Is your PlayStation 4 Pro starting to feel a bit sluggish? Longer loading screens, texture pop-ins, and general system slowdowns can really put a damper on your gaming experience. One of the most impactful upgrades you can make to breathe new life into your PS4 Pro is switching out its slow mechanical hard drive for a speedy Solid State Drive (SSD). While the PS4 Pro might not fully utilize the absolute top speeds of modern SSDs, the difference in responsiveness and loading times is night and day.
When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage, Sabrent is a brand that frequently stands out. So, if you’re looking for the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro to supercharge your console, you’re in the right place! We’ve put together a list of top picks, including Sabrent’s fantastic offerings and even a versatile accessory, to help you make an informed decision and get back to gaming faster.
Why Upgrade Your PS4 Pro with an SSD?
Before we dive into the products, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD upgrade is a game-changer for your PS4 Pro:
- Blazing Fast Loading Times: This is the biggest benefit. Games will load significantly quicker, and in-game transitions will be smoother, meaning more playing and less waiting.
- Improved System Responsiveness: The PS4 Pro’s UI, navigating menus, and even booting up the console will feel much snappier.
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: While it won’t boost frame rates, an SSD can reduce texture pop-in and general stuttering in some open-world games.
- Durability and Reliability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and bumps compared to traditional HDDs.
For PS4 Pro users, external SSDs are generally the easiest way to upgrade game storage. You simply plug them into a USB 3.0 port. While internal upgrades are possible, they’re a bit more involved. We’ll explore options that cater to both scenarios.
Ready to dive into our top selections? Let’s check them out!
1. BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
If you’re looking for a straightforward, plug-and-play solution that directly meets the “500GB external SSD for PS4 Pro” criteria, the Buffalo External SSD is a fantastic contender. It’s designed with console gamers in mind, offering a compact and durable way to expand your game library and cut down on those tedious loading screens. This isn’t a Sabrent drive, but it’s a solid 500GB external option that fits the bill perfectly for PS4 Pro users wanting immediate benefits without extra setup.
Key Features:
– Compact and reliable SSD for on-the-go demand.
– Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs.
– Faster speeds than traditional HDDs for quicker game loading and data transfers.
– Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection.
– USB 3.2 Connectivity, supporting both USB-C and USB-A.
Pros:
– Direct 500GB external solution, ideal for PS4 Pro.
– Extremely compact and portable.
– Rugged design offers good durability.
– Easy plug-and-play setup for consoles and PCs.
– Includes a 3-year warranty (when registered).
Cons:
– Not a Sabrent brand product.
– Performance might not match high-end internal NVMe drives (though still excellent for PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 limit).
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Buffalo SSD for its hassle-free setup and noticeable improvement in PS4 Pro game loading times. Many appreciate its robust build quality, making it a reliable companion for portable storage. It’s often recommended for those who want a simple, effective, and durable external drive without breaking the bank.
2. SABRENT Rocket 4 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
While this Sabrent Rocket 4 is a 1TB NVMe internal drive designed for PCIe Gen4 PCs and PS5, it represents Sabrent’s incredible performance capabilities. For PS4 Pro users, while you can’t install this directly internally or get its full Gen4 speeds, pairing it with a high-quality external NVMe enclosure (like the Sabrent one reviewed below) would create an extremely powerful and future-proof external SSD. This could be your Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro alternative if you want more space and the option to use it with a PS5 or PC later.
Key Features:
– Blazing Gen4 PCIe 4.0 NVMe performance (up to 7450MB/s read, 6100MB/s write).
– High IOPS for efficient design (up to 850K/800K random IOPS).
– Broad system compatibility for desktops, laptops, and PS5 systems.
– Made for professionals and gamers requiring high-performance storage.
– Trusted Sabrent support and firmware updates.
Pros:
– Exceptional speed and performance for compatible systems.
– High capacity (1TB) for extensive game libraries.
– Future-proof for PS5 and high-end PC builds.
– Sabrent’s renowned reliability and support.
– Can be used externally with an appropriate enclosure for PS4 Pro.
Cons:
– 1TB might be overkill if you specifically need 500GB.
– Requires an external enclosure to be used with PS4 Pro as an external drive.
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 port limits its ultimate speed potential.
