Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? If you’re a serious gamer, you know that modern AAA titles gobble up storage faster than you can download them. That tiny 825GB internal drive (with even less usable space) just doesn’t cut it anymore. Thankfully, upgrading your PS5’s storage is a breeze, and a high-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD is the perfect solution. But not just any SSD will do – you need one that’s fast enough to keep up with the PS5’s demanding requirements.
That’s where Crucial comes in. As a trusted name in memory and storage, Crucial offers some fantastic M.2 SSDs that are perfect for expanding your PS5 game library. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 options, ensuring you get both massive storage and incredible speed. We’ll dive into what makes these drives stand out, helping you pick the perfect one to supercharge your console. Let’s get your digital game collection sorted!
Why a 4TB M.2 SSD for Your PS5?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly address why a 4TB M.2 SSD is such a game-changer for your PS5:
- Massive Game Library: Modern games can easily exceed 100GB. A 4TB drive lets you install dozens of huge titles without constantly deleting and re-downloading.
- Blazing Fast Load Times: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs offer incredible read/write speeds, drastically reducing load screens and improving overall game performance.
- Future-Proofing: As games continue to grow in size and complexity, a 4TB drive ensures you’re ready for whatever the next generation throws at you.
- Dedicated PS5 Storage: Seamlessly store and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage, just like you would from the console’s internal drive.
The 5 Best Crucial M.2 SSDs for PS5
Let’s explore the top Crucial SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5, focusing on those sweet 4TB options!
1. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 is a solid contender if you’re looking for a dependable Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 that balances performance with value. This specific P310 model is explicitly designed with PS5 compatibility in mind, ensuring a smooth upgrade experience. It delivers respectable Gen4 speeds that will significantly boost your game loading times and overall system responsiveness compared to the stock console storage. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want ample storage for their extensive game library without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
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Pros:
- Explicitly stated PS5 compatibility.
- Excellent balance of speed and storage for the price.
- Trusted Crucial (Micron) reliability.
- Significant upgrade over PS5’s internal drive.
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems for versatility.
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Cons:
- While fast, it’s not the absolute top-tier speed compared to some premium Gen4 drives.
- Might require a separate heatsink for optimal PS5 use (check specific PS5 requirements).
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the P310 for its easy installation and immediate performance boost on their PS5. Many highlight the significant reduction in loading screens and the sheer peace of mind that comes with having 4TB of extra space for their digital game collection. It’s often recommended as a cost-effective upgrade that truly delivers.
2. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
When it comes to pure speed and convenience for your PS5, the Crucial T500 with a pre-installed heatsink is a top-tier choice. This drive is engineered for serious gamers and content creators, offering lightning-fast speeds that push the limits of PCIe Gen4. The inclusion of a heatsink is a huge plus for PS5 users, as it simplifies installation and ensures optimal thermal management, preventing throttling during intense gaming sessions. If you’re looking for an uncompromising performance upgrade, this Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 will not disappoint.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.05M/1.05M IOPs.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version is easy to install in your PlayStation 5 (non-heatsink option also available).
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage.
- CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps, run heavy workloads, and render photos or videos faster.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD.
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Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds, exceeding PS5’s recommended requirements.
- Integrated heatsink ensures hassle-free PS5 installation and thermal stability.
- Noticeably faster game loading and texture rendering.
- Excellent for both gaming and heavy content creation workloads.
- Adobe Creative Cloud offer is a nice bonus for some users.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to its top-tier performance and integrated heatsink.
- Non-heatsink version exists, but the heatsink version is highly recommended for PS5.
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely rave about the T500’s speed. Many users report a significant difference in PS5 game load times, often citing it as feeling even faster than the console’s internal SSD. The plug-and-play nature with the heatsink is frequently highlighted as a major convenience, making it a favorite for those wanting a straightforward, high-performance upgrade.
3. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
While our main focus is on the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5, we’ve included this 2TB P310 variant because it represents an excellent value proposition from the same reliable series. If your storage needs aren’t quite at the 4TB mark yet, or you’re looking for a more budget-friendly upgrade, this 2TB version of the P310 delivers the same great Gen4 performance and PS5 compatibility as its larger sibling. It’s a fantastic way to double or triple your PS5’s usable storage with a reliable Crucial drive.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 2TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
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Pros:
- More affordable entry point for PS5 storage expansion.
- Maintains strong Gen4 performance for gaming.
- Explicitly PS5 compatible.
- Reliable Crucial brand quality.
- Easy to install for a quick upgrade.
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Cons:
- 2TB might still feel limited for extremely large game libraries over time.
- Still requires a separate heatsink for optimal PS5 use.
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User Impressions: Users find the 2TB P310 to be a perfect sweet spot for an initial PS5 upgrade. They appreciate the noticeable speed improvements and the increased capacity for their primary game rotation. It’s often highlighted as a smart, cost-effective choice for those not quite ready to commit to a 4TB drive but still wanting a significant boost.
4. Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
This specific Crucial P310 4TB SSD focuses on broad compatibility, making it an excellent choice not just for PCs and laptops, but also for a range of modern gaming consoles. While not explicitly titled “PS5 SSD” like the first P310 on our list, its identical performance specs and Gen4 capabilities mean it’s perfectly capable of delivering that crucial speed and storage for your PlayStation 5. It’s a versatile, high-capacity drive that offers robust performance for demanding applications and an extensive game library, ensuring you have plenty of room for all your digital adventures.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
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Pros:
- Generous 4TB capacity for massive game installations.
- Strong Gen4 speeds suitable for PS5 requirements.
- Highly versatile, working with various gaming consoles and PCs.
- Built with Crucial’s renowned reliability and thermal control.
- Backward compatibility for older systems.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink, which is essential for PS5 use.
- Focuses on broader compatibility rather than explicit PS5 optimization in its description.
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User Impressions: Users often commend this P310 for its excellent value, offering substantial 4TB storage and quick Gen4 performance. PC users appreciate its general speed boost for productivity and gaming, while console users (especially those who added their own heatsink) confirm its strong performance in their gaming setups. It’s seen as a reliable workhorse for extensive storage needs.
5. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD
Rounding out our list of the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 contenders is the Crucial T500, this time without the pre-installed heatsink. This option is perfect if you already have a heatsink solution in mind or prefer to purchase one separately. You still get the incredible, class-leading Gen4 speeds of the T500, which translate to significantly faster game loading, smoother texture rendering, and a snappier overall gaming experience on your PS5. It’s the same powerhouse performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling, giving you flexibility for your setup.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.05M/1.05M IOPs.
- COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop or workstation, the T500 installs easily in your M.2 slot.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage.
- CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps, run heavy workloads, and render photos or videos faster.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD.
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Pros:
- Offers the absolute fastest Gen4 speeds in the Crucial lineup.
- Ideal for enthusiasts who want to choose their own heatsink.
- Significantly reduces game loading times and improves texture streaming.
- Excellent for high-performance computing beyond just gaming.
- Adobe Creative Cloud offer adds value.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for proper PS5 installation and thermal management.
- Premium price point for top-tier performance.
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User Impressions: Users who opt for the non-heatsink T500 appreciate the flexibility it offers in choosing a custom heatsink that might better fit their specific needs or aesthetic preferences. They consistently report phenomenal speed increases in games and applications, confirming that even without the integrated heatsink, the core performance is absolutely stellar. It’s highly praised for its raw power and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need a 4TB SSD for my PS5?
A1: Modern PS5 games are incredibly large, often exceeding 100GB per title. A 4TB SSD significantly expands your storage, allowing you to install dozens of games without having to constantly delete and re-download them, giving you a massive digital game library at your fingertips.
Q2: Is a heatsink necessary for PS5 M.2 SSDs?
A2: Yes, Sony strongly recommends (and often requires) an M.2 SSD heatsink for PS5 compatibility. This is crucial for dissipating heat and maintaining optimal performance, especially during extended gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling. Some SSDs, like the Crucial T500 (with heatsink), come with one pre-installed.
Q3: How do I install a Crucial M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A3: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 and unplug all cables. Then, remove the console’s side cover, locate the M.2 expansion slot, remove its cover screw, insert the SSD (with heatsink) into the slot, secure it, and replace the covers. The PS5 will then guide you through formatting the drive. Crucial often provides detailed installation guides on their website as well.
Q4: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 NVMe SSDs for PS5?
A4: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to Gen3 drives. The PS5 requires a Gen4 NVMe SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s for optimal performance. While Gen3 drives might fit, they won’t meet the PS5’s performance requirements and games may not run as intended directly from them.
Q5: Are Crucial SSDs reliable for gaming on PS5?
A5: Absolutely. Crucial is a well-established brand owned by Micron, one of the largest memory and storage manufacturers in the world. Their SSDs, like the P310 and T500 series, are built with high-quality components and undergo rigorous testing, making them very reliable for demanding applications like gaming on the PS5.
Q6: Can I use any 4TB M.2 SSD with my PS5?
A6: Not just any M.2 SSD will work. For your PS5, you need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It also needs to be compatible with the M.2 2280 form factor and have a heatsink. Always check the specific drive’s specifications against Sony’s requirements. The Crucial drives listed above meet these criteria.
Q7: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty, as Sony explicitly provides an expansion slot for this purpose. Just make sure to follow the official installation instructions to avoid any accidental damage.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a high-capacity M.2 SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. A Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 provides not just immense space for your ever-growing game library, but also the blazing-fast speeds needed to keep up with modern titles.
Whether you opt for the excellent value and reliable performance of the Crucial P310 series or the cutting-edge speed of the Crucial T500 with or without its integrated heatsink, you’re choosing a drive from a trusted brand that will transform your PlayStation 5. Say goodbye to deleting games and hello to an expansive, lightning-fast gaming world!