Ever felt that sting when your PS5 tells you there’s not enough storage for that new blockbuster game? You’re not alone! The PlayStation 5, with its lightning-fast load times, truly shines, but its internal storage can fill up faster than you can say “trophy hunt.” That’s where an M.2 NVMe SSD comes in, transforming your console into a digital game library powerhouse. But with so many options, how do you pick the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 that delivers both performance and value?
We’re here to help you navigate the world of PS5 storage expansion. Crucial, a trusted name in memory and storage, offers a fantastic range of SSDs that are perfect for upgrading your console. We’ve handpicked ten top contenders, focusing on those that offer a great balance of speed, capacity, and affordability. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect storage solution to keep you gaming!
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage with an SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD upgrade is such a game-changer for your PlayStation 5:
- More Games: It’s the most obvious reason! Expand your digital library significantly.
- Blazing Fast Load Times: While the PS5’s internal SSD is super quick, compatible M.2 NVMe drives offer similar, if not faster, performance, ensuring seamless gameplay.
- Future-Proofing: With game sizes constantly increasing, extra storage means you won’t have to constantly delete and redownload titles.
- Better Value: External drives are good for older PS4 games, but for PS5 titles, you need an internal M.2 SSD. Crucial offers some of the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 options that hit that sweet spot.
Top 10 Crucial Best Affordable SSDs for PS5 Reviews
Here are our picks for the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 options available right now:
1. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
If you’re looking for bleeding-edge speed and aren’t afraid to invest a bit more for future-proofing, the Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is a phenomenal choice. This drive pushes the boundaries of performance with incredible read/write speeds, ensuring your games load in a flash and your console feels snappier than ever. The included heatsink is a massive plus, guaranteeing optimal thermal management inside your PS5, which is absolutely crucial for maintaining peak performance during those marathon gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price, making it an ideal choice for savvy buyers
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software allows users to easily migrate data from old drives to the P510
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Pros:
- Next-gen Gen5 speeds offer unmatched performance.
- Included heatsink simplifies installation and ensures stable operation.
- Generous 2TB capacity for a massive game library.
- Excellent value for a Gen5 drive.
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Cons:
- Gen5 might be overkill for current PS5 requirements (Gen4 is sufficient).
- Can be pricier than Gen4 alternatives.
User Impressions: Gamers rave about the P510’s incredible speed, noting a noticeable difference in load times even compared to other fast SSDs. The ease of installation, thanks to the integrated heatsink, is frequently highlighted as a major benefit.
2. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is a fantastic workhorse for your PS5, offering a superb blend of performance and capacity without costing an arm and a leg. With solid Gen4 speeds, you’ll experience significantly faster game load times, smoother transitions, and a generally more responsive system. The 2TB capacity means you can stash away dozens of AAA titles, making it one of the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 options for those who want ample space without breaking their budget. It’s also versatile, working seamlessly with both your PS5 and PC.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 2TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance at an affordable price.
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Broad compatibility with PS5 and PC.
- Reliable Micron quality with good thermal control.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink purchase for PS5 installation.
- Not as fast as Gen5 drives (though often imperceptible in gaming).
User Impressions: Many users praise the P310 for its outstanding value, delivering performance that rivals more expensive drives. The large storage capacity is a consistent highlight, allowing gamers to install all their favorite titles without compromise.
3. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For those who need a solid performance boost and a decent amount of extra space without going overboard on budget or capacity, the Crucial P310 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice. It offers the same reliable Gen4 speeds as its 2TB sibling, ensuring quick game loads and smooth system operation for your PS5. This 1TB version strikes an excellent balance, providing enough room for several large games and many smaller ones, proving itself as a Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 especially if you’re mindful of cost per gigabyte for internal storage.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
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Pros:
- Great Gen4 performance for faster game loads.
- Affordable entry point for PS5 storage expansion.
- Trusted Micron quality.
- Versatile for both PS5 and PC use.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might fill up quickly for avid gamers.
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the P310 1TB for its straightforward upgrade process and noticeable speed improvement. It’s often recommended as a great budget-friendly option for getting started with PS5 storage expansion.
4. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Bringing the blistering speed of Gen5 to a more accessible capacity, the Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink is perfect for gamers who crave the absolute fastest load times and data transfers. While 1TB might seem less than 2TB, the sheer performance boost and the inclusion of a pre-installed heatsink make this a highly attractive package. If you want to experience the cutting edge of SSD technology in your PS5, and only need a terabyte of super-fast storage, this P510 variant is an excellent option for a Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 in the premium performance tier.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price, making it an an ideal choice for savvy buyers
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software allows users to easily migrate data from old drives to the P510
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Pros:
- Unmatched Gen5 speeds for ultra-fast performance.
- Pre-installed heatsink ensures optimal thermal management.
- 1TB capacity is a good starting point for high-speed storage.
- Excellent balance of bleeding-edge performance and value.
