So, you’ve got a shiny PlayStation 5, and it’s an absolute beast of a console, right? But let’s be honest, that internal storage fills up faster than you can say “Spider-Man 2!” If you’re constantly deleting games to make space for new ones, or just tired of those longer-than-you’d-like loading screens, it’s time for an upgrade. Adding an internal M.2 NVMe SSD is the ultimate way to boost your PS5’s storage and performance.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best SSD for PS5? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork to bring you a rundown of the top contenders that will seamlessly integrate with your console, offering lightning-fast load times and ample space for your ever-growing game library. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage solution to unleash your PS5’s full potential!
Understanding PS5 SSD Requirements
Before we jump into the reviews, it’s helpful to know what your PS5 needs. Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with a sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster. A heatsink is also highly recommended to prevent thermal throttling and ensure consistent performance. All the internal SSDs on our list meet or exceed these requirements, making them ideal candidates for your PlayStation 5 storage expansion.
Our Top Picks for the Best SSD for PS5
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
This isn’t just any SSD; it’s the officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, making it perhaps the best SSD for PS5 if you prioritize guaranteed compatibility and a hassle-free installation. Western Digital has specifically designed the SN850P with an optimized heatsink tailored for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring your drive stays cool even during intense gaming sessions. With its incredible read speeds, you can jump into games with virtually no loading screens, and having up to 4TB of space means never having to pick which games to keep again. Plus, the included 14-day PlayStation Plus Premium trial is a sweet bonus!
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring seamless compatibility.
- Optimized heatsink designed specifically for the PS5 for worry-free installation.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Play games directly from the drive, eliminating transfers.
- Blazing read speeds up to 7,300MB/s utilizing PCIe Gen 4 technology.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
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Pros:
- 100% guaranteed PS5 compatibility due to official licensing.
- Pre-installed, perfectly sized heatsink simplifies installation.
- Extremely fast speeds for rapid game loading and smooth gameplay.
- Generous storage options to hold a massive game library.
- PS Plus trial is a nice added value.
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Cons:
- Often comes with a premium price tag due to official branding.
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely love the plug-and-play simplicity and the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product. Many highlight the incredibly fast load times and how easy it was to install, making it a top choice for those looking for a premium, no-fuss upgrade.
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SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2
When it comes to raw power and peak performance, the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink SSD is a true titan, making it a strong contender for the best SSD for PS5 for power users. Samsung is a trusted name in flash memory, and this Gen 4 drive lives up to its reputation. Boasting incredible read/write speeds that push the limits of PCIe 4.0, it’s built for demanding tasks, from heavy gaming to professional video editing. The integrated heatsink is ultra-slim, ensuring it fits perfectly within the PS5’s M.2 slot while effectively managing heat to maintain optimal performance. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s consistently fast.
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Key Features:
- Near-max performance of PCIe 4.0 with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to previous models.
- Integrated ultra-slim heatsink designed for effective heat dissipation.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5, PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops, and laptops.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB for extensive storage.
- From the world’s #1 flash memory brand for reliability.
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Pros:
- Unrivaled speeds for lightning-fast game loading and data transfers.
- Superior random performance for heavy computing tasks.
- Reliable Samsung brand reputation and quality.
- Efficient, slim heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Great for future-proofing your storage needs.
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Cons:
- One of the more expensive options on the market.
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the 990 PRO for its blistering speeds and rock-solid reliability. PS5 owners note a significant improvement in load times and overall system responsiveness, confirming its status as a top-tier upgrade. The integrated heatsink is also a big plus for ease of installation.
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Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Looking for excellent performance without completely breaking the bank? The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a fantastic option that delivers impressive PCIe Gen 4 speeds, making it a viable candidate for the best SSD for PS5 if value is a key concern. This SSD offers fantastic read and write speeds, significantly outperforming PCIe Gen 3 drives, ensuring your PS5 games load quickly. What really sets it apart is its power efficiency, consuming up to 40% less power than some other DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs. It also comes with a built-in heatsink and a reassuring five-year limited warranty, making it a smart and dependable choice.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance with read speeds up to 7400MB/s and write speeds up to 6500MB/s.
- Designed with a heatsink to keep the drive cool and maintain performance.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than other PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Backed by a five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed-to-price ratio, offering great value.
- Impressive power efficiency helps reduce heat generation.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and ensures stable performance.
- Long 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
- High TBW (Terabytes Written) rating indicates durability.
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Cons:
- Write speeds are slightly lower than top-tier competitors like the Samsung 990 PRO.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the Lexar NM790 for its strong performance and affordability. Many PS5 owners find it an easy install with the pre-attached heatsink, and they appreciate the noticeable decrease in load times. It’s often highlighted as a great budget-friendly high-performance option.
