Tired of agonizingly long loading screens on your PlayStation 4? Do your games feel sluggish, or are you constantly deleting titles just to make space for new ones? If you’re nodding along, it might be time for a serious upgrade! While the PS4 is a fantastic console, its stock hard drive (HDD) can be a real bottleneck. Swapping it out for a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the best ways to inject new life into your aging system.
Specifically, a 500GB SSD offers a fantastic balance of performance, storage, and affordability for your PS4. It’s enough space for several major titles, plus all your digital downloads and updates, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in game loading times, menu navigation, and overall system responsiveness. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best 500GB SSD for PS4?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive look at the top contenders. In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes an SSD great for your PS4, how to pick the right type, and review some of the best 500GB SSDs that are perfect for boosting your gaming experience.
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with a 500GB SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly break down why upgrading to an SSD, especially a 500GB SSD, is such a game-changer for your PS4:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: This is the biggest draw! SSDs are significantly faster than traditional HDDs. Games will load in a fraction of the time, getting you into the action quicker. No more staring at loading screens while your friends are already halfway through the mission.
- Smoother Gameplay & Menus: While an SSD won’t directly improve your frame rate (that’s down to the console’s hardware), it can reduce stuttering related to asset loading, leading to a more consistent experience. Navigating the PS4’s XMB menu also feels much snappier.
- Enhanced Durability: Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts. This makes them much more resistant to drops and bumps, which is great if you ever move your console around.
- Quieter Operation: Without spinning platters, SSDs are virtually silent. Your PS4 will run a little quieter, especially during intensive gaming sessions.
- Optimal Storage Size: A 500GB SSD strikes a sweet spot. It offers ample space for a good collection of modern games without being excessively expensive, making it an ideal internal or external storage solution for many gamers.
Things to Consider Before Buying a 500GB SSD for PS4
Not all SSDs are created equal, especially when it comes to console compatibility. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Internal vs. External SSD:
- Internal: For an internal upgrade, your PS4 requires a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. This will replace your console’s existing hard drive. It offers the best possible performance for your PS4.
- External: You can also use an external SSD connected via USB 3.0. This is super easy to set up (just plug and play) and great for storing extra games. While still much faster than an external HDD, external SSDs are limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 port speed, meaning they won’t hit the same peak speeds as an internal SATA SSD.
- Form Factor: As mentioned, for internal use, you need a 2.5-inch drive. M.2 NVMe SSDs, while incredibly fast, cannot be installed internally in a PS4. They can be used externally with a compatible USB enclosure, but the PS4’s USB port will bottleneck their speed.
- Speed: Look for drives with high sequential read/write speeds (ideally over 500MB/s for SATA). This directly translates to faster loading times.
- Reliability & Endurance (TBW/MTTF): These metrics indicate how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime and its expected lifespan. Higher numbers are better, ensuring your SSD lasts for years.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands known for quality and customer support.
Our Top Picks: Best 500GB SSD for PS4
Let’s dive into our reviews of the top 500GB SSDs that can elevate your PS4 gaming.
1. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State
The Samsung 870 EVO is a true workhorse and arguably the gold standard for SATA SSDs, making it an exceptional choice if you’re looking for the best 500GB SSD for PS4 internal upgrade. Its reputation for reliability, speed, and compatibility means you’re getting a top-tier drive that will consistently perform, whether you’re battling foes or exploring vast open worlds. It maximizes the SATA interface, ensuring your PS4 runs as smoothly as possible.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface limit with up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Broad compatibility tested with major host systems and applications.
- Easy upgrade process with standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management (PC only).
- Uses Samsung’s in-house DRAM and NAND for trusted quality.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance, reaching near SATA III limits.
- Outstanding reliability and endurance for long-term use.
- Highly compatible with PS4 as an internal drive.
- Backed by a reputable brand with strong support.
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Cons:
- Premium price compared to some budget options.
- Samsung Magician software features are PC-specific.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 870 EVO for its noticeable speed boost in game loading and system responsiveness. Many highlight its ease of installation and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s brand reputation. It’s often cited as the go-to upgrade for older consoles and PCs.
2. BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
If you’re leaning towards an external storage solution for your PS4, the Buffalo External SSD is a solid contender. This compact and durable drive is designed with console gamers in mind, offering a quick and easy way to expand your game library without needing to open up your PS4. Its rugged design means you can confidently take your games on the go.
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Key Features:
- Compact and reliable design for on-the-go demands.
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs.
- Faster speeds than traditional HDDs for quicker data access.
- Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection.
- USB 3.2 connectivity (USB-C / USB-A compatible).
- Three-year warranty for registered devices.
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Pros:
- Extremely portable and durable.
- Simple plug-and-play setup for PS4.
- Good value for an external SSD.
- Comes with a decent warranty.
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Cons:
- Performance bottlenecked by PS4’s USB 3.0 port compared to internal SATA.
- Not suitable for internal PS4 installation.
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User Impressions: Gamers appreciate the Buffalo SSD’s convenience and durability. They report a clear improvement in external game loading times over traditional external hard drives. Its compact size is frequently highlighted as a major plus for portability.
3. PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid
The PNY CS900 is an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking an internal 500GB SSD for PS4. It offers a straightforward performance upgrade over an HDD, ensuring faster boot times and quicker application (game) loading without breaking the bank. It’s a no-frills, reliable choice for improving your PS4 experience.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade for laptop or desktop computers (and PS4!).
- Exceptional performance up to 550MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s sequential write.
- Superior performance compared to traditional HDDs.
- Ultra-low power consumption.
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec.
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Pros:
- Very affordable price point.
- Noticeable performance improvement for PS4.
- Standard 2.5-inch SATA III form factor for easy internal installation.
- Low power consumption.
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Cons:
- May not match the long-term endurance ratings of premium SSDs.
- No advanced software suite included.
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User Impressions: Many users choose the PNY CS900 for its value, reporting significant improvements in their PS4’s overall snappiness and game loading. It’s frequently recommended as a solid, reliable upgrade for those on a budget.
4. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventure and speed, making it a fantastic external companion for your PS4, especially if you also need a durable drive for other devices. While its NVMe speeds will be limited by the PS4’s USB port, it still offers robust performance, exceptional durability, and peace of mind for your precious game data.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds (on compatible devices).
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for securing.
- Password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management (PC/mobile).
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Pros:
- Extremely durable and ruggedized design.
- Very compact and portable.
- Excellent native speeds (though bottlenecked by PS4 USB 3.0).
- Hardware encryption for data security.
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to its ruggedness and NVMe base.
- NVMe speed benefit is largely lost when used with PS4.
- Not for internal PS4 use.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the SanDisk Extreme’s tough build quality and compact size. PS4 users confirm improved loading times for externally stored games, and many appreciate the added security features and versatility for use across multiple devices.
5. Kingston NV3 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0
Important Note for PS4 Users: This Kingston NV3 is an M.2 NVMe SSD. While it offers incredible speeds for compatible PCs (like a PS5, for example, but not a PS4), it cannot be installed internally in a PS4. However, it can be used as an external drive for your PS4 if placed in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure, though its full speed potential will be limited by the PS4’s USB interface. It’s listed here as a high-performance option if you’re considering an external enclosure setup or future-proofing.
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Key Features:
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage.
- Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe performance.
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor.
- High capacities available.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast speeds (for compatible devices).
- Very power efficient.
- Compact form factor.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible for internal installation in a PS4.
- Requires a separate external enclosure for PS4 external use.
- Its full speed potential is wasted on PS4 due to USB 3.0 bottleneck.
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User Impressions: PC users frequently praise its speed and value for a PCIe Gen 4 drive. PS4 users who try it with an external enclosure report good external game loading, but understand they aren’t getting the full NVMe benefit.
6. Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid
The WD Blue SA510 continues Western Digital’s legacy of reliable storage, offering a dependable 2.5-inch SATA III SSD that’s perfectly suited for an internal PS4 upgrade. This drive focuses on consistent performance and endurance, ensuring your gaming experience is smooth and worry-free for years to come. It’s a solid choice when searching for the best 500GB SSD for PS4 that balances performance with brand trust.
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Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 500 GB.
- Drive Interface: SATA III.
