Are you constantly battling the dreaded “Storage Full” message on your PlayStation 5? With today’s massive game files, the console’s built-in storage just doesn’t cut it for serious gamers. That’s where a high-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD comes into play, and an 8TB model gives you virtually unlimited space for your digital library.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Many gamers specifically ask, “Which is the Sabrent best 8tb ssd for ps5?” While Sabrent certainly offers top-tier options, other brands also have fantastic drives that meet or exceed Sony’s strict requirements. In this article, we’re diving deep into five of the best 8TB SSDs perfect for your PS5, comparing their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get your PS5 storage upgrade sorted!
SABRENT 8TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2
The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is a powerhouse, offering blistering speeds and a robust feature set that makes it a fantastic choice for any serious gamer. If you’re looking for the Sabrent best 8tb ssd for ps5 that delivers on all fronts, this drive should definitely be on your radar. It’s built for sustained performance, ensuring your games load quickly and run smoothly, even during intense gaming sessions. Its comprehensive error correction and wear-leveling features mean it’s designed to last, giving you peace of mind with your precious game library.
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Key Features:
- NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 Interface.
- PCIe 4.0 Compliant / NVMe 1.3 Compliant, fully compatible with PS5.
- Power Management Support for APST / ASPM / L1.2.
- Supports SMART and TRIM commands for optimal performance and longevity.
- Advanced Wear Leveling, Bad Block Management, Error Correction Code, and Over-Provisioning.
- Comes with FREE Sabrent Acronis True Image for easy cloning and utility for sector size re-formatting.
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Pros:
- Exceptional PCIe Gen4 speeds, ideal for PS5 performance requirements.
- Advanced data management features ensure drive longevity and stability.
- Included cloning software is a huge bonus for existing SSD users.
- High capacity eliminates storage worries for years to come.
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Cons:
- Does not come with a heatsink pre-installed, which is required for PS5 use (must be purchased separately).
- Premium price point, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the Rocket 4 Plus for its raw speed and reliability. Many PS5 owners have successfully installed it, noting significantly faster load times and the sheer joy of never deleting games again. The need for a separate heatsink is the most common point of consideration, but easily managed.
WD_BLACK 8TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
For PlayStation loyalists, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a dream come true. This officially licensed M.2 SSD for PS5 consoles takes all the guesswork out of upgrading your storage. You get the peace of mind knowing it’s designed and tested specifically for your console, including a pre-installed, optimized heatsink that fits perfectly into the PS5’s M.2 slot. It’s a true plug-and-play solution that lets you jump straight into the action without worrying about compatibility or thermal issues.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring full compatibility.
- Capacities up to 8TB for massive game libraries.
- Features an optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5 console.
- Allows playing games directly from the drive without transferring or deleting.
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen4 technology with read speeds up to 7,200MB/s.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and performance with PS5 due to official licensing.
- Pre-installed heatsink simplifies installation and ensures optimal thermal management.
- Outstanding read/write speeds for fast load times and smooth gameplay.
- Eliminates the need to manage games between internal and external storage.
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Cons:
- Tends to be slightly more expensive due to the official licensing.
- The heatsink is integrated, limiting customization options if you prefer a different cooling solution.
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User Impressions: PS5 users rave about the SN850P’s effortless installation and flawless performance. The “officially licensed” badge truly instills confidence, making it a no-brainer for those who want a worry-free expansion of their console’s storage. Load times are noticeably improved, and the quiet operation is a big plus.
WD_BLACK 8TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming Solid State Drive (PC Gaming Focus)
The WD_BLACK SN850X is an absolute beast for high-end PC gaming and workstations, but its impressive specs also make it a phenomenal choice for a PS5 storage upgrade. This drive is all about raw, unadulterated speed, designed to transform your PC gaming experience with ridiculously short load times. With up to 8TB of storage, you won’t just download more games; you’ll keep all your favorites without compromise, whether you’re building a massive PC library or expanding your PS5 collection. Its optional heatsink version is crucial for both PC and console to maintain peak performance.
