Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Running out of space for those incredible AAA titles can be a real pain, not to mention dealing with slower load times. Thankfully, upgrading your PS5’s internal storage is a straightforward process, and Crucial offers some of the crucial best internal SSD for PS5 options on the market. These drives deliver the blistering speed and ample space you need to keep your gaming experience smooth and uninterrupted.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into 10 fantastic Crucial NVMe M.2 SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5, helping you expand your game library and cut down on those pesky loading screens. We’ve got something for every budget and performance need, from cutting-edge Gen5 beasts to reliable Gen4 workhorses. Let’s get your PS5 ready for anything!
Why You Need a Crucial Best Internal SSD for PS5
The PS5 comes with a fast but limited 825GB SSD, of which only about 667GB is actually usable for games. Modern games are massive, often taking up over 100GB each. That space vanishes quickly! Adding a Crucial best internal SSD for PS5 gives you significant storage expansion, allowing you to install dozens more games without needing to delete and re-download.
Beyond capacity, these SSDs also match or exceed the PS5’s internal drive speeds, ensuring that your games load just as fast, if not faster. This means less waiting and more playing, making your gaming sessions even more enjoyable. Crucial is a brand built on Micron quality, so you can trust their drives to be reliable and perform exceptionally well.
The Top 10 Crucial Internal SSDs for Your PS5
Let’s break down the best options to supercharge your PS5’s storage and performance.
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you’re looking for a serious upgrade that perfectly balances speed and capacity, the Crucial T500 2TB is an absolute contender for the crucial best internal SSD for PS5. This Gen4 NVMe drive boasts incredible performance metrics, making your games load faster and ensuring smoother texture rendering. The included heatsink makes it PS5-ready right out of the box, simplifying installation and preventing thermal throttling during intense gaming sessions.
-
Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version designed for easy PlayStation 5 installation.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster with Microsoft DirectStorage optimization.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in demanding creative applications.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
-
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds meet or exceed PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- 2TB capacity provides ample space for a large game library.
- Optimized for both gaming and content creation tasks.
-
Cons:
- Not a Gen5 drive, if you’re looking for absolute bleeding-edge (though PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 yet).
- Premium price point for top-tier performance and capacity.
-
User Impressions: Gamers frequently praise the T500 for its noticeable speed boost in load times and overall system responsiveness on their PS5. Many appreciate the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Stepping into the future with Gen5, the Crucial P510 1TB is for those who want next-level speed and future-proof performance, even if the PS5 can’t fully leverage Gen5 capabilities just yet. This drive offers seriously fast read and write speeds, significantly reducing load times across the board. It strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge technology and affordability, especially for a Gen5 drive, and its included heatsink ensures it’s PlayStation 5 compatible.
-
Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s for rapid data transfer.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price for a Gen5 SSD.
- MICRON QUALITY: Built with top-tier Micron technology for trusted reliability.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Includes Acronis True Image for Crucial for easy data migration.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds, ready for future advancements.
- Integrated heatsink ensures PS5 compatibility and stable performance.
- Good value for a next-generation SSD.
- Data migration software included for smooth upgrades.
-
Cons:
- PS5 currently cannot fully utilize the maximum potential of Gen5 speeds.
- 1TB might be limiting for some users’ extensive game libraries.
-
User Impressions: Users are thrilled with the raw speed and the feeling of having a “future-proof” storage solution. They often mention how smooth game loading feels.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial P510 2TB offers all the incredible Gen5 speed benefits of its 1TB counterpart, but with double the storage. This makes it a formidable choice for serious gamers and content creators who need both cutting-edge performance and ample room for their growing digital libraries. Like the 1TB version, it includes a heatsink for easy PS5 installation and comes with data migration software, making the upgrade process a breeze.
-
Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times with 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 for its Gen5 class.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust for durability.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for data migration.
-
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity paired with bleeding-edge Gen5 speeds.
- Integrated heatsink for hassle-free PS5 installation and thermal stability.
- Excellent future-proofing for your storage needs.
- Reliable Micron quality and data migration tools.
-
Cons:
- Premium price due to Gen5 technology and 2TB capacity.
- PS5’s current architecture doesn’t fully exploit Gen5 speeds.
-
User Impressions: Users see this as a high-value investment, providing both immediate performance gains and long-term relevance. The vast space for games is a huge plus.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
For those who want to virtually eliminate storage concerns, the Crucial T500 4TB is a dream come true. This beast of a Gen4 SSD combines lightning-fast speeds with an enormous 4TB capacity, allowing you to download and keep an incredible number of games installed on your PS5. It’s the ultimate solution for digital game collectors and media enthusiasts, and the heatsink ensures it’s perfectly prepared for your PlayStation 5.
-
Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version for easy installation in your PlayStation 5.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and optimize texture renders.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in creative applications.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: One month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan included.
-
Pros:
- Unmatched 4TB capacity – rarely worry about deleting games again.
- Blazing-fast Gen4 performance, ideal for PS5 gaming.
- Pre-installed heatsink for optimal thermal performance in PS5.
- Great for both extensive game libraries and heavy content creation.
