Are you tired of sluggish loading screens and long installation times on your PlayStation 4? It’s no secret that the standard hard drive (HDD) in a PS4 can be a bottleneck for your gaming fun. Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. And when it comes to reliable, performance-boosting storage, Crucial SSDs are a fantastic choice. But which Crucial best SSD for PS4 is right for you?
We’ve scoured the options to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top Crucial SSDs that can supercharge your PS4. Whether you’re looking for an internal upgrade or a handy external solution, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to experience faster game loading, smoother gameplay, and an overall snappier console performance!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with a Crucial SSD?
Before we dive into the specific products, let’s quickly recap the incredible benefits of a PS4 SSD upgrade:
- Blazing Fast Loading Times: Games will load significantly quicker, getting you into the action faster.
- Smoother Gameplay: While not directly impacting frame rates, faster data access can reduce texture pop-in and improve overall responsiveness.
- Quicker Installations & Updates: Say goodbye to lengthy waits for game installations and patches.
- Enhanced System Responsiveness: Your PS4’s dashboard and menus will feel snappier and more fluid.
- Durability & Reliability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resilient to drops and vibrations than traditional HDDs.
Our Top Picks: The Crucial Best SSD for PS4 Options
Here are our top Crucial SSD recommendations, designed to transform your PS4 gaming experience.
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to seriously boost their PS4’s performance without breaking the bank. It’s a straightforward internal upgrade that replaces your console’s existing hard drive, offering a noticeable improvement in boot times and game loading speeds. This drive is all about delivering solid, reliable performance that makes a real difference in your day-to-day gaming.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster, load files quicker, and improve overall system responsiveness
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life (if used in a laptop) because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND technology for reliable performance
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money, very affordable entry into SSD performance
- Significant speed upgrade over the PS4’s stock HDD
- Energy-efficient and runs quietly
- 1TB capacity is a good balance for many gamers
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Cons:
- SATA interface is not as fast as NVMe (though PS4 is limited by SATA III anyway)
- May eventually fill up for very avid digital game collectors
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the BX500 series for its ease of installation and the immediate, dramatic improvement in PS4 loading times. Many note it feels like a “new console” after the upgrade.
See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re a gamer who loves digital downloads and hates uninstalling games, the Crucial BX500 2TB offers the perfect blend of speed and generous storage capacity. It provides the same fantastic performance benefits as its 1TB sibling but gives you double the space to keep all your favorite titles installed and ready to play. This makes it a serious contender for the Crucial best SSD for PS4 if you have a growing game library.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster, load files quicker, and improve overall system responsiveness
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life (if used in a laptop) because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND technology for reliable performance
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Great balance of storage and performance for most gamers
- Still very affordable for a 2TB SSD
- Noticeable speed boost for game loading and system operations
- Reliable Crucial branding
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the PS4’s SATA III interface
- For some, 2TB still might not be enough if you literally never delete anything
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User Impressions: Customers love the 2TB BX500 for giving them ample space alongside the speed benefits. It’s often recommended for those who want a “set it and forget it” internal upgrade that handles a large game collection.
See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial BX500 4TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For the ultimate digital hoarder or the gamer with an incredibly vast library, the Crucial BX500 4TB is a dream come true. This colossal storage drive means you can download practically every game you own and still have room for more. It brings all the speed advantages of the BX500 series – faster loading, quicker installations – with an unrivaled capacity for an internal PS4 SSD. You truly won’t have to worry about deleting games for a very long time with this beast.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster, load files quicker, and improve overall system responsiveness
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life (if used in a laptop) because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND technology for reliable performance
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity is perfect for the most demanding game libraries
- Still provides a significant speed boost over the stock HDD
- Reliable and energy-efficient operation
- Excellent for future-proofing your PS4 storage
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Cons:
- Higher price point compared to smaller capacities
- SATA III interface is the bottleneck, not the SSD’s raw potential
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User Impressions: This drive is a favorite among users who have gone all-digital and want to avoid managing their storage constantly. They highlight the convenience of having every game installed and ready, combined with the clear speed improvements.
See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Important Note for PS4 Users: While an incredibly powerful and fast drive, the Crucial P310 is a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD. The PS4 uses an internal SATA III 2.5-inch drive bay. This means the P310 cannot be installed directly into your PS4 internally. However, it could theoretically be used as an external drive if paired with a compatible NVMe to USB 3.0 enclosure. But even then, the PS4’s USB 3.0 port would significantly bottleneck its Gen4 speeds, meaning you wouldn’t get the full performance benefits. This drive shines in modern PCs and the PS5, where its blazing speeds can be fully utilized.
