Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Are you tired of deleting games just to make room for new ones? You’re not alone! While the PS5 is a powerful console, its internal storage can fill up surprisingly fast. Luckily, you can easily expand your console’s capacity and even improve game loading times by adding an M.2 NVMe SSD. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best SSD for PS5?
We’ve done the legwork for you! In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 5 M.2 SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5, ensuring you get blazing-fast speeds, ample storage, and seamless gameplay. Let’s help you find the perfect SSD for your PS5 upgrade.
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an upgrade is worth it:
- More Games: The most obvious reason! Store dozens more AAA titles without constantly managing space.
- Faster Loading: While the PS5’s built-in SSD is quick, top-tier M.2 NVMe drives can often match or even exceed its speed, leading to even snappier load screens.
- Convenience: Play games directly from your new expanded storage without transferring them back and forth.
- Future-Proofing: As games get larger, having extra storage becomes essential.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best SSD for PS5
We’ve carefully selected these drives based on their speed, reliability, compatibility, and overall value for PS5 gamers. All these options come with a pre-installed heatsink or have a heatsink option, which is crucial for PS5 compatibility.
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a serious contender for the best SSD for PS5 if you’re looking for raw, unadulterated speed and top-tier performance. This drive is built for the most demanding gamers, offering incredible read speeds that will make your PS5 hum. It’s not just about speed, though; it also comes with an optional heatsink designed to keep things cool under pressure, ensuring your gaming sessions remain uninterrupted and blisteringly fast.
- Key Features:
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read.
- Capacities up to 8TB available (using Western Digital TLC 3D NAND).
- Optional heatsink version for optimal thermal management.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and features.
- Advanced features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
- Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds, ideal for PS5.
- Reliable Western Digital brand.
- Heatsink available for sustained performance.
- High endurance rating.
- Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only, so less relevant for PS5 users.
- Can be a premium-priced option.
- User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the SN850X for its phenomenal speed and reliable performance, noting significantly reduced load times and a noticeable boost in overall responsiveness when installed in their PS5s. Many consider it a future-proof investment.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
If you want absolute peace of mind and a straightforward installation, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the way to go. This isn’t just another great SSD; it’s officially licensed by PlayStation for the PS5 console. This means it’s been specifically tested and approved by Sony themselves, guaranteeing seamless compatibility and an optimized experience. Plus, it comes with an integrated, optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, making installation a breeze and ensuring superior thermal performance.
- Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5 console.
- Play directly from the drive with tested and approved storage.
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
- Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and performance thanks to official licensing.
- Perfectly sized, pre-installed heatsink for easy PS5 installation.
- Top-tier speeds matching the best drives.
- Bonus PlayStation Plus trial.
- Cons:
- Often at a slightly higher price point due to official licensing.
- Availability might fluctuate due to high demand.
- User Impressions: Users love the “set it and forget it” nature of this drive. The official licensing provides immense comfort, and its excellent performance, combined with the perfectly fitted heatsink, makes it a top pick for hassle-free PS5 storage expansion.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a powerhouse, often hailed as one of the fastest consumer SSDs on the market, and it’s definitely one of the best SSDs for PS5 you can get. Samsung is renowned for its flash memory technology, and the 990 PRO exemplifies this with incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds that push the limits of what’s possible. Its ultra-slim integrated heatsink isn’t just for show; it’s specifically designed to maintain optimal temperatures, preventing performance drops during intense gaming sessions on your PS5.
- Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s (read/write), near max PCIe 4.0 performance.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Available in 1TB to 4TB capacities.
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink for temperature control, compatible with PS5.
- From the world’s #1 flash memory brand.
- Pros:
- Among the fastest NVMe SSDs available.
- Excellent reputation for reliability and quality from Samsung.
- Effective, low-profile heatsink design.
- Ideal for demanding applications beyond gaming, like video editing.
- Cons:
- Premium price tag.
- Some users might find initial setup (firmware updates) a bit complex, though not for PS5 installation.
- User Impressions: Customers are blown away by the 990 PRO’s speed, reporting incredibly fast load times and game transfers. Its reliability and the peace of mind that comes with the Samsung brand are frequently highlighted. It’s a top choice for those who want the absolute best performance.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
While the SN850X and SN850P grab headlines with their extreme speeds, the WD_BLACK SN7100 offers a fantastic balance of high performance, solid reliability, and potentially better value. It still delivers impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds that comfortably meet and exceed PS5 requirements, ensuring quick load times and smooth gameplay. Designed with Western Digital’s next-gen NAND, it’s a robust choice for expanding your PS5’s storage without breaking the bank, providing ample space for your growing game library.
- Key Features:
- High-octane speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- Up to 35% faster performance than the previous generation.
