Running out of storage on your PlayStation 5? You’re definitely not alone! With game sizes constantly ballooning, that initial 825GB (and much less usable space) can fill up faster than you can say “trophy hunt.” Thankfully, Sony made it super easy to expand your PS5’s storage with a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD. But finding the perfect balance between performance, capacity, and price can be a bit of a maze.
That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a hand-picked selection of the best budget M.2 SSD for PS5 options that won’t break the bank but still deliver top-notch performance. No more deleting games to make space – it’s time to upgrade and play without limits!
Let’s dive into our top picks for expanding your PS5’s storage without emptying your wallet.
1. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a titan in the SSD world, offering incredible speed and reliability that pushes the boundaries of PCIe 4.0. While “budget” can be subjective, this drive offers an exceptional performance-to-price ratio, making it a fantastic investment for your PS5. It’s engineered for serious gamers and creators, ensuring your load times are virtually non-existent and your gameplay is smoother than ever. The integrated heatsink is a huge plus, ensuring your drive stays cool even during the most intense gaming marathons.
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
– PCIe Gen4 interface for cutting-edge performance.
– Integrated heatsink for superior temperature control and PS5 compatibility.
– Up to 4TB storage capacity options.
– Made by Samsung, a leader in flash memory.
Pros:
– Exceptional speed that maximizes PS5’s capabilities.
– Excellent thermal performance thanks to the built-in heatsink.
– Highly reliable and durable.
– Perfect for heavy gaming and content creation.
Cons:
– Might be considered slightly higher in price compared to some “budget” alternatives, but offers premium performance.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the Samsung 990 PRO for its lightning-fast load times and seamless performance on their PS5. Many highlight the ease of installation and the peace of mind knowing they have a top-tier, reliable drive handling their game library. It’s a fan favorite for a reason!
2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is a purpose-built gaming SSD that delivers high-octane performance without the premium price tag. Designed with efficiency in mind, it’s a solid choice for PS5 owners looking to significantly boost their storage and game loading speeds. Its focus on efficiency makes it a smart choice for sustained performance, ensuring your console runs smoothly even during long gaming sessions. This drive is a workhorse, ready to handle your entire game collection and then some.
Key Features:
– Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write.
– PCIe Gen4 interface with Western Digital’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND.
– Up to 4TB storage capacity options.
– Up to 100% more power efficiency than previous generations.
– Compatible with WD_BLACK Dashboard for optimization (Windows only).
Pros:
– Excellent speeds for rapid game loading.
– Very power efficient, contributing to cooler operation.
– Great value for its performance.
– Built specifically for demanding gaming scenarios.
Cons:
– Heatsink often needs to be purchased separately for optimal PS5 use (though some models come with it).
– Less explicitly marketed for PS5 than some other WD_BLACK drives.
User Impressions:
Gamers often mention the SN7100’s impressive speed and reliability, stating it makes a noticeable difference in game load times. Users appreciate its robust performance for the price, making it a highly recommended option for expanding PS5 storage.
3. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
For those who want absolute peace of mind and official endorsement, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the answer. This SSD is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning it’s guaranteed to work flawlessly right out of the box. It comes with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5’s M.2 slot, making installation a breeze and ensuring top-tier thermal performance. This is perhaps the ultimate best budget M.2 SSD for PS5 if you prioritize compatibility and hassle-free setup.
Key Features:
– Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles.
– Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5.
– Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
– Capacities from 1TB to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
– Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
Pros:
– Guaranteed compatibility with PS5.
– Perfect fit with included, optimized heatsink.
– Extremely fast for seamless gameplay and short load times.
– Bonus PlayStation Plus trial.
Cons:
– Might be slightly more expensive due to official licensing, but the peace of mind is invaluable.
User Impressions:
PS5 owners rave about the SN850P’s effortless installation and its perfect fit within the console. The “officially licensed” stamp gives users confidence, and they report absolutely no performance issues, enjoying incredibly fast game loading directly from the drive.