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Key Features:
- Top-tier performance with insane speeds up to 7,200 MB/s.
- Capacities up to 8TB using Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance during intense sessions.
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for drive health monitoring and customization.
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds significantly reduce game load times on both PC and PS5.
- High endurance and reliability thanks to advanced 3D NAND technology.
- The optional heatsink is highly effective at preventing thermal throttling.
- Excellent choice for users who might also want to use it in a powerful gaming PC.
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Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only, limiting utility for console-only users.
- Heatsink version might be slightly thicker than some other PS5-specific options (though it usually fits).
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User Impressions: Gamers, particularly those with high-end PCs, can’t stop talking about the SN850X’s performance boost. It’s considered a premium drive that justifies its cost by delivering consistent, rapid data access. PS5 users also report excellent compatibility, appreciating the robust cooling the heatsink provides.
WD_BLACK 8TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State (PS5 Compatibility Highlight)
While often marketed for PC, the WD_BLACK 8TB SN850X is equally brilliant as a PS5 storage expansion, providing incredible speed and capacity for your console. Its PCIe Gen4 interface meets and exceeds Sony’s requirements, ensuring seamless gameplay and lightning-fast load times for all your PS5 titles. With 8TB of storage, you’re looking at virtually limitless space for even the most demanding game libraries, freeing you from the constant struggle of deciding which games to uninstall. The importance of its heatsink option for PS5 performance cannot be overstated, keeping your drive cool under pressure.
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Key Features:
- Unrivaled speeds up to 7,200 MB/s, perfectly suited for PS5’s demanding games.
- Expansive 8TB capacity built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Available with an integrated heatsink, essential for consistent performance within the PS5’s M.2 slot.
- Designed to deliver top-tier performance and short load times.
- Advanced features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management ensure stable operation.
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Pros:
- Exceeds PS5 speed requirements, guaranteeing future-proof performance.
- Massive storage capacity solves all your game storage woes.
- The heatsink option is highly effective for maintaining optimal temperatures inside the PS5.
- Reliable Western Digital brand, trusted by gamers worldwide.
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Cons:
- While compatible, it’s not “officially licensed” like the SN850P, which might matter to some users.
- Price can be a consideration, but the performance and capacity are top-tier.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners who choose the SN850X are consistently impressed by its performance. They highlight how easily it integrates into the console (especially the heatsink version) and how quickly games load. Many consider it an excellent alternative to the officially licensed drives, often offering a great balance of price and performance.
SAMSUNG SSD 9100 PRO 8TB, PCIe 5.0×4 M.2 2280
If you’re all about cutting-edge technology and future-proofing your setup, the SAMSUNG SSD 9100 PRO 8TB is a game-changer. This drive unleashes breakthrough PCIe 5.0 performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with sequential read/write speeds that are simply astonishing. While the PS5 currently utilizes PCIe Gen4, investing in a Gen5 drive like the 9100 PRO means you’re not just ready for today’s games but also for any future console iterations or PC upgrades. It’s built for those who demand the absolute best in speed, efficiency, and storage capacity, making it a true performance titan for creative tasks, intense gaming, and everything in between.
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Key Features:
- BREAKTHROUGH PCIe 5.0 performance with up to 14,800/13,400 MB/s sequential read/write speeds.
- Exceptional random read/write speeds up to 2,200K/2,600K IOPS.
- 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over previous generations.
- Advanced thermal control ensures smooth and reliable performance under load.
- Comes with Magician Software for seamless firmware updates, encryption, and drive health monitoring.
- 8TB capacity, ideal for massive game libraries and creative projects.
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Pros:
- Unmatched PCIe 5.0 speeds offer incredible performance, future-proofing your investment.
- Outstanding power efficiency and advanced thermal management keep the drive cool.
- Massive 8TB capacity provides endless storage for games and applications.
