So, you’ve got a PlayStation 5, and it’s awesome, right? But let’s be real, that internal storage fills up fast with all those incredible AAA titles. If you’re tired of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones, it’s time for an upgrade. Adding an M.2 NVMe SSD is the absolute best way to expand your PS5’s storage, giving you more room for your digital library and even faster loading times.
But with so many options out there, which one should you pick? That’s where Crucial comes in. As a renowned brand for high-quality memory and storage, they offer some fantastic M.2 SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5. We’ve handpicked the 5 Crucial best M.2 SSDs for PS5 to help you make the right choice. Let’s dive in!
Understanding PS5 SSD Requirements
Before we jump into the reviews, it’s crucial to understand what your PS5 needs:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Capacity: 250GB – 8TB.
- Sequential Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster is recommended.
- Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110. (2280 is most common).
- Heatsink: Absolutely essential for consistent performance. PS5 needs an SSD with a built-in heatsink or one you can add yourself.
Our Top 5 Crucial Best M.2 SSDs for PS5
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD
The Crucial T500 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for top-tier performance that truly leverages your PS5’s capabilities. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s lightning fast, designed to cut down loading screens and get you into the action quicker. With its impressive read/write speeds, you’ll notice a significant difference whether you’re loading massive open-world games or hopping between different titles. The heatsink version is specifically tailored for easy PS5 installation, ensuring optimal thermal management.
Key Features:
* LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s.
* PS5 READY: Heatsink version designed for easy PlayStation 5 installation.
* ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster, faster texture renders, less CPU utilization (with Microsoft DirectStorage on PC).
* CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps.
Pros:
* Exceptional Gen4 speeds, well above PS5 requirements.
* Heatsink included for hassle-free PS5 compatibility and cooling.
* Significant improvement in game loading times.
* High durability and reliability from Micron technology.
Cons:
* Premium performance often comes with a higher price tag.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the T500 for its blistering speeds and seamless PS5 integration. Many highlight how easy it was to install and the immediate, noticeable difference in game loading and overall system responsiveness. It’s often called a “game-changer” for their PlayStation 5 setup.
See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
While the “P310” nomenclature might suggest an older generation, this specific Crucial P310 2TB model delivers impressive PCIe Gen4 performance, making it a solid contender for your PS5 upgrade, especially if you’re a casual gamer or just looking for a reliable storage boost. Its speeds are more than sufficient to meet and exceed PlayStation 5 requirements, offering excellent value for a speedy 2TB expansion. It’s a great option for those who want Gen4 performance without necessarily breaking the bank for the absolute fastest on the market.
Key Features:
* PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
* Spacious 2TB SSD: Ample room for AAA games, apps, and media.
* Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5.
* Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various tasks.
* Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
Pros:
* Excellent Gen4 speeds for its class, comfortably exceeding PS5 minimums.
* Generous 2TB capacity.
* Cost-effective way to get high-speed Gen4 storage.
* Reliable Micron-backed quality.
Cons:
* May require a separate heatsink purchase for PS5 use if not specified as ‘with heatsink’.
* Performance, while great, isn’t at the absolute bleeding edge of Gen4.
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the balance of performance and price offered by this P310 variant. They note smooth game loading and system boot-ups, praising its reliability as a consistent performer for their PS5 and PC needs. It’s often recommended for users wanting a solid upgrade without overspending.
See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Now, here’s an interesting one! The Crucial P510 is a cutting-edge Gen5 NVMe SSD, designed for the fastest modern PCs. While the PlayStation 5 technically only supports Gen4 speeds, you can install this drive in your console. It will still perform exceptionally well, operating at the maximum Gen4 speeds the PS5 can handle (which is still incredibly fast!). This means you get a drive that’s future-proof for your next PC upgrade while delivering fantastic performance on your PS5 today, complete with an included heatsink for convenience.
Key Features:
* SERIOUS SPEED: Sequential read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s (on compatible Gen5 systems).
* GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
* AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price for Gen5.
* MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
* SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software.
Pros:
* Ultimate future-proofing with Gen5 technology.
* Included heatsink makes it PS5-ready out of the box.
* Will perform at the absolute peak of PS5’s Gen4 capabilities.
* Incredibly fast for PC use if you ever transfer it.
Cons:
* PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, so some of its potential is untapped on the console.
* Potentially overkill if you only plan to use it for PS5.
User Impressions:
Early adopters of the P510 love its sheer speed and future-proof design. PS5 users report flawless installation and phenomenal performance, even if it’s “downclocked” to Gen4 speeds. The included heatsink is a big plus for ease of use.