User Impressions:
Customers are consistently blown away by the Sabrent Rocket 4’s speed, especially when used in PCIe 4.0 systems. Gamers and content creators laud its ability to handle demanding workloads effortlessly. For PS4 Pro users who’ve put it in an enclosure, the feedback is positive, noting significant improvements over HDDs, even if not hitting its theoretical maximums.
3. SABRENT Rocket 4 Plus SSD with Heatsink 500GB PCIe Gen
Now we’re talking! The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus with Heatsink is a powerhouse, and this particular variant comes in a 500GB capacity. While it’s an NVMe drive typically destined for a PC or PS5’s internal slot, its 500GB size makes it an excellent candidate if you’re building your own external Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro setup using an enclosure. The included heatsink is a bonus for sustained performance in compatible systems, ensuring it runs cool under heavy loads.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds (up to 7,100 MB/s read).
– Features TLC NAND and DRAM for consistent, top-tier performance.
– Eight-channel controller for handling demanding storage challenges.
– Designed for both computers and consoles (PS5 primarily).
– Includes Sabrent Acronis True Image for cloning and sector size utility.
Pros:
– True 500GB capacity, aligning with the target keyword.
– Extremely high-performance potential for future upgrades (PC/PS5).
– TLC NAND and DRAM ensure long-term stability and speed.
– Comes with cloning software, a helpful extra.
– Can be paired with an enclosure for a premium external PS4 Pro SSD.
Cons:
– Designed as an internal drive; requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro use.
– The heatsink might be bulky for some external enclosures.
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports limit its ultimate speed.
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Rocket 4 Plus for its raw speed and reliability. Many have found it to be a robust upgrade for their PCs and PS5s, noting swift boot times and game loads. For those using it with an enclosure for other devices, the build quality and consistent performance from Sabrent are often highlighted.
4. SABRENT Rocket 4 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
Okay, so 4TB is definitely more than 500GB, but if you’re a serious gamer with a massive digital library and want a single, incredibly fast drive that can handle everything, the Sabrent Rocket 4 4TB is an absolute beast. Like its 1TB counterpart, this NVMe drive is best suited for high-end PCs or PS5s. However, when paired with a quality external enclosure, it transforms into an incredibly capacious and speedy external drive for your PS4 Pro. Think of it as investing in the future while massively expanding your current PS4 Pro’s storage potential with a Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro (and 8x that!).
Key Features:
– Massive Gen4 PCIe 4.0 NVMe performance (up to 7450MB/s read, 6400MB/s write).
– Built for speed and stability with high IOPS and low-heat output.
– Slim, single-sided M.2 2280 design for broad compatibility.
– Ideal for demanding users, gamers, and media editors.
– Sabrent reliability, OS compatibility, and excellent support.
Pros:
– Enormous 4TB capacity for an immense game library.
– Top-tier performance for current and future systems (PC/PS5).
– Sabrent’s reputation for quality and consistent performance.
– Excellent for power users who need both speed and space.
– Can be used externally with an enclosure for PS4 Pro.
Cons:
– Significant overkill if you only need 500GB.
– Higher price point due to capacity.
– Requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro compatibility.
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 interface won’t utilize its full potential.
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently commend the 4TB Rocket 4 for its phenomenal speed and vast storage. It’s a popular choice for users who want to consolidate multiple drives into one high-performance solution. Gamers with huge Steam libraries or professionals dealing with large files find it to be an indispensable upgrade, noting its robust build and the peace of mind that comes with Sabrent’s support.
5. SABRENT [Upgraded Version Support UASP] Ultra Slim USB 3.0 External 2.5 Inch SATA SSD / HDD Enclosure
![SABRENT [Upgraded Version Support UASP] Ultra Slim USB 3.0...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31zH-ypuaqL._SL500_.jpg)
This isn’t an SSD itself, but it’s an absolutely crucial piece of the puzzle if you’re looking to turn an internal SATA SSD into an external solution for your PS4 Pro. While the Sabrent NVMe drives above are incredibly fast, they require an NVMe-to-USB enclosure. This particular Sabrent enclosure is perfect for making a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD (like a Crucial MX500 500GB SSD, for example) an external drive for your console. It’s an excellent way to create your own custom Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro setup, assuming you pair it with a 2.5″ SATA SSD.
