Are you constantly running out of storage on your PlayStation 5? With today’s massive game files, the PS5’s internal 825GB SSD (only about 667GB usable) fills up faster than you can say “Spider-Man 2.” If you’re tired of deleting games just to make room for new ones, it’s time to upgrade! Expanding your PS5 storage with a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is the best way to keep your entire game library at your fingertips.
But not just any SSD will do. For your PS5, you need a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD that meets Sony’s stringent speed requirements (at least 5,500MB/s read speed) and fits physically inside the console. And if you’re like many gamers, you’re looking for ample space, perhaps even a Lexar best 4tb m 2 ssd for ps5 solution, or another top-tier 4TB option.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the best 4TB M.2 SSDs designed for your PS5, focusing on performance, reliability, and value. We’ll specifically highlight several Lexar options, known for their excellent balance of speed and affordability, alongside other fantastic choices. Let’s make sure your PS5 never runs out of space again!
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
This Lexar NM790 SSD with an integrated heatsink is a powerhouse, offering blistering speeds that will drastically cut down your PS5’s loading times. It’s built for serious gamers and creators who demand top-tier performance without compromise. The included heatsink is a huge plus, ensuring your drive stays cool even during the most intense gaming marathons, which is absolutely critical for sustained performance on your PS5.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: Up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write speeds.
- High endurance: 3000TBW (Terabytes Written).
- Pre-installed heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers.
- Fully compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent read/write speeds exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and ensures stable performance.
- High endurance rating for long-term reliability.
- Energy-efficient design.
- PS5 compatible out of the box.
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Cons:
- Might be slightly pricier than models without a heatsink.
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User Impressions: Gamers rave about the noticeable speed improvement, citing faster game loads and seamless transitions. The included heatsink is a commonly praised feature, simplifying the upgrade process significantly. Many consider it a top Lexar best 4tb m 2 ssd for ps5 candidate.
Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
Specifically designed with the PlayStation 5 in mind, the Lexar Play SSD aims to elevate your gaming experience. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s optimized to coordinate perfectly with your PS5, ensuring that games load quickly and gameplay remains silky smooth. The unique heatsink isn’t just for cooling; it’s also designed for effortless installation, making it a truly plug-and-play solution for console expansion.
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Key Features:
- Designed and tested for PS5 console compatibility.
- Max read speed of 7400MB/s and max write speed of 6500MB/s.
- High endurance: 3200TBW for the 4TB model.
- Allows playing games directly from the drive without transferring.
- Unique heatsink for enhanced cooling and easy installation.
- Also suitable for PC gaming with HMB and SLC Dynamic cache.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- PS5-specific design and rigorous testing provide peace of mind.
- Excellent speeds meet and exceed PS5 requirements.
- Integrated, easy-to-install heatsink.
- Large 4TB capacity to store a vast game library.
- Versatile for both PS5 and PC use.
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Cons:
- “Play” branding might suggest it’s only for PS5, though it’s versatile.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend its “set it and forget it” installation and the instant boost in storage and speed. Many feel it lives up to its “Play” moniker, providing a truly enhanced PS5 experience. It’s a strong contender for the title of Lexar best 4tb m 2 ssd for ps5.
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This is the version of the Lexar NM790 without a pre-installed heatsink, offering a slightly more budget-friendly option for those who prefer to add their own or have existing cooling solutions. Don’t let the lack of an included heatsink fool you; this drive still delivers the same exceptional performance. It’s a fantastic choice for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators who need raw speed and reliability, and it’s fully compatible with your PS5 (just remember to add a heatsink!).
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: Up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write speeds.
- High endurance: 3000TBW.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (heatsink required for PS5).
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, ideal for laptops and tight spaces.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds that meet and exceed PS5 requirements.
- More affordable than the heatsink-equipped version.
- High endurance and energy efficiency.
- Single-sided design can be beneficial for some installations.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 compatibility (added cost/installation step).
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User Impressions: Buyers appreciate the incredible performance for the price. Those who installed it in their PS5 with an aftermarket heatsink report flawless operation and a significant upgrade over the console’s internal storage.
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Stepping into the future, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a next-generation PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD. While its blistering read/write speeds of up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s are truly mind-blowing and fantastic for PC use (especially with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9 systems or AI applications), it’s important to note for PS5 users that the console currently only supports PCIe Gen4 speeds. This means while the drive will work in your PS5, it will operate at Gen4 speeds, effectively capping its performance to around 7,000MB/s. It’s still an incredibly fast drive for PS5, but its true potential lies with Gen5-enabled PCs.
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Key Features:
- Cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology for extreme speeds (up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s).
- 6nm controller for optimized heat control and efficiency.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads on PC.
- Excellent for AI PCs, professionals, and future-proofing.
- Will operate at PCIe Gen4 speeds when used with PS5.
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Pros:
- Future-proof technology with unparalleled speed on compatible PCs.
- Exceptional performance even when down-clocked to Gen4 for PS5.
- Robust caching for superior responsiveness.
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Cons:
- PS5 cannot fully utilize its PCIe Gen5 capabilities, meaning you pay for speed you won’t fully use on the console.
- Likely requires an aftermarket heatsink for PS5 use.