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Cons:
- Gen5 might be overkill for current PS5 games.
- 1TB might be limiting for a very large game library.
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the P510 1TB’s speed, citing significantly reduced loading screens. The convenience of the included heatsink is a recurrent positive, making the upgrade process smooth and worry-free.
5. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
Designed with serious gamers in mind, the Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD with Heatsink is a powerhouse for your PS5. This drive doesn’t just meet the PS5’s requirements; it exceeds them, offering lightning-fast speeds that translate to quicker game loads, faster texture renders, and a smoother overall gaming experience. The integrated heatsink is a game-changer, ensuring your drive stays cool under pressure. If you’re looking for a top-tier Gen4 option that’s truly “PS5 Ready” right out of the box, the T500 is a prime candidate for the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 in its performance class.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.18M/1.44M IOPs
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version is easy to install in your PlayStation 5 (non-heatsink option also available)
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage
- CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps, run heavy workloads, and render photos or videos faster
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD10. Compared to Gen4 SSD performance without DirectStorage, based on Micron test results with supported GPU that uses GPU decompression.
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Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds for an ultra-smooth gaming experience.
- Integrated heatsink makes it truly plug-and-play for PS5.
- 2TB capacity handles large game libraries with ease.
- Optimized for gaming and content creation workloads.
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Cons:
- Generally a higher price point compared to entry-level Gen4 drives.
- DirectStorage benefits are more pronounced on PC than PS5.
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the T500’s impressive speed and the convenience of the pre-installed heatsink for PS5 installation. It’s often cited as a reliable and high-performance upgrade that truly elevates the gaming experience.
6. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For the ultimate digital hoarder, the Crucial P310 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is an absolute dream come true. This massive drive offers an incredible amount of storage, allowing you to download virtually every game you own without ever worrying about space again. It maintains the reliable Gen4 performance of the P310 series, ensuring fast game loads and smooth operation. If maximum capacity at a relatively affordable price is your top priority for a Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5, this 4TB beast is hands down the best option, letting you future-proof your storage for years to come.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
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Pros:
- Unrivaled 4TB capacity – nearly unlimited game storage.
- Solid Gen4 speeds for fast performance.
- Excellent value for money given the huge capacity.
- Trusted Micron quality and broad compatibility.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Higher upfront cost than smaller capacity drives.
User Impressions: Users absolutely love the sheer volume of storage this drive provides, calling it a “game-changer” for their digital libraries. The consistent performance and ease of use (once a heatsink is added) are also frequently praised.
7. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
While not an internal SSD for PS5 games, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is an incredibly versatile external drive that offers blazing fast portable storage. It’s perfect for offloading your PS4 games from your console, freeing up internal space, or transferring large media files between devices. Its rugged, IP65-rated design means it can handle the bumps and spills of daily life, making it a great companion for students, content creators, and gamers on the go. This is a great choice if you’re looking for an external drive to complement your PS5’s internal storage.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
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Pros:
- Extremely fast for an external drive.
- Highly durable with IP65 water/dust resistance and drop protection.
- Broad compatibility with multiple devices, including PS5 (for PS4 games).
- Compact and portable design.
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Cons:
- Cannot play PS5 games directly from it (only PS4 games).
- Higher price per GB than some internal SSDs.
User Impressions: Users love the X10’s incredible speed for an external drive, making large file transfers a breeze. Its robust build quality and compatibility with various devices are also frequently praised, making it a reliable portable storage solution.
8. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is a fantastic blend of speed, durability, and affordability in an external storage device. While not as blisteringly fast as the X10, its 1050MB/s read speed is still significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it excellent for quick backups, media storage, and carrying your PS4 game library on the go. Its rugged IP55-rated design provides peace of mind, ensuring your data is safe during travel. For a reliable, budget-friendly external SSD that works with your PS5 (for PS4 games), the X9 is a solid pick.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
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Pros:
- Fast external storage, much quicker than HDDs.
- Durable and travel-ready with IP55 rating.
- Broad compatibility with PS5 (for PS4 games) and other devices.
- More affordable than the X10.
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Cons:
- Cannot play PS5 games directly from it.
- Slower than the X10 or internal NVMe drives.
User Impressions: Customers find the X9 to be an excellent value for its speed and ruggedness. It’s frequently praised for its reliability and ease of use across different platforms, serving as a great solution for expanding portable storage.
9. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
This version of the Crucial P310 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, while sharing similar core specs with another P310 1TB listed, specifically highlights its expanded compatibility beyond just PCs and PS5, including handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X. This makes it an incredibly versatile option if you game on multiple platforms and want a high-performance SSD that can easily migrate between them. For PS5 users, it’s still a superb budget-friendly choice, delivering fast Gen4 speeds and reliable performance for your game library. It truly stands as a Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 and beyond.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
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Pros:
- Strong Gen4 performance suitable for PS5.