Key Features:
– Supports standard notebook 2.5″ SATA Hard Drives and SSDs.
– Ultra-light aluminum case provides excellent heat dissipation.
– LED light indicates power and activity status.
– Hot-swappable, plug-and-play, no drivers needed.
– Reverse compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1.
Pros:
– Enables conversion of internal 2.5″ SATA SSDs into external drives.
– Slim and portable design.
– Aluminum casing helps keep drives cool.
– UASP support for improved USB 3.0 performance.
– Easy to use, tool-free installation.
Cons:
– Doesn’t come with an SSD (you need to buy one separately).
– Only works with 2.5″ SATA drives, not NVMe drives.
– The PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports are the speed bottleneck, not the enclosure.
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the Sabrent enclosure’s ease of use and solid build quality. They appreciate how effortlessly it transforms an internal SSD into a portable external drive. The UASP support is a big plus for getting the most out of USB 3.0 speeds. It’s a highly recommended accessory for those who want to repurpose an existing SSD or build a custom external storage solution for their console or PC.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal PS4 Pro SSD Upgrade
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with an SSD is undeniably one of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience. While the exact “Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 Pro” might vary based on whether you want an all-in-one external unit or prefer to build your own, Sabrent offers fantastic components for a high-performance solution.
If an all-in-one 500GB external drive is what you need, the Buffalo External SSD is a direct and excellent choice. However, if you’re aiming for a premium, custom build or want to future-proof your storage with a Sabrent drive that could later serve a PS5 or high-end PC, pairing a Sabrent Rocket 4 500GB NVMe SSD (or higher capacity) with an appropriate external enclosure would be a top-tier solution, even if the PS4 Pro won’t unlock its full potential.
Ultimately, any of these options will significantly cut down on your PS4 Pro’s loading times, giving you more time to play and less time to wait.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use any SSD with my PS4 Pro?
A1: Generally, yes, for external storage. The PS4 Pro supports external USB 3.0 hard drives and SSDs up to 8TB. For internal upgrades, it requires a 2.5-inch SATA drive. NVMe drives are not directly compatible internally for the PS4 Pro without an adapter, and externally they require an NVMe-to-USB enclosure.
Q2: Is a 500GB SSD enough for my PS4 Pro?
A2: A 500GB SSD is a good starting point for a noticeable performance boost. It’s usually enough for 5-10 large AAA games. If you have a vast game library or frequently play titles with massive file sizes (e.g., Call of Duty), you might want to consider 1TB or larger to avoid constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games.
Q3: Will an SSD improve my PS4 Pro’s frame rate?
A3: No, an SSD will not directly improve your game’s frame rate. Frame rates are determined by the console’s CPU and GPU. An SSD primarily reduces loading times, improves texture streaming, and makes the system UI more responsive.
Q4: How do I install an external SSD on my PS4 Pro?
A4: Installing an external SSD is incredibly easy. Simply plug the USB cable from the external SSD into one of your PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports. Then, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select your SSD, and format it as Extended Storage. This process will wipe any existing data on the drive.
Q5: What’s the difference between an NVMe SSD and a SATA SSD?
A5: SATA SSDs connect via a SATA interface and are generally limited to around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster speeds (several thousands of MB/s). While NVMe drives are much faster, the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 external port caps speeds at around 400-500MB/s, so an external SATA SSD performs similarly to an external NVMe SSD for PS4 Pro purposes.
Q6: Why are Sabrent NVMe drives recommended if the PS4 Pro can’t use their full speed?
A6: While the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 port limits maximum external SSD speeds, Sabrent NVMe drives are still excellent choices for a few reasons: they offer exceptional baseline performance, are incredibly reliable, and provide significant future-proofing if you plan to upgrade to a PS5 or PC later. You get robust performance now, and unlock their full potential down the line.
Q7: Do I need an enclosure for a Sabrent NVMe SSD to use it with my PS4 Pro?
A7: Yes. Sabrent NVMe SSDs are internal components. To use them externally with a PS4 Pro, you’ll need a compatible NVMe-to-USB 3.0 (or better) enclosure. This enclosure acts as an adapter, allowing the internal SSD to connect via USB. If you buy a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, you’d need a 2.5-inch SATA-to-USB enclosure like the Sabrent Ultra Slim USB 3.0 enclosure.