved power efficiency for cooler operation.
- High endurance rating.
- Reliable WD_BLACK brand.
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Cons:
- Does not come with a heatsink, which would need to be purchased separately for PS5 use.
- Peak speeds are slightly lower than the SN850X.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate its consistent performance and Western Digital’s reputation for reliability. While it requires a separate heatsink for PS5, many find it a cost-effective way to get high-capacity, high-speed storage.
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8. MOVE SPEED HB7450 4TB Internal Solid State Drive for PS5
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 is a strong contender, boasting impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds that significantly reduce game delays and load times. What sets it apart for PS5 users is the thoughtful inclusion of both a built-in 1mm graphene composite heatsink and an uninstalled heatsink in the package, along with screws and a screwdriver. This demonstrates a clear understanding of what PS5 users need for a hassle-free and thermally optimized installation.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with read/write speeds up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s.
- Compatible with PS5, laptop, PC, M.2 2280 form factor.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heatsink and additional heatsink (uninstalled) included.
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Undergoes extensive 80-hour rigorous testing for stability.
- 7×24 customer service and 30-day return policy.
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds meeting and exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Comprehensive heatsink solution included (built-in + separate).
- Complete installation kit (screws, screwdriver).
- Rigorous testing ensures reliability.
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Cons:
- Brand may be less familiar to some users.
- Separate heatsink requires manual installation.
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User Impressions: Buyers are highly satisfied with the value and comprehensive package. The speed is frequently praised, and the fact that a heatsink and installation tools are included makes it a highly recommended choice for PS5 owners looking for an all-in-one solution.
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9. Ediloca 4TB SSD NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 Internal
The Ediloca 4TB SSD aims to provide next-gen performance for hardcore gamers and professionals alike, making it a robust option for your PS5. Its blazing PCIe 4.0 speeds are backed by NVMe 1.4 technology and advanced 3D TLC NAND, ensuring rapid game loading and smooth performance for demanding applications. Its intelligent thermal management, utilizing dynamic SLC cache and a new material heat dissipation patch, ensures high-speed operation and stability even under heavy loads.
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Key Features:
- Blazing PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s read/write.
- NVMe 1.4 technology and advanced 3D TLC NAND.
- Officially validated for PS5 storage expansion.
- Intelligent thermal management with dynamic SLC cache and heat dissipation patch.
- Rigorously tested (1,500+ hours validation, 8000TBW endurance).
- 5-year warranty, supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, LDPC.
- Includes installation screwdriver, mounting screw, and guide.
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Pros:
- High speeds suitable for PS5.
- Good thermal management features.
- High endurance and strong warranty.
- Includes installation tools.
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Cons:
- The “officially validated for PS5” claim is strong, but verify if it’s “licensed” like WD_BLACK SN850P.
- Relies on a “heat dissipation patch” rather than a rigid heatsink (which PS5 users might prefer).
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User Impressions: Customers often highlight its excellent performance for the price and the convenience of included tools. They appreciate the strong warranty and report stable operation during extended gaming sessions on their PS5.
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10. acer FA200 NVMe Gen4 SSD 4TB, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
The Acer FA200 NVMe Gen4 SSD is a high-performance drive built for creators and avid gamers, delivering incredible speeds and robust features. Its cutting-edge PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe controller ensures unmatched responsiveness and faster game loading, making it a worthy contender for the best 4TB SSD for PS5. The drive also focuses on optimal temperature control through its Thermal Throttle and Power Management system, complemented by a high thermal conductivity graphene thermal pad.
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Key Features:
- Incredible speeds up to 7200 MB/s.
- PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe controller with NVMe 2.0 interface.
- Enhanced performance with HMB and SLC Cache.
- Optimal temperature control with Thermal Throttle, Power Management, and graphene thermal pad.
- Free Acronis Cloning Software included (for PC users).
- Designed for smooth workflow and enhanced gaming performance.
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Pros:
- Very good speeds for PS5.
- Effective thermal management design.
- Reliable performance for demanding tasks.
- Reputable brand in electronics.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t include a physical heatsink for PS5 (relies on thermal pad).
- Acronis software benefit is for PC users only.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend its fast performance and stable operation. While the lack of an included heatsink means an extra step for PS5 users, many find its core performance and reliability to be excellent for their gaming needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need a 4TB SSD for my PS5?
A1: Modern PS5 games are massive, often exceeding 100GB. The console’s internal usable storage is only about 667GB. A 4TB SSD provides ample space to store dozens of games without needing to constantly delete and re-download titles, saving you time and frustration. It future-proofs your gaming library.
Q2: Do all M.2 NVMe SSDs work with the PS5?
A2: No. While all the drives on our list are M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSDs, which is the required format, they must also meet specific speed requirements (5,500 MB/s read speed or faster) and fit within the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot dimensions. A heatsink is also highly recommended, and often mandatory for sustained performance.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is highly recommended, and Sony even states it’s required for sustained high performance. PS5 games push the SSD to its limits, generating significant heat. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down the drive and negatively impact your gaming experience.
Q4: How do I install a new 4TB SSD in my PS5?
A4: The installation process is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. Simply power down your PS5, unplug all cables, remove the console’s side cover, unscrew the M.2 expansion slot cover, insert the SSD, and then reassemble. Sony provides detailed instructions on their official support page.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from the expanded SSD?
A5: Absolutely! Once installed and formatted, the expanded M.2 SSD functions just like your console’s internal storage. You can download and play both PS5 and PS4 games directly from it, with the same (or sometimes even faster) load times as the built-in drive.
Q6: Is a 4TB SSD overkill for a PS5?
A6: While 1TB or 2TB SSDs offer a significant upgrade, 4TB is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for serious gamers. With game sizes growing, 4TB ensures you won’t need to worry about storage for a very long time, even with a large library of AAA titles. It might seem like a lot now, but it offers true peace of mind.
Q7: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an official PS5-compatible M.2 SSD will not void your console’s warranty, as Sony designed the console with user-upgradable storage in mind. Just make sure to follow the official installation instructions carefully.