See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming
The Crucial P5 Plus is a highly regarded Gen4 NVMe SSD, often cited as one of the go-to choices for PlayStation 5 expansion, and for good reason. It strikes a fantastic balance between raw speed, reliability, and value. While specific features for this exact product were not provided, the P5 Plus line is known for delivering sequential read speeds up to 6600MB/s and write speeds up to 5000MB/s. This easily surpasses the PS5’s recommended speed, ensuring your games load rapidly and your console runs smoothly. It’s a robust and dependable choice for any serious gamer.
Key Features (Typical for P5 Plus 2TB):
* High-Performance Gen4: Sequential Read up to 6600MB/s, Write up to 5000MB/s.
* Optimized for Gaming: Drastically reduces load times for a seamless gaming experience.
* Micron Advanced 3D NAND: Ensures consistent performance and endurance.
* Full PS5 Compatibility: Meets all PlayStation 5 requirements for an internal SSD upgrade.
Pros:
* Excellent Gen4 speeds, ideal for PS5.
* Proven reliability and performance.
* Solid value for high-end Gen4 storage.
* Reputable Crucial (Micron) brand quality.
Cons:
* Heatsink usually needs to be purchased separately, unless explicitly stated as included.
* Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive, but more than sufficient for PS5.
User Impressions:
The P5 Plus consistently receives glowing reviews from PS5 owners. They frequently highlight its easy installation (with a separate heatsink), significant speed improvements, and rock-solid stability. It’s often recommended as a ‘safe’ and effective choice for a PS5 storage upgrade.
See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
If storage capacity is your absolute top priority, and you want to install virtually every game without thinking twice, then the Crucial P310 4TB Gen4 SSD is your champion. Like its 2TB sibling, this P310 variant offers impressive PCIe Gen4 performance, comfortably exceeding PS5’s speed requirements. But its standout feature is the colossal 4TB of space. Imagine having your entire PlayStation 5 game library, plus all future titles, loaded and ready to play at a moment’s notice. It’s the ultimate solution for digital hoarders and long-term gaming enthusiasts.
Key Features:
* PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
* Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides immense space for countless AAA games, apps, and media.
* Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5.
* Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 for various tasks.
* Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
Pros:
* Massive 4TB capacity – rarely worry about space again!
* Strong Gen4 speeds, ensuring fast load times on PS5.
* Reliable performance backed by Micron.
* Excellent for building a huge game library.
Cons:
* Higher price point due to the massive capacity.
* May require a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
User Impressions:
Reviewers with extensive game libraries absolutely rave about the 4TB P310. They love the freedom of not having to manage storage and praise its consistent speed. It’s seen as a premium solution for those who prioritize maximum game storage above all else.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS5’s internal storage with an M.2 SSD?
A: The internal storage on the PS5 is fast but limited. Upgrading with an M.2 SSD allows you to significantly expand your game library without having to constantly delete and redownload games. It also helps improve game loading times and ensures smooth performance for demanding titles.
Q2: Do all M.2 NVMe SSDs work with the PS5?
A: No, the PS5 has specific requirements. You need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. It must also include a heatsink (either built-in or one you attach separately) to prevent thermal throttling.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for an M.2 SSD in the PS5?
A: Yes, absolutely. During intense gaming sessions, SSDs can generate a lot of heat. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring the drive maintains optimal performance and prevents it from overheating, which can lead to slowdowns or even damage over time. Sony highly recommends one.
Q4: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5?
A: Gen4 SSDs are designed to meet and exceed the PS5’s native speed capabilities (up to around 7,400 MB/s read). Gen5 SSDs are even faster (10,000+ MB/s), but the PS5 currently only supports Gen4 speeds. While you can install a Gen5 drive, it will operate at Gen4 speeds. It might offer some future-proofing if you plan to use it in a Gen5 PC later, but for PS5 exclusively, a good Gen4 drive is perfectly sufficient.
Q5: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in the PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible expansion slot. You’ll typically need a Phillips-head screwdriver. Many online guides and videos walk you through the process step-by-step, which involves removing the side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. The PS5 will then prompt you to format the drive.
Q6: What capacity M.2 SSD should I choose for my PS5?
A: This depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: A great starting point, effectively doubling your usable storage.
* 2TB: Ideal for most gamers, offering plenty of space for a large library of AAA titles.
* 4TB (or more): Perfect if you download a huge number of games, want to keep everything installed, or anticipate many future releases.
Q7: Will installing an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, installing an M.2 SSD in the dedicated expansion slot will not void your PS5 warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official instructions and don’t damage any components during the installation process.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with one of these Crucial best M.2 SSDs for PS5 is one of the smartest moves you can make as a gamer. Whether you prioritize blistering speed, massive capacity, or a perfect balance of both, Crucial offers a high-quality solution that will enhance your gaming experience. Each of these drives provides the performance and reliability you need to keep your PS5 running at its peak, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time playing. Pick the one that best fits your needs, and get ready to truly unleash your PS5’s potential!