Is your PS5 groaning under the weight of too many downloaded games? Do you find yourself constantly deleting titles just to make room for the latest blockbuster? You’re not alone! With modern games demanding hundreds of gigabytes, the PS5’s internal 825GB SSD (of which only about 667GB is usable) fills up fast. That’s where expanding your storage comes in, and for serious gamers, an 8TB solution offers truly massive space.
Finding the best 8TB SSD for PS5 can be a bit of a maze, as you need one that meets Sony’s strict speed and size requirements, preferably with an integrated heatsink. While true 8TB M.2 NVMe SSDs can be pricey, they offer unparalleled convenience, letting you store and play all your PS5 titles directly from the drive. We’ve compiled a list of top contenders, including some excellent 4TB M.2 SSDs that are also fantastic options, and even some external solutions for PS4 games or simply storing your PS5 titles.
Let’s dive in and see which storage expansion is right for your PlayStation 5!
Understanding PS5 Storage Requirements
Before we jump into the reviews, a quick note on PS5 compatibility. For an internal M.2 SSD to run PS5 games directly, it needs to meet these specs:
* Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
* Capacity: 250 GB – 8 TB
* Sequential Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster recommended
* Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
* Heatsink: Required (integrated or add-on)
The Best Internal 8TB NVMe SSDs for PS5 (Play PS5 Games Directly!)
These M.2 NVMe SSDs are specifically designed or highly compatible with your PS5, allowing you to install and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage.
WD_BLACK 8TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed…
If you’re looking for the ultimate plug-and-play solution, the WD_BLACK SN850P is an absolute game-changer. This SSD is officially licensed by PlayStation, meaning it’s tailor-made for your PS5 and comes with a pre-installed, optimized heatsink for worry-free installation. You’ll get blazingly fast load times and seamless gameplay, directly from the drive, without needing to transfer games back and forth. It’s truly one of the best 8TB SSD for PS5 experiences you can get.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed by PlayStation for PS5 consoles.
- Capacities up to 8TB for massive game libraries.
- Pre-installed, optimized heatsink for easy, worry-free installation.
- Play games directly from the drive with tested and officially approved storage.
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 technology with read speeds up to 7,200MB/s.
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Pros:
- Official PlayStation license ensures perfect compatibility.
- Pre-installed heatsink simplifies installation.
- Exceptional speed for minimal load times.
- Massive 8TB capacity for all your games.
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Cons:
- Premium price due to official licensing and performance.
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User Impressions: Gamers rave about the effortless installation and the immediate performance boost. Many highlight the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product, reporting zero issues with compatibility or overheating even during intense gaming sessions.
WD_BLACK 8TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming Solid State Drive…
The WD_BLACK SN850X is another powerhouse from Western Digital, offering top-tier performance for both PC and console gamers. While not officially licensed specifically for PS5 like its SN850P sibling, its impressive speeds (up to 7,200 MB/s read) and optional heatsink make it highly suitable for the PS5. This drive is built to handle the most demanding gaming sessions, ensuring ridiculously short load times and smooth gameplay. It’s a fantastic choice for expanding your PS5 storage.
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Key Features:
- Insane speeds up to 7,200 MB/s for top-tier performance.
- Capacities up to 8TB, allowing you to download more games.
- Optional heatsink version for maintaining peak performance.
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for durability.
- Features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management.
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Pros:
- Extreme read/write speeds for lightning-fast loading.
- Available in a high 8TB capacity.
- Heatsink option ensures stable performance.
- Excellent choice for a gaming console SSD upgrade.
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Cons:
- Heatsink is an option, not always pre-installed like the SN850P.
- Not officially “PlayStation Licensed,” though highly compatible.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the SN850X for its raw speed and reliability. Many have successfully installed it in their PS5s, noting significant improvements in game loading and overall system responsiveness. The optional heatsink is seen as a big plus.
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 8TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4…
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is purpose-built for the PlayStation 5, delivering extreme Gen4 storage performance that exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements. This drive boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds, ensuring that your large game files load faster than ever. What truly makes it shine is the pre-installed, low-profile aluminum heatspreader, which is specifically designed to fit the PS5’s M.2 slot while efficiently dispersing heat and preventing throttling.
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Key Features:
- Extreme Gen4 performance with up to 7,100MB/sec read and 6,800MB/sec write speeds.
- Exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements.
- Available in a massive 8TB capacity to store your entire game collection.
- Pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader for superior cooling.
