Hey there, PlayStation fans! Are you constantly running out of storage on your PS5, or fed up with deleting games just to make room for new ones? You’re not alone! The internal storage of the PlayStation 5, while fast, can fill up surprisingly quickly, especially with today’s massive game files. That’s where upgrading your console with one of the best SSD cards for PS5 comes into play.
Adding an internal M.2 SSD is hands down the smartest way to expand your PS5’s storage and even improve your gaming experience. Not only will you get more space for your ever-growing game library, but you can also enjoy lightning-fast load times, keeping you in the action and out of loading screens. No more tough choices about which game to uninstall!
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up five top contenders for the best SSD cards for PS5 that meet Sony’s strict requirements for speed and performance. Let’s dive in!
Why Your PS5 Needs an SSD Upgrade
Before we get to the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why an SSD expansion is a game-changer for your PS5:
- Massive Game Sizes: Modern AAA games can easily chew up 100GB or more. Your PS5’s usable 667GB internal storage disappears in a flash.
- Faster Load Times: While the PS5’s built-in SSD is super quick, a compatible M.2 SSD can match or even exceed those speeds, ensuring you’re spending less time waiting and more time playing.
- Direct Play: Unlike external hard drives, an M.2 SSD allows you to store and play PS5 games directly from it, just like the console’s internal drive.
- Future-Proofing: As more demanding games are released, having ample high-speed storage will keep your PS5 performing at its peak.
How to Choose the Right SSD for Your PS5
When looking for the best SSD cards for PS5, keep these crucial factors in mind:
- Form Factor: It must be an M.2 NVMe SSD (Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110).
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4. Don’t settle for Gen3!
- Speed: Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Faster is always better!
- Capacity: You can choose anywhere from 250GB up to 4TB. Most gamers find 1TB or 2TB to be the sweet spot for a good balance of capacity and price.
- Heatsink: This is non-negotiable! PS5 SSDs require efficient cooling to prevent performance throttling. Many SSDs come with a pre-attached heatsink, or you’ll need to buy and attach one separately.
Now, let’s explore some of the best options to beef up your PlayStation 5!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed…
If you’re looking for an SSD that feels like it was tailor-made for your PS5, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a fantastic choice. This drive isn’t just compatible; it’s officially licensed by PlayStation, which means you can install it with absolute peace of mind, knowing it meets all of Sony’s stringent requirements. It comes with an optimized heatsink pre-installed, ensuring worry-free performance and keeping your drive cool even during intense gaming sessions. Plus, with blazing-fast speeds and up to 4TB of storage, you’ll never have to compromise on your game library again.
Key Features:
– Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring seamless compatibility.
– Capacities available from 1TB to 4TB (4TB model can store up to 100 games).
– Pre-installed, optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5 for easy, worry-free installation.
– Allows direct play from the drive, eliminating the need to transfer or delete games.
– Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for short load times.
– Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe (terms apply).
Pros:
– Official PlayStation licensing guarantees compatibility and ease of mind.
– Extremely fast read/write speeds for quick game loading.
– Pre-installed, optimized heatsink for superior thermal management.
– Ample storage options, including a massive 4TB.
– Comes with a bonus PlayStation Plus Premium trial.
Cons:
– Tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum due to licensing and performance.
– The 14-day trial might not be useful for existing PS Plus subscribers.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the WD_BLACK SN850P for its effortless installation and incredible speed on their PS5 consoles. Many highlight the peace of mind that comes with the “officially licensed” badge, reporting zero compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks. It’s often described as a “set it and forget it” upgrade that truly transforms the gaming experience.
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2. Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 1TB, NVMe M.2, Speeds Up…
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is Samsung’s answer to the demand for high-performance storage, and it absolutely shines as one of the top contenders for a PS5 SSD upgrade. This drive pushes the boundaries of PCIe 4.0, delivering truly ferocious speeds that translate into near-instantaneous game loads and buttery-smooth gameplay. What truly sets it apart is Samsung’s in-house controller and smart heat control, which ensures amazing power efficiency while preventing performance drops from overheating, even during the most demanding gaming marathons. Plus, its futuristic heatsink with RGB LED lights adds a cool aesthetic touch to your console’s interior.
Key Features:
– Our ultimate SSD with near-max PCIe 4.0 performance.
