Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? With massive game files becoming the norm, a 4TB SSD is no longer a luxury—it’s practically a necessity for serious gamers. If you’re hunting for the “Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5,” you’re on the right track! Lexar has built a solid reputation for reliable and high-performing storage solutions, making them a fantastic choice for expanding your PS5’s internal capacity.
But while Lexar offers some incredible options, the market is packed with other top-tier contenders that deserve your attention. We’re diving deep into the best 4TB SSDs specifically designed or highly compatible with your PS5, including leading Lexar models and excellent alternatives. We’ll break down their features, speeds, and what makes each one stand out, so you can pick the perfect storage upgrade to keep your gaming sessions smooth and limitless.
Let’s get your PS5 ready for a serious storage boost!
1. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
The Lexar Play SSD with an integrated heatsink is practically a plug-and-play dream for PS5 owners. Designed from the ground up with the console in mind, this drive isn’t just fast; it’s optimized to ensure your gaming experience remains fluid and responsive. Forget about long load times; this SSD gets you into the action quicker and keeps your console cool, even during those marathon gaming sessions. It’s a genuine contender for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5 title.
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Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, enhancing your gaming experience.
- Up to 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times and seamless gameplay.
- Impressive 3200TBW (Terabytes Written) for durability at 4TB.
- Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console, allowing you to play games directly from the drive.
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling.
- Also compatible with PC gaming, offering improved performance with HMB and SLC Dynamic cache.
- Backed by a five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- PS5-ready with integrated heatsink for easy installation.
- Excellent read/write speeds that meet or exceed PS5 requirements.
- High endurance rating ensures long-term reliability.
- Play PS5 games directly from the drive.
- Versatile for both PS5 and PC.
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Cons:
- Might be priced slightly higher due to PS5 optimization and included heatsink.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise this SSD for its hassle-free installation and noticeable improvements in game loading. Many appreciate that it comes with a heatsink pre-attached, saving an extra step. It’s seen as a reliable, high-performance upgrade that truly enhances the PS5 experience.
2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Looking for raw power combined with smart design for your PS5? The Lexar NM790 SSD with Heatsink delivers exactly that. This drive boasts phenomenal speeds and comes equipped with a well-designed heatsink to tackle thermal management, ensuring your console stays cool under pressure. What’s really neat is its power efficiency, meaning less stress on your PS5’s power supply without compromising an inch on performance. It’s another strong contender if you’re looking for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance with up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds.
- 3000TBW endurance for the 4TB model.
- Designed with a heatsink to maintain optimal temperatures for better performance and power efficiency.
- Up to 40% less power consumption compared to DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 enhances smooth transfer speeds and seamless performance.
- Fully compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Comes with a five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Integrated heatsink specifically designed for efficient cooling.
- Outstanding Gen4 speeds for rapid loading and gameplay.
- Impressively power-efficient, ideal for console use.
- HMB 3.0 technology optimizes performance.
- Direct PS5 compatibility.
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Cons:
- Heatsink design, while effective, might be slightly thicker than some minimalist options.
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User Impressions: Many users highlight the NM790’s fantastic speed and how cool it keeps the console. The power efficiency is a big plus for those concerned about long-term console health. It’s often recommended for its robust performance and integrated cooling solution.
3. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal (No Heatsink)
If you already have a heatsink you love, or prefer to purchase one separately, the Lexar NM790 without the pre-attached heatsink is a stellar choice. It offers the same blistering speeds and power efficiency as its heatsink-equipped sibling, making it incredibly versatile. This particular model is great for those who value customization or are looking for a fantastic deal by adding their own cooling solution. It’s also single-sided, which is a boon for laptop users, but still perfectly capable for your PS5 (with a heatsink!).
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Key Features:
- Identical exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds.
- 3000TBW endurance for reliability.
- Remarkably power-efficient, consuming up to 40% less power than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother data transfer.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation).
- Single-sided NVMe SSD design, making it perfect for laptops and tight spaces.
- Includes a five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance and power efficiency.
- More flexible for users who prefer their own heatsink.
- Excellent for high-performance PC builds, including laptops.
- Great value if purchased without an integrated heatsink.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for proper PS5 installation, an additional purchase and installation step.