- Excellent multi-device compatibility, including popular handhelds.
- Affordable price point for 1TB of NVMe storage.
- Trusted Crucial/Micron reliability.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- 1TB might be limiting for some.
User Impressions: Users love this P310 variant for its exceptional versatility and reliable performance across different devices. Its value proposition for fast internal storage is frequently lauded, especially for those looking to upgrade not just their PS5 but other gaming gear too.
10. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD is a premium Gen4 option that delivers robust performance, making it an excellent choice for serious PS5 gamers. This drive is known for its strong sequential read/write speeds, ensuring quick game load times and smooth data handling. With a generous 2TB capacity and an included heatsink, it’s ready for straightforward installation into your PS5, offering superb reliability and consistent performance even during intense gaming sessions. It’s a prime example of a Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 when you prioritize high-end Gen4 speeds and a large capacity.
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Key Features:
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE GEN4: Sequential reads up to 6,600MB/s and writes up to 5,000MB/s for incredible speed.
- PS5 COMPATIBLE: Meets or exceeds all PS5 requirements, perfect for expanding your console’s storage.
- INCLUDED HEATSINK: Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal management and easy installation.
- ROBUST RELIABILITY: Engineered with advanced Micron 3D NAND for endurance and trusted data integrity.
- LARGE CAPACITY: 2TB of spacious storage for dozens of AAA games and media.
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance for fast game loading.
- Pre-installed heatsink for hassle-free PS5 installation.
- Generous 2TB capacity.
- High endurance and reliability from Crucial/Micron.
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Cons:
- Not Gen5 speed (though Gen4 is more than adequate for PS5).
- Can be a bit pricier than entry-level Gen4 options.
User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the P5 Plus for its consistent, high-speed performance and the convenience of the included heatsink. It’s often praised for being a “set it and forget it” upgrade that significantly enhances the PS5 experience.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About PS5 SSDs Answered
Got more questions about upgrading your PS5’s storage? We’ve got you covered!
Q1: Why do I need an internal SSD for my PS5? Can’t I just use an external drive?
A: For PlayStation 5 games, you need an internal M.2 NVMe SSD that meets specific speed requirements. The PS5’s architecture demands very high speeds for its games, which external drives typically can’t match. You can use an external drive for storing PS4 games and media, or for archiving PS5 games, but you’ll need to move PS5 games back to internal storage (either the console’s built-in SSD or your new M.2 SSD) to play them.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs, and do I need Gen5 for my PS5?
A: PCIe generations refer to the interface technology, with each new generation offering faster speeds. PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s, which Gen4 drives easily meet. While Gen5 drives are even faster (e.g., 10,000+ MB/s), current PS5 games don’t fully utilize these extreme speeds, so a good Gen4 drive provides plenty of performance for the console. Gen5 might offer a bit of future-proofing, but Gen4 is perfectly sufficient and often more affordable.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! Sony explicitly states that an M.2 SSD installed in a PS5 must have a heatsink for proper thermal management. Without one, the drive could overheat, leading to performance throttling or even damage. Many Crucial SSDs (like the P510 and T500 in our list) come with a heatsink pre-installed, making the upgrade process much simpler. If you choose an SSD without a heatsink, you’ll need to purchase and attach one separately.
Q4: How much capacity should I get for my PS5 SSD?
A: This depends on your gaming habits!
* 1TB: A good starting point, easily doubling your usable storage. Great for casual gamers or those on a tighter budget.
* 2TB: Our recommended sweet spot. Offers plenty of room for a substantial library of AAA titles without constant management.
* 4TB+: For hardcore gamers or those who never want to delete anything. Provides maximum peace of mind but comes at a higher cost.
Q5: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 to make this upgrade accessible. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing a side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. There are plenty of official guides and YouTube tutorials that walk you through it step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds!
Q6: Are Crucial SSDs reliable for PS5 gaming?
A: Yes, Crucial is a brand of Micron, one of the world’s largest memory and storage manufacturers. Their SSDs are known for their quality, reliability, and performance. They undergo rigorous testing, making them a trusted choice for console upgrades and PC builds alike. Many of their drives meet or exceed Sony’s requirements for PS5 expansion.
Q7: Can I transfer my PS4 games from the internal PS5 storage to the new M.2 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! You can move PS4 games between your console’s internal storage, your new M.2 SSD, or even an external USB drive. This helps you manage your storage efficiently, keeping your new M.2 SSD primarily for PS5 games.
Level Up Your PS5!
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with a Crucial M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. No more agonizing over which game to delete, no more frustrating waiting times – just pure, uninterrupted gaming bliss. Whether you opt for the cutting-edge speed of a Gen5 drive like the P510 or the incredible value and capacity of a Gen4 option like the P310, Crucial has a solution that fits your needs and budget. We hope this guide helps you find the Crucial best affordable SSD for PS5 to truly level up your console! Happy gaming!