Are you a PlayStation 4 Pro gamer tired of those agonizingly slow load times and constantly having to delete games to make space? You’re not alone! Upgrading your PS4 Pro’s internal storage is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your console, and a solid-state drive (SSD) is the ultimate solution. Specifically, a 2TB SSD gives you a massive amount of room for your ever-growing game library, letting you install dozens of blockbuster titles without a second thought.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of Lexar SSDs to help you find the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 Pro. Lexar is a well-respected brand in the storage industry, known for its reliable and high-performance products. While many modern SSDs, especially NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives, are designed for blazing-fast PCs and PlayStation 5 consoles, the PS4 Pro has specific hardware requirements. It uses a SATA III (Serial ATA Revision 3.0) interface for its internal drive bay. This means that while NVMe drives are incredibly fast, they simply aren’t compatible with your PS4 Pro’s internal slot. Don’t worry, we’ll clearly outline which Lexar SSDs fit the bill and which are better suited for other gaming setups!
Let’s explore some of Lexar’s top 2TB internal SSD offerings, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, and helping you determine the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 Pro if that’s your primary goal.
Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
This Lexar Play SSD is a beast, clearly designed with next-gen gaming in mind. If you’re a PS5 or PC gamer looking for dramatically reduced load times and seamless gameplay, this drive’s raw speed and integrated heatsink make it a fantastic choice. Its PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe interface pushes boundaries, ensuring your games and applications launch almost instantly. However, it’s crucial to note that while “Play” might make you think of PlayStation in general, this NVMe drive is specifically designed for the PlayStation 5 and modern PCs, not the PS4 Pro, due to its M.2 NVMe form factor and PCIe interface.
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Key Features:
- Designed to enhance your PS5 and PC gaming experience.
- Up to 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds.
- 1600TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance for the 2TB model.
- Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console.
- Includes a unique heatsink for easy installation and enhanced cooling.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance and accelerated data access.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for PS5 and PC gaming.
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- High endurance rating for longevity.
- Direct compatibility with PS5 for game storage.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible with PS4 Pro (requires SATA III 2.5-inch drive).
- Higher price point due to advanced technology.
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User Impressions: Gamers praise its incredible speed and ease of installation in PS5 consoles, noting a significant improvement in load times for demanding titles. The heatsink is a welcome addition, keeping things cool even during intense play sessions on compatible systems.
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Stepping into the future, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD, pushing performance limits to an astounding level. With speeds that seem almost unbelievable, this drive is tailor-made for the most demanding PC users, AI applications, and future-proof systems. It leverages advanced technology to reduce bottlenecks, making it an excellent choice for those with high-end AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 setups. If you’re building a top-tier PC or working with AI, this SSD is a game-changer. Just like the previous NVMe drive, its Gen5 interface means it’s far beyond the capabilities of the PS4 Pro and isn’t compatible with it.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations.
- Optimized heat control via a powerful 6nm controller.
- Ideal internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks in AI model training.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer and system responsiveness.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for significantly boosted game loads on PC.
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Pros:
- Unprecedented speeds for top-tier PC performance.
- Future-proof technology (PCIe Gen5).
- Excellent for demanding applications like AI and professional content creation.
- Advanced thermal management.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible with PS4 Pro (requires SATA III 2.5-inch drive).
- Requires a compatible Gen5 motherboard, making it a niche product for specific PCs.
- Premium price reflects bleeding-edge technology.
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User Impressions: Enthusiasts rave about its mind-boggling speeds in compatible PC builds, noting incredibly fast boot times and application loading. It’s considered an investment for those pushing the absolute limits of their computing experience.
Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid
Now we’re talking about a true contender for the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 Pro! The Lexar NS100 is a classic 2.5-inch SATA III internal solid-state drive, which is exactly the type of storage upgrade your PS4 Pro needs. It might not boast the astronomical speeds of NVMe drives, but for a PS4 Pro, its sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s are a massive improvement over the stock hard drive. This drive will significantly speed up game loading, system boot times, and overall console responsiveness, all within a compatible form factor. Plus, it’s more durable and reliable than traditional HDDs thanks to having no moving parts.
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Key Features:
- 2.5-inch SATA III form factor, perfect for PS4 Pro, laptops, and desktops.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- 960TBW endurance for the 2TB model.
- Three-year limited product support.
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Pros:
- Fully compatible with PS4 Pro.
- Dramatically improves PS4 Pro load times and responsiveness compared to HDD.
- Reliable and durable with no moving parts.
- More affordable than NVMe SSDs.
- Easy installation for PS4 Pro and laptops/desktops.
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Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (but perfectly adequate and compatible for PS4 Pro).
- Shorter warranty period than some Lexar NVMe drives.
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User Impressions: PS4 Pro users specifically highlight the noticeable improvement in game load times and general system fluidity after upgrading to the NS100. It’s often praised as a reliable and cost-effective upgrade that gives their console a new lease on life.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is another high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD that offers impressive speeds and includes a crucial heatsink for optimal thermal management. It’s designed to keep your system cool even during demanding gaming sessions, making it an excellent choice for PlayStation 5 consoles or gaming PCs. With speeds up to 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, it delivers a snappier gaming experience with quick loading screens and smooth transitions. Like other NVMe drives, this isn’t designed for the PS4 Pro, but its explicit PS5 compatibility makes it a strong option for next-gen console owners.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 1500TBW endurance for the 2TB model.
