Hey there, fellow PlayStation 5 enthusiasts! Ever felt that sting when you’ve got to delete a beloved game just to make space for a new one? With today’s massive game files, the PS5’s internal storage can fill up faster than you can say “trophy unlocked.” Thankfully, there’s a brilliant solution: adding a high-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Crucial often leads the pack.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into some of the best 4TB M.2 SSDs that can turn your PS5 into a gaming powerhouse. We’ll explore why a 4TB drive is a game-changer and help you find the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 that fits your needs perfectly. Let’s get that storage sorted!
Why You Need a 4TB M.2 SSD for Your PS5
Your PlayStation 5 is an incredible machine, but its usable 825GB internal storage (which is less after the system software) can feel restrictive. Modern AAA titles often demand 100GB or more, meaning you can only fit a handful of games before hitting the ceiling. A 4TB M.2 SSD dramatically expands that capacity, letting you store dozens of games, future-proof your console, and keep all your favorites ready to play at lightning-fast speeds. It’s not just about space; it’s about convenience and uninterrupted gaming.
Key Considerations When Choosing a PS5 M.2 SSD
Before we jump into the reviews, here’s what you should keep an eye out for when selecting an M.2 SSD for your PS5:
- PCIe Gen4 Compatibility: The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD for optimal performance. Don’t settle for Gen3!
- Speed: Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. Faster is always better for snappier load times and seamless gameplay.
- Capacity: We’re focusing on 4TB here, which offers ample room for an extensive game library.
- Heatsink: This is CRUCIAL. M.2 SSDs can get hot, especially under heavy loads like gaming. A heatsink dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance. Some drives come with one; for others, you’ll need to buy one separately.
- Form Factor: The PS5 supports 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110 M.2 sizes. Most gaming SSDs are 2280, which fits perfectly.
Now, let’s look at some top contenders, including the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 options available!
Product Reviews: Top 4TB M.2 SSDs for PS5
Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 2280 is an excellent entry-point for PS5 gamers looking to seriously boost their storage without breaking the bank. While it might not hit the absolute bleeding edge of Gen4 speeds, its impressive 7,100 MB/s read speeds are more than enough to meet and exceed Sony’s recommendations for PS5, ensuring snappy load times and smooth performance. It’s a reliable workhorse, providing a massive 4TB of space for all your current and future gaming adventures.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 4TB 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.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for a 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD.
- Exceeds PS5 minimum speed requirements comfortably.
- Trusted Crucial (Micron) reliability.
- Backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
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Cons:
- Does not include an integrated heatsink (needs a separate purchase for PS5).
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market, but still very fast.
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User Impressions: Gamers often praise the P310 for its straightforward installation and significant performance boost on their PS5. Many find it to be a fantastic balance of price, capacity, and speed, making game load times noticeably quicker. Users appreciate the reliable performance for both gaming and general PC use.
Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
Now we’re talking serious speed! The Crucial T500 with its integrated heatsink is practically tailor-made for the PS5. This beast delivers lightning-fast sequential reads up to 7,000MB/s and writes up to 6,900MB/s, pushing the limits of what Gen4 can offer. The pre-installed heatsink is a huge plus, meaning you can drop it straight into your PS5 without needing to worry about additional purchases or tricky installations. It’s the ultimate upgrade for competitive gamers and content creators alike.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Up to 7,000/6,900MB/s sequential reads/writes.
- PS5 READY: Integrated heatsink for easy installation in your PlayStation 5.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster with better texture renders.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in creation apps.
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds, ideal for the most demanding games.
- Comes with an integrated heatsink, perfect for PS5.
- Boosts game loading times significantly.
- Great for both gaming and professional content creation.
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to premium performance and included heatsink.
- Might be overkill for very casual users.
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User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the T500’s incredible speed and the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink for PS5 installation. Gamers report drastically reduced load times and a smoother overall experience. The drive is consistently praised for its robust performance and ease of setup.
Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up (General Compatibility)
This version of the Crucial P310 4TB SSD offers the same fantastic Gen4 performance and capacity as its PS5-labeled sibling, making it a versatile choice. With read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s, it easily meets the PS5’s requirements, but its broader compatibility extends to various gaming handhelds and PCs. It’s a solid, budget-friendly option for those who want a reliable 4TB Gen4 NVMe drive for multiple devices, including their PS5 (provided you add a heatsink).
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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.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (e.g., ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun) AND PS5 with heatsink.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for the price.
- Massive 4TB storage capacity.
- Highly versatile for various systems, including PS5.
- Reliable and durable build quality.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Performance, while great, isn’t top-tier Gen4 (but still PS5-ready).
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the P310’s consistent performance and the value it offers for a 4TB Gen4 drive. Many highlight its ease of installation in PCs and various handhelds. For PS5 users, the common feedback is positive, often noting the simple addition of a third-party heatsink completes a fantastic, cost-effective upgrade.
