Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Are you tired of deleting games just to make room for new ones? You’re not alone! Gamers around the world are looking to expand their PS5’s internal storage, and an M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink is the perfect solution. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
When it comes to high-performance storage, Sabrent has consistently been a top contender, known for its blazing-fast SSDs and innovative cooling solutions. That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” options, exploring not only Sabrent’s own fantastic offerings but also a couple of other market leaders that often get compared. We’ll help you find the perfect storage upgrade to keep your PS5 running cool and loading games at lightning speed.
Why Your PS5 Needs an SSD with a Heatsink
The PlayStation 5 is a powerful machine, but its internal 825GB SSD (with only about 667GB usable) fills up quickly with modern game sizes. Sony brilliantly designed the console to allow for user-upgradable M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs, but there’s a crucial requirement: a heatsink. High-speed SSDs generate heat, and without proper thermal management, performance can throttle, leading to slower load times and even potential drive damage over time. A heatsink actively dissipates this heat, ensuring your SSD maintains optimal performance during intense gaming sessions.
So, let’s explore our top picks, including excellent “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” options and some formidable competitors, ensuring you get the most out of your console.
SABRENT M.2 NVMe PS5 Heatsink (SB-PSHS)
If you’ve already got a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD that meets the PS5’s speed requirements but lacks a heatsink, this Sabrent solution is an absolute game-changer. Rather than just slapping a heatsink on top, Sabrent engineered this heatsink to replace the PS5’s native M.2 cover entirely. This ingenious “Sandwich Design” allows for superior cooling by integrating with the console’s existing fan, ensuring your SSD stays frosty even during the most demanding gameplay. It’s a dedicated, high-quality thermal management solution designed specifically for your PlayStation 5.
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Key Features:
- Designed to fit perfectly and easily into the PS5 console’s SSD expansion slot.
- Made from high-quality CNC’d aluminum for revolutionary cooling.
- Replaces the native PS5 console cover for better cooling using the native fan.
- “Sandwich Design” ensures even pressure for efficient heat transfer.
- Comes with an installation guide, screws, and thermal tape for convenience.
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Pros:
- Excellent dedicated cooling solution specifically for PS5.
- Replaces the PS5’s cover, integrating with the console’s airflow.
- High-quality aluminum construction.
- Easy installation with included accessories.
- Cost-effective if you already own a compatible SSD.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate M.2 NVMe SSD purchase.
- Not an all-in-one solution if you don’t have an SSD yet.
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User Impressions:
Users consistently praise this heatsink for its ease of installation and noticeable improvement in SSD temperatures. Many appreciate its custom design that replaces the original cover, feeling it offers superior thermal performance compared to generic clip-on heatsinks. It’s seen as a smart, professional-grade cooling upgrade.
SABRENT 2TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 with Heatsink
When you’re looking for an all-in-one “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” solution, the 2TB Rocket 4 Plus with its custom heatsink is a fantastic choice. This drive doesn’t just meet Sony’s stringent speed requirements; it absolutely smashes them, offering read/write speeds well above the recommended 5500MB/s. Paired with Sabrent’s innovative PS5-specific heatsink, you’re getting a powerful combination of massive storage, incredible speed, and top-tier thermal management, all in one package ready for your console.
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Key Features:
- Engineered to fit perfectly and easily into the console’s SSD expansion slot.
- Exceeds PS5 speed requirements with 7100MB/s read and 6600MB/s write speeds.
- Revolutionary CNC’d aluminum heatsink replaces the native console cover.
- “Sandwich Design” for efficient and consistent heat transfer.
- Includes everything needed for a quick and easy install.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds, well above PS5 requirements.
- Integrated PS5-specific heatsink for optimal cooling.
- Generous 2TB storage capacity.
- All-in-one package for convenience.
- Industrial-quality build for durability.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to high performance and custom heatsink.
- Might be overkill for users who don’t demand the absolute fastest speeds.
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User Impressions:
Gamers rave about the performance boost and peace of mind this drive offers. They highlight the easy installation and the fact that it comes with a heatsink designed specifically for the PS5, eliminating guesswork. Load times are significantly reduced, and the drive stays cool even after hours of intense gaming.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
While our focus is on “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5,” it would be remiss not to include Samsung’s top-tier offering. The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a titan in the SSD world, delivering scorching-fast Gen4 speeds that push the limits of PCIe 4.0. With its sleek, integrated heatsink, this 2TB drive is not only designed to keep temperatures in check but also to look good doing it. It’s a fantastic alternative that promises a blazingly fast and incredibly stable gaming experience on your PlayStation 5.
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Key Features:
- Near max PCIe 4.0 performance with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink for improved temperature control.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Made with PS5 compatibility in mind, adhering to PCI-SIG D8 standard.
- 2TB storage capacity for ample game library expansion.
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Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 SSDs on the market.
- Effective integrated heatsink keeps temperatures stable.
- Renowned Samsung reliability and performance.
- Excellent for heavy computing, gaming, and content creation.
- Easy to install due to its slim profile.
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Cons:
- Premium price, often at the higher end of the spectrum.
- Heatsink is integrated, so less customizable than a separate heatsink.
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User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its exceptional speed and robust performance. PS5 owners note that it installs without a hitch and significantly improves game loading times. The integrated heatsink is particularly appreciated for its efficiency and compact design, making it a favorite for those seeking a premium, hassle-free upgrade.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive with Heatsink
Another strong contender outside of the “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” category, the WD_BLACK SN850X is built from the ground up for gaming. This 2TB beast boasts impressive speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, ensuring your PS5 load times are practically non-existent. Crucially, it comes with an optional heatsink version, specifically designed to maintain peak performance during your most intense gaming marathons. With additional features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management, it’s engineered for sustained, high-fidelity gameplay.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for top-tier performance.
- Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance.
- 2TB capacity built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for more games.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and customization.
- Future-forward features including Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for gaming and workstation use.
- Effective heatsink version designed for sustained performance.
- Reliable Western Digital brand.
- Ample storage for a large game library.
- Gaming-specific features for optimized performance.
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Cons:
- WD_BLACK Dashboard features are Windows-only, not for PS5 users.
- The heatsink is integrated but not specifically PS5 console-cover replacement style.
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User Impressions:
Gamers consistently report incredible speed and performance from the SN850X, with many highlighting how much faster their games load on the PS5. The heatsink version is highly recommended for its ability to keep the drive cool, ensuring consistent top-tier performance without any throttling during extended play. It’s seen as a robust and reliable upgrade.
SABRENT 4TB Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 with Heatsink
If 2TB simply isn’t enough for your ever-growing digital game library, then the 4TB Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus with its dedicated PS5 heatsink is your ultimate upgrade. This is arguably the “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” for sheer capacity combined with blistering speed and purpose-built cooling. Offering the same phenomenal 7100MB/s read and 6600MB/s write speeds as its 2TB sibling, this 4TB variant lets you download more games, capture more clips, and never worry about storage space again, all while ensuring your drive runs cool and efficiently inside your PS5.
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Key Features:
- Engineered to fit perfectly and easily into the console’s SSD expansion slot.
- Exceeds PS5 speed requirements with 7100MB/s read and 6600MB/s write speeds.
- Revolutionary CNC’d aluminum heatsink replaces the native console cover.
- “Sandwich Design” for efficient and consistent heat transfer.
- Massive 4TB storage capacity.
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB storage capacity – future-proof your PS5!
- Blazing-fast speeds, easily exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Integrated PS5-specific heatsink for optimal cooling.
- All-in-one package for convenience and easy installation.
- High-quality industrial build.
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to the large capacity and premium features.
- Might be more storage than some casual gamers need.
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User Impressions:
Users who opt for the 4TB version are thrilled with the sheer amount of storage it provides, essentially eliminating any concerns about running out of space. The performance is universally praised, mirroring the 2TB version, with users reporting extremely fast load times. The custom heatsink is a consistent highlight, ensuring the drive stays cool under heavy loads.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5 with an M.2 NVMe SSD and a heatsink is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. Whether you choose the dedicated cooling power of the Sabrent M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink (SB-PSHS) to complement your existing SSD, or opt for an all-in-one “Sabrent best SSD with heatsink for PS5” solution like the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus in 2TB or a colossal 4TB capacity, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Don’t forget the formidable alternatives like the lightning-fast Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink or the gaming-optimized WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink. Each of these drives offers incredible performance and crucial thermal management to keep your PlayStation 5 humming along, providing faster load times, smoother gameplay, and vast storage for your ever-growing game library. Pick the one that best fits your needs and budget, and get back to enjoying your games without interruption!
FAQ Section
Q1: Is an SSD heatsink really necessary for PS5?
A: Yes, absolutely! High-performance M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSDs generate significant heat. The PS5 requires an SSD with a heatsink to prevent thermal throttling, which can slow down the drive’s performance, and to ensure the longevity of your SSD. Sony specifically states that a heatsink is required for compatible SSDs.
Q2: Can I install any M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A: No. The PS5 has specific requirements for M.2 NVMe SSDs. It must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, with a capacity between 250GB and 4TB (up to 8TB supported with a recent update). The sequential read speed should be 5,500MB/s or faster. Crucially, it must also have a heatsink, and the total dimensions of the SSD with the heatsink must fit within the PS5’s expansion slot.
Q3: What’s the difference between Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs for PS5?
A: PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to Gen3 SSDs. The PS5 is designed to leverage these higher speeds for faster game loading and data transfer. Gen3 SSDs do not meet the PS5’s minimum speed requirement of 5,500MB/s sequential read, so they are not compatible.
Q4: How do I install an SSD with a heatsink in my PS5?
A: The installation process is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power off your PS5 and unplug all cables. Remove the console’s side cover, locate the expansion slot cover, unscrew it, and then carefully insert the M.2 SSD with its heatsink. Secure it with the provided screw, replace the covers, and power on your PS5. The console will guide you through formatting the new drive.
Q5: Will adding an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, adding a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink to your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty. Sony designed the PS5 with this expansion slot specifically for user upgrades. Just make sure to follow the official installation instructions to avoid any accidental damage.
Q6: How much storage capacity do I need for my PS5 SSD?
A: This depends on your gaming habits. Modern AAA games can easily take up 50GB to 150GB or more. A 1TB SSD is a popular starting point, offering a decent expansion from the PS5’s internal storage. If you have a large library, download many digital titles, or play games with frequent updates, 2TB or even 4TB might be a better choice for long-term peace of mind.
Q7: Can I use the Sabrent M.2 NVMe PS5 Heatsink (SB-PSHS) with any M.2 SSD?
A: The Sabrent M.2 NVMe PS5 Heatsink (SB-PSHS) is designed to be highly compatible with most single-sided and double-sided M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs that meet the PS5’s speed requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to check Sabrent’s compatibility list or product specifications to ensure your specific SSD model will work perfectly with it.