Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! With massive game sizes and stunning graphics, that built-in 825GB (and much less usable space) can fill up incredibly fast. Thankfully, Sony made it super easy to expand your PS5’s storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the absolute Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5?
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top Crucial M.2 SSDs designed to give your PS5 a serious storage boost and potentially even snappier performance. Crucial, a brand synonymous with quality memory and storage, offers a range of drives that meet and often exceed Sony’s requirements for expansion. Let’s dive in and find the perfect upgrade for your gaming console!
What to Look for in a PS5 M.2 SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s a quick rundown of what makes a great PS5 SSD:
- PCIe Gen4x4 Interface: This is non-negotiable. Your PS5 requires a Gen4 NVMe SSD for compatibility and performance.
- Sequential Read Speed: Sony recommends at least 5,500MB/s. The faster, the better for game loading times.
- Capacity: This is entirely up to your needs. Popular choices are 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB for serious game hoarders.
- Heatsink: Crucial. Your PS5’s M.2 slot can get warm, and a heatsink is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain optimal performance. Many Crucial SSDs come with one pre-installed.
- Form Factor: M.2 2280 is the standard size.
Now, let’s explore some fantastic Crucial options that could be the Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5 for you!
The Best Crucial M.2 SSDs for Your PS5
Here are our top picks from Crucial, each offering something unique for your PlayStation 5.
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you’re looking for bleeding-edge Gen4 performance that truly pushes the limits, the Crucial T500 2TB is an absolute powerhouse. This SSD is engineered for serious gamers and content creators alike, delivering incredibly fast load times and smooth operation. The included heatsink makes it a breeze to install directly into your PS5, ensuring stable performance even during the most intense gaming sessions. It’s a prime contender for the Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5 in terms of speed.
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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 less CPU utilization (DirectStorage compatible).
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in creation apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Significant boost to game loading and content creation tasks.
- Generous 2TB capacity for a growing game library.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to high-end performance.
- Adobe offer is a nice bonus but may not appeal to all users.
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User Impressions: Gamers rave about how quickly their games load and how seamless texture streaming feels. Many appreciate the straightforward installation thanks to the pre-attached heatsink, confirming it’s a true “plug and play” solution for their PS5.
2. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 2TB offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and affordability for PlayStation 5 users. While it might not hit the absolute peak speeds of the T500, its 7,100 MB/s read speed is well above Sony’s recommendation, ensuring snappy game loads and smooth performance. This spacious 2TB drive is perfect for those who want ample room for their favorite titles without breaking the bank, making it a strong contender for value.
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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 with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (backward compatible with Gen3).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various applications.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for its price point.
- Generous 2TB capacity.
- Broad compatibility makes it versatile for other devices.
- Reliable Micron-built quality and thermal management.
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Cons:
- Typically does not include a heatsink (must be purchased separately for PS5).
- Not the fastest Gen4 drive available, but still very quick.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the P310 series for its consistent performance and value. PS5 owners note the significant improvement in loading times compared to the console’s internal storage, and the 2TB size is often cited as the sweet spot for many gamers.
3. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Ready to future-proof your storage and get mind-blowing speeds? The Crucial P510 2TB is a Gen5 powerhouse that delivers read/write speeds that are simply staggering. While Gen5 is technically overkill for the PS5’s current capabilities, this drive is fully compatible and includes a heatsink for easy installation, making it a top-tier choice for those who want the absolute fastest storage available today, ensuring it’s ready for any future console updates.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price for Gen5 technology.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for data migration.
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Pros:
- Unmatched Gen5 speeds for incredible performance.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies PS5 installation.
- Future-proof storage solution.
- Comes with data migration software.
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Cons:
- Gen5 speeds aren’t fully utilized by the PS5 yet, making it potentially over-specced.
- Higher price point compared to Gen4 options.
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User Impressions: Early adopters of Gen5 technology are thrilled with the P510’s speed, even recognizing that the PS5 doesn’t fully exploit it yet. The heatsink is a common point of appreciation, simplifying the upgrade process for console users.
4. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
If your game library is epic and you hate deleting titles, the Crucial P310 4TB is your dream come true. This colossal storage drive provides an immense 4TB of space, virtually eliminating storage anxiety. Like its 2TB sibling, it delivers strong Gen4 performance with read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s, making it a practical and powerful choice for the ultimate game collector looking for a Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5 in terms of capacity.
