Is your PlayStation 4 Pro groaning under the weight of your ever-expanding game library? Do you feel like you’re spending more time staring at loading screens than actually playing? If so, it might be time for a serious upgrade! While the PS4 Pro shipped with a standard hard drive (HDD), swapping it out for a Solid State Drive (SSD) can dramatically improve your console’s performance. Faster boot-ups, quicker game loading times, and smoother in-game transitions are just some of the benefits you can expect.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you with! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive look at some top contenders, including both internal and external solutions that offer a massive 2TB of storage capacity. While the PS4 Pro specifically uses 2.5-inch SATA III drives for internal upgrades, external USB 3.0/3.1 SSDs offer a fantastic, easy-to-use alternative for expanding your digital game library. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage solution for your console!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 Pro with a 2TB SSD?
Even though the PS4 Pro can’t fully utilize the blistering speeds of the latest PCIe Gen4/Gen5 NVMe SSDs (like those found in a PS5 or high-end PC), upgrading from its stock HDD to a 2.5-inch SATA SSD still offers noticeable improvements. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Blazing Fast Loading Times: This is the big one. Games will load significantly faster, cutting down on frustrating wait times and getting you into the action quicker.
- Smoother Gameplay: While it won’t magically boost your frame rate, an SSD can reduce texture pop-in and improve asset streaming, leading to a smoother overall experience in open-world games.
- Quick Boot-Ups: Your PS4 Pro will power on and get to the home screen much faster.
- Quieter Operation: SSDs have no moving parts, meaning they run silently compared to traditional HDDs.
- Durability: Without moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to drops and bumps, making them a more robust storage solution.
- Massive Storage: A 2TB SSD provides ample space for dozens of your favorite AAA titles, DLC, and media files, preventing you from constantly having to delete games to make room.
Now, let’s explore the options and help you find the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro that fits your needs.
Product Reviews
1. MDD 2TB PS4 Hard Drive Upgrade Kit Bundle with Toshiba… (Internal HDD)
While most of this list focuses on Solid State Drives, this MDD kit offers a straightforward path for those looking for a simple, high-capacity internal storage upgrade without the SSD price tag. It’s essentially a bigger, standard hard drive designed to easily slot into your PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro. This bundle stands out because it provides everything you need to upgrade your PS4’s internal storage quickly and hassle-free, making it a great option for users who want more space without diving into the world of SSDs. It’s a reliable workhorse for expanding your console’s game library.
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Key Features:
- 2.5-inch SATA Gaming HDD
- 9.5mm Height (standard PS4 internal drive size)
- 2TB Capacity
- 5400RPM, 8MB Cache
- SATA 6.0Gb/s interface
- Can store up to 160 × 25GB games
- Works for PlayStation gaming systems (PS4 Original, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro)
- Includes PS4 HDD Installation Manual & PS4 Firmware Download Link Instruction
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Pros:
- Massive 2TB storage capacity for tons of games.
- Affordable compared to SSDs.
- Comes with installation instructions, simplifying the upgrade process.
- Direct internal replacement for PS4 Pro.
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Cons:
- It’s an HDD, so it’s significantly slower than any SSD on this list.
- Will not provide the speed benefits of an SSD for loading times.
- Still has moving parts, making it less durable and potentially noisier than an SSD.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the straightforward installation and the immediate boost in available storage. While they don’t see SSD-level speed improvements, the sheer capacity is a huge win for those tired of managing their game installs. It’s seen as a reliable and cost-effective way to get more space.
2. Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0×4 M.2 2280 (High-Performance PC NVMe)
The Samsung SSD 9100 PRO is an absolute beast, designed for cutting-edge PC gaming rigs and professional workstations that demand the fastest data transfer speeds imaginable. Boasting breakthrough PCIe 5.0 performance, it’s built to supercharge workflows and gaming with incredible sequential read/write speeds. This drive is all about pushing limits, offering unparalleled speed for massive files, AI applications, and competitive gaming. However, it’s important to note: this drive is NOT directly compatible as an internal upgrade for the PS4 Pro, which uses a 2.5-inch SATA III slot. Its M.2 form factor and PCIe 5.0 interface are far beyond what the PS4 Pro can utilize. It’s truly a next-generation drive for desktop PCs and possibly future consoles like the PS5 with an adapter, but not for the PS4 Pro’s internal bay.