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BUFFALO External SSD 1TB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
While internal M.2 SSDs are paramount for playing PS5 games directly, external SSDs like the Buffalo Portable SSD still play a valuable role in a gamer’s setup, especially if you own a lot of PS4 titles or want to archive your PS5 games. This compact and durable external drive is designed for on-the-go access and offers faster speeds than traditional HDDs. It’s a great “best value SSD” if your primary need is for expanded storage for PS4 games that can be played directly from the drive, or for offloading PS5 games to save internal space, which can then be quickly copied back when you want to play them. Its shock-resistant design means your data is safe wherever you go.
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Key Features:
- Compact and reliable external SSD for on-the-go data.
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs (USB 3.2 connectivity, USB-C/USB-A).
- Faster speeds than traditional HDDs for quicker data copying.
- Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection.
- Three-year warranty for registered devices.
- Ideal for storing PS4 games and archiving PS5 games.
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Pros:
- Highly portable and durable, perfect for travel.
- Excellent for playing PS4 games directly, saving internal PS5 space.
- Useful for quickly backing up and transferring large files.
- Good value for external storage needs.
- Broad compatibility with various devices.
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Cons:
- Cannot play PS5 games directly from this drive. PS5 games must be stored on the internal M.2 SSD or console storage.
- Slower than internal NVMe M.2 SSDs.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the Buffalo SSD for its robust build and portability, often using it for quick backups or expanding their PS4 game library. They find it reliable and easy to use across different devices, noting its speed improvement over older external drives.
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MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD is a strong contender for those seeking high performance and a comprehensive package at a competitive price, making it a compelling choice for the best SSD for PS5 upgrade. This PCIe Gen4x4 drive boasts impressive read/write speeds, ensuring minimal game delays and lightning-fast transfers. What’s particularly appealing is its built-in graphene composite heat sink for efficient cooling, plus the added bonus of an uninstalled heatsink, screws, and even a screwdriver in the box – truly a plug-and-play solution. Its rigorous testing process also speaks volumes about its quality and durability.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with speeds up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink, cools chip by 10 degrees.
- Additional uninstalled heatsink, screws, and screwdriver included in the package.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs.
- Rigorous 80-hour testing process for stability and long service life.
- Available in 1TB/2TB capacities, storing up to 50 games (2TB model).
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Pros:
- Very high read/write speeds for exceptional game performance.
- Comprehensive package includes all necessary installation tools and an extra heatsink.
- Effective cooling solution prevents thermal throttling.
- Thoroughly tested for reliability and durability.
- Excellent value for the performance and inclusions.
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Cons:
- Less recognized brand compared to industry giants like Samsung or WD_BLACK.
- The included heatsink needs to be installed, which might be a minor extra step for some.
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User Impressions: Users are pleasantly surprised by the MOVE SPEED SSD’s performance, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. The inclusion of installation tools is frequently highlighted as a thoughtful and convenient addition. Many confirm it works perfectly with their PS5, providing a noticeable boost in load times.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5’s internal storage fills up quickly, especially with large game files. Adding an M.2 NVMe SSD allows you to expand your storage, store more games, and experience significantly faster load times for your PS5 titles, improving your overall gaming experience.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for a PS5 SSD?
A2: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with a capacity between 250GB and 8TB. The sequential read speed should be 5,500 MB/s or faster. Additionally, a heatsink is highly recommended to prevent the drive from overheating.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is highly recommended. The PS5’s internal temperatures can get quite high, and a heatsink helps dissipate heat from the SSD, preventing thermal throttling (where the drive slows down to prevent damage) and ensuring consistent high performance. Many SSDs for PS5 come with one pre-attached.
Q4: Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD?
A4: No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external SSD. PS5 games require the super-fast speeds of the internal console storage or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD. External drives are great for storing PS4 games (which can be played directly from the external drive) or for archiving PS5 games that you can then quickly transfer back to your internal storage when you want to play them.
Q5: How do I install an SSD in my PS5?
A5: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. You simply remove the PS5’s side cover, unscrew and remove the M.2 expansion slot cover, insert the SSD, secure it with the provided screw, and then reattach the covers. Sony provides clear instructions in their official guides, and many video tutorials are available online.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A6: No, installing an officially supported M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation instructions. The PS5 was designed with this expansion capability in mind.
Q7: How much storage do I really need for my PS5 SSD?
A7: This depends on your gaming habits. Modern PS5 games can range from 50GB to well over 100GB. A 1TB SSD is a good starting point for most users, allowing you to store around 10-20 large games. If you have a massive library or play many different titles, 2TB or even 4TB might be a better choice to avoid constantly managing storage.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 with a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. Whether you opt for the officially licensed peace of mind with the WD_BLACK SN850P, the raw speed of the Samsung 990 PRO, the great value of the Lexar NM790, or the comprehensive package of the MOVE SPEED HB7450, you’ll be treated to faster load times, smoother gameplay, and abundant storage for all your favorite titles. And for your PS4 game collection or archiving needs, a reliable external drive like the Buffalo SSD is a handy companion. Say goodbye to deleting games and hello to endless gaming! Find the best SSD for PS5 that fits your needs and budget, and get back to what matters most: playing!