Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Are you tired of constantly deleting games to make room for new titles? If you’re a serious gamer, you know the struggle is real. The PS5 comes with a speedy internal SSD, but with game sizes growing, that 825GB (or realistically, 667GB usable) fills up quicker than you can say “next-gen graphics.”
That’s where a high-quality M.2 NVMe SSD comes into play. Not just any SSD, though – you need one that meets Sony’s specific requirements for speed and, critically, includes a heatsink for optimal performance. We’re here to help you find the best 2 TB SSD for PS5 that offers ample space and blazing-fast speeds.
Upgrading your PS5’s storage is a game-changer. Imagine having all your favorite games installed, ready to jump into without waiting for lengthy transfers or re-downloads. We’ve compiled a list of seven top-tier 2TB SSDs that are perfect for your PlayStation 5, ensuring you get the most out of your console.
Let’s dive in and find the best 2 TB SSD for PS5 to supercharge your gaming experience!
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?
Before we jump into the products, let’s quickly touch on why an upgrade is so beneficial:
- More Games: Obvious, right? A 2TB SSD can easily store 30-50+ PS5 games, depending on their size, eliminating the need to delete and re-download.
- Faster Load Times: While the PS5’s internal SSD is fast, a compatible M.2 NVMe drive can match or even exceed those speeds, ensuring you’re in the action quicker.
- Direct Play: You can install and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage, just like you would from the console’s internal drive.
- Future-Proofing: As games get larger and more graphically demanding, extra storage becomes essential.
Our Top Picks for the Best 2TB SSD for PS5
Here are our detailed reviews of the top 7 best 2 TB SSD for PS5 options available right now:
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
If you’re looking for the absolute peak of performance and reliability, the Samsung 990 PRO w/ Heatsink is an incredible choice for your PS5. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s a testament to Samsung’s dominance in flash memory, delivering blistering Gen4 speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s for reads and writes, respectively. What truly sets it apart for PS5 users is its integrated, ultra-slim heatsink, specifically designed to keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions, ensuring consistent, high-performance play without a hitch.
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
– Integrated, ultra-slim heatsink for superior temperature control.
– PCIe Gen4 interface with significant performance improvement over Gen3.
– Optimized for PlayStation 5 compatibility.
– Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
Pros:
– Top-tier speed that pushes the limits of PCIe 4.0.
– Excellent thermal management prevents throttling.
– Explicitly designed and compatible with PS5.
– Backed by Samsung’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Cons:
– Often comes at a premium price point.
User Impressions:
Users consistently rave about the 990 PRO’s incredible speed, noting games load almost instantly on their PS5. The integrated heatsink is a huge plus, with many reporting no issues with overheating even during long gaming marathons. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of upgrade that delivers on all fronts.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a beast designed with hardcore gamers in mind, offering a transformative experience for your PS5. With insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this drive ensures ridiculously short load times, letting you dive into your favorite titles faster than ever. It’s built with Western Digital’s robust TLC 3D NAND and comes with an optional heatsink version, which is crucial for maintaining peak performance on your PS5 console, making it a stellar choice for expanding your game library without compromising speed.
Key Features:
– Extreme read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
– Optional heatsink version available for optimal thermal performance.
– Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for reliability.
– Features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management.
– Available in capacities up to 8TB.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast speeds significantly reduce game load times.
– Heatsink option is perfect for PS5 requirements.
– Ample storage capacity to hold a massive game collection.
– Robust build quality from a reputable brand.
Cons:
– The WD_BLACK Dashboard for advanced features is Windows-only, limiting utility for PS5 users (though not essential for PS5 functionality).
User Impressions:
PS5 owners report that the SN850X performs flawlessly, with noticeable improvements in game loading and overall system responsiveness. The heatsink version is highly recommended for its ease of installation and peace of mind regarding thermal management. It’s a reliable workhorse for expanding your PS5 horizons.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
For those who prioritize seamless compatibility and a worry-free installation, the WD_BLACK SN850P is a dream come true. This 2TB SSD is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning it’s guaranteed to work perfectly without any fuss. It features a brand-new, optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring effortless installation and peak performance. Plus, some models even include a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe, adding extra value to your storage upgrade!
Key Features:
– Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles.
– Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5 for easy, worry-free installation.
– Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for seamless gameplay.
– Allows playing directly from the drive without transfers.
– May include a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
Pros:
– Guaranteed compatibility and performance for PS5.
– Heatsink custom-fit for the PS5’s M.2 slot.
– Eliminates the need to transfer games, play directly.
– Added bonus of PlayStation Plus trial (on eligible purchases).
Cons:
– Being officially licensed, it might be slightly more expensive than non-licensed alternatives with similar specs.
User Impressions:
Users absolutely love the plug-and-play nature of this drive for their PS5. The official licensing provides immense peace of mind, and the optimized heatsink fits perfectly. Many highlight the simple installation process and the immediate performance boost, making it a highly recommended choice for a hassle-free upgrade.
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 offers a compelling blend of high performance and value for PS5 users. Powered by cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, this 2TB SSD boasts impressive read and write speeds of up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s, ensuring lightning-fast game loading. What’s more, it comes with a built-in graphene composite heat sink and an additional heatsink in the package, providing robust cooling to prevent slowdowns. This drive stands out for its rigorous testing and commitment to quality, making it a reliable option for expanding your PS5’s game library.
Key Features:
– NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with speeds up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
– Compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs.
– Includes a built-in graphene heatsink, plus an additional heatsink in the box.
– Utilizes high-quality 3D NAND flash and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
– Subjected to nearly 80 hours of rigorous quality testing.
Pros:
– Excellent speed for its price point.
– Dual cooling solution ensures effective heat dissipation.
– Extensive quality control for durability and stability.
– Easy installation with included tools (screws, screwdriver).
Cons:
– The additional heatsink is not pre-installed, requiring a small manual step.
– Less established brand compared to Samsung or WD_BLACK.
User Impressions:
Customers are pleasantly surprised by the performance of the MOVE SPEED HB7450, often noting its speeds rivaling more expensive brands. The inclusion of the heatsink and installation tools is a nice touch, making the upgrade straightforward. It’s frequently praised as a great value option for PS5 expansion.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus pushes the boundaries of performance, featuring the latest NAND memory to deliver groundbreaking sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. This makes it an incredibly fast drive, ideal for huge file transfers and general high-performance computing. It’s optimized to support both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, offering great future compatibility. While incredibly fast, it’s important to note that unlike the 990 PRO with Heatsink, this model features an efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller for thermal control, but does not include an integrated heatsink specifically for PS5. For PS5 use, you would need to purchase and install a separate M.2 heatsink.
Key Features:
– Groundbreaking read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s.
– Features the latest NAND memory technology.
– Optimized performance for both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2.
– Exceptional thermal control via an efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller.
– Compatible with Samsung’s Magician Software for monitoring and updates.
Pros:
– Extremely fast for both read and write operations.
– Future-proof with PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility.
– Samsung’s renowned reliability and Magician software support.
Cons:
– Does not come with an integrated PS5-ready heatsink, requiring a separate purchase and installation.
– May not be as straightforward for PS5 plug-and-play as drives with pre-installed heatsinks.
User Impressions:
Users praise the raw speed of the 990 EVO Plus, noting its impressive performance in various tasks. For PS5 users who sourced and installed a compatible heatsink, the drive performs excellently. However, some wish it came with a heatsink pre-attached for a simpler PS5 upgrade.
fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD for
The fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD offers serious performance for gamers and professionals alike, specifically designed to be compatible with your PS5. Leveraging the PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology, this SSD delivers impressive sequential read/write speeds of up to 7100/5300 MB/s, ensuring fast loading times for your favorite games and applications. It comes with an efficiently designed sticker incorporating graphite and aluminum foil layers for passive thermal control, helping to maintain high performance even under heavy gaming workloads.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller with NVMe 2.0 technology.
– Sequential read/write speeds up to 7100/5300 MB/s.
– Compatible with PS5, desktops, laptops, and All-in-one PCs.
– Efficient thermal control via a graphite coated copper foil and aluminum foil layer.
– Backed by a 5-year service and lifetime technical support.
Pros:
– Strong performance for gaming and professional use.
– PS5 and DirectStorage compatible for enhanced gaming.
– Passive thermal solution helps manage heat effectively.
– Excellent customer service and warranty period.
Cons:
– Passive cooling might not be as robust as an active, integrated heatsink under extreme, prolonged loads.
