Is your PS4 feeling sluggish? Are you constantly deleting games just to make room for new ones? You’re not alone! Modern game sizes are massive, and the PS4’s original hard drive can quickly become a bottleneck, leading to painfully long loading screens and limited storage. Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the smartest ways to breathe new life into your PlayStation 4, drastically cutting down load times and providing ample space for your entire game library.
We’re diving deep into the world of 4TB storage solutions to help you find the crucial best 4tb internal hard drive for ps4 ssd that fits your needs. While the PS4 can only take a 2.5-inch SATA internal drive, we’ll also explore some fantastic portable SSD options that work wonders as external storage, plus high-performance NVMe drives that are perfect if you’re upgrading other systems like a PS5 or PC. Let’s boost that gaming experience!
Top Internal 2.5″ SATA SSDs for Your PS4 Upgrade
These drives are direct replacements for your PS4’s existing internal hard drive, offering the most significant performance boost for game loading and system responsiveness.
1. Crucial BX500 4TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a fantastic entry point into the world of SSDs, offering a noticeable performance upgrade over a traditional hard drive without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a reliable, energy-efficient internal SSD to revitalize your PS4, this 4TB model gives you plenty of space for all your favorite titles and DLCs. It’s designed to make your system snappier, from booting up to loading those sprawling open-world games.
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness.
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
- Improves battery life (for laptops) because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive.
- Micron 3D NAND technology.
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Significant speed boost over traditional HDDs.
– Cost-effective 4TB solution.
– Energy-efficient operation.
– Reputable brand with good warranty.
Cons:
– SATA III speeds are slower than NVMe (but maximum for PS4 internal).
– Entry-level SSD in terms of peak performance.
User Impressions:
Many users rave about the immediate difference the BX500 makes, praising its value for money and ease of installation. Gamers especially appreciate the reduced loading times, making their PS4 feel like a new console. It’s often recommended as an excellent “bang for your buck” upgrade.
2. SAMSUNG 870 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
When it comes to SATA SSDs, Samsung’s EVO series is practically legendary, and the 870 EVO 4TB lives up to the hype. This SSD is the all-star choice for anyone seeking indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility within the SATA interface limits. It leverages Samsung’s pioneering technology to deliver consistent, professional-level speeds, making it an ideal choice for a premium Crucial best 4tb internal hard drive for ps4 ssd upgrade.
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility.
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Maximizes SATA interface limits to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer.
- INDUSTRY DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meets demands with up to 2,400 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance.
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: Compatibility tested for major host systems, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices.
Pros:
– Top-tier SATA III performance.
– Exceptional reliability and endurance (high TBW rating).
– Industry-leading brand reputation.
– Broad compatibility with 2.5-inch SATA devices.
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to some other SATA SSDs.
– Still limited by SATA III interface speed (not NVMe).
User Impressions:
Customers consistently praise the 870 EVO for its rock-solid performance and dependability. Many consider it the benchmark for SATA SSDs, noting its fast and consistent speeds, which significantly enhance system responsiveness and game loading times on their PS4s.
3. KingSpec 4TB 2.5 SSD SATA III Internal
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable yet effective crucial best 4tb internal hard drive for ps4 ssd, the KingSpec 4TB 2.5″ SATA III SSD presents a compelling option. Utilizing 3D NAND flash memory, this drive offers a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency over traditional HDDs, ensuring faster boot times and quicker game loading. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers who still want the advantages of SSD technology.
- Fast and Extraordinary: Max Sequential read speeds up to 550 MB/s and max sequential write speeds up to 520 MB/s.
- High-Performance: Shockproof, anti-drop, quiet, noiseless, low power consumption, high and low-temperature resistance.
- More Reliable & More Stable: Supports wear leveling, garbage collection, TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, and strict quality-test during production.
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, DOS, Linux, Unix; SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) backward compatible with SATA Rev. 2.0.
- 3-Year Warranty: Backed with a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.
