Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Are you tired of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones? You’re not alone! As game sizes continue to grow, the PS5’s internal 825GB (667GB usable) SSD fills up quicker than you can say “trophy unlocked.” But don’t fret – there’s a super-fast, easy solution: upgrading with an M.2 NVMe SSD.
Choosing the right drive is key, especially since the PS5 has specific speed and size requirements. To help you out, we’ve dived deep to find the best 2 TB SSD for PS5 options available, ensuring you get top-tier performance, ample storage, and hassle-free installation. A 2TB SSD can literally double or even triple your usable storage, giving you room for dozens of AAA titles without breaking a sweat. So, let’s get into our top picks and find the perfect storage boost for your gaming beast!
1. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is an absolute powerhouse, designed for gamers and power users who demand nothing but the best. This 2TB SSD comes pre-equipped with a sleek, low-profile heatsink, making it a perfect fit for your PS5’s expansion slot right out of the box. With its blazing-fast read and write speeds, you’ll experience near-instant load times and incredibly smooth gameplay, making those “loading screens” almost a thing of the past. It’s not just fast; it’s built for sustained, high-performance gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write.
- Integrated heatsink for superior thermal control, ensuring stable performance.
- Specifically designed with PS5 compatibility in mind.
- Offers storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
- Over 55% improvement in random performance compared to its predecessor, the 980 PRO.
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for lightning-fast game loading.
- Pre-attached, PS5-compatible heatsink saves time and effort.
- Top-tier brand reliability and performance.
- Excellent for heavy computing and data analysis in addition to gaming.
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Cons:
- Often at the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Some users might find the heatsink design slightly bulkier than bare SSDs (though it fits the PS5).
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its mind-blowing speed and ease of installation in the PS5. Many report a noticeable difference in load times and overall system responsiveness. The integrated heatsink is a huge plus, giving peace of mind that their drive stays cool under pressure. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser for performance enthusiasts.
2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
When it comes to official PlayStation compatibility, the WD_BLACK SN850P stands out. This 2TB SSD isn’t just fast; it’s officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, taking all the guesswork out of compatibility. Its optimized heatsink is tailor-made for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring a perfect fit and efficient heat dissipation. This means you can just plug it in and play, enjoying up to 100 games on the 4TB model (or plenty on the 2TB!) directly from the drive without any fuss or worries.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5.
- PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
- Allows direct gameplay from the drive, eliminating transfers.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and easy installation with official licensing.
- High-performance speeds for seamless gameplay.
- Custom-designed heatsink ensures optimal thermal management.
- Added bonus of a PlayStation Plus trial.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to official licensing.
- The bundled PlayStation Plus trial might not be useful for existing subscribers.
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User Impressions: Gamers love the SN850P for its “set it and forget it” convenience. The official license and perfect-fit heatsink are huge selling points, offering peace of mind. Users confirm the advertised speeds, noting significantly reduced load times and a smoother gaming experience. It’s a fantastic choice if you prioritize hassle-free compatibility.
3. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a serious contender for gamers looking for top-tier performance, whether on PC or their PS5. While it transforms your PC with ridiculous speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, it’s also perfectly capable of boosting your PS5 storage. The optional heatsink version (which you’ll need for PS5) helps maintain peak performance even during the most intense gaming marathons. This 2TB SSD is built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, offering ample space for all your games and then some, so you can stop deleting your favorites.
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Key Features:
- Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read, ideal for gaming and workstations.
- Available with an optional heatsink for sustained performance (essential for PS5).
- Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for reliability.
- Capacities up to 8TB for massive game libraries.
- Features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
- Compatible with downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast and high-performance drive.
- Heatsink version ensures PS5 compatibility and stable temperatures.
- Large capacities available, preventing storage anxiety.
- Robust build quality and advanced features.
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Cons:
- The heatsink is optional, so ensure you pick the correct version for PS5.
- Some features (like RGB lighting customization) are PC-specific.
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User Impressions: PC gamers rave about the SN850X’s speed and performance. PS5 users who opt for the heatsink version report seamless integration and excellent results, mirroring the official SN850P’s performance. It’s seen as a versatile, high-quality drive that delivers on its promises for both console and PC gaming.