- High-speed PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe 1.4 Interface.
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Pros:
- Optimized specifically for PS5 performance and size requirements.
- Pre-installed, low-profile heatsink fits perfectly.
- Exceptional read and write speeds.
- Reliable brand with a focus on gaming hardware.
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Cons:
- Can be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners are thrilled with the MP600 PRO LPX’s seamless integration and blazing performance. The ease of installation, thanks to the low-profile heatsink, is a recurring positive, along with the noticeable speed improvements in game loading.
Addlink A95 8TB M.2 SSD Storage Expansion for PS5…
The Addlink A95 offers a robust storage expansion solution for your PS5, designed with both speed and superior cooling in mind. Built with the latest TLC with Dram 3D NAND, it delivers extraordinary read/write speeds that translate to snappy game loading. What truly sets it apart is addlink’s own heat-conducting gel pad and pure aluminum shark-fin design heatsink, engineered to dissipate heat efficiently and stimulate airflow, keeping your drive cool during intense gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- PS5 Compatible, including PS5 Slim Consoles.
- Extreme speed with 7000/6000 MB/s Read/Write (on PC Platform, PS5 speeds will be optimized).
- Superior cooling with a proprietary heat-conducting gel pad and shark-fin heatsink design.
- Built with latest TLC with Dram 3D NAND for durability.
- Available in 8TB capacity.
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Pros:
- Excellent cooling solution built-in.
- High read and write speeds suitable for PS5.
- Solid durability and reliability.
- Good value proposition for its performance and capacity.
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Cons:
- Less recognized brand compared to WD or Samsung, but still performs well.
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User Impressions: Users report easy installation and impressive performance, especially praising the effectiveness of the heatsink design in keeping temperatures down. It’s often cited as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to the bigger names, delivering speeds that feel indistinguishable from the console’s internal drive.
Nextorage Japan NEM-PA 8TB Internal Solid State Drive, M.2…
Hailing from Japan with over 20 years of Sony memory expertise, the Nextorage NEM-PA series brings trusted reliability and advanced memory solutions to your PS5. This 8TB internal SSD is confirmed compatible with PS5, PS5 Slim, and even PS5 Pro, and features an optimized, non-removable heatsink for superior heat dissipation. If you value a brand with deep roots in memory technology and a focus on sustained stable performance, Nextorage is a compelling option.
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Key Features:
- PS5 compatibility confirmed by Nextorage, including PS5 Slim/Pro.
- Superior heat dissipation with an optimized, non-removable heatsink.
- Backed by over 20 years of Sony memory expertise from Japan.
- Wide range of capacities, including a substantial 8TB.
- Comes with a worry-free 5-year warranty.
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Pros:
- Strong pedigree with Sony memory expertise.
- Guaranteed PS5 compatibility and integrated heatsink.
- Reliable and stable performance.
- Excellent 5-year warranty.
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Cons:
- May not be as widely available as other brands in some regions.
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User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the straightforward installation and the consistent performance provided by the Nextorage drive. Its Sony heritage instills confidence, and users confirm it functions perfectly as a PS5 storage expansion, handling demanding games without a hitch.
High-Performance 4TB NVMe SSDs (Great Alternatives)
While the focus here is on the best 8TB SSD for PS5, these 4TB options are incredibly popular due to their stellar performance and often more accessible price points. If 8TB is more than you need, or if you prefer a top-tier brand in a slightly smaller capacity, these are excellent choices that meet all PS5 internal SSD requirements.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2, Speeds Up…
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD is a top-tier performer, widely considered one of the fastest PCIe Gen4 SSDs available. While this particular model is listed as 4TB, its blazing-fast speeds (up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write) push the limits of PCIe 4.0, making it an incredible upgrade for your PS5. The ultra-slim integrated heatsink is designed to perfectly fit the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring optimal temperature control even during the most intense gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write.
- Integrated, ultra-slim heatsink specifically designed for PS5.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over its predecessor.
- Comes from the world’s #1 Flash Memory Brand.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB.
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Pros:
- Among the fastest SSDs on the market, ideal for future-proofing.
- Reliable Samsung quality and performance.
- Perfectly compatible heatsink for PS5.
- Excellent for heavy computing and gaming.
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Cons:
- Maxes out at 4TB, not 8TB.