Pros:
– Excellent value for a 4TB internal SSD.
– Decent SATA III speeds for a noticeable upgrade.
– Durable and reliable with shockproof design.
– Good compatibility with various systems including PS4.
Cons:
– Brand recognition might be lower than industry giants like Samsung or Crucial.
– Performance is typical for SATA SSDs, not cutting-edge.
User Impressions:
Users often highlight the KingSpec SSD as a great budget-friendly alternative that performs well for its price. Many report successful PS4 upgrades with improved load times and system snappiness, confirming it as a reliable option for those looking to save some cash.
Excellent Portable SSDs for PS4 External Storage
While not internal upgrades, these portable SSDs are fantastic for expanding your PS4’s storage externally. They connect via USB, offering fast access to your games and media without the need to open your console. They’re great for carrying your game library with you or just freeing up internal space.
4. Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s
The Crucial X10 Portable SSD is an absolute speed demon, designed for users who demand ultra-fast data access on the go. While it’s not an internal drive for your PS4, its incredible read speeds make it an outstanding choice for an external PS4 storage device, allowing you to play PS4 games directly from it with significantly reduced loading times compared to a traditional external HDD. Its rugged design also means it can handle life’s bumps and splashes.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds, much faster than hard drives.
- Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Compact 4TB SSD for all your photos, videos, backups, and more.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Extremely fast external transfer speeds.
– Highly durable with excellent dust, water, and drop resistance.
– Versatile compatibility across many devices, including PS4 (as external).
– Generous 4TB capacity in a portable form factor.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for PS4.
– Higher price point due to its performance and portability.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the X10’s blistering speeds, especially for large file transfers and backing up game libraries. Its robust build quality is also a frequent highlight, giving users confidence in its durability for travel and everyday use as an external PS4 storage solution.
5. Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read
Stepping up the game for professionals and power users, the Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD offers an even more refined experience with slightly faster write speeds and enhanced features compared to the standard X10. It’s engineered for demanding workflows like 4K/8K video editing but equally shines as a high-performance external Crucial best 4tb internal hard drive for ps4 ssd alternative for storing and playing games. Its robust construction and added security features make it a top-tier choice.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds for a seamless workflow.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters), includes lanyard loop and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Store high-resolution photos, 4K/8K videos, and current projects with this compact 4TB SSD.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Blazing fast external read/write speeds, ideal for large game files.
– Highly durable and water/dust resistant (IP55).
– Added security with SSD password protection.
– Excellent compatibility as an external PS4 drive.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for PS4.
– Premium price tag.
User Impressions:
Professionals and gamers alike love the X10 Pro for its uncompromised speed and reliability. Users commend its compact size paired with massive capacity, making it perfect for both work and play. The added security features are a bonus for those who travel with sensitive data or large game libraries.
6. Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s
For those who need fast external storage but don’t require the absolute bleeding edge of speed, the Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD hits a sweet spot. With speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s still significantly faster than any external hard drive and perfectly adequate for playing PS4 games stored on it. Its robust, travel-friendly design makes it a reliable companion for everyday use and an excellent expansion option for your PS4’s storage.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s, accelerating large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- High-Capacity Storage: Compact 4TB SSD for all your photos, videos, backups, and more.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Great balance of speed, durability, and value for an external SSD.
– Rugged design with IP55 water and dust resistance.
– Excellent compatibility for external PS4 game storage.
– Compact and portable for on-the-go use.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for PS4.
– Slower than the X10/X10 Pro series.
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the X9 as a dependable and fast external storage solution. It’s often praised for its robust build and the noticeable speed improvements it offers for game loading when used with consoles. It’s a popular choice for its reliability and practical performance.
7. Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read
The Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD takes the trusted performance of the X9 and enhances it with professional-grade features and reliability. Offering speeds up to 1050MB/s for both read and write, it ensures a seamless workflow for creators and provides a smooth gaming experience as an external PS4 storage solution. With its IP55 rating and SSD password protection, it’s built to handle challenging environments while keeping your data secure.
