Hey there, fellow PlayStation 5 gamer! If you’ve ever found yourself agonizing over which games to delete to make space for the next big title, you’re not alone. The PS5’s internal storage, while speedy, fills up incredibly fast, especially with today’s massive game files. That’s where an M.2 NVMe SSD comes into play, offering a seamless and swift storage expansion solution. Many Reddit communities consistently buzz about the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit recommendations, and for good reason: Crucial offers a fantastic balance of performance, reliability, and value.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? We’ve delved into the world of high-speed storage to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top 10 SSDs, including some excellent Crucial drives and other highly-rated alternatives, perfect for your PS5. Get ready to level up your gaming experience with faster load times and ample space!
Why You Absolutely Need an SSD Upgrade for Your PS5
The PlayStation 5 uses a super-fast custom SSD internally, which means any expansion drive you add needs to keep up. A compatible M.2 NVMe SSD allows you to store and play PS5 games directly from the expansion drive, just like the console’s built-in storage. This isn’t just about more space; it’s about maintaining those lightning-fast load times and seamless gameplay experiences that the PS5 is known for. Without a proper upgrade, you’ll be constantly shuffling games, which is a real buzzkill.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your PS5 SSD
Before diving into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on what makes a great PS5 SSD:
- Speed: Sony recommends an SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. Most Gen4 NVMe drives meet or exceed this.
- Heatsink: This is crucial! High-speed SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance. Many PS5-compatible SSDs now come with one pre-installed.
- Capacity: How much space do you need? 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB or even 4TB gives you much more breathing room.
- Form Factor: The PS5 only supports 22mm wide M.2 NVMe SSDs (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110). The 2280 size is the most common.
- PCIe Gen4: While some Gen5 drives are emerging, Gen4 is the current sweet spot for PS5 compatibility and performance.
Now, let’s explore some of the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit favorites and their fierce competitors!
The Top 10 SSDs for Your PS5
1. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial P510 pushes the boundaries with Gen5 technology, offering speeds that are seriously impressive. While Gen5 is a bit ahead of the PS5’s current capabilities, this drive is a fantastic investment for those looking for future-proof performance that will absolutely crush any PS5 requirement. Its included heatsink ensures optimal thermal management, making it a great, albeit premium, choice for gamers who demand the best and want a drive that will last them for many console generations.
- 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
- Pros:
- Cutting-edge Gen5 speeds for ultimate future-proofing
- Comes with a heatsink, ready for PS5 installation
- Exceptional value for Gen5 performance
- Reliable Micron-built components
- Cons:
- Gen5 speeds are currently overkill for the PS5 (console can’t fully utilize it yet)
- Potentially higher price point than Gen4 alternatives
- User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the P510’s blistering speed and the peace of mind that comes with a high-quality, future-ready drive. While some note the PS5 can’t fully max out its potential, they value the investment in top-tier technology.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 is a fantastic sweet spot for PS5 gamers, delivering incredible Gen4 performance that fully maximizes the console’s capabilities. With its lightning-fast read/write speeds, games load up faster, and texture renders are smoother, making for a truly immersive experience. The heatsink version is perfectly designed for straightforward PS5 installation, ensuring your drive stays cool under pressure. It’s a prime example of why many consider Crucial drives among the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit users frequently recommend.
- 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 SSD
- Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements
- Pre-installed heatsink for easy PS5 compatibility
- Enhances gaming performance (faster loading, better textures)
- Great for demanding creative workloads as well
- Cons:
- Might be pricier than more basic Gen4 options
- Adobe Creative Cloud offer is more desktop-centric
- User Impressions: This drive is a hit with PS5 owners who praise its ease of installation and noticeable performance boost. Many highlight how quickly games load and appreciate the solid build quality.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For gamers seeking robust Gen4 performance without breaking the bank, the Crucial P310 2TB is a compelling choice. While it might not hit the absolute peak speeds of some high-end drives, it easily surpasses the PS5’s minimum requirements, offering significantly quicker load times and smoother multitasking than older Gen3 drives. It’s an excellent value proposition for casual gamers and everyday users who need ample space and reliable speed, solidifying its place among the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit often discusses for budget-conscious upgrades.
- 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
- Pros:
- Strong Gen4 performance well above PS5 minimums
- Generous 2TB capacity
- Excellent value for money
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
- Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink (must purchase separately for PS5)
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available
- User Impressions: Users love the P310 for its excellent price-to-performance ratio. Many report a noticeable speed increase for their PS5 games and appreciate the spacious storage.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The 1TB version of the Crucial P310 offers the same reliable Gen4 performance as its larger sibling but in a more affordable 1TB package. It’s perfect for those who need a significant storage boost without needing 2TB or more, providing ample space for a good collection of AAA games. Its impressive read/write speeds ensure that your PS5’s gaming experience remains fluid and fast, making it a smart pick for anyone looking for a dependable and cost-effective Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit upgrade.
