So, you’re on the hunt for the Lexar best 4TB internal hard drive for PS4 SSD? That’s a fantastic goal for boosting your gaming experience! While the term “internal hard drive” might make you think of traditional HDDs, and “PS4 SSD” usually points to 2.5-inch SATA drives, modern high-performance gaming storage is all about NVMe SSDs, especially for the PlayStation 5. These lightning-fast drives offer colossal storage and speed that can truly revolutionize your gameplay, cutting down load times and giving you more space for those massive game libraries.
In this article, we’re diving deep into some of the top 4TB internal SSD options available, featuring excellent choices from Lexar and even a Samsung contender. We’ll explore what makes each drive special, weighing their pros and cons, and helping you figure out which one is the perfect fit for expanding your console storage, whether you’re looking for a serious PS5 upgrade or a top-tier solution for your PC gaming rig. Get ready to say goodbye to storage worries and hello to seamless gaming!
Why Upgrade Your Console’s Internal Storage?
Before we jump into the products, let’s quickly chat about why a storage upgrade is such a game-changer. Modern games are huge, often 100GB or more, and your console’s built-in storage fills up incredibly fast. An internal SSD upgrade offers:
- Massive Capacity: Store dozens of AAA titles without constantly deleting games to make space.
- Blazing Speeds: Drastically reduce game load times, map rendering, and overall system responsiveness.
- Future-Proofing: With PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 technology, you’re ready for the most demanding titles for years to come.
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: Smoother gameplay, less waiting, and more playing!
Now, let’s explore the best 4TB internal SSDs that fit the bill.
1. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
This Lexar Play SSD is engineered with gamers in mind, particularly those looking to expand their PlayStation 5 storage. It comes with a built-in heatsink, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions on the PS5. Not only does it boast incredible read and write speeds, significantly reducing load times, but it’s also tested and approved for the PS5, meaning you can play games directly off the drive without hassle. If you’re looking for a dedicated gaming drive that integrates seamlessly with your console, this one’s a top contender.
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Key Features:
- Designed specifically for PS5 to enhance gaming experience.
- Up to 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times.
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling.
- Tested and approved storage for PS5; play games directly from the drive.
- Can also be used for PC gaming, with HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance.
- Impressive 3200TBW endurance rating for the 4TB model.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- PS5-ready with integrated heatsink.
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds for rapid loading.
- High endurance rating ensures longevity.
- Easy installation for console users.
- Versatile for both console and PC.
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Cons:
- Might be overkill if you only have a PS4 (which can’t use NVMe).
- Premium pricing due to performance and heatsink.
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely love the plug-and-play nature for the PS5, praising its consistent performance and how much faster their games load. Many highlight the heatsink as a major bonus for peace of mind during long play sessions, noting it keeps temperatures well under control.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is another powerhouse designed to elevate your gaming and computing experience. Delivering blistering PCIe Gen 4 speeds, it’s roughly twice as fast as older Gen 3 SSDs, making every operation snappier. What truly sets this drive apart is its incredible power efficiency – up to 40% less power consumption than other DRAM cache-enabled Gen 4 SSDs. This, combined with its built-in heatsink, ensures your system stays cool and performs optimally without drawing excessive power, a definite plus for both performance and energy savings. It’s fully compatible with the PlayStation 5, making it a fantastic internal storage upgrade.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 3000TBW endurance for the 4TB model.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Designed with a heatsink for optimal 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 transfer speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed and power efficiency.
- Integrated heatsink for better thermal management.
- Great value for a high-performance Gen4 drive.
- PS5 compatibility for seamless expansion.
- Solid endurance rating.
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Cons:
- Still a premium price point compared to slower drives.