- Samsung’s Magician software adds value with easy management and updates.
- World’s #1 flash memory brand reputation for reliability and quality.
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Cons:
- PS5 cannot fully utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds, meaning you’re paying for performance the console doesn’t fully unlock (yet).
- Likely requires an external heatsink (not included) that fits within the PS5’s M.2 slot dimensions, as the drive itself is often without one for its raw performance.
- Premium price point, reflecting its cutting-edge technology.
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User Impressions: Early adopters of the 9100 PRO are blown away by its raw speed, even if their current systems (like the PS5) can’t fully harness its Gen5 capabilities. They appreciate the responsiveness and the potential for future upgrades. The advanced thermal control is a frequently cited positive, ensuring stable performance despite the extreme speeds.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need an 8TB SSD for my PS5?
A: Modern PS5 games are incredibly large, often ranging from 50GB to well over 150GB each. An 8TB SSD provides an enormous amount of space, allowing you to install dozens, if not hundreds, of games without constantly deleting and re-downloading. It future-proofs your console, especially with a growing digital game library, ensuring you always have room for new titles and updates.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5, and which should I choose?
A: The PS5 officially supports PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSDs, requiring a minimum read speed of 5,500 MB/s. PCIe Gen5 SSDs offer significantly faster speeds (up to double that of Gen4), but the PS5’s current hardware can’t fully utilize these higher speeds. While a Gen5 drive will still work and meet the PS5’s requirements, you’re paying a premium for performance that isn’t fully realized by the console. A high-quality Gen4 drive is typically the more cost-effective choice for a PS5-specific upgrade, but Gen5 offers future-proofing if you plan to use the drive in a next-gen PC down the line.
Q3: Do all M.2 SSDs need a heatsink for PS5?
A: Yes, Sony strongly recommends (and practically requires) an M.2 SSD with a heatsink for PS5 compatibility. The heatsink helps dissipate heat generated by the drive during intense gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down performance or even damage the SSD over time. Many compatible drives come with one pre-installed, while others (like some Sabrent best 8tb ssd for ps5 options) may require you to purchase and install one separately.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 and unplug all cables. Remove the console’s side cover (the one without the disc drive slot), then unscrew the M.2 expansion slot cover. Insert the SSD into the slot, secure it with the provided screw, replace the covers, and power on. The PS5 will then guide you through the formatting process. Make sure to consult the official PlayStation guide for detailed steps.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD?
A: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external USB SSD or HDD. While you can use external storage to store PS5 games (and transfer them back to internal storage when you want to play), you can only play PS4 games directly from an external drive. For playing PS5 games, you need an internal M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the console’s expansion slot or the console’s built-in storage.
Q6: What read speed is recommended for a PS5 SSD?
A: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe SSD with a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. All the drives reviewed here comfortably exceed this recommendation, ensuring optimal performance for your PS5 games.
Q7: Is Sabrent a good brand for PS5 SSDs?
A: Absolutely! Sabrent is a highly reputable brand known for producing high-performance and reliable NVMe SSDs. Their Rocket series, including the 8TB Rocket 4 Plus, consistently ranks among the top choices for PC and console gamers alike. When considering the Sabrent best 8tb ssd for ps5, you can expect excellent speed, durability, and a competitive price, making them a solid choice for your console’s storage upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with an 8TB NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. No more agonizing over which games to delete, no more waiting for slow downloads – just pure, unadulterated gaming freedom.
Whether you opt for the robust and reliable Sabrent best 8tb ssd for ps5 in the Rocket 4 Plus, the officially licensed ease of the WD_BLACK SN850P, the versatile power of the WD_BLACK SN850X, or the future-proof speed of the Samsung 9100 PRO, you’ll be giving your PlayStation 5 a serious performance boost. Each of these drives offers incredible speed and capacity, ensuring you’re ready for whatever next-gen gaming throws your way. Happy gaming!