- Built with Western Digital’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB.
- Improved power efficiency (up to 100% more over previous generation).
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimization.
- Pros:
- Excellent speed-to-price ratio.
- Reliable Western Digital build quality.
- Meets and exceeds PS5 speed requirements comfortably.
- Good power efficiency.
- Cons:
- Does not typically come with a heatsink pre-installed, so you’ll need to purchase and install one separately for PS5 use.
- Slightly slower theoretical maximums than the SN850X/990 PRO, though practically unnoticeable for most PS5 games.
- User Impressions: Users find the SN7100 to be a consistently performing drive that offers great value. Many appreciate its robust nature and the noticeable improvement it brings to PS5 load times, especially when paired with an aftermarket heatsink. It’s often recommended as a smart, cost-effective upgrade.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is purpose-built for consoles like the PS5, offering extreme Gen4 storage performance in a form factor that fits perfectly. Corsair explicitly states it “exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements,” which gives great confidence. What truly makes this a standout choice is its pre-installed, low-profile aluminum heatspreader. This design ensures efficient heat dispersion, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining sustained high performance right out of the box, making it incredibly easy to install and enjoy.
- Key Features:
- Extreme Gen4 storage performance for PS5 (up to 7,100MB/sec read, 6,800MB/sec write).
- High-speed PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe 1.4 Interface.
- Capacities from 500GB to a massive 4TB.
- Exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements.
- Pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader.
- Pros:
- Guaranteed PS5 compatibility and performance.
- Excellent sustained speeds.
- Comes with a high-quality, pre-installed low-profile heatsink, perfect for PS5.
- Strong reputation for gaming peripherals from Corsair.
- Cons:
- Can be on the pricier side, especially for higher capacities.
- Speeds are very slightly lower than the absolute fastest drives like the 990 PRO, but still well above PS5 requirements.
- User Impressions: PS5 owners rave about the MP600 PRO LPX’s ease of installation, thanks to its pre-attached heatsink, and its superb performance. They report seamless gameplay directly from the drive and appreciate that it’s designed with the PS5 in mind, eliminating any guesswork.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do I need an SSD for my PS5, and what kind?
A1: The PS5 comes with an 825GB internal SSD, but a significant portion is used by the system software. Adding an M.2 NVMe SSD expands your storage, allowing you to install more games and often improve loading times further. The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s.
Q2: Is a heatsink necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A2: Yes, Sony strongly recommends that any M.2 SSD installed in a PS5 has an effective heatsink. This is crucial for dissipating heat and maintaining optimal performance during extended gaming sessions. Without one, the SSD could overheat and throttle, leading to slower speeds. All the SSDs reviewed above either come with one pre-installed or have a heatsink option.
Q3: How much storage should I add to my PS5?
A3: This depends on your gaming habits. While 1TB is a good starting point, 2TB is often considered the sweet spot for most gamers, allowing you to store a large library of AAA titles. If you download a lot of games, especially larger ones like Call of Duty, 4TB might be worth considering.
Q4: How do I install an SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an SSD in your PS5 is surprisingly straightforward and doesn’t require advanced technical skills. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. Sony provides clear instructions, but generally, it involves removing the PS5’s side cover, unscrewing a small metal plate, inserting the SSD, and then securing it. Your PS5 will guide you through formatting it once powered on.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from the expanded M.2 SSD?
A5: Absolutely! Once installed and formatted, the M.2 NVMe SSD functions as an extension of your PS5’s internal storage. You can download and play PS5 games directly from it, transfer games between the internal drive and the M.2 SSD, and store PS4 games there too.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A6: No, installing an M.2 SSD according to Sony’s official instructions will not void your PS5’s warranty. Sony explicitly supports this user upgrade, provided you follow their guidelines and use a compatible drive with a heatsink.
Q7: What are the main benefits of an officially licensed SSD for PS5?
A7: While any compatible PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD with a heatsink will work, an officially licensed SSD (like the WD_BLACK SN850P) offers guaranteed compatibility and performance. It means the drive has been rigorously tested and approved by Sony themselves, providing an extra layer of assurance and often a perfectly fitted heatsink for easy installation.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with one of the best SSDs for PS5 is one of the most impactful enhancements you can make. It not only solves the annoying problem of limited space but also ensures your games load quickly and run smoothly, keeping you immersed in the action.
Whether you opt for the officially licensed ease of the WD_BLACK SN850P, the raw speed of the Samsung 990 PRO, or the balanced performance of the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX, you truly can’t go wrong with any of our top picks. Choose the one that best fits your budget and performance needs, and get ready to enjoy a vastly improved PlayStation 5 gaming experience!