Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! With massive game sizes, it doesn’t take long for that built-in 825GB to feel tiny. Luckily, you can easily expand your console’s storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD. But finding the best cheap SSD for PS5 that still delivers top-notch performance can feel like a quest itself.
We’ve scoured the market to find budget-friendly options that meet Sony’s strict requirements for internal storage expansion, allowing you to install more games and enjoy lightning-fast load times. Let’s dive into our top picks!
Why You Need an SSD for Your PS5
Simply put, the PS5’s internal storage is a high-speed NVMe SSD, and any expansion needs to match or exceed that performance for seamless gameplay. Installing an M.2 SSD means you can store and play PlayStation 5 games directly from the expanded storage, eliminating the need to constantly delete and re-download your favorites. It’s a game-changer for serious gamers!
Key Considerations When Choosing a PS5 SSD
Before you buy just any drive, here’s what to look for:
- Type: You need an NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 is crucial for PS5 game compatibility.
- Speed: Sony recommends a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. Faster is always better for future-proofing and performance.
- Capacity: 1TB or 2TB are popular choices. Think about how many games you typically have installed.
- Heatsink: This is vital! PS5 SSDs run hot, and a heatsink prevents thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance. Some SSDs come with one pre-installed, others require you to add one.
Now, let’s explore some of the best cheap SSD for PS5 options available today!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
The WD_BLACK SN850P stands out as the officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, offering unparalleled peace of mind when it comes to compatibility and performance. This drive is designed from the ground up to seamlessly integrate with your PS5, ensuring you can just plug it in and get straight to gaming without any worries. Its optimized heatsink, specifically engineered for the PS5’s M.2 slot, guarantees stable performance even during the most intense gaming sessions.
Key Features:
– Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring compatibility.
– Capacities from 1TB to 4TB, providing ample storage for your game library.
– Brand-new, optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5.
– Allows playing directly from the drive, eliminating game transfers.
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds up to 7,300MB/s read.
– Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
Pros:
– Guaranteed compatibility with PS5 due to official licensing.
– Superior performance with high read speeds.
– Pre-installed, perfectly fitting heatsink.
– Hassle-free installation.
– Offers large storage capacities.
Cons:
– Often on the pricier side compared to other “cheap” options, but worth the premium for official licensing.
– PlayStation Plus trial is only for new subscribers.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the SN850P for its incredibly easy installation and the instant boost in storage and performance it provides. Many highlight its reliability and the complete absence of compatibility issues, making it a favorite for those who want a “set it and forget it” solution.
2. BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
While not an internal M.2 SSD for playing PS5 games directly, the BUFFALO External SSD offers an incredibly affordable and versatile solution for expanding your PlayStation storage. This compact and reliable external drive is perfect for offloading your PS5 games to free up internal space or for playing your PS4 titles directly. Its robust, shock-resistant design makes it an ideal companion for gamers on the go who need fast and secure storage for their digital life, not just games.
Key Features:
– Best value compact and reliable SSD for on-the-go demand.
– Compatible with PS4, PS5 (for storage/PS4 games), Macs, and PCs.
– Faster speeds than traditional HDDs for quick data copies.
– Compact, durable, and shock-resistant design.
– USB 3.2 connectivity with USB-C / USB-A support.
– Comes with a 3-year warranty (registered) or 2-year (unregistered).
Pros:
– Extremely portable and durable.
– Excellent value for money for general storage.
– Great for storing PS5 games (requires transfer to internal to play).
– Perfect for playing PS4 games directly.
– Multi-platform compatibility (PC, Mac, PS4/PS5).
Cons:
– Cannot play PS5 games directly from this external drive.
– Slower than internal NVMe SSDs for PS5 game performance.
– Not a true “internal expansion” solution for PS5 games.
User Impressions:
Customers love the Buffalo external SSD for its portability and ruggedness. They frequently mention its ease of use for backing up game data and its fantastic performance for PS4 games. Many appreciate it as a cost-effective way to manage their expanding game libraries, especially for older titles.
3. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe
The Fikwot FX991 1TB NVMe SSD is a budget-friendly powerhouse that punches above its weight, making it a strong contender for the best cheap SSD for PS5. Boasting lightning-fast PCIe Gen 4×4 speeds, it’s perfectly capable of meeting Sony’s requirements for smooth PS5 gameplay. What truly sets it apart is its intelligent thermal management system, including an included high-conductivity graphite heatsink and auto-adaptive temperature adjustment, ensuring it stays cool under pressure and maintains peak performance.
Key Features:
– Lightning-fast PCIe Gen 4×4 with read/write speeds up to 7100MB/s and 6100MB/s.
– Excellent thermal management with auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and high-conductivity graphite heatsink.
– Utilizes HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and smart SLC Cache for improved performance.
– Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, and AES-256 encryption.
– Excellent compatibility with PS5, laptops, and desktops.
– Backed by a 5-year service warranty or 600TBW.
Pros:
– High speeds meet or exceed PS5 requirements.
– Effective built-in thermal management with an included heatsink.
– HMB and SLC Cache improve overall responsiveness.