- Designed with a heatsink for enhanced cooling and power efficiency.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and high-performance PCs.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds.
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance.
- High endurance and power efficiency.
- Excellent for PS5 and PC gaming.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible with PS4 Pro (requires SATA III 2.5-inch drive).
- Heatsink might not fit in all cramped PC builds.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise its reliable high speeds and the peace of mind offered by the integrated heatsink. It’s a popular choice for PS5 storage expansions, with many noting its seamless integration and performance boost.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Similar to its heatsink-equipped sibling, the Lexar NM790 SSD without a heatsink is a powerhouse PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 drive. It delivers the same exceptional read and write speeds, making it perfect for hardcore gamers, creative professionals, and anyone who demands top-tier performance from their PC or PlayStation 5. The key difference here is the lack of a pre-installed heatsink, which can be an advantage if your motherboard or laptop already has a built-in heatsink or if space is extremely tight. Its single-sided design also makes it particularly appealing for laptop upgrades. Again, for clarity, this fantastic NVMe drive is not compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal storage slot.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 1500TBW endurance for the 2TB model.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and a great option for laptops due to its single-sided design.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast PCIe Gen 4 speeds.
- High endurance and excellent power efficiency.
- Single-sided design is great for compact laptops.
- Strong performance for PS5 and high-end PCs.
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Cons:
- NOT compatible with PS4 Pro (requires SATA III 2.5-inch drive).
- No included heatsink, so separate cooling might be needed for sustained heavy loads in some setups.
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User Impressions: Users love the raw speed and efficiency of this drive. It’s a go-to for many building compact gaming PCs or upgrading laptops, delivering a noticeable boost to system responsiveness and game performance.
Which Lexar Best 2TB Internal SSD for PS4 Pro Should You Choose?
After looking at these excellent Lexar 2TB internal SSD options, it’s clear there’s one standout choice if your primary goal is to find the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 Pro: the Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid.
This is the only drive on our list that is directly compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal drive bay. While the NVMe drives (Lexar Play, NM1090 PRO, and both NM790 models) offer far superior speeds, they simply won’t fit or function in your PS4 Pro. The NS100, on the other hand, provides a substantial speed and reliability upgrade over the stock hard drive, significantly enhancing your PS4 Pro gaming experience with faster load times and smoother navigation.
If you happen to own a PS5 or a high-performance gaming PC and are also looking for Lexar storage solutions for those systems, then the NVMe options like the Lexar Play SSD or the Lexar NM790 SSD (with or without heatsink) are phenomenal choices. The Lexar NM1090 PRO is a next-gen beast for those with bleeding-edge PCIe Gen5 compatible PCs.
Always double-check your console or system’s specific requirements before making a purchase to ensure full compatibility and the best possible performance!
FAQ Section
Q1: What type of internal SSD does the PS4 Pro use?
A1: The PS4 Pro requires a 2.5-inch SATA III (Serial ATA Revision 3.0) internal solid-state drive. It has a specific bay designed for this form factor and interface.
Q2: Can I use an NVMe M.2 SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A2: No, you cannot. NVMe M.2 SSDs, which use the PCIe interface, are not compatible with the PS4 Pro’s internal drive bay. They physically won’t fit and the PS4 Pro system does not have the necessary M.2 slot or interface to support them. These drives are primarily for PS5 consoles and modern PCs.
Q3: How difficult is it to install an internal SSD in a PS4 Pro?
A3: Upgrading the internal drive in a PS4 Pro is generally considered a straightforward process. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. Sony designed the PS4 Pro to make internal drive replacement relatively easy, usually involving removing a cover and a few screws. Many online guides and video tutorials are available to walk you through the steps.
Q4: What are the main benefits of upgrading to a 2TB SSD for my PS4 Pro?
A4: The primary benefits include significantly faster game load times, quicker system boot-up, faster application launching, and a massive 2TB of storage space. This means you can install many more games without constantly juggling your game library and deleting old titles. It also makes the console feel generally snappier and more responsive.
Q5: Will an SSD make my PS4 Pro games load significantly faster?
A5: Yes, absolutely! While the PS4 Pro’s SATA III interface limits the maximum theoretical speed compared to NVMe drives, a SATA SSD can still dramatically reduce game load times by up to 30-50% or even more compared to the slower mechanical hard drive that comes stock with the console. You’ll definitely notice the difference.
Q6: Is Lexar a good brand for PS4 Pro SSDs?
A6: Yes, Lexar is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality and reliable storage solutions. Their NS100 series, specifically the 2.5-inch SATA III model, is a solid choice for PS4 Pro users looking for a performance and capacity upgrade.
Q7: Do I need to back up my data before installing a new SSD in my PS4 Pro?
A7: Yes, it is highly recommended to back up your PS4 Pro data (game saves, captured screenshots/videos, downloaded games, etc.) to an external hard drive or to PlayStation Plus cloud storage before replacing the internal SSD. Installing a new internal drive will wipe the console, requiring you to reinstall the PS4 system software and then restore your backed-up data.