- Premium price point.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the 990 PRO’s incredible speed, noting dramatically reduced loading screens. The seamless PS5 installation and the effective heatsink are frequently highlighted, making it a favorite for those prioritizing raw performance.
fanxiang 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with…
The fanxiang S880ER with Heatsink is a compelling 4TB NVMe SSD designed with hardcore gamers in mind, offering PCIe 4.0 extreme performance. With sequential read/write speeds of up to 7300/6300 MB/s, it’s more than capable of handling the demands of PS5 games and DirectStorage. Its unique heatsink design effectively reduces the SSD’s temperature during extended gaming, ensuring consistent high performance without slowdowns. This is a solid contender if you’re looking for a high-speed, 4TB solution for your PS5.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 SSD with speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
- Unique heatsink design for efficient thermal control.
- Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage for faster loads.
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory.
- Comes with a 5-year service warranty and lifetime technical support.
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Pros:
- Excellent read/write speeds for gaming.
- Effective cooling solution keeps performance stable.
- Strong warranty and customer support.
- Good performance-to-price ratio for a 4TB drive.
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Cons:
- Maxes out at 4TB, not 8TB.
- Brand recognition is lower than market leaders.
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User Impressions: Users report a positive experience with the fanxiang S880ER, highlighting its fast speeds and the effectiveness of its heatsink. Many consider it a reliable and more affordable alternative to premium brands, providing a noticeable upgrade to their PS5’s storage and performance.
External Storage Solutions for PS4 Games & PS5 Storage (Read Carefully!)
It’s important to note: while these drives offer massive 8TB storage, they are external and cannot play PS5 games directly. They are primarily for storing PS5 games (which must be copied back to the internal SSD to play) or playing PS4 games directly. If your goal is to play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage, you need one of the internal NVMe SSDs reviewed above.
Avolusion PRO-5X Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard…
The Avolusion PRO-5X Series is an excellent solution if you have a vast library of PS4 games or simply want a convenient way to store your PS5 games without constantly re-downloading them. This 8TB external hard drive, featuring a 7200RPM enterprise HDD, allows you to play PS4 games directly from it, freeing up valuable space on your PS5’s internal SSD for PS5-specific titles. Transferring PS5 games to and from this drive is much faster than re-downloading.
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Key Features:
- Built-in 8TB capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (7200RPM Enterprise HDD).
- Designed for 24/7 operation.
- Allows playing PS4 games directly from the drive.
- Provides storage for PS5 games (requires copying back to internal SSD to play).
- Faster to transfer PS5 games than to re-download.
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Pros:
- Massive 8TB storage for a huge game library.
- Cost-effective compared to internal NVMe SSDs.
- Ideal for archiving PS5 games and playing PS4 games.
- Refurbished enterprise HDD ensures reliability.
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Cons:
- Cannot play PS5 games directly from this drive.
- HDD speeds are much slower than SSDs for transfers.
- Requires moving PS5 games to internal SSD to play.
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User Impressions: Users find this drive highly useful for managing their large PS4 game collections and as a convenient “cold storage” solution for PS5 games. The simple plug-and-play setup and the sheer amount of space are often highlighted as major benefits.
Avolusion PRO-Z 8TB USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive…
Similar to the PRO-5X, the Avolusion PRO-Z is another robust 8TB external gaming hard drive, perfect for those with extensive PS4 game collections or needing a dedicated storage vault for their PS5 titles. It utilizes a 7200RPM enterprise HDD, ensuring reliable 24/7 performance. This drive provides immediate expansion, letting you offload games from your PS5’s internal storage, saving precious SSD space. It’s a practical and cost-effective way to manage a large game library.
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Key Features:
- Built-in 8TB capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (7200RPM Enterprise HDD).
- Allows playing PS4 games directly.
- Stores PS5 games, enabling quick transfer to internal SSD for play.
- Compatible with PS5 console for instant storage expansion.
- Utilizes a premium refurbished, top-tier internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive.
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Pros:
- Enormous 8TB capacity.
- Excellent for PS4 game direct play.
- Saves space on the PS5’s internal SSD.
- More affordable than M.2 NVMe SSDs.
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Cons:
- Not suitable for direct PS5 game playback.
- HDD speeds are considerably slower than SSDs for data transfers.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the Avolusion PRO-Z for its massive storage capacity and ease of use. It’s especially popular among players who switch between many PS4 titles or want to keep their PS5’s internal drive clear for current-gen games.
SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C,…
The SanDisk 8TB Extreme Portable SSD offers a different kind of external storage solution: a highly durable and fast portable SSD. While still an external drive (meaning no direct PS5 game playback), its NVMe solid-state performance with speeds up to 1050MB/s (read) makes transfers much quicker than traditional HDDs. It’s also built to last, with up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, making it perfect for gamers on the go or those who need rugged storage.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Impressive 8TB portable capacity.
- Highly durable: up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water/dust resistance.
- USB-C connectivity for wide compatibility.
- Included password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
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Pros:
- Much faster transfers than external HDDs for PS5 game storage.
- Extremely durable and portable design.
- Massive 8TB capacity in a compact form factor.
- Versatile for other devices (PC, Mac).
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Cons:
- Still an external drive, so PS5 games cannot be played directly.
- Higher cost than external HDDs due to SSD technology.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed by the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD’s robust build and quick transfer speeds. It’s a favorite for gamers who frequently move large files or want a very reliable, albeit external, storage option for their console.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a PS5 SSD
When picking the best 8TB SSD for PS5 (or a high-capacity alternative), keep these factors in mind:
- Speed: Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s read speed or faster. All internal NVMe SSDs listed here meet or exceed this, ensuring smooth gameplay and fast load times.
- Heatsink: Crucial for preventing thermal throttling and maintaining performance. Look for integrated heatsinks or be prepared to purchase and install one separately. All our top picks include one.
- Capacity: 8TB gives you maximum freedom, but 4TB is a substantial upgrade and may be more budget-friendly. Consider your game library size and future needs.
- Compatibility: Ensure the M.2 NVMe SSD is PCIe Gen4 x4 and fits the PS5’s slot dimensions (22mm width). All internal SSDs reviewed here are compatible.
- Brand Reputation & Warranty: Sticking with reputable brands often means better reliability and customer support. A good warranty (e.g., 5 years) offers peace of mind.
- External vs. Internal: Remember the key difference: internal M.2 SSDs play PS5 games directly; external drives do not. External drives are great for PS4 games and archiving PS5 titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do I need an 8TB SSD for my PS5?
A1: Modern PS5 games can take up a lot of space, often 100GB or more. The PS5’s usable internal storage (around 667GB) fills up very quickly. An 8TB SSD provides an enormous amount of extra space, allowing you to install dozens of AAA titles without constantly deleting games, future-proofing your console for years to come.
Q2: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?
A2: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external USB hard drive or SSD. You can store PS5 games on external storage, but you’ll need to copy them back to the PS5’s internal SSD or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD to play them. External drives are perfect for playing PS4 games directly and for archiving your PS5 titles.
Q3: What’s the difference between an M.2 NVMe SSD and a regular SSD or HDD for PS5?
A3: An M.2 NVMe SSD (specifically PCIe Gen4) is an internal solid-state drive that meets the high-speed requirements to play PS5 games directly. Regular SSDs (often SATA-based) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are much slower and typically used as external storage, suitable only for PS4 games or archiving PS5 games.
Q4: Is it difficult to install an internal M.2 SSD in the PS5?
A4: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 with an easily accessible M.2 slot. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver and a few minutes of your time. There are plenty of official guides and YouTube tutorials that walk you through the simple process step-by-step. If your SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, it’s even easier.
Q5: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A5: Yes, Sony strongly recommends a heatsink for any M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the PS5. High-speed SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down performance and potentially damage the drive over time. All the internal SSDs recommended in this guide either come with a heatsink or have an integrated thermal solution.
Q6: Will an 8TB SSD make my PS5 games load faster?
A6: Yes! A high-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, like the ones recommended, can significantly reduce game loading times, often making them even faster than loading from the PS5’s original internal storage in some cases. This is a noticeable upgrade that enhances the gaming experience.
Q7: Is an 8TB SSD overkill for a PS5?
A7: For many, a 2TB or 4TB SSD is sufficient. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer with a massive digital library, subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium, or simply hate deleting games, an 8TB SSD ensures you virtually never have to worry about storage again. It’s the ultimate solution for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Expanding your PS5 storage is almost a necessity for today’s massive game files, and investing in the best 8TB SSD for PS5 is the ultimate way to future-proof your gaming setup. Whether you opt for an officially licensed drive like the WD_BLACK SN850P, a powerhouse like the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX, or even a robust 4TB alternative like the Samsung 990 PRO, you’ll dramatically improve your gaming experience with faster load times and the freedom to download without limits. Choose the option that best fits your budget and gaming habits, and get ready to truly expand your gaming universe!