- Power efficiency benefits are more noticeable in laptops or small form factor PCs.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the NM790’s raw speed and its ability to keep cool under pressure, especially in PS5 consoles. The lower power consumption is often cited as a pleasant surprise, contributing to a more stable and efficient setup. It’s seen as a reliable, high-performance option.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This version of the Lexar NM790 offers the same incredible performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling but comes without the pre-attached cooling solution. This makes it an ideal choice if your motherboard already has robust M.2 heatsinks, or if you prefer to install a third-party heatsink of your own choosing. It maintains the impressive 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds, along with the remarkable power efficiency. Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators, its single-sided NVMe design also makes it perfect for compact laptops or mini PCs where space is at a premium. If you’re looking for the raw speed of a Lexar best 4TB internal hard drive for PS4 SSD (or more accurately, a PS5/PC NVMe SSD) without a bundled heatsink, this is it.
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Key Features:
- [4TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 3000TBW endurance; 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 transfer speeds.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (requires separate heatsink for PS5).
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops and slim devices.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing Gen4 speeds at a potentially lower cost without the integrated heatsink.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Ideal for systems with existing M.2 heatsinks or custom cooling.
- Compact, single-sided design for versatile compatibility.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 use.
- Not as convenient for PS5 as models with pre-attached heatsinks.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the flexibility this version offers, especially those building custom PCs or upgrading laptops. The performance is consistently highly rated, matching its heatsinked counterpart. Many find it a more cost-effective way to get high-speed storage if they already have cooling solutions.
- See it on Amazon here
4. SAMSUNG 870 EVO 4TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
While the high-speed NVMe drives above are perfect for PS5 and PC, if you’re truly looking for a 4TB internal hard drive for PS4 SSD (or an external solution for PS5), the Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary choice. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD maximizes the SATA III interface, delivering excellent sequential speeds of up to 560/530 MB/s. Samsung is renowned for its reliability and compatibility, and the 870 EVO lives up to that reputation, making it a fantastic upgrade for older consoles like the PS4, or as a speedy external game drive for the PS5 (via USB enclosure). It’s built to handle everything from everyday computing to demanding 8K video processing, offering industry-leading reliability and a massive 2,400 TBW endurance.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface with 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a large variable buffer.
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 2,400 TBW endurance for the 4TB model.
- Widely compatible with major host systems and applications.
- Class 0 (AES 256) TCG/Opal v2.0, MS eDrive (IEEE1667) encryption.
- Excellent for everyday computing, gaming, and content creation.
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Pros:
- One of the most reliable and popular SATA SSDs on the market.
- Perfect for PS4 internal upgrade, breathing new life into older consoles.
- Great external storage option for PS5 (with enclosure).
- Excellent value for money given its capacity and reliability.
- Broad compatibility.
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Cons:
- Significantly slower than NVMe PCIe Gen4/Gen5 SSDs.
- Doesn’t fit the M.2 NVMe slot of a PS5 internally.
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User Impressions: Universally praised for its rock-solid reliability, consistent performance, and ease of installation. PS4 users report a noticeable speed boost over traditional HDDs, while PC users love it for game libraries and general storage. It’s often recommended as a ‘set it and forget it’ solution.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Prepare for the future of gaming with the Lexar NM1090 PRO. This cutting-edge SSD harnesses PCIe 5.0 technology to deliver mind-boggling read/write speeds of up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s! That’s twice as fast as Gen4, making it an absolute beast for reducing load times by 200%. While not directly compatible with the PS5’s internal M.2 slot (which is Gen4), this drive is an absolute dream for high-end PC gamers, creators, and those building AI-powered PCs. It features a powerful 6nm controller for optimal heat control, DRAM Cache, and SLC Dynamic Cache for peak data transfer. If you’re building a top-tier PC or want the fastest storage available, this is the ultimate Lexar best 4TB internal hard drive for PS4 SSD (as in, the pinnacle of Lexar storage, though again, for PC, not PS4).
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to Gen4.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother performance.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating processing.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for greatly enhanced data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads and minimize delays.
- Designed for AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 platforms.
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Pros:
- Unmatched PCIe Gen5 speeds, setting new performance benchmarks.
- Ideal for future-proofing high-end PC builds.
- Exceptional for professional applications, content creation, and AI workloads.
- Advanced caching for superior responsiveness.