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Key Features:
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 Performance (up to 14,800/13,400 MB/s sequential read/write)
- M.2 2280 Form Factor
- Random Read/Write Speeds up to 2,200K/2,600K IOPS
- 5nm controller for improved power efficiency
- Advanced thermal control
- Compatible with Magician Software for drive health monitoring
- World’s No. 1 Flash Memory Brand
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Pros:
- Unrivaled speed for PC gaming and demanding applications.
- Massive throughput for rapid file transfers and multitasking.
- Excellent thermal management.
- Backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality.
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Cons:
- Not compatible as an internal PS4 Pro upgrade.
- Requires a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot (found in modern PCs/laptops).
- Overkill and expensive for PS4 Pro use, even with an external enclosure, as the console can’t leverage its speed.
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User Impressions: PC users and content creators rave about its mind-blowing speed and responsiveness, significantly reducing load times for even the largest games and applications. It’s considered a top-tier choice for those building high-performance systems. For PS4 Pro users, it’s simply not the right fit for an internal upgrade.
3. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2 (High-Performance PC/PS5 NVMe)
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is another powerhouse M.2 NVMe SSD, widely acclaimed for its blazing PCIe Gen4 performance. It’s explicitly designed with high-end gaming in mind, including a built-in heatsink to ensure consistent, cool operation even under heavy loads. This drive is a popular choice for PC enthusiasts and PlayStation 5 owners looking for an internal storage upgrade that delivers incredible speed. However, just like the 9100 PRO, the Samsung 990 PRO is an M.2 NVMe drive and is NOT natively compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal 2.5-inch SATA III slot. While you could theoretically use it externally with a compatible enclosure, it would be a significant overspend for the PS4 Pro, as the console cannot leverage its full PCIe 4.0 speeds.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
- Integrated Heatsink for temperature control
- Read/Write Speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- “Made w/ PS5 in mind” – compatible with PS5 internal slot
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Pros:
- Extremely fast speeds, ideal for high-performance gaming and demanding applications.
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance.
- Excellent for PC and PS5 internal storage upgrades.
- Backed by Samsung’s renowned quality and reliability.
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Cons:
- Not compatible as an internal PS4 Pro upgrade.
- Expensive for PS4 Pro use, as the console’s interface is a bottleneck.
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot (common in PCs and PS5).
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User Impressions: Gamers and tech enthusiasts consistently praise the 990 PRO for its incredible speed, especially for game loading and large file transfers on compatible systems like the PS5 or high-end PCs. The heatsink is a much-appreciated addition for sustained performance. For PS4 Pro users, it’s a stellar drive, but one that belongs in a different console or PC.
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen… (High-Performance PC NVMe)
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD presents itself as a versatile and high-performance M.2 NVMe drive, bridging the gap between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 technologies. It boasts groundbreaking read/write speeds, making it an excellent choice for users dealing with huge file transfers, intense gaming, or professional content creation on a PC. Its efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller aims for optimal performance without excessive power consumption or overheating. However, it’s crucial to reiterate: like the other Samsung NVMe drives, the 990 EVO Plus is an M.2 NVMe SSD and is NOT compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal 2.5-inch SATA III drive bay. It’s designed for modern PC motherboards or external enclosures that support M.2 NVMe drives.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4×4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility
- Sequential Read/Write Speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
- Latest NAND memory for boosted performance
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance
- Nickel-coated controller for exceptional thermal control and power efficiency
- Compatible with Magician Software for drive health and updates
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Pros:
- Very high speeds for rapid file transfers and application loading on compatible systems.
- Good thermal management and power efficiency.
- Supports cutting-edge PCIe technologies.
- Excellent reliability from a leading brand.
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Cons:
- Not compatible as an internal PS4 Pro upgrade.
- Speed capabilities are largely wasted on a PS4 Pro, even if used externally.