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User Impressions: Reviewers often point out that this version of the NM790 offers incredible performance for its price. PC users love its single-sided design for compatibility. PS5 users who bought it typically pair it with a low-profile heatsink and are very happy with the results.
4. Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD
Sometimes, flexibility is key. The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD isn’t an internal PS5 upgrade, but it’s an absolutely fantastic external storage solution that offers incredible versatility. Whether you’re recording directly from an iPhone 15 Pro, needing fast transfers for your PC, or storing your vast library of PS4 games on your PS5, this sleek drive is up to the task. Its robust design and impressive speeds make it a standout for portable performance.
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Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write.
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max.
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, and PS5.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures even at top speeds.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play convenience.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Product dimensions: 3.3” x 2.1” x 0.3”; 0.095 lbs.
- Backed by a five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast external transfer speeds.
- Ultra-portable and durable design.
- Excellent for storing PS4 games on PS5 (saving internal M.2 space for PS5 titles).
- Cross-device compatibility, including direct iPhone recording.
- Built-in thermal control and security features.
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Cons:
- Cannot run PS5 games directly from this external drive; only PS4 games and media.
- Slower than internal PCIe Gen4 SSDs for internal PS5 game loading.
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User Impressions: Users love the compact size and the blazing-fast transfer speeds for an external drive. Many utilize it specifically for their PS4 game library on PS5, freeing up precious internal space. iPhone Pro users rave about its direct recording capabilities.
5. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2
When it comes to top-tier SSDs, Samsung is always in the conversation, and the 990 PRO with Heatsink is a titan. This drive offers blistering speeds that push the limits of PCIe Gen4, coupled with an integrated heatsink specifically designed for devices like the PS5. If you want absolute, uncompromised performance and reliability from a brand renowned for its flash memory, the 990 PRO is an exceptional choice. It’s a premium alternative if you’re considering the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5 category.
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Key Features:
- Near-max performance with lightning-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Integrated Heatsink for improved temperature control, preventing performance throttling.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to the 980 PRO.
- Ample 4TB storage capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Ultra-slim integrated Heatsink compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops.
- From the world’s #1 flash memory brand, ensuring reliability.
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Pros:
- Industry-leading Gen4 speeds and random performance.
- Effective integrated heatsink for PS5.
- Excellent brand reputation for quality and reliability.
- Designed for heavy computing, gaming, and content creation.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
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User Impressions: Users consistently rate the 990 PRO as one of the best SSDs on the market, praising its phenomenal speed and the peace of mind offered by the integrated heatsink. PS5 owners report seamless installation and immediate, noticeable improvements in game load times.
6. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Important Note for PS5 Users: While an incredibly powerful drive, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a PCIe Gen5 SSD. The PlayStation 5 currently supports only PCIe Gen4 SSDs. This means while this drive is future-proof and boasts mind-blowing speeds, it is not compatible with the PS5. It’s an absolute beast for high-end PC builds (especially with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 processors) and AI PCs, but don’t buy it for your PS5 expansion. We’ve included it here to highlight cutting-edge Lexar technology and clarify its specific use case.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivering blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother, more efficient performance.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads and minimize delays.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled Gen5 speeds, truly next-generation performance.
- Optimized for high-end PCs, content creation, and AI workloads.
- Advanced thermal management with 6nm controller.
- Future-proof technology.
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Cons:
- Not compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen5 motherboard to unlock full speeds.
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User Impressions: PC enthusiasts are thrilled with the NM1090 PRO’s incredible speeds and how it handles demanding tasks. It’s seen as a premier choice for bleeding-edge PC builds, especially those with PCIe Gen5 support.
7. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB, PCIe Gen 4×4
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers a compelling blend of speed, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. While it doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink, its intelligent thermal control and power efficiency make it an attractive option for users willing to add a separate heatsink for their PS5. It’s a robust performer, leveraging the latest NAND memory to deliver impressive speeds, making it another solid alternative if you’re comparing against the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5 models.
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Key Features:
- Groundbreaking read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s with the latest NAND memory.
- Large 4TB storage capacity, enhanced by Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0.
- Exceptional thermal control: nickel-coated controller utilizes less power while maintaining performance.
