Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! With massive game sizes, it doesn’t take long for that internal 825GB SSD to fill up, leaving you constantly deleting beloved titles. But fear not, expanding your PS5’s storage doesn’t have to empty your wallet. You can find a fantastic, reliable, and best cheap SSD for PS5 that will give you plenty of room for all your gaming adventures.
We’ve scoured the market to find top-notch NVMe M.2 SSDs that meet Sony’s stringent requirements without costing a fortune. These drives offer blazing-fast speeds, essential for quick game loading and seamless performance, ensuring you never miss a beat. Let’s dive into our top picks!
Why Your PS5 Needs More Storage (and a Fast One!)
Modern PS5 games are incredibly detailed, demanding huge chunks of storage space. Call of Duty alone can gobble up over 100GB! If you’re a serious gamer, you know the pain of having to uninstall a game just to download a new one. An internal M.2 SSD expansion is the perfect solution.
But it’s not just about space. The PS5 relies on a super-fast internal SSD to load games and textures almost instantly. Any expansion drive needs to meet or exceed Sony’s recommended speed requirements (at least 5,500 MB/s read speed) to ensure consistent performance and avoid any slowdowns in gameplay. Plus, a built-in heatsink is crucial to prevent overheating, especially during those long gaming sessions.
What to Look for in a PS5 SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s a quick checklist of what makes a great cheap SSD for PS5:
- M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4: This is non-negotiable. Your PS5 only supports this type of SSD.
- Speed: Look for read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. Higher is always better, but anything above this will work perfectly.
- Heatsink: Absolutely essential for thermal management. Some SSDs come with one pre-installed, others require you to add one yourself.
- Capacity: Decide how much extra space you need. 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB offers much more breathing room.
- Form Factor: It must be a 2280 size to fit the PS5’s M.2 slot.
- Reliability & Warranty: Look for reputable brands and a good warranty for peace of mind.
Now, let’s explore the best cheap SSD for PS5 options that hit all the right notes!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed…
If you’re looking for the ultimate peace of mind and seamless integration, the WD_BLACK SN850P is your go-to. This drive is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning you can literally just plug it in and play without a single worry about compatibility. It comes with an optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5, ensuring top-tier thermal performance and hassle-free installation.
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles
- Capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB (4TB model stores up to 100 games)
- Optimized heatsink for PS5 ensures worry-free installation
- Play directly from the drive, no need to transfer games
- Blazing-fast read speeds up to 7,300MB/s
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe
Pros:
– Official PlayStation licensing ensures perfect compatibility and reliability.
– Exceptional speeds mean virtually no load times.
– Integrated, optimized heatsink for PS5.
– Generous storage capacities available.
– PS Plus trial is a nice bonus.
Cons:
– Often one of the pricier options on this list, though worth it for some.
– The 2TB model might still be considered “cheap” by some, but less so than other 1TB options.
User Impressions: Users rave about the SN850P’s plug-and-play simplicity and robust performance. Many emphasize the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product, confirming it works flawlessly with their PS5 right out of the box.
2. fanxiang 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with…
The fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking extreme performance without breaking the bank. Designed with hardcore gamers in mind, this drive is fully compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage, ensuring faster loads and an immersive gaming experience. Its unique heatsink design is particularly effective, helping to maintain consistent high performance even during intense, extended play sessions.
- PCIe 4.0 SSD Extreme Performance with NVMe 2.0
- Sequential read/write speeds of up to 7100/5300 MB/s
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory for fast application loading
- Unique heatsink design for efficient thermal control and consistent performance
- Compatible with PS5, Desktops, Laptops, All-in-one PCs
- Comes with a 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support
Pros:
– Excellent read and write speeds for gaming.
– Effective integrated heatsink prevents thermal throttling.
– Great value for its performance.
– Strong 5-year warranty.
Cons:
– 1TB capacity might fill up quickly for avid gamers.
– Fanxiang is a lesser-known brand compared to giants like WD or Samsung.
User Impressions: Gamers frequently commend the fanxiang SSD for its impressive speed-to-price ratio. They note that the heatsink does an excellent job of keeping the drive cool, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. It’s often cited as a hidden gem for budget-conscious PS5 owners.
3. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe…
The Fikwot FX991 stands out with its lightning-fast top performance combined with smart thermal and power efficiency management. This 1TB NVMe SSD doesn’t just promise speed; it delivers with an auto-adaptive temperature adjustment system and a high-conductivity graphite heatsink to ensure peak performance is maintained even under heavy loads. It’s a versatile drive that’s perfect for your PS5, laptop, or desktop.
- Lightning-fast Top Performance with 7100MB/s read and 6100MB/s write speeds
- Auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management
- Equipped with a high-conductivity graphite heatsink
- Utilizes HMB and smart SLC Cache for outstanding performance
- Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, AES-256 encryption
- Excellent compatibility with PS5, laptops, and desktop computers
- 5-year service or 600TBW warranty
Pros:
– Exceptional read and write speeds.
– Intelligent thermal and power management.
– Great compatibility across devices, including PS5.
– Solid 5-year warranty.
Cons:
– Only available in 1TB, which could be limiting.
– Fikwot is not as widely recognized as some other brands.
User Impressions: Customers are pleasantly surprised by the Fikwot FX991’s consistent high performance, even during demanding tasks. They often highlight how well it handles thermal management, keeping speeds stable, and praise it as a solid, budget-friendly upgrade for their PS5.
4. Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 1TB, NVMe M.2, Speeds Up…
When it comes to top-tier performance and brand reliability, Samsung’s 990 PRO Heatsink SSD is an absolute champion. This isn’t just a great SSD; it’s designed to push the boundaries of PCIe 4.0, offering ferocious performance that keeps you at the top of your game. With its integrated nickel-coated heatsink and RGB LED lighting, it’s a perfect fit for the PS5, offering both exceptional speed and style. It might not be the absolute cheapest on the list, but it’s arguably the best cheap SSD for PS5 in terms of value for raw performance and reliability.
- Ultimate SSD performance with PCIe 4.0
- Random read/write speeds up to 1400K/1550K IOPS
- Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- Breakthrough power efficiency (up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO)
- Samsung’s nickel-coated high-end controller for robust thermal control
- Perfect fit for PlayStation 5 and DirectStorage PC games
- RGB LED lights for added style
- Samsung Magician Software for optimization and monitoring
- From the world’s #1 brand for flash memory
Pros:
– Industry-leading speeds and random performance.
– Exceptional power efficiency.
– Robust and effective integrated heatsink.
– Unmatched brand reputation and reliability.
– Useful software for managing the drive.
Cons:
– Often sits at the higher end of the “cheap” spectrum.
– The RGB lighting is mostly irrelevant once installed inside the PS5.
User Impressions: Users universally praise the Samsung 990 PRO for its mind-blowing speeds and unwavering reliability. Gamers report incredibly fast load times and smooth performance across all titles, emphasizing that it’s a premium product that justifies its cost.
5. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC…
For gamers who need serious storage capacity coupled with lightning-fast speeds, the MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD is an outstanding option. This drive boasts impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds, offering up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write. What makes it truly stand out is its dual cooling solution: a built-in graphene composite heatsink, plus an additional heatsink included in the box, ensuring the drive stays cool and performs optimally even under heavy load.
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High-Speed Interface with up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write
- Large 2TB storage capacity (stores up to 50 games)
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptop, and PC
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heatsink plus an additional heatsink included
- Rigorous 80-hour testing for stability and long service life
- Comes with heatsink, screws, and screwdriver for easy installation
- 7×24 customer service and 30-day return policy
Pros:
– Extremely fast read and write speeds.
– Generous 2TB capacity, offering ample space.
– Dual cooling solution (built-in and extra heatsink) for superior thermal management.
– Includes all necessary installation accessories.
– Rigorous testing for reliability.
Cons:
– MOVE SPEED might not be as well-known as some competitors.
– Installing the extra heatsink might be an extra step for some users, though it’s easy.
User Impressions: Customers are highly impressed by the raw speed and the sheer value of the 2TB capacity. Many appreciate that the package includes all the necessary tools for installation, making the upgrade process smooth and hassle-free. The effective cooling is also a frequently praised feature.
Choosing the Right Cheap SSD for Your PS5
Picking the best cheap SSD for PS5 ultimately comes down to your personal needs and budget. If you want official peace of mind and don’t mind spending a bit more, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a top contender. For raw, unadulterated speed and trusted brand reliability, the Samsung 990 PRO is hard to beat. If you’re looking for the most storage for your dollar with excellent cooling, the MOVE SPEED HB7450 is a fantastic option. And for great performance at an incredibly competitive price, the fanxiang and Fikwot drives offer exceptional value.
No matter which you choose, upgrading your PS5’s storage with one of these high-performance drives will dramatically improve your gaming experience, letting you download more games, reduce load times, and spend less time managing your precious console space.
FAQ Section
Q1: What kind of SSD does the PS5 use for storage expansion?
A1: The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 solid-state drive. It must be a 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long) and have a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s.
Q2: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A2: Yes, Sony strongly recommends using an M.2 SSD with a heatsink. The PS5’s internal M.2 slot doesn’t provide adequate cooling on its own, and a heatsink helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining consistent performance during intense gaming sessions.
Q3: How much storage do I really need for my PS5?
A3: This depends on how many games you play and their average size. A 1TB SSD is a great starting point and will significantly boost your storage. If you’re an avid gamer with a large library or enjoy AAA titles that consume lots of space, a 2TB or even 4TB SSD would offer more future-proofing and convenience.
Q4: How do I install an SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an SSD in your PS5 is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 completely and unplug all cables. Then, remove the side cover, locate the M.2 expansion slot, insert the SSD (with heatsink), and secure it with the provided screw. Sony provides detailed instructions on their support website.
Q5: Can I use any M.2 SSD with my PS5?
A5: No, not just any M.2 SSD will work. It must meet specific requirements: it needs to be PCIe Gen4 x4, have a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, and include a heatsink. Older PCIe Gen3 SSDs are not compatible for game storage.
Q6: Will using a “cheap” SSD affect my PS5’s performance?
A6: As long as the “cheap” SSD meets Sony’s minimum specifications (PCIe Gen4, 5,500 MB/s read speed, and has a heatsink), you won’t notice any meaningful difference in game loading times or performance compared to more expensive models that exceed these specs. The key is meeting the baseline requirements.
Q7: What’s the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
A7: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs are much faster than older SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs. NVMe drives connect directly to the motherboard via PCIe lanes, allowing for significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency, which is crucial for modern gaming consoles like the PS5. SATA SSDs use an older interface with much slower speed limits. The PS5 only supports NVMe SSDs for expansion.