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Cons:
- Not compatible with PS5 internal M.2 slot (PS5 supports Gen4).
- Requires a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support to reach full potential.
- Premium price point.
- Likely requires a very robust heatsink, often bundled or on motherboard.
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User Impressions: Early adopters of Gen5 systems are blown away by the speed, describing it as “instantaneous” for game loads and file transfers. They commend its performance in demanding applications and its ability to handle large datasets with ease, calling it an essential component for high-performance computing.
- See it on Amazon here
Making Your Choice: The Best 4TB Internal Hard Drive for Your Needs
Whether you’re after the specific Lexar best 4TB internal hard drive for PS4 SSD (which we clarified with the excellent Samsung 870 EVO) or looking to supercharge your PlayStation 5 or PC, there’s a fantastic option here.
For PlayStation 5 gamers, the Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink or the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink are prime choices. They offer the necessary speed, capacity, and built-in cooling to seamlessly integrate into your console and deliver a superior gaming experience.
If you’re still rocking a PS4 and want an internal speed boost, the SAMSUNG 870 EVO 4TB SATA SSD is your go-to, offering significant improvements over a traditional HDD.
And for PC enthusiasts and power users chasing the ultimate in performance, the Lexar NM790 (without heatsink, if you have your own cooling) or the bleeding-edge Lexar NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 SSD will provide unmatched speed and capacity for your demanding workloads and future-proof gaming.
Consider your budget, current console/PC setup, and future upgrade plans. Whichever you choose, moving to a 4TB SSD is a huge leap forward in storage and speed!
FAQ: All Your Questions Answered About Gaming SSDs
Q1: Can I use an NVMe SSD like the Lexar models with my PS4?
A: Unfortunately, no. PlayStation 4 consoles use a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive slot. The high-speed NVMe (M.2) SSDs like the Lexar models reviewed are designed for PCs with M.2 slots or the PlayStation 5’s dedicated M.2 expansion slot. For a PS4 internal upgrade, you’d need a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, like the Samsung 870 EVO.
Q2: Why upgrade to an SSD for gaming, especially for PS5?
A: Upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) for gaming offers drastically reduced load times for games and levels, smoother in-game streaming, and much quicker system responsiveness. For PS5, the internal M.2 NVMe slot is designed for PCIe Gen4 SSDs to match the speed of the console’s internal drive, ensuring games run as intended without performance bottlenecks.
Q3: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe SSDs?
A: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer theoretical maximum speeds around 7,000-7,500 MB/s, while PCIe Gen5 SSDs push that limit to an astonishing 12,000-14,000 MB/s or even higher. Gen5 is the latest and fastest standard, but it requires a compatible motherboard (usually the newest generation for Intel and AMD CPUs) to utilize its full potential. The PS5 supports PCIe Gen4.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely. Sony strongly recommends using a heatsink for any internal M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the PS5. High-performance SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling which can reduce performance and potentially shorten the drive’s lifespan. Many Lexar drives like the Play SSD and NM790 come with heatsinks pre-attached, making them ideal for PS5.
Q5: How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. You remove the PS5’s side cover, locate the M.2 expansion slot, remove its cover, insert the SSD (with heatsink), secure it with a screw, replace the covers, and then format the drive through the PS5’s system settings. Sony provides clear instructions in their user manual and online.
Q6: Is 4TB enough storage for PS5 games?
A: For most gamers, 4TB is a substantial amount of storage for a PS5. With modern games often ranging from 50GB to 150GB+, a 4TB drive can easily hold dozens of large titles, significantly reducing the need to constantly delete and re-download games. It provides ample space for a diverse game library.
Q7: Can I use one of these Lexar SSDs for my PC as well?
A: Yes, definitely! All the Lexar NVMe SSDs reviewed (Lexar Play, NM790, NM1090 PRO) are excellent choices for PC gaming, content creation, or general use, provided your PC motherboard has a compatible M.2 slot (PCIe Gen4 for most, PCIe Gen5 for the NM1090 PRO). They offer significant speed improvements over traditional SATA drives for PCs.