- Optimized to support PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, offering flexible compatibility.
- Compatible with Magician Software for firmware updates, encryption, and drive health monitoring.
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance.
- High power efficiency and effective thermal management (even without integrated heatsink).
- Flexible PCIe compatibility (Gen4 for PS5, future-proof for some Gen5 PC slots).
- Samsung’s reliable Magician Software for drive maintenance.
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Cons:
- Does not include an integrated heatsink for PS5 installation (must purchase separately).
- Slightly lower speeds than the 990 PRO.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the 990 EVO Plus for its strong performance and energy efficiency. Many pair it with third-party heatsinks for PS5, finding it to be a cost-effective way to get Samsung quality and speed without the 990 PRO’s premium.
8. MOVE SPEED HB7450 4TB Internal Solid State Drive for PS5
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 is a strong contender for those seeking high performance and complete PS5 compatibility right out of the box. This SSD not only delivers blazing PCIe Gen4 speeds but goes the extra mile by including two cooling solutions: a built-in graphene heatsink and an additional, uninstalled heatsink with all the tools you need. It’s a full package designed for easy installation and sustained top performance during intense gaming.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High-Speed Interface with read/write speeds up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s.
- Fully compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs in M.2 2280 form factor.
- Features a built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink for chip cooling.
- Includes an additional heatsink (not installed), screws, and screwdriver for easy, plug-and-play installation.
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller technology.
- Undergoes rigorous 80-hour testing for stability and long service life.
- Offers ample 4TB storage, providing room for up to 100 PS5 games.
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Pros:
- Outstanding Gen4 speeds that meet and exceed PS5 requirements.
- Comes with two heatsink options for flexible and effective cooling.
- Includes all necessary installation tools (screws, screwdriver).
- High-quality components and extensive testing ensure reliability.
- Excellent value for a comprehensive PS5-ready package.
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Cons:
- MOVE SPEED is a lesser-known brand compared to Lexar or Samsung.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are pleasantly surprised by the MOVE SPEED HB7450, often highlighting the fantastic value. The inclusion of a heatsink and tools is a major plus for PS5 users, making installation extremely convenient. Performance is consistently reported as fast and stable.
9. WD_BLACK 4TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
WD_BLACK is Western Digital’s dedicated gaming brand, known for performance and reliability, and the SN7100 continues that tradition. This internal NVMe SSD delivers impressive Gen4 speeds, making it a strong choice for enhancing your PS5’s gaming prowess. While it’s particularly suited for laptops and handheld gaming devices due to its power efficiency, it’s also a robust performer for PS5, provided you add a heatsink.
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Key Features:
- Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models, typically similar for 4TB).
- Designed for serious gamers with a PCIe Gen4 interface and advanced TLC 3D NAND.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB for extensive storage.
- Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, offering up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- High endurance rating of up to 2,400TBW (4TB model) for long-lasting performance.
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Pros:
- Reputable WD_BLACK gaming brand.
- Strong Gen4 read and write speeds.
- High endurance rating for durability.
- Good power efficiency, beneficial for any system.
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Cons:
- Does not include an integrated heatsink (essential for PS5).
- The SN7100 is often an OEM drive, so retail packaging and direct support might differ from other WD_BLACK retail drives like the SN850X.
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User Impressions: Users report excellent performance from the SN7100, especially in gaming scenarios. It’s a favorite for its consistent speeds and the trust associated with the Western Digital brand. PS5 users who installed it with a separate heatsink have found it to be a reliable and fast upgrade.
10. Lexar EQ790 SSD 4TB, M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe 1.4
Rounding out our list is another solid offering from Lexar, the EQ790 SSD. This drive brings the benefits of PCIe 4.0, NVMe protocol, and intelligent caching technologies like HMB and SLC cache to your PS5. While its raw sequential speeds are slightly lower than some of the other top-tier drives on this list, it still comfortably exceeds the PS5’s requirements, offering a reliable and responsive storage upgrade. It’s a dependable choice when searching for a Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps5 without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Enhanced user experience thanks to PCIe 4.0 interface and NVMe protocol.
- Utilizes HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and SLC cache technologies for improved performance.
