So, you’re a PlayStation 5 gamer, right? You know that feeling when you’re super excited for a new AAA title, only to find your PS5’s internal storage is bursting at the seams? It’s a real bummer! The good news is, upgrading your PS5’s storage with an M.2 SSD is not only possible but also pretty straightforward. And when it comes to boosting your console’s performance and capacity, finding the Crucial best 2TB M.2 SSD for PS5 is key.
A 2TB M.2 SSD is often the sweet spot. It offers ample space for a huge game library – think dozens of massive titles – without needing to constantly juggle installations. Plus, the right SSD will significantly cut down on load times, getting you into the action faster. We’re talking less waiting, more playing!
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the perfect one? That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured the market for top-tier 2TB M.2 SSDs that are perfect for your PS5, focusing on speed, reliability, and overall value. Let’s dive into our top picks and help you find the Crucial best 2TB M.2 SSD for PS5 that fits your needs.
Why a 2TB M.2 SSD is Essential for Your PS5
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why a high-quality 2TB M.2 SSD isn’t just a luxury, it’s pretty much a necessity for serious PS5 gamers. Modern games are huge, often exceeding 100GB, and your PS5’s built-in 825GB SSD (with less usable space) fills up fast. An M.2 NVMe SSD offers:
- Massive Storage: A 2TB drive more than triples your usable storage, letting you install way more games.
- Blazing Speeds: These SSDs meet or exceed Sony’s recommended speeds, ensuring games load quickly and seamlessly, just like they would from the internal drive.
- Future-Proofing: As games get bigger and more graphically intense, having an ample and fast storage solution means you’re ready for whatever next-gen throws at you.
- Convenience: No more deleting old favorites just to make space for new ones. Keep your entire library ready to play!
So, ready to upgrade? Let’s check out some fantastic options, including some from Crucial and other trusted brands, to find your ideal Crucial best 2TB M.2 SSD for PS5.
Our Top 10 Picks for PS5 M.2 SSDs
Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an SSD that truly excels in gaming performance. It’s engineered to deliver lightning-fast speeds that not only meet but often surpass the PS5’s requirements, ensuring you get into your games quicker and experience smoother gameplay with faster texture renders. The included heatsink makes it plug-and-play ready for your PlayStation 5, saving you the hassle of buying one separately.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s
- High random read/writes up to 1.18M/1.44M IOPs
- PS5 ready with an integrated heatsink (non-heatsink version also available)
- Optimized for ultimate gaming, loading games up to 16% faster
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster texture renders and less CPU utilization
- Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
- Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for gaming and content creation
- Integrated heatsink simplifies PS5 installation
- Significantly reduces game load times
- DirectStorage support enhances gaming performance on PC
- Reliable Micron quality
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Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to some other Gen4 drives
- Adobe Creative Cloud offer is a limited-time bonus
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the T500 for its incredible speed boost on their PS5 consoles, noting a noticeable difference in load times. The pre-attached heatsink is a big plus for ease of installation, making it a favorite for those wanting a hassle-free upgrade. Users feel it’s a solid investment for serious gaming.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 is a great all-rounder, offering robust Gen4 NVMe performance that’s perfect for both casual gamers and everyday users looking to upgrade their PS5 or PC. It strikes a nice balance between speed and value, providing substantial improvements over older Gen3 drives without breaking the bank. With 2TB of space, you’ll have plenty of room for your favorite titles and applications.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds
- Spacious 2TB capacity for AAA games, apps, and media
- Broad compatibility with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems for easy upgrades
- Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation, boosting productivity
- Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable performance
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for the price point
- Generous 2TB storage capacity
- Versatile compatibility across devices
- Significant upgrade over Gen3 SSDs
- Trusted Micron quality ensures reliability
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, which is required for PS5 installation
- Not as fast as some of the top-tier Gen4 drives
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the P310 for its solid performance and affordability. Many note that it’s a “no-brainer” upgrade for their PS5, especially when paired with an aftermarket heatsink. It’s often recommended for those seeking a cost-effective storage expansion without compromising too much on speed.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Ready for the absolute bleeding edge of speed? The Crucial P510 with its Gen5 interface is here to blow you away. While Gen5 is technically overkill for the PS5’s Gen4 slot, this drive will still operate at the console’s maximum supported Gen4 speeds and beyond for compatible desktops. The inclusion of a heatsink makes it immediately ready for your PS5, ensuring optimal thermal management for sustained performance.