- M.2 NVMe form factor requires specific motherboard slots or external enclosures.
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User Impressions: PC users praise its snappy performance and efficiency, noting significant improvements in boot times and game loading. It’s seen as a strong contender for those building a fast and responsive PC. For PS4 Pro owners, it’s a fantastic piece of tech, but not the right piece for an internal console upgrade.
5. SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD (External Portable SSD)
Now we’re talking about direct PS4 Pro compatibility! The SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a powerhouse external storage solution, perfect for expanding your PS4 Pro’s game library without opening up the console. This rugged drive combines powerful NVMe solid-state performance with incredible durability, making it ideal for gamers on the go or those who just want a super-fast, reliable external storage device. Its forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink, ensuring sustained high speeds, and its robust build quality means it can withstand drops and splashes. This is a genuinely excellent choice for those seeking the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro as an external drive.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds.
- Forged aluminum chassis acts as a heatsink for sustained performance.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for portability.
- Included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- Compatible with SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast for an external drive, significantly reducing game loading times.
- Exceptional durability with high drop and water/dust resistance.
- Excellent thermal management for sustained performance.
- Easy plug-and-play setup for PS4 Pro via USB.
- Portable and secure with encryption.
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Cons:
- More expensive than basic external HDDs.
- While very fast, the PS4 Pro’s USB interface (USB 3.0/3.1 Gen1) will bottleneck its absolute maximum speed, but it will still be much faster than an internal HDD.
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User Impressions: Gamers and professionals alike laud the Extreme PRO for its incredible speed and “go-anywhere” durability. Many PS4 and PS5 users specifically mention it as their go-to external game drive, praising its seamless setup and the noticeable improvement in game loading. It’s seen as a premium, reliable, and speedy portable storage solution.
6. Playstation 4 Pro 2TB SSD Console with Dualshock 4… (Console, Not an Upgrade Component)
This listing is a bit unique on our list, as it’s not an SSD for your PS4 Pro, but rather a pre-built PlayStation 4 Pro console that already comes equipped with a 2TB SSD and a DualShock 4 controller. For those who don’t already own a PS4 Pro or are looking to replace an older model, this offers the ultimate plug-and-play experience with lightning-fast loading times right out of the box. You won’t need to perform any manual upgrades, making it incredibly convenient. This is the simplest way to get a PS4 Pro with the full benefits of a 2TB SSD.
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Key Features:
- Comes with an integrated 2TB SSD.
- Includes a DualShock 4 controller.
- PS4 Pro console with 4K gaming and enhanced performance.
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Pros:
- Ready to go with 2TB SSD performance from day one.
- No installation required.
- The fastest possible internal storage experience for a PS4 Pro.
- Massive internal storage for a huge game library.
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Cons:
- You’re buying an entire console, not just a storage upgrade.
- Much more expensive than buying just an SSD for an existing PS4 Pro.
- Might be difficult to find new, as PS4 Pro production has largely ceased.
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User Impressions: Owners of this console variant absolutely love the convenience and speed. They highlight the immediate benefits of the SSD, making their gaming experience far more enjoyable compared to standard HDD-equipped consoles. It’s often seen as the “premium” PS4 Pro experience.
7. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD (External Portable SSD)
The Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD is designed for the casual gamer and everyday user who needs reliable, fast external storage without breaking the bank. It offers a significant step up from traditional hard drives in terms of speed, making it an excellent choice for expanding your PS4 Pro’s storage. With up to 1050MB/s, it accelerates large file transfers and, more importantly for gamers, drastically improves game loading times for titles stored on the drive. It’s also built to last, featuring good water and dust resistance, along with decent drop protection, making it a robust companion for your console.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Broad Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A
- Compact 2TB SSD capacity
- Bonus Software Included (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image)
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for external PS4 Pro storage, noticeably improving loading times.
- Durable and reliable for portable use.
- Wide compatibility, making it versatile for other devices.
- Easy plug-and-play setup for PS4 Pro.
- Good value for a 2TB portable SSD.
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Cons:
- Slightly slower than the “Pro” versions for maximum theoretical speed, though still very fast for PS4.