- Drive Type: Internal.
- Form Factor: 2.5″.
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Pros:
- Reputable brand known for storage reliability.
- Standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor for easy internal PS4 installation.
- Good balance of performance and endurance.
- Improved responsiveness over HDDs.
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Cons:
- Performance is typical for SATA SSDs, not groundbreaking.
- May not be the cheapest option available.
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User Impressions: Users frequently report a noticeable improvement in PS4 boot times and game loading, describing the WD Blue as a “no-fuss” upgrade. Its reliability and ease of installation are commonly highlighted.
7. Transcend 500GB 2.5″ SATA III 6Gb/s SSD, Up to 530MB/s
Transcend offers a compelling option with its 2.5-inch SATA III SSD, designed for high-speed performance and enhanced endurance. Utilizing 3D NAND flash, this drive delivers quick data access and transfer speeds, making it an excellent candidate for an internal PS4 upgrade. Its advanced error correction and power-efficient features add to its appeal.
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Key Features:
- High-Speed Performance: Up to 550 MB/s read and 500 MB/s write speeds with 3D NAND flash.
- Enhanced Endurance and Reliability: High TBW values (up to 720 TB) for long lifespan.
- Advanced Error Correction: RAID engine and LDPC coding for data integrity.
- Power-Efficient Features: Supports Device Sleep (DevSleep) mode.
- Comprehensive Software Support: Compatible with Transcend’s SSD Scope software (PC only).
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Pros:
- Strong performance for a SATA III drive.
- Excellent endurance rating for longevity.
- Built-in data integrity features.
- Power efficient.
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Cons:
- Transcend SSD Scope software is for PC use.
- Brand might be less familiar to some users than Samsung or WD.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the Transcend SSD for its consistent performance and reliability, often citing it as a robust upgrade option for older systems. PS4 users note the significant speed improvements in game loading.
8. Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
Important Note for PS4 Users: Similar to the Kingston NV3, the Crucial P3 is an M.2 NVMe SSD. It is not compatible for internal installation in a PS4. However, it can be used as an external drive for your PS4 if placed in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure, though its incredible PCIe Gen3 speeds will be bottlenecked by the PS4’s USB interface. Consider this if you’re building an external gaming library setup or want a versatile SSD for other uses.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads.
- Spacious storage capacities available.
- Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation (P2).
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast for PCIe Gen3 applications.
- High reliability rating.
- Good value for an NVMe drive.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible for internal installation in a PS4.
- Requires a separate external enclosure for PS4 external use.
- Its full speed potential is limited by PS4’s USB.
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User Impressions: PC gamers laud the Crucial P3 for its excellent balance of speed and affordability. For PS4 users utilizing it externally, they report substantial improvements over HDDs, though they acknowledge the USB speed limitation.
9. SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
The SSK Portable SSD is a sleek, ultra-portable external drive designed for convenience and speed. Offering blazing-fast 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2) speeds on compatible devices, and robust performance even when bottlenecked by the PS4’s USB 3.0, it’s a fantastic choice for expanding your PS4’s game storage externally. Its compact and heat-dissipating design makes it ideal for gamers on the go.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2) speeds: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for drive health and longevity.
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for wide compatibility.
- SLC caching ensures consistent speed for large file transfers (up to 150GB).
- Low power consumption, ideal for mobile devices like iPhone 4K ProRes capture.
- 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation.
- Impressively lightweight (36.6g) and compact.
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Pros:
- Excellent external speeds (though limited by PS4 USB 3.0).
- Extremely portable and lightweight.
- Good heat dissipation.
- Comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables.
- No slowdowns for typical game file transfers.
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Cons:
- Not for internal PS4 use.
- Actual capacity on Windows might appear slightly lower due to measurement differences.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with the SSK Portable SSD’s compact size and robust performance. PS4 owners find it significantly faster for external game storage than traditional HDDs, and its versatile connectivity is a big plus for multi-device users.