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Stepping slightly away from Crucial for a moment, the Lexar NM790 with a heatsink is a fierce competitor that deserves your attention. Boasting incredible speeds of up to 7,400MB/s read and 6,500MB/s write, it’s one of the fastest drives on this list, offering true top-tier Gen4 performance. What really makes it shine is the included heatsink, making it instantly PS5-ready, and its impressive power efficiency, which means less heat and potentially longer drive lifespan. It’s a premium offering without the usual premium price tag.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional Performance: Up to 7,400MB/s read, 6,500MB/s write; 3000TBW endurance.
- Integrated Heatsink: Keeps your system cool for better performance and power efficiency.
- Power Efficiency: Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0: Optimizes transfer speed and performance.
- PS5 Compatible: Ready for PlayStation 5 installation.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast, exceeding PS5 requirements with ease.
- Comes with an integrated heatsink for instant PS5 compatibility.
- Excellent power efficiency for cooler operation.
- Strong endurance (TBW) and a good warranty.
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Cons:
- Not a Crucial brand, if you have specific brand loyalty.
- May be slightly less established in the market compared to some giants, but Lexar is a reputable brand.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Lexar NM790 for its blazing speeds and the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink. Many consider it a superb alternative to more expensive drives, offering comparable performance and easy PS5 installation. The power efficiency is also a frequently highlighted positive.
Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD, Up (Without Heatsink)
This is the Crucial T500 without the pre-installed heatsink, offering the same blistering speeds as its heatsink-equipped sibling. If you’re someone who already has a preferred heatsink or if you’re installing this in a PC or laptop where thermal management is handled differently, this version provides the top-tier T500 performance at a slightly lower cost. It’s incredibly fast, with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s, making it a stellar choice for demanding games and content creation, just remember to pair it with a PS5-compatible heatsink for your console.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s.
- COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop, or workstation.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders.
- CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us.
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds, ideal for high-performance gaming.
- More flexible for users who prefer custom heatsinks or have other use cases.
- Strong performance for both gaming and heavy workloads.
- Includes a valuable Adobe Creative Cloud offer.
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink, which is essential for PS5 use and must be purchased separately.
- Without a heatsink, it’s not a plug-and-play solution for PS5.
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User Impressions: Users love the raw power and speed of the T500, often noting its transformative impact on game load times and system responsiveness. For those who opt for this version, the common feedback revolves around the need to acquire a separate heatsink for PS5, but the performance payoff is consistently highlighted as worth the extra step.
Wrapping Up: Finding Your Perfect PS5 Storage
There you have it! Boosting your PS5’s storage with a 4TB M.2 SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make, and Crucial, alongside strong contenders like Lexar, offers some fantastic options. Whether you prioritize pure speed and convenience with an integrated heatsink like the Crucial T500 (with heatsink) or the Lexar NM790, or you’re looking for a more budget-friendly yet still powerful option like the Crucial P310, there’s a drive here for you.
Remember, the Crucial best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 will depend on your specific needs and budget, but all the drives listed above offer a significant upgrade to your gaming experience. No more deleting games – just more playing!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need a 4TB SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5’s internal storage is limited (around 667GB usable). With modern game sizes often exceeding 100GB, a 4TB SSD allows you to store dozens of AAA titles, media, and applications without constantly deleting and re-downloading games, offering immense convenience and future-proofing your console.
Q2: What speeds does the PS5 require for an M.2 SSD?
A2: Sony officially recommends an M.2 NVMe SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. All the drives reviewed above meet or exceed this requirement, ensuring optimal performance for your games.
Q3: Is a heatsink necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is crucial. M.2 SSDs generate significant heat, especially under the sustained loads of gaming. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling which can reduce performance and potentially shorten the drive’s lifespan. Sony explicitly states that a heatsink is required.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. Simply power down your PS5, remove the side cover, unscrew the expansion slot cover, insert the SSD (with heatsink) into the slot, secure it, and replace the covers. The PS5 will then guide you through formatting the new drive.
Q5: Can I use any M.2 SSD with my PS5?
A5: No, not just any M.2 SSD. It must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD (not Gen3 or SATA) with a minimum recommended sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s, and it must have an attached heatsink. It also needs to fit within specific physical dimensions.
Q6: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs for PS5?
A6: PCIe Gen4 SSDs are significantly faster than Gen3 SSDs, offering roughly double the theoretical bandwidth. The PS5 is designed to leverage these higher Gen4 speeds for faster game loading and data transfers. While a Gen3 SSD might technically fit, it won’t meet the PS5’s performance requirements and won’t work correctly.
Q7: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an M.2 SSD in the designated expansion slot will not void your PS5’s warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official instructions and don’t damage any components during installation.
Q8: Are all Crucial 4TB M.2 SSDs compatible with PS5?
A8: Not necessarily all, but many are! You need to ensure it’s a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 drive, and most importantly, it must have a heatsink installed to be fully compliant and perform optimally in the PS5. Always check the specific model’s specifications and ensure it includes or can be fitted with a suitable heatsink.