-
Cons:
- Higher price point due to the massive capacity.
- Not a Gen5 drive, if that’s a primary future-proofing concern.
-
User Impressions: Users often describe this drive as transformative, completely removing the “storage anxiety” associated with modern gaming. Performance is consistently lauded.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 2TB offers a fantastic balance of performance, capacity, and value for PlayStation 5 owners. This Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers strong speeds that are more than sufficient for the PS5’s requirements, ensuring quick game load times and smooth overall performance. With a spacious 2TB, it provides plenty of room for your favorite AAA titles without breaking the bank, making it a smart choice for many gamers.
-
Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 2TB SSD: Ample room for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for everyday tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
-
Pros:
- Excellent 2TB capacity for a diverse game collection.
- Solid Gen4 speeds, exceeding PS5’s minimum requirements.
- Broad compatibility across various devices.
- A more budget-friendly option compared to the T500 series.
-
Cons:
- Speeds are slightly lower than the top-tier T500 series.
- May require a separate heatsink purchase for optimal PS5 use (if not included in a specific bundle).
-
User Impressions: Many users find the P310 to be an excellent workhorse, offering reliable performance and great value for the storage provided. Installation is usually reported as simple.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
6. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
If you’re looking for an affordable yet effective way to double your PS5’s storage and improve load times, the Crucial P310 1TB is a superb entry-point into Gen4 SSDs. It offers solid PCIe 4.0 performance, perfectly meeting the PS5’s needs without unnecessary extravagance. This 1TB drive provides enough space for a good selection of games, making it ideal for casual gamers or those on a tighter budget who still want a performance boost.
-
Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides crucial space for games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for daily tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliability.
-
Pros:
- Cost-effective entry into Gen4 speeds for PS5.
- Reliable Crucial/Micron quality.
- Good performance for everyday gaming needs.
- Broad compatibility makes it versatile.
-
Cons:
- 1TB capacity may fill up quickly for avid gamers.
- May require a separate heatsink for PS5 compatibility.
-
User Impressions: Users appreciate the P310’s straightforward performance and its affordability, making it a popular choice for a first-time PS5 storage expansion.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
7. Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 1TB brings lightning-fast Gen4 speeds to your PS5 in a more compact capacity, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize raw performance and don’t necessarily need multi-terabytes of storage. With speeds that rival many high-end drives, this SSD dramatically cuts down on load times and improves overall responsiveness. The included heatsink ensures a perfect fit and optimal thermal performance within your PlayStation 5.
-
Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Sequential reads/writes up to 7,300/6,800MB/s.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version for easy installation in your PlayStation 5.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in demanding apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
-
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds, ideal for competitive gaming.
- Integrated heatsink for direct PS5 compatibility.
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio for a 1TB drive.
- Optimized for gaming and demanding applications.
-
Cons:
- 1TB might be insufficient for very large game libraries.
- Still a Gen4, not a Gen5 drive.
-
User Impressions: Many users report a significant improvement in game loading compared to the stock PS5 SSD, and the heatsink is a much-loved convenience.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
8. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
If you’re a digital game hoarder who prioritizes sheer capacity with solid performance, the Crucial P310 4TB is calling your name. This massive Gen4 NVMe SSD provides an incredible 4 terabytes of storage, ensuring you’ll rarely, if ever, have to delete a game again. While not the absolute fastest Crucial drive, its 7,100 MB/s read speed is well above the PS5’s minimum, offering a fantastic blend of space and speed for an expansive game collection.
-
Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides enormous space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for general tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliability.
-
Pros:
- Truly massive 4TB storage capacity.
- Solid Gen4 speeds well-suited for PS5 gaming.
- Excellent for users with extensive digital game libraries.
- Reliable Micron build quality.
-
Cons:
- Speed is good, but not as blazing fast as the T500 or Gen5 options.
- May require a separate heatsink for PS5 compatibility.
-
User Impressions: This drive is a godsend for anyone tired of managing storage. Users consistently praise its capacity and stable performance for large game collections.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
9. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming
The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB is a highly respected and well-established Gen4 NVMe SSD, offering a robust and reliable storage upgrade for your PS5. It delivers strong read and write speeds, significantly enhancing game load times and overall system responsiveness. With 2TB of capacity, you’ll have ample room for a substantial game library, making it an excellent all-around choice for performance-conscious gamers who also need space.
-
Key Features:
- High-Performance Gen4: Experience blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds typically around 6600/5000 MB/s.
- Robust 2TB Capacity: Plenty of space for modern AAA titles and extensive game collections.
- Advanced Thermal Management: Designed to maintain optimal performance under heavy loads.
- Proven Reliability: Backed by Crucial’s trusted Micron NAND technology and engineering.
- PS5 Compatibility: Meets PlayStation 5 internal SSD requirements for seamless integration.
-
Pros:
- Reliable and proven high-end Gen4 performance.
- Excellent 2TB capacity for most gamers.
- Strong endurance and stable operation.
- A well-regarded option for PS5 upgrades.
-
Cons:
- May require a separate heatsink for optimal PS5 use.
- Speeds are competitive but slightly below the newer T500 series.