– Excellent value for its performance.
– Long 5-year warranty.
Cons:
– Brand might be less recognized than some competitors.
– Graphite heatsink might not be as robust as metal alternatives, but still effective.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the Fikwot FX991’s performance, especially considering its price point. Many report easy installation in their PS5s and notice a significant improvement in load times. The included heatsink is a big plus, saving users an extra purchase.
4. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD offers a fantastic blend of high performance and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for expanding your PS5 storage without breaking the bank. This drive comes with a pre-installed heatsink, which is a huge convenience for PS5 owners, ensuring optimal thermal management right out of the box. Its impressive read and write speeds, combined with low power consumption, make it a smart and sustainable choice for avid gamers.
Key Features:
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
– Designed with a heatsink for better performance and power efficiency.
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds.
– Compatible with PlayStation 5.
– Five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast speeds well above PS5 requirements.
– Integrated heatsink for hassle-free installation and thermal stability.
– Excellent power efficiency, potentially extending console lifespan.
– Reputable brand with a solid warranty.
– Large 2TB capacity offers ample storage.
Cons:
– Might be slightly more expensive than bare drives, but the integrated heatsink adds value.
– Some users might prefer a dedicated DRAM cache, though HMB performs well.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently commend the Lexar NM790 for its straightforward installation and immediate performance boost in their PS5s. The integrated heatsink is a recurring highlight, as is the noticeable reduction in load times. Many consider it a premium experience at a competitive price.
5. fanxiang S880 NVMe SSD 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Gaming
The fanxiang S880 NVMe SSD positions itself as a top contender for gaming performance, and it lives up to that promise for PS5 users. With impressive speeds that easily clear Sony’s recommendations, this drive ensures a seamless and responsive gaming experience. Its focus on advanced heat dissipation, featuring a brand-new material heat dissipation pad, means your drive stays cool even during intense gaming sessions, providing sustained high performance. It’s a fantastic best cheap SSD for PS5 that doesn’t compromise on the essentials.
Key Features:
– Outstanding gaming performance with speeds up to 7300MB/s.
– Advanced heat dissipation design with a brand-new material heat dissipation pad.
– Wide compatibility with desktops, laptops, and PS5 consoles.
– Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB for sufficient storage expansion.
– Manufacturer-direct quality assurance with rigorous testing.
Pros:
– High read/write speeds for optimal PS5 performance.
– Effective heat dissipation ensures stable performance.
– Good value for a performance-oriented drive.
– Wide compatibility, including PS5.
– Direct manufacturer quality control.
Cons:
– Requires purchasing a separate heatsink for PS5 use (unless “heat dissipation pad” refers to a full heatsink or if it’s sufficient for PS5 which needs full heatsink).
– Brand might be lesser-known to some consumers.
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the fanxiang S880 for its raw speed and how effectively it reduces game load times. Many note its smooth operation and the quality feel of the drive. It’s frequently recommended by those looking for a high-performance drive without the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of SSD does my PS5 need for internal expansion?
A1: Your PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD. It must also have a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and be fitted with a heatsink.
Q2: Can I use an external SSD for PS5 games?
A2: You can store PS5 games on an external SSD, but you cannot play them directly from it. To play a PS5 game, you must transfer it back to the console’s internal storage or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD. However, you can play PS4 games directly from an external SSD.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, absolutely! Sony strongly recommends and effectively requires a heatsink for any M.2 SSD installed in a PS5. The console’s M.2 slot does not provide adequate cooling on its own, and a heatsink prevents the drive from overheating and throttling its performance.
Q4: What’s the minimum read speed required for a PS5 SSD?
A4: Sony specifies a minimum read speed of 5,500 MB/s. However, opting for drives with higher speeds (like 6,000 MB/s or 7,000 MB/s) can offer slightly better performance and future-proofing.
Q5: Is a 1TB SSD enough for my PS5?
A5: A 1TB SSD provides a significant boost to your PS5’s storage, often doubling its usable capacity. For many gamers, this is sufficient to hold a decent library of current games. If you have a very large collection or play many massive games, a 2TB or even 4TB drive might be a better long-term investment.
Q6: Are “cheap” SSDs reliable for PS5 use?
A6: Yes, many “cheap” SSDs are perfectly reliable for PS5, provided they meet Sony’s specifications for speed and type, and you ensure they have a heatsink. The key is to look for reputable brands and check user reviews, as well as the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Q7: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A7: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. Sony provides clear instructions, and you’ll typically only need a Phillips head screwdriver. It involves removing the console’s side cover, unscrewing a few small screws, inserting the SSD, and replacing the covers. There are many helpful video guides available online as well.
Conclusion
Expanding your PS5’s storage is one of the best upgrades you can make, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. While the official WD_BLACK drive offers ultimate peace of mind, there are several fantastic best cheap SSD for PS5 options like the Fikwot, Lexar, and fanxiang that deliver excellent performance and come with a heatsink (or are compatible with one) at a more budget-friendly price. Just remember to double-check the specs, especially the read speed and heatsink compatibility, to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Happy gaming!