4. 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. This 2TB SSD comes with an integrated graphene composite heatsink and even includes an additional uninstalled heatsink, screws, and a screwdriver in the package – talk about convenience! Leveraging cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, it delivers impressive read/write speeds that significantly reduce game loading delays, ensuring you’re always ready for the next level. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly choice to expand your PS5 storage.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with speeds up to 7450/6500 MB/s read/write.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heatsink for cooling, plus an uninstalled heatsink included.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs in M.2 2280 form factor.
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Rigorously tested for stability and long service life.
- Package includes SSD, heatsink, screws, screwdriver, and manual.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for its price point.
- Comes with everything needed for PS5 installation (heatsink, screws, screwdriver).
- Robust testing ensures reliability and durability.
- Good value for a 2TB SSD with a heatsink.
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Cons:
- Less recognized brand compared to Samsung or WD.
- The uninstalled heatsink might require a bit of DIY for those less comfortable.
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User Impressions: Customers are pleasantly surprised by the performance of the MOVE SPEED HB7450, often noting that it performs comparably to more expensive brands. The inclusion of installation tools and the dual heatsink approach (built-in + separate) are highly appreciated. It’s considered a solid choice for those seeking a cost-effective, high-speed 2TB SSD for PS5.
5. Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
The Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD is designed to offer extreme performance and wide compatibility, making it a great option for both PS5 and PC users. Its PCIe 4.0 interface pushes speeds up to 7300MB/s read and 6200MB/s write, ensuring incredibly quick boot-ups and smooth multitasking. It comes with a built-in graphite heatsink, which is crucial for maintaining stable temperatures under heavy gaming loads, guaranteeing consistent top performance for your PS5.
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Key Features:
- Extreme performance with speeds up to 7300MB/s (read) and 6200MB/s (write) via PCIe 4.0.
- Built-in graphite heatsink for advanced cooling and stability.
- Wide compatibility with PS5 and desktop PCs.
- Large capacity options up to 4TB.
- Plug-and-play installation with no driver required.
- Backed by a 5-year guarantee and 24/7 support.
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Pros:
- High-speed performance for fast loading and responsiveness.
- Integrated heatsink is convenient and effective for PS5.
- Excellent customer support and a long 5-year warranty.
- Easy to install for both consoles and PCs.
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Cons:
- Another lesser-known brand, which some users might be wary of.
- Write speeds are slightly lower than some top-tier competitors.
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User Impressions: Users report that the Fikwot FX910 delivers on its promise of speed and seamless PS5 integration. The built-in heatsink is a big plus, simplifying installation. Many commend the responsive customer service, which adds a layer of confidence to purchasing from a newer brand. It’s often highlighted as a reliable and high-value alternative to the big names.
6. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB is a versatile and efficient drive that brings groundbreaking read/write speeds to your PS5 experience. Featuring the latest NAND memory, it boasts sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s, making huge file transfers and game loading faster than ever. What’s unique about the 990 EVO Plus is its compatibility with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2, offering flexibility and future-proofing. While it doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink, its efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller helps manage thermals, though for PS5, adding an aftermarket heatsink is recommended.
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Key Features:
- Groundbreaking sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s.
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 for enhanced bandwidth.
- Efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller for thermal control and power efficiency.
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance.
- Supported by Samsung’s Magician Software for firmware updates and health monitoring (PC only).
- Available in a 2TB capacity, among others.
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for a smooth PS5 experience.
- Forward-looking compatibility with PCIe 5.0.
- High-quality Samsung NAND and controller for reliability.
- Good power efficiency, which can be beneficial.
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Cons:
- Does not come with a heatsink, so you’ll need to purchase and install one separately for PS5.
- Magician Software features are for PC users only.
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User Impressions: Users commend the 990 EVO Plus for its raw speed and Samsung’s reputation for quality. Those who’ve paired it with an aftermarket heatsink for their PS5 report fantastic performance, noting rapid game loads and seamless gameplay. It’s often chosen by those who prefer to pick their own heatsink solution or already have one.