– In-house controller with smart heat control for best power efficiency and sustained performance.
– Max random read/write speeds: 1400K/1550K IOPS; sequential read/write speeds: 7450/6900 MB/s.
– Up to 50% improved performance per watt over the previous generation (980 PRO).
– Samsung’s nickel-coated controller and heatsink provide excellent thermal control, preventing overheating.
– Perfect fit for PlayStation 5 and other compatible devices, with RGB LED lights on the heatsink.
– Samsung Magician software for drive health monitoring and optimization.
– Manufactured by the world’s #1 flash memory brand, ensuring reliability and quality.
Pros:
– Blistering-fast speeds, among the fastest consumer SSDs available.
– Excellent power efficiency, meaning less heat and better longevity.
– Superior thermal management with a robust heatsink.
– Reputable brand with in-house component manufacturing for high quality.
– RGB lighting on the heatsink for a touch of flair.
Cons:
– Premium price tag reflects its top-tier performance.
– RGB lighting might not be visible once installed inside the PS5, depending on console orientation.
User Impressions:
Gamers who’ve installed the Samsung 990 PRO into their PS5 are consistently blown away by the speed increase. Many report virtually no loading screens in some games and a noticeable improvement in overall system responsiveness. The build quality and reliability from a brand like Samsung also instill a lot of confidence in users.
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3. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC…
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 SSD offers a compelling balance of high performance and great value, making it an excellent choice for expanding your PS5 storage. This 2TB drive leverages cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver impressive read and write speeds, significantly cutting down on game loading times and ensuring a smooth gaming experience. What’s really neat is its comprehensive thermal solution; it includes a built-in graphene composite heatsink and also provides an uninstalled heatsink in the package, along with screws and a screwdriver – everything you need for a straightforward installation!
Key Features:
– NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 high-speed interface with read speeds up to 7450MB/s and write speeds up to 6500MB/s.
– 2x faster than PCIe 3.0 and 13.5x faster than SATA SSDs for lightning-fast game loading.
– Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs, with an M.2 2280 form factor.
– Available in large capacities like 1TB/2TB, with 2TB capable of storing up to 50 PS5 games.
– Utilizes high-quality 3D NAND flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
– Rigorously tested (80+ hours of extreme tests) for stability and long service life.
– Built-in 1mm graphene composite heatsink for chip cooling, plus an additional uninstalled heatsink, screws, and screwdriver included.
– Plug and play installation.
Pros:
– Very competitive read/write speeds for excellent PS5 performance.
– Includes a complete installation kit (additional heatsink, screws, screwdriver).
– Rigorous testing process suggests high reliability and durability.
– Good value for money, especially for a 2TB capacity.
– Strong cooling with both a built-in graphene layer and an external heatsink option.
Cons:
– Brand might be less recognized than industry giants like Samsung or WD_Black.
– The included heatsink needs manual installation, which might be a minor hurdle for some (though tools are provided).
User Impressions:
Customers are generally very pleased with the MOVE SPEED HB7450, often highlighting its impressive speed-to-price ratio. The fact that it comes with all the necessary installation tools is a frequently mentioned positive. Users found the installation straightforward, and the performance for PS5 gaming was reported as excellent, with noticeable improvements in load times.
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4. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe…
The Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD is a solid contender for your PS5, offering lightning-fast performance and smart thermal management at a competitive price point. With impressive read and write speeds, this drive ensures your games load quickly and your system remains responsive. One of its standout features is the intelligent auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management, which works hand-in-hand with the high-conductivity graphite heatsink to keep the drive cool and performing optimally under heavy loads. It’s a reliable workhorse designed to enhance your gaming and computing experience without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
– Lightning-fast performance with NVMe protocol and PCIe Gen 4×4, max read/write speeds up to 7100MB/s and 6100MB/s.
– Auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management for intelligent cooling and extended device battery life.
– Equipped with a high-conductivity graphite heatsink to maintain near-peak speeds under high load.
– Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and smart SLC cache for outstanding performance, improving startup and multitasking.
– Supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, and AES-256 encryption technologies.
– Excellent compatibility with laptops, desktop computers, and game consoles like PS5.
– Comes with a 5-year limited service or 600TBW warranty.