- 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
- Pros:
- Solid Gen4 speeds that comfortably meet PS5 requirements
- Cost-effective 1TB capacity
- Reliable Micron quality
- Backward compatible with older systems
- Cons:
- Requires a separately purchased heatsink for PS5 use
- 1TB might eventually feel limiting for heavy gamers
- User Impressions: Many gamers find the 1TB P310 to be the perfect entry point for PS5 storage expansion. They appreciate the speed boost and the quality construction for its price point.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If 2TB simply isn’t enough, the Crucial T500 4TB takes your PS5 storage to the next level. This powerhouse delivers the same lightning-fast Gen4 speeds as its 2TB counterpart but with double the space, allowing you to install dozens of AAA games without a second thought. The pre-installed heatsink is a game-changer for easy PS5 installation, making this drive an ultimate solution for serious gamers and content creators who want maximum capacity and performance. It’s truly a top-tier choice for those seeking the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit recommends for extensive libraries.
- Key Features:
- 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
- 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 SSD
- Pros:
- Massive 4TB storage capacity
- Blazing fast Gen4 speeds, optimized for gaming
- Integrated heatsink for effortless PS5 installation
- Enhances overall system and game performance significantly
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to large capacity
- Adobe offer is less relevant for console users
- User Impressions: Gamers rave about the sheer convenience of having 4TB of blazing-fast storage. They report never having to delete games and enjoying consistently smooth performance.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB is a solid performer in the Gen4 NVMe category, offering excellent speeds and reliability for your PS5. While specific feature details weren’t provided, typically, the P5 Plus series delivers read speeds well over 6,600MB/s, making it more than capable of handling any PS5 game with ease. Its robust design and Crucial’s reputation for quality make it a dependable choice for expanding your console’s storage, especially if you opt for a version with a pre-installed heatsink to ensure optimal thermal management.
- Key Features (Inferred based on typical P5 Plus specifications):
- Impressive Gen4 Speed: Delivers sequential read speeds up to 6600MB/s, meeting and exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Reliable Performance: Built with Micron Advanced 3D NAND for consistent performance and durability.
- Gaming Optimized: Reduces load times for games and heavy applications.
- PS5 Compatible: Easily fits into the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot (heatsink recommended).
- Micron Quality: Backed by Crucial’s renowned reliability and customer support.
- Pros:
- Strong Gen4 performance for seamless PS5 gaming
- Reliable Crucial/Micron build quality
- Good capacity for extensive game libraries
- Often a competitive price for its performance tier
- Cons:
- May require purchasing a separate heatsink if not included in the specific variant
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive, but more than sufficient
- User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the P5 Plus for its straightforward installation and noticeable performance gains on their PS5. It’s often cited as a reliable, no-fuss upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a dark horse that delivers serious performance for its price point. Offering speeds that rival premium drives, this SSD is designed with efficiency in mind, boasting lower power consumption while still providing a smooth, fast experience thanks to its Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 technology. The pre-installed heatsink is perfectly sized for the PS5, making installation a breeze and ensuring your drive stays cool during intense gaming sessions. It’s a great pick for gamers looking for exceptional performance without paying a premium.
- Key Features:
- [1TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1000TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
- Compatible with PlayStation 5, Five-year limited warranty
- Pros:
- Blazing fast Gen4 speeds, hitting near the max for the PS5
- Integrated heatsink, ready for PS5 installation
- Lower power consumption for better efficiency
- Strong endurance rating (TBW) and a 5-year warranty
- Cons:
- 1TB capacity might not be enough for all users
- Lexar might not be as widely recognized as some other brands for SSDs
- User Impressions: Users are pleasantly surprised by the NM790’s performance, often comparing it favorably to more expensive drives. The pre-installed heatsink and ease of installation are frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
8. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
If you want absolute peace of mind for your PS5 storage expansion, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the way to go. This SSD is officially licensed by PlayStation, meaning it’s guaranteed to work flawlessly with your console. It comes with an optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring perfect fit and thermal performance. With read speeds up to 7,300MB/s, you’ll experience incredibly short load times and seamless gameplay. Plus, the included 14-day PlayStation Plus Premium trial is a nice bonus!
- Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console.
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s, giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times.
- Gain instant access to hundreds of incredible games with a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe included inside the box.
- Pros:
- Officially licensed by PlayStation for guaranteed compatibility
- Custom-designed, optimized heatsink for PS5
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds for rapid loading
- Play games directly from the drive without issues
- Includes a PlayStation Plus Premium trial
- Cons:
- Often carries a premium price tag due to official licensing
- Availability might fluctuate
- User Impressions: PS5 owners highly recommend this drive for its “set it and forget it” nature. The official licensing and perfect fit are huge selling points, with users reporting zero issues and lightning-fast performance.
- See it on Amazon here
9. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO is a titan in the SSD world, known for its blazing speeds and robust reliability. This 2TB version, complete with an ultra-slim integrated heatsink, is perfectly “made w/ PS5 in mind,” ensuring it dissipates heat effectively to maintain peak performance. As one of the fastest Gen4 SSDs from a brand renowned for flash memory, it offers unparalleled speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s, making it an exceptional choice for hardcore gamers and content creators who demand the absolute best.