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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 1TB 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
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance
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Pros:
- Extremely fast for compatible systems (PC, PS5)
- High capacity for games and other media
- Reliable Crucial/Micron build quality
- Excellent for future-proofing your storage for other devices
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Cons (specifically for PS4):
- Not compatible with PS4’s internal drive slot
- Using it externally with a PS4 would severely limit its incredible speed
- Overkill and not cost-effective for PS4-specific performance benefits
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User Impressions: For users with compatible devices (like modern PCs or a PS5), the P310 is highly praised for its incredible speed and smooth performance. It’s often highlighted as a significant upgrade over SATA SSDs in the right system.
See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
If you’re looking for a fuss-free external storage solution for your PS4, the Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD is an excellent choice. This isn’t an internal upgrade, but it lets you easily expand your game library and benefit from faster loading times for games stored on it. Its robust, portable design means you can even take your games on the go if you frequently play at a friend’s house. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, making it super versatile.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters)
- Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 2TB SSD
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register
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Pros:
- Simple plug-and-play external storage for PS4 (no internal installation needed)
- Very fast read/write speeds, offering a noticeable improvement over external HDDs
- Extremely durable and portable design
- Broad compatibility across multiple platforms
- Generous 2TB capacity
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Cons:
- Won’t provide the same speed boost as an internal SSD for games running directly from the main internal drive
- Limited by the PS4’s USB 3.0 port speeds (maxing out around 400-500 MB/s real-world)
- Generally more expensive per GB than internal SATA SSDs
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User Impressions: Users love the X9’s robust build quality, compact size, and effortless setup. It’s a favorite for expanding game libraries and providing speedy external storage for games across various consoles and devices.
See it on Amazon here
Conclusion: Finding Your Crucial Best SSD for PS4
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with a Crucial SSD is one of the smartest moves you can make to revitalize your gaming experience. For most PS4 users looking for a direct internal upgrade, the Crucial BX500 series (1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB) offers the best balance of performance, capacity, and value. They’re specifically designed for the SATA III interface that the PS4 utilizes, making them a perfect fit. If you prefer an easy, plug-and-play external solution with great durability, the Crucial X9 Portable SSD is an excellent choice.
No matter which Crucial SSD you choose, you’ll be treated to faster loading screens, quicker installations, and a generally snappier console. Get ready to game on!
FAQ: Your Crucial Best SSD for PS4 Questions Answered
Q1: Will upgrading to an SSD void my PS4 warranty?
A: No, replacing the hard drive in your PS4 is an officially supported process by Sony and will not void your console’s warranty. Just make sure to follow the instructions for your specific PS4 model carefully.
Q2: How much faster will my PS4 be with a Crucial SSD?
A: You can expect significantly faster game loading times, often cutting them down by 30-50% or more compared to the stock HDD. Installation times and overall system navigation will also feel much quicker. The exact speed increase varies by game and SSD model.
Q3: Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in a PS4?
A: Not at all! The process is fairly straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, a USB drive to reinstall the PS4 system software, and about 15-30 minutes. There are many helpful video tutorials online for each PS4 model (Original, Slim, Pro).
Q4: Can I use an external Crucial SSD for all my PS4 games?
A: Yes, you can designate an external SSD as extended storage for your PS4. This allows you to install and run games directly from it. The console’s internal drive will still be used for system software, save data, and possibly some game data depending on how you manage it.
Q5: Which Crucial SSD capacity should I choose for my PS4?
A: It depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: Good for casual to moderate gamers with a decent digital library.
* 2TB: Ideal for most avid gamers who download many titles and don’t want to constantly manage space.
* 4TB: Best for those with massive digital game collections who want to install everything and never worry about storage.
Q6: Do I need an SSD enclosure if I buy an internal Crucial SSD?
A: If you’re using it as an internal replacement for your PS4’s original HDD, no enclosure is needed. The PS4 has a dedicated drive bay for 2.5-inch SATA drives. If you want to use the old PS4 HDD externally after upgrading, then you’d need a 2.5-inch SATA enclosure for it.
Q7: Will an SSD improve my game’s frame rate on PS4?
A: No, an SSD primarily improves loading times, texture streaming, and overall system responsiveness. It does not directly affect a game’s frame rate, which is determined by the PS4’s CPU and GPU.