Pros:
– High-speed performance meets PS5 requirements, ensuring quick loading times.
– Intelligent thermal management system for stable performance.
– HMB and SLC Cache technologies contribute to overall system responsiveness.
– Comes with a heatsink to ensure optimal temperature.
– Excellent compatibility across various devices, including PS5.
– Backed by a solid 5-year warranty.
Cons:
– Max speeds are slightly lower than the absolute top-tier drives on this list.
– Brand recognition might not be as strong as some competitors.
User Impressions:
Users installing the Fikwot FX991 in their PS5 generally report significant improvements in loading times and overall game responsiveness. The drive’s ability to maintain its speed even during extended play sessions due to its thermal management is a frequently appreciated point. Many found it to be a reliable and cost-effective upgrade.
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5. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2…
The Lexar NM790 SSD with Heatsink is an impressive dark horse in the race for the best SSD cards for PS5. It delivers exceptional performance with speeds that go well beyond Sony’s recommendations, ensuring your PS5 games load faster than ever. What makes this drive truly stand out, beyond its raw speed, is its remarkable power efficiency. It consumes significantly less power than many other PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, which translates to less heat generation and potentially better longevity for your drive and console. Coupled with its pre-attached heatsink, the NM790 is a fantastic, hassle-free upgrade for your PlayStation 5.
Key Features:
– Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write speeds.
– 1000TBW (Terabytes Written) durability rating.
– Designed with a pre-attached heatsink to keep your rig cool and maintain performance.
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates your device’s DRAM cache for smoother transfer speeds.
– Fully compatible with PlayStation 5.
– Backed by a five-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Outstanding read and write speeds, among the fastest available.
– Excellent power efficiency results in less heat and potential power savings.
– Pre-attached heatsink simplifies installation and ensures proper cooling.
– High durability rating (TBW) indicates a long lifespan.
– Reputable brand with a strong warranty.
Cons:
– Only available in 1TB capacity on this specific listing (though other capacities may exist elsewhere).
– While power efficient, the absence of dedicated DRAM cache might be a concern for some power users (though HMB mitigates this for PS5).
User Impressions:
PS5 owners who chose the Lexar NM790 rave about its ease of installation and the immediate boost in performance. They often highlight the noticeable reduction in loading times and the smooth gameplay. The pre-installed heatsink is a big plus, and users appreciate the value proposition it offers for such high speeds.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of SSD does the PS5 use for expansion?
A1: The PS5 uses M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSDs. It’s crucial that the drive is Gen4, as Gen3 drives are not compatible for storing and playing PS5 games.
Q2: Is a heatsink really necessary for an SSD in the PS5?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Sony officially states that a heatsink is required. The PS5’s M.2 slot can get quite warm during intense gaming, and a heatsink helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down your SSD’s performance and potentially shorten its lifespan. Most drives designed for PS5 come with one pre-installed.
Q3: How much storage capacity do I need for my PS5 SSD?
A3: This depends on your gaming habits. While the PS5 supports capacities from 250GB up to 4TB, most gamers find 1TB or 2TB to be the sweet spot. 1TB offers a significant boost, while 2TB provides ample space for a large library of modern games.
Q4: Is it difficult to install an SSD in the PS5?
A4: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 to make SSD installation relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and there are plenty of excellent video guides online (including official Sony ones) that walk you through the process step-by-step. It usually takes less than 15-20 minutes.
Q5: Can I play PS4 games from the M.2 SSD?
A5: Yes, you can play both PS4 and PS5 games directly from your installed M.2 SSD. PS4 games can also be played from an external USB hard drive, but PS5 games require either the console’s internal storage or an internal M.2 SSD for direct play.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5’s warranty?
A6: No, installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty, provided you follow Sony’s official installation instructions and don’t damage any components in the process.
Q7: What is the minimum recommended read speed for a PS5 SSD?
A7: Sony recommends a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. However, faster drives (like many on our list) will provide an even smoother experience with quicker load times.
Ready to Upgrade Your PS5?
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 with one of the best SSD cards for PS5 is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. It’s a simple, effective way to get more space, faster load times, and a generally smoother gaming experience. Whether you prioritize official licensing, raw speed, or great value, there’s an excellent option on this list for you. Say goodbye to storage woes and hello to endless gaming!