10. WD_BLACK 500GB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
Important Note for PS4 Users: The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD. Like other NVMe drives on this list, it is not compatible for internal installation in a PS4. It is designed for PCs and, specifically, PlayStation 5 for internal expansion. However, it can be used as an external drive for your PS4 if placed in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure, though its extreme speeds will be significantly limited by the PS4’s USB interface. It’s a powerhouse for its intended use, but less so for PS4 directly.
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Key Features:
- Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- Designed for serious gamers with a PCIe Gen4 interface and TLC 3D NAND.
- High power efficiency over previous generations.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard for drive health monitoring (Windows only).
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds for PCIe Gen4 compatible systems.
- Designed specifically for gaming performance.
- Excellent power efficiency.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible for internal installation in a PS4.
- Requires a separate external enclosure for PS4 external use.
- Its extreme speed is largely wasted on PS4 due to USB 3.0 bottleneck.
- Premium price for its high-end performance.
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User Impressions: PC and PS5 gamers laud the SN7100 for its incredible speed and reliability in demanding gaming scenarios. PS4 users who’ve put it into external enclosures note improved load times, but are aware they’re not fully utilizing its potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I really use any 500GB SSD for my PS4?
A: Not just any SSD. For internal installation, your PS4 requires a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. M.2 NVMe SSDs, while faster, cannot be installed internally. For external use, most external SSDs or M.2 NVMe drives in a USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure will work, but the PS4’s USB 3.0 port will limit their maximum speed.
Q2: Is 500GB enough storage for my PS4?
A: A 500GB SSD offers a decent amount of storage for a PS4. It’s enough for several large AAA titles (which can range from 50GB to over 100GB each), plus plenty of smaller games, DLC, and updates. If you plan to keep a massive library of 10+ large games installed simultaneously, you might eventually consider a 1TB SSD, but for many, 500GB hits a great balance for the best 500GB SSD for PS4.
Q3: How much faster will my PS4 be with an SSD?
A: You’ll notice a significant improvement, especially in game loading times, patching, and system boot-up. Load times can be cut by anywhere from 20% to 50% or even more, depending on the game. Navigating the PS4’s dashboard also feels much snappier.
Q4: Will an SSD improve my game’s frame rate on PS4?
A: No, an SSD will not directly improve your game’s frame rate (FPS). Frame rate is determined by the PS4’s CPU and GPU. An SSD primarily improves data loading speeds, which can reduce texture pop-in or stuttering in open-world games but won’t boost your overall FPS count.
Q5: Is it hard to install an internal SSD in a PS4?
A: Installing an internal 2.5-inch SATA SSD in a PS4 is surprisingly straightforward. Sony designed the PS4 with an easily accessible hard drive bay. You’ll typically need a Phillips head screwdriver. There are many excellent step-by-step guides and videos available online that walk you through the process, including how to back up your data and reinstall the system software.
Q6: Should I get an internal or external 500GB SSD for my PS4?
A:
* Internal SSD: Offers the best possible performance for your PS4, as it replaces the primary drive. All games (whether on disc or digital) and system functions will benefit. This is the ideal option for the best 500GB SSD for PS4 if performance is your top priority.
* External SSD: Easier to install (plug-and-play via USB). Great for expanding storage for digital games, but external drives are limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 speed, meaning their maximum performance won’t be as high as an internal SATA SSD. You can only install games directly to the external drive, not system files.
Q7: What about M.2 NVMe SSDs? Can I use them with my PS4?
A: You cannot install M.2 NVMe SSDs internally in a PS4, as the console only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives for its main storage. However, you can use an M.2 NVMe SSD as an external drive by placing it in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 external enclosure. While this setup will still be faster than a traditional HDD, the impressive speeds of NVMe drives will be significantly limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 port.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with a 500GB SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming experience. Whether you opt for a speedy internal SATA drive like the Samsung 870 EVO or WD Blue SA510, or a convenient and robust external solution like the SanDisk Extreme Portable or Buffalo External SSD, you’re in for a treat. Faster loading times, smoother navigation, and a more responsive system await.
Carefully consider whether an internal or external solution best fits your needs, and remember to pick a 2.5-inch SATA III drive for internal upgrades. Whichever 500GB SSD for PS4 you choose from our list, you’re investing in countless hours of more enjoyable, less wait-filled gaming! Happy gaming!