- Not an internal upgrade option.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the X9’s balance of speed, durability, and affordability. PS4 and PS5 gamers particularly note how quick it is to transfer games and how much faster their games load when stored on this drive. It’s considered a highly dependable and user-friendly external storage solution.
8. Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD (External Portable SSD)
The Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD steps up the game for professional creators and serious gamers who demand consistent, high-speed external storage. While the standard X9 is great, the X9 Pro focuses on delivering robust performance with guaranteed read and write speeds up to 1050MB/s, ensuring a seamless workflow whether you’re editing media or loading large game files. Like its sibling, it’s built like a tank with IP55 water/dust resistance and drop protection, but adds features like a lanyard loop and SSD password protection for enhanced on-the-go security. For PS4 Pro users, it’s an excellent external 2TB SSD solution for expanding game storage with premium reliability.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1050MB/s write speeds.
- Designed for professional creators.
- IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Bonus Software Included (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image).
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Pros:
- Consistent and reliable high speeds for fast game loading and transfers.
- Enhanced durability and security features (password protection).
- Broad compatibility across multiple devices.
- Compact and portable design.
- Excellent for expanding PS4 Pro external game storage.
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Cons:
- A bit pricier than the standard X9 due to its “Pro” features.
- Still limited by the PS4 Pro’s USB interface speed (though still very fast).
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User Impressions: Professionals highly rate the X9 Pro for its consistent performance and rugged build, especially for fieldwork. Gamers use it as a reliable external drive for their consoles, reporting quick game transfers and noticeably faster loading times compared to their internal HDDs. It’s seen as a premium, durable, and high-performing portable SSD.
9. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD (External Portable SSD)
The Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSD represents the pinnacle of Crucial’s portable SSD lineup, engineered for professional creators who demand ultra-fast data access. With incredible read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it delivers a seamless workflow for even the most demanding tasks like 4K/8K video editing. While the PS4 Pro won’t be able to fully utilize these top-tier speeds due to its USB interface limitations (maxing out around 400-500MB/s), the X10 Pro still provides consistent, lightning-fast performance for game loading and storage expansion, making it one of the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro as an external solution. Its robust, weather-resistant build ensures it can handle any environment.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds.
- Designed for professional creators and content creators.
- IP55 water and dust resistance, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
- Lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection.
- Broad Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
- Massive 2TB storage capacity.
- Bonus Software Included (Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image).
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Pros:
- Outstanding speed, providing the absolute fastest possible external performance for PS4 Pro.
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant, ideal for any setting.
- Excellent security features with password protection.
- Highly versatile across many devices.
- Reliable performance for large game libraries.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- PS4 Pro’s USB interface is a bottleneck, preventing it from reaching its advertised maximum speeds, but it will still be incredibly fast.
- Overkill for users who don’t need its top-tier speeds for other devices.
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User Impressions: Content creators are blown away by the X10 Pro’s raw speed for large media files. PS4 and PS5 users who opt for this drive report exceptional game loading times, noting it’s a significant upgrade over internal HDDs. Its robust build and consistent performance make it a top choice for those wanting the best portable SSD.
10. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD (External Portable SSD)
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a widely popular choice for external storage, and for good reason. It offers robust NVMe solid-state performance with impressive read/write speeds, making it a fantastic option for offloading your game library from your PS4 Pro’s internal drive. What truly makes it stand out is its combination of speed, portability, and incredible durability. With high drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance, this drive is built to endure, whether you’re taking it to a friend’s house or just using it beside your console. It’s a highly recommended solution for anyone seeking the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro that’s easy to use and built to last.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for securing to bags.
- Included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- Compatible with SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
- USB-C interface (with USB-A adapter often included).
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for external game storage on PS4 Pro.
- Extremely durable and rugged design.
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability.
- Simple plug-and-play functionality via USB.
- Reliable brand reputation.
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Cons:
- Like all external SSDs, its full speed potential is limited by the PS4 Pro’s USB interface.
- Doesn’t offer the absolute highest speeds of the X10 Pro, but still very fast for console gaming.