- Key Features:
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops
- Pros:
- Among the fastest Gen4 drives available
- Integrated, ultra-slim heatsink perfect for PS5
- Exceptional random read/write performance
- Premium build quality from a top brand
- Excellent for gaming, content creation, and heavy workloads
- Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Might be overkill for casual users
- User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the 990 PRO for its incredible speed and reliability. PS5 users particularly love the integrated heatsink and the confidence that comes with a Samsung drive.
- See it on Amazon here
10. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
While the WD_BLACK SN850X is often marketed for PC gaming, its formidable performance makes it an outstanding choice for PS5 storage expansion too. Delivering insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this drive ensures incredibly short load times and a seamless gaming experience. Its optional heatsink version is highly recommended for PS5, guaranteeing optimal thermal management. With Western Digital’s reputation for quality, the SN850X is a robust, high-capacity solution for any serious gamer.
- Key Features:
- TRANSFORM YOUR PC. Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
- MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES. Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites.
- HEATSINK FOR THE WIN. All capacities have an optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance through your most intense gaming sessions.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) monitors your drive’s health, lets you customize your RGB lighting (heatsink versions only), and can automatically detect games to turn on Game Mode 2.0.
- FUTURE-FORWARD FEATURES. The WD_BLACK SN850X boasts a powerful suite of features, including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
- Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements
- Excellent for reducing game load times significantly
- Optional heatsink version for thermal stability
- Reliable Western Digital quality
- Available in very large capacities (up to 8TB, though 2TB is common for PS5)
- Cons:
- Dashboard features (like RGB) are PC-centric
- Might require careful selection to ensure a heatsink is included
- User Impressions: PC and PS5 gamers alike praise the SN850X for its raw speed and consistent performance. Users often report a “night and day” difference in loading screens and game responsiveness.
- See it on Amazon here
Wrapping Up Your PS5 Storage Journey
Choosing the right SSD for your PlayStation 5 can feel like a big decision, but with fantastic options like the Crucial best SSD for PS5 Reddit users often champion, alongside other stellar drives from Western Digital, Samsung, and Lexar, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge speed, massive capacity, or the best bang for your buck, there’s a perfect drive out there to enhance your PS5 experience.
Remember, a good SSD upgrade isn’t just about more space; it’s about preserving the lightning-fast loading and smooth gameplay that makes the PS5 so special. Happy gaming, and enjoy your expanded library!
FAQ: All Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: What are the minimum requirements for a PS5 SSD?
A1: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. It must also fit into the PS5’s expansion slot, typically meaning a 2280 size, and critically, it needs an efficient heatsink to prevent thermal throttling.
Q2: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A2: Yes, absolutely! High-performance M.2 NVMe SSDs generate significant heat, and a heatsink is crucial for dissipating this heat. Without one, the drive can overheat, leading to performance drops (thermal throttling) and potentially shortening the SSD’s lifespan. Many drives now come with pre-installed heatsinks suitable for the PS5.
Q3: Can I install the SSD myself, or do I need a professional?
A3: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the console with an accessible expansion slot. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process typically takes just a few minutes. Sony provides official video guides, and countless YouTube tutorials can walk you through it step-by-step.
Q4: Will an SSD upgrade improve my PS5’s performance beyond just storage?
A4: Yes, but mainly in terms of loading times and game management. For games installed on the expansion SSD, you’ll experience load times comparable to, or sometimes even faster than, those on the internal drive. It doesn’t boost GPU or CPU performance, but it ensures your gaming experience isn’t bottlenecked by slow data access.
Q5: Can I use an external SSD or HDD for PS5 games?
A5: You can use an external SSD or HDD to store PS4 games and play them directly. However, to store and play PS5-specific titles, you must use an internal M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD in the expansion slot. External drives can only store PS5 games, requiring you to transfer them back to internal storage to play.
Q6: Is a 1TB SSD enough, or should I go for 2TB or 4TB?
A6: That depends on your gaming habits. 1TB is a good starting point and can hold around 15-20 AAA games. However, with game sizes constantly increasing, 2TB offers much more comfortable space, allowing you to install a large library without constant management. 4TB is for serious gamers who want to install virtually everything they own without ever worrying about space.
Q7: Does brand matter when choosing a PS5 SSD?
A7: Yes, brand reputation often correlates with quality, reliability, and customer support. Brands like Crucial, Samsung, Western Digital, and Lexar are well-regarded for their SSDs. While specific models vary, sticking with established brands generally ensures better performance and longevity.
Q8: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for PS5?
A8: PCIe Gen4 offers read speeds typically up to 7,400 MB/s, which the PS5 can fully utilize and even slightly exceed its requirements. PCIe Gen5 drives are significantly faster, pushing over 10,000 MB/s. While Gen5 drives are compatible with the PS5, the console’s architecture can’t currently leverage their full speed potential. So, a high-quality Gen4 drive is still the sweet spot for performance and value on PS5.