So, you’ve got a PlayStation 5, and it’s a beast, right? But after downloading a few of those massive AAA titles, you’ve probably noticed something: storage space disappears faster than a free slice of pizza at a party. It’s a common struggle for PS5 owners, with the console’s usable 825GB quickly filling up. The good news? You can easily expand that storage with an internal SSD, giving your game library plenty of room to breathe.
But not just any SSD will do. To keep up with the PS5’s incredible speed, you need a high-performance PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, ideally with an integrated heatsink. Finding the best internal SSD for PS5 can feel like a mini-quest itself, with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you pick the perfect upgrade.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best internal SSD for PS5, focusing on speed, reliability, and of course, PS5 compatibility. Let’s dive in and see which drive will transform your gaming experience!
Understanding PS5 SSD Requirements
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s a quick rundown of what your PS5 needs from an internal SSD:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Capacity: 250GB – 8TB
- Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster (the faster, the better!)
- Form Factor: M.2 Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
- Heatsink: Absolutely essential for thermal management and sustained performance. Many drives come with one, or you can buy one separately.
Now, let’s look at the drives that meet (and often exceed!) these requirements.
Our Top Picks for the Best Internal SSD for PS5
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
If you’re looking for an SSD that screams “premium performance,” the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is it. This drive is a true powerhouse, pushing the limits of PCIe Gen4 to deliver incredibly fast load times and seamless gameplay. It’s designed to keep its cool even during intense gaming sessions, thanks to its integrated heatsink, ensuring your PS5 runs smoothly without thermal throttling. Think of it as giving your PS5 a super-charged engine upgrade!
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Key Features
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- PCIe Gen 4.0 interface for top-tier performance.
- Integrated ultra-slim heatsink for superior temperature control.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
- Fully compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles.
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Pros
- Exceptional speed delivers incredibly fast game loading.
- Excellent thermal management with the integrated heatsink.
- From a highly reputable and trusted brand in flash memory.
- Designed specifically with PS5 compatibility in mind.
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Cons
- Often comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors.
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User Impressions
Gamers consistently praise the 990 PRO for its remarkable speed and reliability. Many users report noticeable improvements in game loading and asset streaming on their PS5. The built-in heatsink is also a huge plus, giving peace of mind that their console will perform optimally.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
For PS5 owners who want the ultimate peace of mind, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a fantastic choice because it’s officially licensed by PlayStation. This means you can be absolutely sure of its compatibility and performance with your PS5 console. It comes with a specially designed heatsink that fits perfectly into the PS5’s expansion slot, making installation a breeze and ensuring optimal thermal performance for uninterrupted gaming.
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Key Features
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Designed with an optimized heatsink for easy PS5 installation.
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for rapid load times.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB, supporting up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Allows direct gameplay from the drive, no need to transfer games.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe (terms apply).
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Pros
- Guaranteed compatibility and seamless integration with PS5.
- Purpose-built heatsink fits perfectly.
- Excellent read speeds enhance the gaming experience.
- Bonus PlayStation Plus trial is a nice perk.
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Cons
- Might be slightly pricier due to the official licensing.
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User Impressions
Users love the plug-and-play nature and the assurance of official licensing. Many highlight how easy it was to install and how flawlessly it performs with their PS5, with games loading just as quickly (if not faster) than from the internal storage.
See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While not “officially licensed” like its SN850P sibling, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a gaming beast in its own right, offering incredible speeds and massive capacity options perfect for serious gamers. This drive is known for its raw power and is a fantastic choice for a PS5 SSD upgrade, especially if you opt for the version with the pre-attached heatsink. It delivers top-tier performance that will keep up with the most demanding games, ensuring minimal load times.
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Key Features
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for lightning-fast gaming.
- Available in capacities up to a massive 8TB.
- Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance.
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for reliability.
- Features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management.
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Pros
- Blazing-fast speeds significantly reduce load times.
- Offers incredibly large capacity options (up to 8TB).
- Heatsink option ensures consistent performance during long sessions.
- Robust build quality from a leading manufacturer.
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Cons
- The WD_BLACK Dashboard features are for Windows PCs only (not relevant for PS5 use).
- Requires choosing the heatsink version for PS5 compatibility.