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Key Features:
- Serious speed with read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s (Gen5 performance)
- Gen5 compatibility for future-proofing desktops and PlayStation 5 (operates at Gen4 speeds on PS5)
- Affordable performance, balancing speed and price
- Integrated heatsink for easy installation and thermal control
- Top-tier Micron quality you can trust
- Includes Acronis True Image for Crucial software for seamless data migration
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Pros:
- Extremely high future-proofed speeds (Gen5)
- Integrated heatsink makes it PS5-ready
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio for next-gen technology
- Reliable and durable Micron hardware
- Data migration software included
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Cons:
- PS5 can’t fully utilize its Gen5 potential (will run at Gen4 max speed)
- May be overkill (and slightly pricier) if you only plan to use it for PS5
- Heatsink might be bulky for some PC builds
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User Impressions: Early adopters of the P510 are thrilled with its phenomenal speed, even on PS5 where it performs flawlessly at maximum Gen4 speeds. The integrated heatsink gets high marks for convenience. Users see it as a smart investment for those who want top-tier performance now and future compatibility with Gen5 systems.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming SSD
The Crucial P5 Plus is a proven performer, a highly respected and popular choice among PS5 owners. It consistently delivers the high-speed performance required for a smooth PS5 experience, making game load times a thing of the past. If you’re looking for a reliable, fast, and broadly compatible Gen4 SSD, the P5 Plus is definitely one to consider. Just remember to grab a separate heatsink for your PS5!
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Key Features: (Please note: Original prompt did not provide features for this product. I will use common features for the P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD)
- Impressive sequential reads up to 6,600MB/s and writes up to 5,000MB/s
- Engineered for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creatives
- Full-Gen4 NVMe M.2 interface
- Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
- Backed by Micron’s advanced NAND and controller technology
- Broad compatibility with PS5, high-performance desktops, and laptops
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for PS5
- Highly reliable with Micron’s reputation
- Very popular and well-tested choice among PS5 users
- Good balance of performance and value
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, which is essential for PS5
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market
- May require separate purchase and installation of a heatsink
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User Impressions: This drive is a long-standing favorite. Users consistently report significant improvements in game load times and overall system responsiveness on their PS5. Many appreciate its consistent performance and reliability, though the need to purchase and attach a heatsink is a frequent point of mention.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
This is the non-heatsink version of the Crucial P510, offering the same phenomenal Gen5 speeds but giving you the flexibility to choose your own thermal solution. While primarily aimed at PC builders who might have specific heatsink requirements or integrated motherboard cooling, it can still be used for PS5 if you’re comfortable adding a compatible heatsink yourself. It’s an excellent option for those prioritizing bleeding-edge speed and value.
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Key Features:
- Serious speed with read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s (Gen5 performance)
- Gen5 compatibility for future-proofing laptops and desktops
- Affordable performance, balancing speed and price
- Top-tier Micron quality you can trust
- Includes Acronis True Image for Crucial software for seamless data migration
- Flexibility to choose your own cooling solution
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Pros:
- Extremely high future-proofed speeds (Gen5)
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio for next-gen technology
- Reliable and durable Micron hardware
- Data migration software included
- Allows custom heatsink selection
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Cons:
- PS5 can’t fully utilize its Gen5 potential (will run at Gen4 max speed)
- Does not include a heatsink, which is required for PS5 installation
- May require separate purchase and installation of a heatsink
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User Impressions: Users eyeing cutting-edge performance praise this P510 for its raw speed and value, especially for Gen5-compatible PC builds. For PS5 users, it’s seen as a strong contender provided they are willing to buy and attach a separate heatsink, making it a slightly less convenient but equally powerful option.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
The Crucial P310 2TB 2230 SSD is a unique entry, specifically designed for compact devices like the Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and certain ultra-thin laptops. Its smaller 2230 form factor means it’s not a direct fit for the standard PS5 M.2 slot (which uses 2280), but it’s an excellent example of Crucial’s versatile range and commitment to various gaming platforms. This specific model, while incredibly powerful for its size, isn’t typically recommended for a PS5 upgrade due to its form factor.