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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 massive space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (backward compatible with Gen3).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various applications.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Absolutely massive 4TB storage capacity.
- Strong Gen4 performance, well above PS5 requirements.
- Excellent value per terabyte for a high-capacity drive.
- Reliable Micron build quality.
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Cons:
- Requires a separately purchased heatsink for PS5 use.
- Larger upfront investment due to high capacity.
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User Impressions: Users with extensive game collections find the 4TB P310 to be a game-changer. They appreciate not having to manage storage space constantly and report smooth performance for all their installed titles.
5. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For gamers who need a solid storage upgrade without going overboard on capacity or cost, the Crucial P310 1TB hits a sweet spot. This drive provides a significant boost over the PS5’s internal storage, giving you plenty of room for several large games. Its Gen4 speeds (up to 7,100 MB/s read) ensure a smooth, responsive gaming experience, making it an excellent entry-level expansion option.
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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 ample space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (backward compatible with Gen3).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various applications.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Affordable entry point for PS5 storage expansion.
- Good performance for the price.
- Reliable Crucial/Micron brand.
- Sufficient capacity for many gamers’ needs.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- May fill up quickly for avid gamers with many large titles.
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User Impressions: This 1TB version is highly popular among users looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful upgrade. They often mention the noticeable speed increase and the ease of getting started with the extra space.
6. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
If you’re intrigued by Gen5 speeds but don’t need the massive 2TB capacity, the Crucial P510 1TB offers that same next-gen performance in a more compact and cost-effective package. With insane read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this drive is a future-proof investment that will keep your PS5 (and potentially future systems) running at the peak of what’s possible in storage technology.
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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: Excellent balance of performance and price for Gen5.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for data migration.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds, ready for the future.
- Integrated heatsink for straightforward PS5 installation.
- More accessible price point for Gen5 technology.
- Reliable Crucial build quality.
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Cons:
- Gen5 performance is currently overkill for the PS5.
- 1TB might be limiting for some users down the line.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the P510 1TB for bringing cutting-edge technology into their PS5. They highlight the ease of installation with the heatsink and the sheer speed, even if they know the PS5 isn’t fully leveraging it yet.
7. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming SSD
The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB is a superb Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, hitting that sweet spot between performance and value. It’s a fantastic choice for PlayStation 5 owners who demand fast loading times and smooth gameplay without needing to venture into Gen5 territory. With a generous 2TB capacity, you’ll have ample room for dozens of AAA titles, making it a reliable and highly recommended upgrade.
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Key Features:
- Impressive Gen4 Speeds: Sequential reads up to 6,600MB/s and writes up to 5,000MB/s.
- Optimal PS5 Performance: Exceeds Sony’s recommended speed for smooth gameplay.
- Robust 2TB Capacity: Plenty of space for a growing game library.
- Advanced Reliability: Built with Micron Advanced 3D NAND technology.
- Dynamic Write Acceleration: Improves performance for demanding tasks.
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance, ideal for PS5.
- Great 2TB capacity for extensive game collections.
- Proven reliability from a trusted brand.
- Often available at a competitive price.
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Cons:
- Typically requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Not as fast as the latest Gen4 or Gen5 drives from Crucial.
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User Impressions: Many users consider the P5 Plus series a solid, dependable choice. PS5 owners note the clear performance boost and the significant storage expansion, making it a popular option for a hassle-free upgrade.
8. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 (for broad compatibility)
This variant of the Crucial P310 1TB SSD highlights its versatility beyond just the PS5. While it delivers the excellent Gen4 speeds (up to 7,100 MB/s read) perfect for your PlayStation 5, it also boasts broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and even other handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go. This makes it an ideal choice if you want a reliable 1TB Gen4 drive that could serve multiple purposes in your tech ecosystem.
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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 ample space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun). Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various applications.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for the PS5 and other devices.
- Highly versatile due to broad compatibility.
- Affordable 1TB upgrade option.
- Reliable Crucial/Micron brand.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 use.
- 1TB may not be enough for all gamers.
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User Impressions: Users value this P310 for its flexibility. PS5 owners report smooth performance and easy installation (with a separate heatsink), while PC and handheld users appreciate its ability to boost performance across various systems.
9. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
For those who simply can’t get enough storage, the Crucial T500 4TB is the ultimate solution. Not only does it offer a colossal 4TB of space, but it also brings the blazing-fast Gen4 performance of the T500 series, with sequential reads up to 7,000 MB/s. Combined with a pre-installed heatsink, this drive means you’ll virtually never have to delete a game again while enjoying top-tier loading speeds on your PS5. This is hands down a strong contender for the Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5 for power users.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version is easy to install 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 content creation apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity ensures endless game storage.
- High-end Gen4 speeds for superior performance.
- Integrated heatsink for hassle-free PS5 installation.
- Ideal for the most demanding gamers and content creators.
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Cons:
- Premium price due to high capacity and performance.
- The 4TB might be overkill for casual gamers.
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User Impressions: Users who invest in this 4TB monster are overwhelmingly positive about the freedom it provides. They praise the uncompromised speed and the sheer luxury of having virtually limitless storage for their PS5.
10. Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you want the top-tier performance of the Crucial T500 but only need a 1TB capacity, this is your go-to. The Crucial T500 1TB offers incredible Gen4 speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read) that will dramatically cut down game loading times on your PS5. With its integrated heatsink, installation is a breeze, making it an ideal upgrade for anyone seeking a noticeable performance boost and essential extra storage without breaking the bank for higher capacities.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,300/6,800MB/s.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version is easy to install 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 content creation apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds in a 1TB package.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies PS5 installation.
- Excellent performance for competitive gaming.
- More affordable entry into the T500 series.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity may not be enough for long-term heavy gamers.
- Still a premium price for the capacity compared to the P310 series.
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User Impressions: This 1TB T500 is highly regarded by users who prioritize speed and a hassle-free upgrade. They consistently mention the dramatic improvement in load times and the peace of mind that comes with the included heatsink.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with a high-quality M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. Crucial offers a fantastic lineup of drives that meet and exceed Sony’s requirements, ensuring you get faster load times, smoother gameplay, and plenty of space for all your favorite titles.
Whether you’re after the ultimate speed of the Crucial T500, the exceptional value of the P310, or the future-proofing of the P510 Gen5, there’s a Crucial best m.2 SSD for PS5 out there for every gamer. Remember to consider your budget, desired capacity, and whether you need a pre-attached heatsink when making your choice. Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5’s internal storage is limited. An M.2 SSD allows you to significantly expand your game library, download more games, and enjoy faster loading times for games stored on the expansion drive.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for a PS5 M.2 SSD?
A2: Sony requires a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. It also needs to be a 22mm wide (2280) M.2 form factor and should have a heatsink for proper thermal management.
Q3: Do all Crucial M.2 SSDs come with a heatsink?
A3: No, not all Crucial M.2 SSDs include a heatsink. Some high-performance models like the T500 and P510 often come with one pre-installed, making them PS5-ready. For others, like the P310 or P5 Plus, you’ll need to purchase and install a compatible heatsink separately. This is crucial for optimal PS5 performance.
Q4: Is installing an M.2 SSD in my PS5 difficult?
A4: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 to make SSD installation relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing a side panel, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then replacing the components. Sony provides clear instructions.
Q5: Will a Gen5 SSD (like the Crucial P510) make my PS5 games load faster than a Gen4 SSD?
A5: While Gen5 SSDs offer significantly higher theoretical speeds, the PS5’s internal architecture currently limits the M.2 slot to Gen4 speeds. This means a Gen5 SSD will perform at Gen4 speeds in the PS5, roughly equivalent to a top-tier Gen4 drive. However, it provides future-proofing if Sony releases an update that fully utilizes Gen5 capabilities.
Q6: How much storage capacity do I need?
A6: It depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: Good for casual gamers or those with a smaller library of favorites.
* 2TB: A great balance for most gamers, offering plenty of room for many large AAA titles.
* 4TB: Ideal for hardcore collectors who hate deleting games and want virtually limitless storage.
Q7: Can I transfer my existing PS5 games to the new M.2 SSD?
A7: Yes! Once your M.2 SSD is installed and formatted by the PS5, you can easily move games and apps between the console’s internal storage and the expansion drive through the PS5’s system settings. You can also set the M.2 SSD as your default installation location for new games.