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User Impressions
Gamers consistently praise the SN850X for its raw speed and reliability. Users report quick transfers and excellent in-game performance on their PS5, finding it a highly effective storage solution that truly boosts their gaming.
See it on Amazon here
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD offers an impressive balance of high performance and value, making it a strong contender for your PS5 storage expansion. This drive leverages cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver lightning-fast read and write speeds, significantly cutting down on game loading times. What’s more, it comes with two cooling solutions: a built-in graphene composite heat sink and an uninstalled heatsink included in the box, along with the necessary tools for easy setup.
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Key Features
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with speeds up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs.
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor.
- Available in 1TB/2TB capacities.
- Utilizes high-quality 3D NAND flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Includes a built-in graphene heatsink plus a separate, uninstalled heatsink, screws, and screwdriver.
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Pros
- Excellent speed-to-price ratio.
- Includes all necessary installation tools and an extra heatsink.
- Undergoes rigorous testing for stability and longevity.
- Efficient cooling design prevents thermal throttling.
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Cons
- MOVE SPEED is a less recognized brand compared to Samsung or WD.
- The primary heatsink is uninstalled, requiring a small DIY step.
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User Impressions
Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the performance of the MOVE SPEED HB7450 given its price point. The inclusion of the heatsink and screwdriver is a highly appreciated touch, making the installation process straightforward even for first-timers. Performance is reported to be excellent on PS5.
See it on Amazon here
fanxiang 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with Heatsink
If your main goal is massive storage for your PS5 without compromising on speed, the fanxiang 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD is a fantastic option. This drive packs a hefty 4TB capacity, meaning you can download an immense library of games without constantly juggling titles. It also boasts impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds and features a unique heatsink design to keep things cool, ensuring sustained performance even during the longest gaming marathons.
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Key Features
- PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology.
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
- Massive 4TB capacity option.
- Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage.
- Unique heatsink design for efficient thermal control.
- Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory.
- Comes with a 5-year after-sales service.
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Pros
- Huge 4TB capacity is perfect for extensive game libraries.
- Strong performance metrics keep up with PS5 demands.
- Effective thermal management thanks to its unique heatsink.
- Good value for such a high capacity drive.
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Cons
- Fanxiang is a newer name in the SSD market compared to established brands.
- Slightly lower write speed compared to the absolute fastest drives on this list.
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User Impressions
Users are particularly drawn to the large capacity and find the fanxiang SSD performs admirably on their PS5. Many appreciate the consistent speeds and the fact that they no longer have to delete games to make room for new ones. The included heatsink is also a big plus.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an internal SSD for my PS5?
A: The PS5’s internal storage (around 667GB usable) fills up quickly with modern game sizes. Adding an internal NVMe SSD allows you to expand your game library significantly, so you don’t have to constantly uninstall and reinstall games.
Q2: What kind of SSD do I need for my PS5?
A: You need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It must also have a heatsink for proper thermal management. All the drives listed above meet these requirements!
Q3: Do I really need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! Sony explicitly recommends a heatsink for PS5 SSDs. During intense gaming, SSDs can generate a lot of heat, which can lead to “thermal throttling” (where the drive slows down to prevent damage). A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, ensuring your SSD performs consistently at its top speed.
Q4: How difficult is it to install an SSD in a PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an easily accessible M.2 expansion slot. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process generally involves removing the PS5’s side cover, unscrewing a plate, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions, and there are many video tutorials available online.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from the expanded SSD storage?
A: Yes! Once you’ve installed a compatible internal M.2 SSD, you can download, install, and play PS5 games directly from it, just like you would from the console’s built-in storage. You can also move games between the internal console storage and the expanded SSD.
Q6: Will adding an SSD void my PS5’s warranty?
A: No, adding an M.2 SSD to your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation guidelines and don’t damage the console in the process. It’s a user-upgradeable component.
Q7: How much SSD storage do I need for my PS5?
A: This really depends on your gaming habits. If you play a lot of different games, especially large AAA titles (which can be 100GB+ each), 1TB is a good starting point. Many users find 2TB to be the sweet spot, offering ample space for a diverse library. For hardcore collectors, 4TB or even 8TB options are available.