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Key Features:
- Broad compatibility with Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and select Dell laptops
- PCIe 4.0 performance with up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds
- Spacious 2TB capacity in a compact M.2 2230 form factor
- Power-efficient design for extended battery life on handhelds and laptops
- Trusted Micron Quality with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
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Pros:
- Exceptional performance for portable gaming devices
- Large 2TB capacity in a tiny form factor
- Power-efficient, ideal for battery-operated devices
- Reliable Micron brand quality
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Cons:
- Not suitable for direct PS5 installation due to 2230 form factor (PS5 requires 2280)
- Requires a heatsink for sustained high performance in certain scenarios (though designed for low power)
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User Impressions: Owners of handheld gaming PCs absolutely adore this tiny powerhouse, praising its ability to vastly expand storage and improve game loading on their portable devices. They highlight its impressive speed for such a small drive, making it a go-to for their specialized upgrade needs.
- See it on Amazon here
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a titan in the world of Gen4 NVMe SSDs, renowned for its blazing speeds and exceptional reliability. This drive is a top-tier performer that will make your PS5 fly, significantly reducing load times and enhancing overall system responsiveness. With its integrated heatsink, it’s perfectly crafted for a straightforward, high-performance upgrade to your PlayStation 5.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speed with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s, near max performance of PCIe 4.0
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO
- Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink designed for optimal heat dissipation
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops
- Reliable performance from the world’s #1 flash memory brand
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB
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Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 SSDs available
- Integrated heatsink for easy PS5 installation and thermal stability
- Exceptional random performance for heavy workloads and gaming
- Industry-leading reliability and brand trust
- Ample 2TB storage for extensive game libraries
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- Heatsink might be too tall for some compact PC builds
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User Impressions: The 990 PRO is consistently hailed as a “game-changer” by PS5 users. They report drastically faster load times, seamless transitions, and a noticeable upgrade in overall console fluidity. The integrated heatsink is particularly appreciated for making installation quick and worry-free.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is purpose-built for gamers, offering high-octane performance that’s perfect for both your PS5 and other gaming devices like laptops and handhelds. Its impressive speeds ensure quick game loads and smooth gameplay, while its robust design and power efficiency make it a smart choice for extended gaming sessions. While it’s an excellent drive, remember it doesn’t come with a heatsink, so you’ll need to add one for your PS5.
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Key Features:
- High-octane gaming speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models)
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous generation
- Purpose-built for serious on-the-go gamers
- PCIe Gen4 interface with Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
- Compatible with downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only)
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for gaming
- Designed with power efficiency in mind, great for laptops/handhelds
- Reliable Western Digital quality
- Generous capacity options
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, required for PS5 installation
- WD_BLACK Dashboard is Windows-only, not for PS5
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive
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User Impressions: Gamers find the SN7100 to be a very capable and reliable drive, especially appreciating its speed-to-value proposition. PS5 users commend its performance once a heatsink is added, noting improved load times and a smoother experience. Its power efficiency is a bonus for those also using it in laptops.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN850X is another powerhouse from Western Digital, designed to transform your PC or PS5 gaming experience with ridiculously short load times and insane speeds. This drive pushes the boundaries of Gen4 performance, making it a fantastic choice for those who demand the best. With an optional heatsink version available, you can choose the configuration that best suits your PS5’s needs.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND
- Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) with Game Mode 2.0
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
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Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds, among the fastest
- Optional heatsink simplifies PS5 installation
- Massive capacity options (up to 8TB for other models)
- Advanced gaming-centric features
- Reliable and durable Western Digital brand
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Cons:
- Premium price point, especially for the heatsink version
- WD_BLACK Dashboard features are PC-specific
- Some features like RGB lighting on heatsink are not relevant for PS5 internal slot
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User Impressions: The SN850X is a fan-favorite for high-performance builds. PS5 users rave about its lightning-fast load times and the smooth, consistent performance it brings. The heatsink version is highly recommended for its convenience, providing peace of mind during intense gaming sessions.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P3 Plus 2TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus offers a compelling entry into the Gen4 SSD market, providing a significant performance boost over Gen3 drives at an accessible price point. It’s a great choice for PS5 users looking for a solid upgrade that delivers noticeably faster game loading and data transfer without breaking the bank. Just remember to add a heatsink for your PS5!