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is built for raw power, making it an excellent choice for not just high-end PCs but also a fantastic budget M.2 SSD for PS5 given its performance capabilities. With insane speeds and robust features, this drive is about transforming your gaming experience. While primarily marketed for PC, its specifications easily meet and exceed PS5 requirements, especially the models with the optional heatsink. It’s about getting more room for your games and enjoying them with minimal fuss.
Key Features:
– Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
– Capacities up to a massive 8TB.
– Optional heatsink version available for sustained peak performance.
– Features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and optimization.
Pros:
– Top-tier speed for lightning-fast load times.
– Extremely high capacity options for massive game libraries.
– Excellent thermal management with the heatsink version.
– Advanced features for optimized gaming.
Cons:
– Heatsink version is optional, ensure you pick the right one for PS5.
– Dashboard features are PC-centric.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed with the SN850X’s sheer speed and how it drastically reduces load times on both PC and PS5. Many highlight its reliability and the comfort of having so much storage for their ever-growing game collections.
5. Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
If you’re truly on the hunt for a high-performing yet budget M.2 SSD for PS5, the Fikwot FX910 deserves a serious look. This drive punches above its weight, offering extreme PCIe Gen4 speeds and a built-in graphite heatsink at a highly competitive price point. It’s designed for both PS5 and PC, making it a versatile and economical choice for gamers. Plus, with a 5-year guarantee, you get excellent performance without compromising on peace of mind.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast speeds up to 7300MB/s read and 6200MB/s write.
– Built-in graphite heatsink for stable performance under load.
– Wide compatibility with PS5 and desktop PCs.
– Easy plug-and-play installation with no drivers needed.
– Backed by a 5-year guarantee and 24/7 support.
Pros:
– Excellent performance for its price category.
– Integrated heatsink included, ready for PS5.
– Simple installation process.
– Strong 5-year warranty offers great value.
Cons:
– Write speed is slightly lower than some premium alternatives (though still well above PS5 requirements).
– Brand is less established than Samsung or WD, but offers good support.
User Impressions:
Many users express pleasant surprise at the Fikwot FX910’s performance relative to its cost. They report easy installation in their PS5s and no issues with game loading or performance, highlighting it as a great budget-friendly alternative that delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PS5 SSDs
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5 comes with a relatively small amount of usable internal storage. An M.2 SSD allows you to significantly expand this capacity, letting you install more games without constantly deleting old ones. It’s also required to match the speed of the internal drive for playing PS5 games directly from it.
Q2: What specifications should I look for in a PS5 SSD?
A2: For optimal performance, look for a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It also needs to be physically compatible (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor) and, crucially, include a heatsink or allow one to be added.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is highly recommended and almost essential. High-performance M.2 SSDs generate heat, and without a heatsink, they can throttle performance to prevent overheating. Sony explicitly recommends using an M.2 SSD with a heatsink to ensure stable operation.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is quite straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. Simply power down your PS5, remove the side cover, unscrew the M.2 expansion slot cover, insert the SSD (with heatsink), and secure it. Sony provides a detailed guide on their official website.
Q5: Will a “budget” SSD impact my PS5’s performance?
A5: Not if you choose wisely! The “budget” M.2 SSDs on our list still meet or exceed Sony’s recommended speed of 5,500 MB/s. While they might not be the absolute fastest drives on the market, they’re perfectly capable of delivering seamless gameplay and fast load times on your PS5. The key is to ensure they meet the minimum speed requirement.
Q6: Can I use any M.2 SSD with my PS5?
A6: No, not just any M.2 SSD will work. It must be an NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. Older Gen3 drives or SATA M.2 drives are not compatible. Always check the specifications carefully before purchasing.
Q7: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 for PS5?
A7: PCIe Gen4 offers double the bandwidth of Gen3, meaning it can transfer data much faster. The PS5’s internal SSD utilizes PCIe Gen4, and to ensure optimal performance for running PS5 games directly from the expanded storage, Sony requires a Gen4 drive that can match or exceed its speed. Gen3 drives simply aren’t fast enough for native PS5 games.