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1050MB/s write speeds for a seamless workflow.
- Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters), includes lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Bonus Software: Includes three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Consistent high speeds for both reading and writing (1050MB/s).
– Enhanced durability with IP55 rating and drop resistance.
– Professional features like password protection and activity light.
– Excellent as an external PS4 storage drive.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for PS4.
– Similar speeds to the standard X9, but with added ‘Pro’ features at a potentially higher cost.
User Impressions:
Users often choose the X9 Pro for its combination of speed, security, and ruggedness. It’s frequently recommended for professionals needing reliable portable storage and gamers looking for a robust external drive that can withstand daily use and travel, all while delivering fast game access.
8. Crucial X6 4 TB Portable Solid State Drive
The Crucial X6 4TB Portable SSD is where portability meets massive storage. This tiny, lightweight drive fits between your fingertips, yet packs enough space for thousands of photos, hours of video, and a huge game library. While its read speeds of up to 800MB/s aren’t the fastest on this list, they are still significantly quicker than most hard drives, making it a great entry-level external SSD for your PS4 or other devices.
- HUGE CAPACITY: Up to 4TB storage capacity.
- FAST: Read speeds up to 800MB/s – 5.6x faster than most hard drives.
- TINY, LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits between your fingertips and weighs less than car keys.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: Works with PC, Mac, Android, iPad Pro (PS4, Xbox One, and USB-A computer require USB-A adapter, available separately).
- RELIABLE AND DURABLE: Backed by Micron, a leading flash storage manufacturer.
Pros:
– Extremely compact and lightweight design.
– Massive 4TB storage in a tiny form factor.
– Noticeably faster than external HDDs for PS4 games.
– Highly portable and durable.
Cons:
– Not an internal drive for PS4.
– Slower speeds compared to other portable SSDs in the Crucial X-series.
– May require a separate USB-A adapter for PS4/Xbox.
User Impressions:
Users love the X6 for its incredible portability and generous storage capacity. It’s often praised for being an easy, hassle-free way to expand storage for consoles and other devices, providing a tangible speed upgrade over traditional external hard drives, especially for those on a budget.
High-Performance SSDs (Not for Internal PS4 Use)
These drives represent the pinnacle of SSD performance, but it’s crucial to understand that they are not compatible as internal drives for the PS4. The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch SATA III interface, while these are M.2 NVMe drives designed for PCIe Gen4 slots found in modern PCs and the PS5. We’ve included them for context and because they are excellent “Crucial” brand SSDs that might be on your radar for other systems.
9. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD
The Crucial T500 4TB NVMe M.2 SSD is a powerhouse, built specifically for lightning-fast gaming and content creation on compatible systems like a PS5 or a modern gaming PC. With sequential reads/writes that dwarf SATA speeds, it’s designed to slash game loading times, accelerate texture renders, and make heavy workloads feel effortless. Just remember, while it’s a stellar drive, it won’t fit internally in your PS4.
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.05M/1.05M IOPs.
- COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop, or workstation (M.2 slot required).
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders with Microsoft DirectStorage.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
Pros:
– Extremely high read and write speeds, ideal for PS5 or PC gaming.
– Optimized for DirectStorage, enhancing gaming performance.
– Excellent for content creation and heavy multitasking.
– Generous 4TB capacity.
Cons:
– NOT compatible as an internal drive for PS4 (PS4 uses 2.5-inch SATA, not M.2 NVMe).
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on the host device.
User Impressions:
PC and PS5 users absolutely rave about the T500’s transformative speed, reporting dramatically faster boot times, game loads, and overall system responsiveness. It’s considered a premium choice for high-end systems.
10. Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
The Crucial P310 4TB SSD offers robust PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance, making it an excellent choice for modern laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (like the ROG Ally X or PS5, not PS4 internal). It provides a significant step up from Gen3 drives, delivering rapid game load times, swift bootups, and smooth multitasking capabilities. While not an internal PS4 upgrade, it’s a testament to Crucial’s quality for high-performance systems.
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides ample space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (like ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun). Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for real-world tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance.
Pros:
– Very high Gen4 NVMe speeds for compatible systems.
– Excellent for fast game loading and application performance.
– Generous 4TB capacity.
– Reliable Micron quality.
Cons:
– NOT compatible as an internal drive for PS4 (PS4 uses 2.5-inch SATA, not M.2 NVMe).
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot.
User Impressions:
Customers using the P310 on compatible devices consistently report excellent speeds and a smooth experience. It’s highly praised for boosting system responsiveness and game loading times on PCs and handheld gaming devices, offering great performance for its price segment within the Gen4 NVMe category.
Making the Crucial Choice for Your PS4
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with a crucial best 4tb internal hard drive for ps4 ssd is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming experience. For the most significant boost in game loading times and overall system responsiveness, a 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD like the Crucial BX500, Samsung 870 EVO, or KingSpec 4TB is your best bet.
If you’re looking for convenient external storage, any of the Crucial X-series portable SSDs will provide fast access to your games and free up precious internal space. Remember, while NVMe M.2 SSDs offer incredible speeds, they aren’t for internal PS4 use. No matter which option you choose, you’re in for faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a much larger library at your fingertips. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section: All Your PS4 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Can I really put an SSD in my PS4?
A: Yes, absolutely! The PS4 is designed to allow users to upgrade its internal hard drive. It uses a standard 2.5-inch SATA III drive, so any 2.5-inch SATA SSD will fit perfectly. Replacing your PS4’s original HDD with an SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make for performance.
Q2: What size SSD is best for PS4?
A: For modern gaming, we recommend at least 1TB, but a 2TB or even a 4TB SSD is ideal. Given the increasing size of game installations (often 50GB-150GB+ per game), a 4TB SSD provides ample space for dozens of AAA titles, ensuring you don’t have to constantly delete and redownload games.
Q3: Will a 4TB SSD improve PS4 performance?
A: Yes, significantly! While the PS4’s SATA III interface limits the maximum potential speed of an SSD, you will still experience much faster game loading times, quicker boot-up sequences for the console, and smoother in-game transitions compared to the original mechanical hard drive. A 4TB SSD simply means you get this performance boost across a massive library of games.
Q4: Is a portable SSD good for PS4 games?
A: Yes, portable SSDs are excellent for PS4 external storage! You can plug them into one of the PS4’s USB ports and install games directly onto them. This is great for expanding your library without opening the console, and external SSDs still offer much faster loading times than external HDDs for PS4 games. Note that PS5 games generally cannot be played directly from an external drive (they must be moved to the internal PS5 SSD to play), but PS4 games can be played directly from an external drive on both PS4 and PS5.
Q5: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for PS4?
A: An internal SSD replaces the PS4’s default hard drive. It offers the best possible speed for the console and affects overall system responsiveness (boot times, menu navigation, etc.). An external SSD connects via USB and is used solely for storing and playing games (specifically PS4 games). While both provide faster game loading, the internal SSD provides a more comprehensive system-wide speed upgrade.
Q6: How difficult is it to install an SSD in a PS4?
A: Installing an internal SSD in a PS4 is surprisingly straightforward. Sony designed the PS4 to make HDD upgrades easy. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, a USB drive to reinstall the PS4 system software, and a bit of patience. There are many excellent step-by-step guides and video tutorials available online that walk you through the process.
Q7: Do I need a specific type of SSD for PS4?
A: Yes, you need a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. The PS4 does not support NVMe M.2 SSDs for internal storage. All the internal SSDs reviewed in this article (Crucial BX500, Samsung 870 EVO, KingSpec 2.5 SSD) are 2.5-inch SATA III drives and are suitable for internal PS4 upgrades.