– Brand recognition is less established compared to industry leaders.
User Impressions:
Many users report excellent value for money with the fanxiang SSD, highlighting its solid performance on PS5. The speeds are consistently good, and the passive cooling seems sufficient for most gaming scenarios. The 5-year warranty also provides a comforting layer of security.
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is purpose-built to exceed the PS5’s stringent M.2 performance requirements, making it an outstanding choice for your console. This 2TB SSD delivers extreme Gen4 storage performance with sequential read speeds up to 7,100MB/sec and write speeds up to 6,800MB/sec. Crucially, it features a pre-installed, low-profile aluminum heatspreader that effectively disperses heat and prevents throttling, ensuring sustained high performance right out of the box. With Corsair’s reputation for quality, you can trust this drive to handle your entire game collection with ease.
Key Features:
– Extreme PCIe Gen4 x4 performance, exceeding PS5 requirements.
– Read speeds up to 7,100MB/sec and write speeds up to 6,800MB/sec.
– Pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader for superior cooling.
– Available in various capacities, including a massive 4TB.
– High-speed PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe 1.4 Interface.
Pros:
– Explicitly designed and tested to surpass PS5 M.2 specs.
– Integrated, low-profile heatsink makes it PS5-ready out of the box.
– Superb speeds for rapid game loading and data transfer.
– Trusted Corsair brand known for gaming hardware.
Cons:
– Often positioned at a higher price point due to its premium features and brand.
User Impressions:
PS5 users consistently praise the MP600 PRO LPX for its perfect fit, easy installation, and flawless performance. Many confirm that it’s recognized by the PS5 instantly and game loads are incredibly fast. The pre-installed heatsink is a huge convenience, making it a favorite for a hassle-free upgrade.
FAQ: All Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Still got questions about expanding your PS5 storage? We’ve got you covered!
Q1: Why do I need an SSD for my PS5, and can’t I just use an external drive?
A: While you can use an external USB drive for PS4 games and to store PS5 games (which must be transferred back to the internal or M.2 SSD to play), an internal M.2 NVMe SSD allows you to install and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage. This means no more transferring games back and forth, and you get the same lightning-fast load times as the console’s built-in drive.
Q2: What are the key requirements for a PS5 compatible SSD?
A: Sony has specific requirements:
* Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD.
* Capacity: 250GB minimum, 8TB maximum.
* Sequential Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster (though faster is always better!).
* Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 (2280 is most common).
* Heatsink: A heatsink is absolutely required to prevent overheating and performance throttling.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! PS5 games are incredibly demanding, and the M.2 slot is located in a relatively confined space. Without a heatsink, the SSD can overheat, leading to performance drops (throttling) and potentially damaging the drive over time. All the SSDs recommended above either come with an integrated heatsink or are designed for one.
Q4: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in the PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible M.2 slot. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing the PS5’s side cover, unscrewing a plate, inserting the SSD, and screwing everything back in. Many video tutorials are available online to guide you step-by-step.
Q5: Will adding an SSD void my PS5’s warranty?
A: No, Sony officially supports M.2 SSD expansion, so installing a compatible drive will not void your console’s warranty. Just make sure to follow the official installation guidelines.
Q6: What’s the benefit of a 2TB SSD over a 1TB?
A: A 2TB SSD simply offers double the storage capacity compared to a 1TB drive. With modern PS5 games often exceeding 100GB, a 2TB drive provides significantly more breathing room, allowing you to install many more titles without having to manage your storage as frequently. It’s great for avid gamers who play a variety of games.
Q7: Can I use an older PCIe Gen3 SSD in my PS5?
A: No, the PS5 strictly requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD for internal expansion. Gen3 drives are not fast enough to meet the console’s demanding performance requirements and will not be recognized by the system for PS5 game storage.
Conclusion
There you have it – our top picks for the best 2 TB SSD for PS5 to help you escape storage woes and boost your gaming performance. Whether you prioritize absolute raw speed, official licensing, or great value, there’s a 2TB SSD on this list that’s perfect for your PlayStation 5.
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a fast, compatible M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. Say goodbye to deleting games and hello to more seamless, instant access to your entire digital library. Pick your favorite, get it installed, and enjoy endless hours of uninterrupted next-gen gaming!