- High-performance sequential read/write speeds up to 7000/6000MB/s.
- M.2 2280 form factor.
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Pros:
- Solid Gen4 speeds that meet PS5 requirements.
- Benefits from HMB and SLC caching for consistent performance.
- Reliable Lexar brand quality.
- Potentially more budget-friendly than higher-end models.
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Cons:
- Does not include an integrated heatsink (must be added for PS5).
- Sequential speeds are on the lower end compared to the absolute fastest Gen4 drives.
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User Impressions: Users find the EQ790 to be a great value SSD that performs well for everyday gaming and PC use. For PS5, with an added heatsink, it’s considered a perfectly capable drive that significantly improves storage capacity and load times.
FAQ Section: All Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Why do I need a 4TB SSD for my PS5?
A: Modern PS5 games are massive, often exceeding 100GB each. The PS5’s internal storage quickly fills up. A 4TB SSD provides ample space for dozens of your favorite games, downloadable content, and future titles, meaning you won’t have to constantly delete and redownload games. It’s a huge convenience for serious gamers.
Q2: What kind of SSD does the PS5 support?
A: The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD. It needs to have a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. The physical size must also be compatible with the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 form factors are supported, with 2280 being the most common). Crucially, it must also have a heatsink.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for PS5 SSDs?
A: Yes, Sony explicitly states that a heatsink is required for any M.2 SSD installed in the PS5. High-performance NVMe SSDs generate a lot of heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate that heat, preventing thermal throttling (where the drive slows down to prevent overheating) and ensuring consistent, optimal performance over long gaming sessions.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD for my PS5 games?
A: You can use an external SSD (like the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD reviewed above) for your PS5, but with a key distinction:
* PS4 Games: You can play PS4 games directly from an external USB SSD. This is a great way to free up internal storage for PS5 titles.
* PS5 Games: You can store PS5 games on an external USB SSD, but you cannot play them directly from it. You must transfer PS5 games back to the internal PS5 storage or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD to play them.
Q5: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is surprisingly straightforward! You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver.
1. Power down your PS5 and unplug all cables.
2. Place the PS5 on a soft cloth, logo side down, with the disc drive (if present) facing up.
3. Carefully remove the bottom cover by lifting a corner and sliding it off.
4. Locate the M.2 expansion slot cover, secured with a screw. Unscrew and remove it.
5. Remove the small standoff screw inside the slot.
6. Insert your M.2 SSD (with heatsink attached) into the slot at an angle.
7. Push the SSD down and secure it with the standoff screw.
8. Replace the slot cover and then the PS5 console cover.
9. Power on your PS5, and it will guide you through formatting the new SSD.
Always refer to Sony’s official PS5 support page or a detailed video guide for step-by-step instructions.
Q6: What read/write speeds should I look for in a PS5 SSD?
A: Sony recommends a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. All the drives on our list meet or significantly exceed this requirement. While higher speeds are generally better, the practical difference in game loading times beyond around 6,000-6,500 MB/s can be marginal. Focus on a drive that offers consistent performance and good thermal management.
Q7: Are all 4TB SSDs compatible with PS5?
A: No, definitely not. As highlighted with the Lexar NM1090 PRO, not all 4TB SSDs are compatible. Key compatibility factors for PS5 are:
* Interface: Must be M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4. PCIe Gen3 or Gen5 drives are not fully supported or compatible for playing PS5 games.
* Form Factor: Must fit the M.2 2280 slot (or other supported lengths) within the PS5’s dimensions.
* Heatsink: Absolutely essential. If an SSD doesn’t come with one, you must add one that fits within the PS5’s enclosure space.
Q8: What’s the difference between TBW and a warranty?
A:
* TBW (Terabytes Written): This is an endurance rating for an SSD, indicating how many terabytes of data can be written to the drive before it might start to experience reliability issues. Higher TBW means greater durability and a longer expected lifespan, especially for heavy users.
* Warranty: This is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the product will function as advertised for a certain period. If the drive fails due to a manufacturing defect within this period, the manufacturer will typically repair or replace it. A good warranty, often 5 years for these high-end SSDs, provides peace of mind. Both TBW and warranty are important indicators of a drive’s quality and expected longevity.