-
User Impressions: Many users tout the P5 Plus as a dependable workhorse, delivering consistent speed and reliability. It’s often recommended as a solid, no-fuss upgrade.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
10. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
For gamers and professionals who demand the absolute peak of current storage technology, the Crucial T710 1TB with heatsink is the ultimate Gen5 powerhouse. This drive pushes the boundaries of speed, offering unparalleled sequential read/write speeds that will feel instant in compatible systems. While the PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 yet, this SSD represents the pinnacle of future-proofing and delivers an undeniably premium experience, complete with an integrated heatsink for maximum thermal efficiency.
-
Key Features:
- WIN BIGGER: Gen5 gameplay with up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds.
- ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Activates advanced ray tracing in applicable games.
- POINT. CLICK. DONE.: DirectStorage optimization speeds up creative processes and renders.
- LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: A pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage by Crucial.
- STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM: Integrated premium heatsink for optimal performance without fans.
- SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Hardware encryption for data protection (via firmware update).
-
Pros:
- Unmatched, industry-leading Gen5 speeds.
- Integrated heatsink for superior thermal management and PS5 compatibility.
- Future-proof storage solution for years to come.
- Includes advanced features like DirectStorage optimization and encryption support.
-
Cons:
- Premium price point, making it a significant investment.
- PS5 hardware cannot fully utilize the T710’s maximum Gen5 speeds at this time.
-
User Impressions: Users are blown away by the sheer speed, calling it “instant” and a marvel of technology. They enjoy the peace of mind of having the best currently available.
-
Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Crucial PS5 SSD Questions Answered
We know you might have a few more questions about upgrading your PlayStation 5 storage. Here are some common ones!
Q1: Why do I need an internal SSD for my PS5?
A: The PS5 comes with a fast, but limited, 825GB internal SSD (only about 667GB is usable). Modern games are huge, and you’ll quickly run out of space. An internal M.2 NVMe SSD expansion allows you to significantly increase your storage capacity for more games and media, preventing you from constantly deleting and re-downloading titles.
Q2: What specifications should I look for in a PS5 SSD?
A: For the PS5, you need an NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD. Sony recommends a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It must also have a heatsink (either integrated or purchased separately) to prevent thermal throttling, and a physical size that fits the PS5’s M.2 slot (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor). All the Crucial drives above meet these core requirements.
Q3: Is a heatsink truly necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, Sony strongly recommends an SSD heatsink for PS5 internal storage. The PS5’s internal M.2 slot is enclosed, and without adequate cooling, the SSD can overheat, leading to performance throttling and potentially shortening its lifespan. Many of the crucial best internal SSD for PS5 options listed here come with one pre-attached.
Q4: How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?
A: The installation process is relatively straightforward! You’ll need a screwdriver, and it involves removing the PS5’s side panels, unscrewing a cover for the M.2 slot, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions on their official support website, and there are many helpful video tutorials online. It’s quite user-friendly, even for beginners.
Q5: Can I use any NVMe SSD for my PS5?
A: No, not just any NVMe SSD will work. It must be a PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s and a heatsink. Older Gen3 NVMe drives, SATA SSDs, or external USB drives (which are only for PS4 games) are not compatible with the PS5’s internal expansion slot.
Q6: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5?
A: Gen4 (PCIe 4.0) SSDs offer sequential read speeds typically up to 7,400 MB/s. Gen5 (PCIe 5.0) SSDs are the next generation, pushing speeds even higher, with some reaching over 14,000 MB/s. While Gen5 drives are compatible with the PS5, the console’s architecture is primarily designed for Gen4 speeds, meaning it cannot fully utilize the extreme speeds of Gen5 drives yet. However, a Gen5 drive is still an excellent future-proof choice.
Q7: Will an internal SSD improve my PS5’s performance beyond just storage?
A: Absolutely! While the primary benefit is storage expansion, a high-speed internal SSD like the ones from Crucial can often match or even slightly exceed the PS5’s default internal SSD speed. This translates to faster game loading times, quicker data transfers, and a generally smoother gaming experience.
Q8: How much storage capacity do I really need?
A: It depends on your gaming habits!
– 1TB: Good for a casual gamer or if you only play a few large games at a time. Effectively doubles your usable space.
– 2TB: A sweet spot for most avid gamers, allowing for a substantial library of AAA titles.
– 4TB: Ideal for digital collectors, those with many games, or users who want to virtually eliminate storage worries for years to come.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate PS5 Upgrade Awaits!
There you have it – a comprehensive look at 10 fantastic Crucial SSDs that are perfect for expanding and enhancing your PlayStation 5 gaming experience. Whether you’re chasing the absolute fastest speeds with a Gen5 marvel like the Crucial T710 or need massive storage capacity with a 4TB T500 or P310, Crucial has a high-quality solution for you.
Investing in a crucial best internal SSD for PS5 means more games, faster load times, and a smoother, more enjoyable gaming journey. Say goodbye to storage limitations and hello to endless gaming possibilities! Pick the one that best fits your budget and gaming style, and get ready to elevate your PS5. Happy gaming!