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User Impressions: This drive consistently receives high praise for its ruggedness and consistent performance. PS4 and PS5 users frequently recommend it for storing games externally, highlighting its ease of use and the noticeable improvement in loading times. It’s considered one of the most reliable and user-friendly external SSDs on the market.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 Pro’s storage, especially to a 2TB SSD, is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your console. Whether you opt for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD for an internal swap or an external portable SSD for easy plug-and-play expansion, you’ll experience significantly faster game loading times, smoother performance, and the luxury of having a massive digital game library at your fingertips.
While dedicated internal SATA SSDs (like the Crucial MX500, which wasn’t on our list but is a top contender for internal upgrades) are the ideal choice for replacing your PS4 Pro’s default drive, the external portable SSDs on our list (from SanDisk and Crucial) offer fantastic performance, extreme durability, and incredible convenience. The Samsung NVMe drives, while phenomenal for PC and PS5, are simply not the right fit for the PS4 Pro’s internal slot.
Ultimately, the best 2TB SSD for PS4 Pro depends on your specific needs: do you want an internal replacement for maximum boot-up and internal game performance, or an easy-to-use external drive that still offers huge speed benefits for your expansive game collection? No matter your choice, moving to an SSD for your PS4 Pro is a game-changer!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I really put any 2TB SSD into my PS4 Pro?
A1: Not just any SSD. For internal upgrades, your PS4 Pro requires a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD with a maximum height of 9.5mm. M.2 NVMe SSDs (like the Samsung 990 Pro series) are not directly compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal slot, as they use a different form factor and interface. For external storage, you can use almost any portable SSD with a USB 3.0 or higher connection.
Q2: How much faster will my PS4 Pro be with a 2TB SSD?
A2: You’ll notice significant improvements primarily in game loading times, console boot-up, and menu navigation. While the PS4 Pro’s internal SATA III interface (6Gbps) is a bottleneck and won’t utilize the absolute maximum speeds of high-end SSDs, it’s still dramatically faster than the stock 5400RPM HDD. Expect game loading times to be cut by 20-50% or more, depending on the game. External SSDs connected via USB 3.0/3.1 also offer substantial speed benefits for games stored on them.
Q3: Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in the PS4 Pro?
A3: No, it’s quite straightforward! Sony designed the PS4 Pro for easy hard drive replacement. You’ll typically need a Phillips head screwdriver. The process involves removing a single screw, sliding out the old drive caddy, swapping the drive, and then reinstalling the PlayStation firmware from a USB stick. Many online guides and videos can walk you through it step-by-step.
Q4: Can I use an external 2TB SSD for all my games on PS4 Pro?
A4: Yes! PS4 Pro supports using external USB 3.0 or newer drives for installing and running games. Simply plug it in, format it via the PS4 settings, and you can then choose to install new games directly to it or move existing games from your internal drive. This is often the easiest way to get a lot more storage without opening your console.
Q5: Will an SSD improve my game’s frame rate on PS4 Pro?
A5: An SSD won’t directly increase your game’s frame rate (FPS) because frame rate is primarily determined by the console’s CPU and GPU. However, an SSD can lead to smoother gameplay by reducing instances of “texture pop-in” or stuttering during asset streaming in large open-world games, as data can be loaded much faster. So, while FPS isn’t boosted, the quality of the experience can be improved.
Q6: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for PS4 Pro?
A6:
* Internal SSD: Replaces the console’s primary hard drive. Benefits include faster console boot-up, faster loading for all games (whether on the SSD or moved there), and potentially faster system functions. Requires opening the console and reinstalling firmware.
* External SSD: Connects via USB. Easiest setup (plug-and-play). Games stored on the external SSD will load much faster than if they were on the internal HDD. You can still use the internal drive for some games, but the external offers massive expansion. It’s often the more convenient choice for capacity.
Q7: Do I need to format my new 2TB SSD before installing/using it with my PS4 Pro?
A7: If it’s an internal drive, the PS4 Pro system software will automatically prompt you to format it during the firmware reinstallation process. If it’s an external drive, the PS4 Pro will guide you through formatting it for extended storage when you first plug it in. You don’t typically need to pre-format it on a PC.