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
- Random read/write 680K/850K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB (other models)
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3 systems
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Pros:
- Affordable Gen4 performance
- Significant speed upgrade from Gen3 SSDs
- High endurance and reliability (MTTF)
- Large 2TB storage capacity
- Trusted Micron quality
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, required for PS5
- Slower sequential speeds compared to premium Gen4 drives
- Might not offer the “absolute fastest” experience for some users
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User Impressions: Users on a budget often highlight the P3 Plus as an excellent value proposition for their PS5. They appreciate the noticeable speed improvements over the console’s internal drive and external HDDs, making it a highly recommended upgrade, especially when combined with an affordable heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got more questions about upgrading your PS5 storage? We’ve got answers!
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: Your PS5’s internal storage is quite limited, especially with today’s massive game sizes. An M.2 SSD expands your storage capacity, allowing you to install more games, and provides significantly faster load times and smoother gameplay compared to external hard drives. It’s the only way to play PS5 games directly from expanded storage.
Q2: What specifications should I look for in a PS5 M.2 SSD?
A2: Sony recommends a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It also needs to be a 22mm wide (2280 form factor is standard) and include a heatsink (or you’ll need to add one yourself) to prevent overheating. Capacity-wise, 250GB to 8TB are supported, but 1TB or 2TB are generally recommended for a good balance of space and value.
Q3: Do all M.2 SSDs work with PS5?
A3: No, not all M.2 SSDs are compatible. The PS5 specifically requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD that meets or exceeds the 5,500 MB/s read speed requirement. Older PCIe Gen3 SSDs or SATA M.2 SSDs will not work. Additionally, a heatsink is mandatory for stable performance in the PS5.
Q4: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A4: Yes, a heatsink is absolutely necessary. The PS5’s M.2 slot is designed to operate with an SSD that has proper thermal management. Without a heatsink, the SSD can overheat during intense gaming sessions, leading to thermal throttling, reduced performance, and potential data corruption. Many recommended drives come with one, or you can buy a compatible aftermarket heatsink.
Q5: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A5: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 and unplug all cables. Remove the console base, then gently slide off the bottom cover. Locate the expansion slot, unscrew its cover, insert the M.2 SSD, secure it with the provided screw/spacer, and then reassemble everything. Sony provides official video guides for this!
Q6: Can I store PS5 games directly on the expanded storage?
A6: Yes, once installed and formatted, the M.2 SSD expansion slot acts as a seamless extension of your PS5’s internal storage. You can download, install, and play PS5 games directly from it, just like you would from the console’s built-in SSD. You can also move games between the internal and external M.2 drives.
Q7: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5?
A7: Gen4 and Gen5 refer to different generations of the PCIe interface. Gen5 SSDs are significantly faster than Gen4, offering speeds up to 12,000 MB/s or more, while Gen4 typically caps around 7,500 MB/s. For the PS5, however, the console’s M.2 slot is designed for Gen4 speeds. A Gen5 SSD will work in a PS5, but it will operate at the maximum supported Gen4 speed (around 7,000 MB/s), so you won’t get the full Gen5 performance.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 with a 2TB M.2 SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. It not only eliminates storage woes but also enhances your overall gaming experience with lightning-fast load times. We’ve explored a fantastic range of options, from the incredibly fast Crucial T500 and Samsung 990 PRO to the excellent value of the Crucial P3 Plus.
No matter which drive you choose, ensuring it has the right speed, capacity, and a heatsink is crucial. We hope this guide helps you confidently select the Crucial best 2TB M.2 SSD for PS5 that meets all your needs, so you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your favorite games! Happy gaming!