Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Running out of space for all those epic new titles is a real buzzkill. Luckily, upgrading your PS5’s internal storage with a fast, high-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD is easier than you think. But you can’t just pick any drive; for optimal performance and console longevity, you need a PCIe Gen4 SSD, and critically, one that comes with a heatsink to keep things cool under pressure.
If you’re looking to supercharge your PS5’s storage and performance, finding the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PS5 with heatsink (or a comparable top-tier drive) is absolutely essential. Lexar has a solid reputation in the storage world, but are they the only game in town? We’ve rounded up five excellent 2TB SSD options, including Lexar’s top contenders, that are perfect for your PlayStation 5. Let’s dive in and see which drive will give your gaming library the boost it deserves!
Why a Heatsink is Non-Negotiable for Your PS5 SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why that heatsink is so important. The PS5 is a powerful machine, and its M.2 slot is designed for blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds. However, these high-performance drives generate a good amount of heat. Without adequate cooling, an SSD can experience “thermal throttling,” where its performance is intentionally reduced to prevent overheating. A good heatsink dissipates this heat, ensuring your drive consistently operates at peak speed, preventing frustrating slowdowns and keeping your gaming experience smooth.
Our Top 5 2TB SSDs for PS5 with Heatsink
Here are our picks for expanding your PS5’s storage, with a focus on speed, reliability, and excellent thermal management.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a powerhouse, designed to deliver exceptional speed and efficiency for your PS5 and PC gaming rig. What makes it truly stand out is its fantastic blend of high performance and impressive power efficiency. It pushes the boundaries of PCIe Gen4 without breaking the bank, making it a compelling choice for gamers who want top-tier speed and reliability. This drive means quicker load times and smoother gameplay, ensuring you’re always in the action.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 1500TBW (Terabytes Written)
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management 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
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds rivaling more expensive drives
- Excellent power efficiency reduces heat and strain on your console
- Integrated heatsink ensures consistent performance
- Great value for its performance
- High endurance rating for long-term use
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Cons:
- May not be quite as fast as the absolute top-tier, priciest options (though very close)
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the NM790 for its fantastic speed boost and the ease of installation in their PS5s. Many users report significantly reduced load times and a noticeable improvement in overall system responsiveness, often highlighting its great performance-to-price ratio.
Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
Specifically engineered with the PS5 in mind, the Lexar PLAY SSD with Heatsink aims to enhance your gaming experience right out of the box. This drive is all about seamless integration and relentless performance, letting you play games directly from the drive without a hitch. If you’re looking for a storage upgrade that feels tailor-made for your PlayStation 5, this Lexar best 2TB SSD for PS5 with heatsink option is a strong contender, combining high speeds with dedicated console compatibility.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- Designed to coordinate perfectly with your PS5
- Max speeds of 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 1600TBW
- Tested and approved for PS5 console storage
- Allows playing games directly off the drive
- Unique integrated heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved PC performance
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Optimized specifically for PS5, ensuring excellent compatibility
- Impressive read/write speeds reduce loading screens
- Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and maintains performance
- Allows direct gameplay from the drive, no transfers needed
- Good endurance rating
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Cons:
- Potentially overkill if you’re only looking for basic storage expansion and not peak performance
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User Impressions: PlayStation 5 owners love how straightforward the Lexar Play SSD is to install and how flawlessly it integrates with their console. Users frequently mention the significant reduction in game load times and the peace of mind knowing the drive is “tested and approved” for their PS5.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a beast of an SSD, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most reliable drives on the market. If you’re not just looking for a Lexar best 2TB SSD for PS5 with heatsink, but the absolute top-tier performance for your PS5 and beyond, the 990 PRO is a fantastic choice. Its blazing speeds and advanced thermal control make it perfect for demanding games, video editing, and any heavy computing task. This drive truly brings next-level performance to your setup.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity (available up to 4TB)
- Near max PCIe 4.0 performance with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink designed to dissipate heat effectively
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops
- World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand for reliability
- Ideal for heavy computing, gaming, and video editing
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Pros:
- Among the fastest PCIe Gen4 SSDs available
- Exceptional random performance for quick application and game loading
- Robust, ultra-slim heatsink ensures stable temperatures
- Proven reliability from a leading flash memory brand
- Wide compatibility with PS5 and high-end PCs
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Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to some other options
- Might be overkill for users who don’t push their systems to the limit
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently rave about the Samsung 990 PRO’s incredible speed, noting immediate improvements in game loading and file transfers. PS5 users specifically highlight its seamless compatibility and the reassuringly low temperatures maintained by the efficient heatsink during extended gaming sessions.
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 offers a compelling blend of high performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for PS5 owners looking to expand their storage without breaking the bank. This drive leverages cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver lightning-fast speeds, ensuring your games load quickly and your system remains responsive. Its built-in graphene composite heatsink is a smart addition, keeping the drive cool and stable even during intense gaming marathons.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface
- Read and write speeds up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s
- 2x faster than PCIe 3.0, 13.5x faster than SATA SSDs
- Compatible with PS5, laptop, and PC (M.2 2280 form factor)
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink (with additional uninstalled heatsink included)
- Undergoes rigorous testing for stability and long service life
- Comes with screwdriver and screws for easy installation
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for its price point
- Excellent compatibility with PS5 and PCs
- Robust cooling solution with a built-in heatsink and an additional one in the box
- High-quality components and rigorous testing for reliability
- Includes installation tools, making setup a breeze
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Cons:
- Brand might be less recognized than Samsung or Lexar for some users
- Additional heatsink requires separate installation, though instructions are provided
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User Impressions: Customers are pleasantly surprised by the MOVE SPEED HB7450’s performance, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. PS5 users appreciate the included tools and the visible reduction in game load times, frequently noting the effective cooling provided by the integrated heatsink.
Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
The Fikwot FX910 is another strong contender for those seeking an affordable yet high-performance 2TB SSD for their PS5. It delivers extreme speeds through its PCIe 4.0 interface, ensuring your games load in a flash and your console operates smoothly. With its integrated graphite heatsink, it’s designed to maintain optimal performance even under heavy loads, preventing thermal throttling and providing a stable gaming experience. This drive offers a fantastic balance of speed, cooling, and value.
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Key Features:
- 2TB capacity (available up to 4TB)
- Extreme Performance: up to 7300MB/s read and 6200MB/s write via PCIe 4.0
- Advanced Cooling: Built-in graphite heatsink for stability under heavy load
- Wide Compatibility: Fully compatible with PS5 and desktop PCs
- Easy Installation: Plug-and-play with no driver required
- 5-Year Guarantee and 24/7 support
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Pros:
- Very competitive speeds for its price segment
- Effective built-in heatsink for consistent performance
- Broad compatibility with both PS5 and PC setups
- Simple, driver-free installation process
- Solid 5-year warranty and customer support
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Cons:
- Write speeds are slightly lower than the very fastest drives on this list
- Brand recognition might be lower for some consumers
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User Impressions: Users report excellent performance for the price, praising the Fikwot FX910 for its fast load times on their PS5 and PCs. Many highlight the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink and the simple plug-and-play installation, making it a hassle-free upgrade.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect PS5 SSD
So, is the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PS5 with heatsink truly the best option? Lexar certainly offers compelling choices with their NM790 and PLAY SSDs, both delivering fantastic performance and reliability specifically tailored for gamers. They strike an excellent balance between speed, efficiency, and value.
However, as we’ve seen, the market is rich with other incredible options. The Samsung 990 PRO offers peak performance for those who want the absolute fastest, regardless of cost. Drives like the MOVE SPEED HB7450 and Fikwot FX910 provide phenomenal speeds and effective cooling at a more budget-friendly price, proving you don’t always need to spend top dollar for a great experience.
Ultimately, whether the Lexar best 2TB SSD for PS5 with heatsink is your best choice will depend on your specific priorities. If you value a known gaming-focused brand with solid performance and great efficiency, Lexar is an excellent pick. If raw, uncompromising speed is your game, the Samsung 990 PRO is hard to beat. And if you’re looking for superb value without sacrificing too much performance, the MOVE SPEED or Fikwot drives are well worth considering. No matter which you choose, upgrading to a 2TB SSD with a heatsink will transform your PS5 gaming experience, giving you more space and faster load times for years to come!
FAQ: All Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Why do I need an SSD with a heatsink for my PS5?
A1: High-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, like the ones recommended for the PS5, generate a significant amount of heat during operation. A heatsink helps to dissipate this heat, preventing the drive from overheating. Without one, the SSD might “throttle” its performance, meaning it deliberately slows down to avoid damage, which can lead to longer load times and a less smooth gaming experience.
Q2: Is 2TB enough storage for a PS5?
A2: For most gamers, 2TB is a substantial storage upgrade. The PS5 typically comes with around 825GB of usable storage, and modern games can easily take up 100GB or more. A 2TB expansion more than triples your original capacity, allowing you to install many large games without constantly deleting and re-downloading them. It provides ample room for a diverse game library.
Q3: What is the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs, and why does it matter for PS5?
A3: PCIe Gen4 is the newer generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express interface, offering roughly double the bandwidth of PCIe Gen3. The PS5’s internal SSD is a Gen4 drive, and Sony recommends using a Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD for expansion to match or exceed the console’s internal drive performance. While a Gen3 drive might physically fit, it won’t meet Sony’s recommended speed requirements and won’t perform optimally with PS5 games.
Q4: Can I use any M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A4: No, not just any M.2 SSD will work. For PS5 compatibility, the SSD must meet specific requirements:
* It must be an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD.
* It needs to have sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster.
* It must be between 250GB and 4TB in capacity.
* It needs an integrated heatsink (or you must attach one separately) with specific dimension limits.
* It must be an M.2 Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor.
Q5: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A5: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process:
1. Power down your PS5 completely and disconnect all cables.
2. Place the PS5 on its side so the disc drive (if you have one) is on top.
3. Remove the PS5’s bottom cover by lifting a corner and sliding it off.
4. Locate the expansion slot cover (it’s a small rectangular metal plate held by a screw).
5. Unscrew the cover and remove it.
6. Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot, making sure it’s fully seated.
7. Secure the SSD with the provided spacer and screw from the PS5’s expansion slot.
8. Replace the expansion slot cover and the PS5’s main cover.
9. Reconnect cables and power on. The PS5 will then guide you through formatting the new SSD.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why is it important?
A6: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance or lifespan. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before it might start to experience reliability issues. A higher TBW rating means the drive is designed to handle more write cycles and last longer. For gaming, which involves frequent installations and updates, a decent TBW ensures your drive will endure for many years.
Q7: Does adding an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an officially supported M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty. Sony explicitly designed the PS5 with an accessible expansion slot for user-upgradable storage. As long as you follow the official installation instructions and use a compatible drive, your warranty remains intact.