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User Impressions: PC users are ecstatic about its record-breaking speeds and smooth performance. PS5 users who’ve installed it report it functions perfectly at Gen4 speeds, making it a powerful, albeit somewhat overkill, storage expansion.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2
Samsung is a household name in SSDs, and the 990 PRO with Heatsink is their flagship offering, promising “blazing speed” and “cool victory.” This drive is a top-tier performer, designed to push the boundaries of PCIe 4.0, delivering speeds that will make your PS5 fly. With an ultra-slim integrated heatsink, it’s not just fast but also perfectly tailored for your PS5, ensuring optimal thermal management during even the most demanding gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- Near-max PCIe 4.0 performance with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Integrated ultra-slim heatsink designed for PS5 compatibility and heat dissipation.
- Significantly improved random performance over previous generations.
- Large 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
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Pros:
- Exceptional brand reputation and reliability.
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds fully utilized by PS5.
- Integrated heatsink is perfectly sized for PS5.
- Huge capacity for all your games.
- Excellent for heavy computing, gaming, and data analysis.
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Cons:
- Premium pricing compared to some competitors.
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User Impressions: Widely regarded as one of the best drives for PS5, users consistently praise its incredible speed, reliability, and the seamless installation due to the perfectly sized heatsink. It’s a favorite for those seeking the ultimate PS5 storage expansion.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While the focus of this article is on 4TB drives, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is an excellent 2TB option for gamers looking for high-octane performance at a slightly lower capacity (and often a lower price point). This drive delivers impressive speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write, making it incredibly fast for your PS5. Designed specifically for gaming, it’s a reliable choice if 2TB fits your current needs and budget. Remember to pair it with a PS5-compatible heatsink!
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Key Features:
- High-octane gaming performance: Up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write.
- Purpose-built for serious gamers with PCIe Gen4 interface.
- Uses Western Digital’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over previous generations.
- Compatible with PS5 (heatsink required).
- Available in multiple capacities, including 2TB.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard software for optimization (Windows only).
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Pros:
- Outstanding speeds for gaming on PS5.
- Excellent power efficiency, good for console longevity.
- Trusted brand in gaming storage.
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Cons:
- Only 2TB, not 4TB as per the article’s main focus.
- Does not include a heatsink for PS5.
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User Impressions: Users love the WD_BLACK SN7100 for its consistent high performance and reliability. Many have successfully installed it in their PS5 with an aftermarket heatsink, reporting significantly faster load times and overall smoother gaming.
MOVE SPEED HB7450 4TB Internal Solid State Drive for PS5
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 offers a compelling package for PS5 owners seeking a high-capacity, high-speed solution. This 4TB internal SSD leverages cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology to deliver read and write speeds up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s, ensuring your games load at lightning speed. What’s more, it comes with a built-in graphene composite heat sink and an additional heatsink in the package (uninstalled), along with screws and a screwdriver, making it a very user-friendly upgrade option for your PS5.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 high-speed interface: Up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs.
- M.2 2280 form factor for easy installation.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink (with an additional uninstalled heatsink included).
- Uses high-quality 3D Nand flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Rigorous 80-hour testing for stability and long service life.
- Comes with heatsink, screws, screwdriver, and user manual.
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds meeting and exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Includes all necessary installation tools and an additional heatsink.
- Built-in cooling and robust testing provide confidence.
- Affordable option for 4TB capacity.
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Cons:
- Brand might be less recognized than Samsung or WD.
- Additional heatsink requires manual installation.
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User Impressions: Buyers are pleasantly surprised by the performance and value of the MOVE SPEED HB7450. The included accessories are a big hit, simplifying the upgrade process for many. It’s often praised for its fast speeds and smooth operation on the PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5’s internal storage is limited. An M.2 SSD expansion allows you to significantly increase your game library, reduce load times, and play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage without having to delete and re-download titles constantly.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for a PS5-compatible M.2 SSD?
A2: Sony recommends a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. It also needs to be a 22mm wide drive (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 form factor) and include an effective heatsink that keeps the drive within the PS5’s thermal specifications.
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is absolutely crucial. High-performance PCIe Gen4 SSDs generate significant heat. Without a heatsink, the drive can overheat, leading to thermal throttling (reduced performance) or even damage. Sony explicitly requires a heatsink for PS5 compatibility.
Q4: Can I use a PCIe Gen5 SSD, like the Lexar NM1090 PRO, in my PS5?
A4: While a PCIe Gen5 SSD will physically fit and function in your PS5, the console’s architecture currently only supports PCIe Gen4 speeds. This means you won’t get the full Gen5 performance, and the drive will operate at Gen4 speeds, capping around 7,000MB/s. It’s still a fast drive, but you’d be paying for unused potential on the PS5.
Q5: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A5: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools beyond a Phillips head screwdriver. Sony provides clear instructions, and many online tutorials are available. It typically takes less than 15-30 minutes.
Q6: Will adding an M.2 SSD void my PS5’s warranty?
A6: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD will not void your PS5’s warranty. Sony explicitly designed the console with an accessible expansion slot for user-upgradable storage.
Q7: Can I transfer my PS5 games from the internal storage to the new M.2 SSD?
A7: Yes! Once installed and formatted, you can easily move your PS5 games from your console’s internal storage to the new M.2 SSD through the PS5’s settings menu. You can also set the new M.2 SSD as your default installation location for new games.