7. COLORFUL PS5 SSD 2TB, M.2 2TB SSD PS5, PCIe NVMe
The COLORFUL PS5 SSD 2TB offers ultimate performance for both gaming consoles and PCs, making it a compelling choice for your PS5 upgrade. Leveraging a PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology, this 2TB SSD delivers blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds of 7400/6600 MB/s. Engineered with gamers in mind, it drastically reduces loading times and enhances gameplay responsiveness. Its advanced thermal management, featuring a specialized graphite-coated sticker, ensures stable operation even during extended, resource-intensive tasks, preventing performance drops.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology.
- Blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds of 7400/6600 MB/s.
- Gaming-optimized, fully compatible with PS5 and gaming PCs.
- Built with high-quality 3D NAND flash memory.
- Advanced thermal management with a graphite-coated sticker for heat dissipation.
- Universal M.2 2280 form factor for seamless integration and tool-free installation.
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Pros:
- High speeds for superior gaming performance on PS5.
- Effective thermal management through its graphite sticker.
- Easy, tool-free plug-and-play installation.
- Good balance of price and performance.
- Solid build quality with 3D NAND.
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Cons:
- The graphite sticker might be less effective than a full metal heatsink for extreme usage, though often sufficient for PS5.
- COLORFUL is a less globally recognized brand compared to others.
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User Impressions: Many users are impressed by the COLORFUL SSD’s speed and reliability, especially given its competitive pricing. PS5 owners find it a straightforward installation, and the performance uplift is immediately noticeable. The passive cooling solution works well for typical gaming sessions, keeping temperatures in check. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice for expanding your PS5’s storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I really need an M.2 SSD for my PS5, or can I use an external hard drive?
A1: While you can use an external USB hard drive for storing PS4 games and PS5 games (you’ll need to transfer PS5 games to the internal drive to play them), a fast internal M.2 NVMe SSD like the ones listed above is essential for expanding your PS5’s playable game library. It’s the only way to directly play PS5 games from the expansion storage, offering speeds comparable to the console’s built-in SSD.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for an SSD to be compatible with PS5?
A2: For PS5 compatibility, an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD is required. It needs a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, a capacity between 250GB and 4TB, and it must have a heatsink attached. The physical dimensions also matter: it needs to be an M.2 Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor, with the heatsink not exceeding 11.25mm in height.
Q3: Is a heatsink truly necessary for an SSD in the PS5?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is crucial. PS5 games are incredibly demanding, and during intense gameplay sessions, the SSD can generate significant heat. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling (where the SSD slows down to protect itself from overheating) and ensuring consistent, peak performance for your games. Sony strongly recommends it.
Q4: Will installing a 2TB SSD improve my PS5’s performance beyond just storage?
A4: While the primary benefit is increased storage, a fast 2TB SSD that meets or exceeds Sony’s recommended speeds will ensure that games loaded onto it perform just as well as, or even slightly better than, those on the console’s internal drive. This means faster load times, smoother texture streaming, and overall a more seamless gaming experience, without any performance penalties.
Q5: How difficult is it to install a 2TB SSD in the PS5?
A5: It’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible M.2 expansion slot. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing the console’s side panel, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions, and there are many video tutorials available that make it a simple 10-15 minute job.
Q6: Is 2TB enough storage for a PS5, or should I consider 4TB?
A6: For most gamers, a 2TB SSD offers a significant upgrade and ample space. It can typically hold 30-50+ large AAA games, depending on their individual file sizes. If you’re an extreme game hoarder, constantly download new titles, or play a huge variety of games simultaneously, a 4TB SSD might be worth considering. However, 2TB is usually the sweet spot for value and capacity for the majority of PS5 users.
Q7: Can I transfer my existing PS5 games from the internal storage to the new 2TB SSD?
A7: Absolutely! Once your new 2TB SSD is installed and formatted by the PS5, you can easily move existing PS5 games from your console’s internal storage to the new M.2 drive via the console’s settings. This is a quick process and frees up valuable space on your original drive. You can also set your new SSD as the default installation location for future downloads.