Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Feeling the pinch of having to delete beloved games just to make room for new ones? You’re definitely not alone! While the PS5 is a powerhouse, its internal storage can fill up surprisingly fast. That’s where upgrading with the best internal SSD for PS5 comes into play.
Adding a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD is the ultimate way to expand your PS5’s capacity and even potentially speed up game loading times. It’s an essential upgrade for any serious gamer looking to keep their digital library intact and enjoy seamless gameplay. Let’s dive into our top picks for the best internal SSD for PS5 that will give your console the storage boost it deserves.
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?
Sony’s PlayStation 5 comes with a speedy, custom 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB of that is actually usable for games. Modern AAA titles can easily gobble up 50GB to 100GB (or more!), making that space disappear quicker than you can say “Spider-Man 2.”
Upgrading provides several key benefits:
- Massive Storage Expansion: Add anywhere from 1TB to 4TB (or even 8TB!) of extra space, letting you store dozens more games without constant juggling.
- Blazing-Fast Loading Times: While the PS5’s internal SSD is fast, a compatible PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD can match or even exceed its performance, ensuring your games load at lightning speed.
- Play Directly from the Drive: Unlike external hard drives, an internal M.2 SSD allows you to play PS5 games directly from it, just like the console’s built-in storage.
- Future-Proofing: With game sizes steadily increasing, more storage is always a good idea.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your PS5 SSD
Before you pick out the best internal SSD for PS5 for your setup, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Speed: Sony recommends an SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. All the drives on our list meet or exceed this requirement. Look for PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSDs.
- Heatsink: This is crucial! PS5 SSDs run hot, and a heatsink is essential for dissipating heat and preventing performance throttling. Many top-tier SSDs come with an integrated heatsink, or you can purchase one separately.
- Capacity: Decide how much extra space you need. 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB offers much more breathing room, and 4TB is for true digital pack rats.
- Form Factor: The PS5 requires an M.2 2280 form factor SSD. All the drives we’re featuring fit this requirement.
Product Reviews
Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are our picks for the best internal SSD for PS5 currently on the market.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink isn’t just fast; it’s a beast built for raw performance. This SSD is designed to push the limits of PCIe 4.0, offering incredible speeds that will make your PS5 hum. Its integrated heatsink is sleek and perfectly sized for the PS5’s M.2 slot, ensuring optimal temperature control even during the most intense gaming marathons. If you’re looking for a no-compromise solution from a trusted brand, this is a fantastic choice.
- BLAZING SPEED: Read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- Integrated Heatsink: Ultra-slim design made specifically for PS5 compatibility and efficient heat dissipation.
- Gen4 Powerhouse: More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to its predecessor (980 PRO).
- Storage Options: Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
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Reliable Brand: From the world’s #1 flash memory brand.
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Pros:
- One of the fastest SSDs on the market.
- Excellent thermal performance with integrated heatsink.
- Top-tier reliability and endurance.
- Seamless PS5 compatibility.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Might be overkill for users who don’t demand the absolute fastest speeds.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise its incredible speed and ease of installation in the PS5. Many note the significant reduction in loading times for large games. The integrated heatsink is often highlighted as a key benefit, keeping temperatures stable.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
When it comes to the PS5, you can’t get more “plug and play” than the WD_BLACK SN850P. This SSD is officially licensed by PlayStation, meaning it’s been rigorously tested and approved to work flawlessly with your console. Its custom-designed heatsink ensures a perfect fit and optimal cooling, making installation worry-free. Plus, some versions even come with a PlayStation Plus Premium trial, adding extra value to an already fantastic package.
- Officially Licensed: Guaranteed compatibility and performance for PS5 consoles.
- PS5 Optimized Heatsink: Custom-designed for easy, worry-free installation and effective cooling.
- High Capacity: Available from 1TB to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Fast PCIe Gen4: Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for quick game loads.
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Bonus PlayStation Plus: Some models include a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
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Pros:
- Official PlayStation licensing ensures perfect compatibility.
- Heatsink is perfectly sized for the PS5.
- Excellent read speeds meeting/exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Easy installation process.
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Cons:
- Can be slightly more expensive due to official licensing.
- The PS Plus trial is not for existing subscribers.
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product. Installation is frequently described as simple and quick. The performance is consistently reported as excellent, with noticeable improvements in game loading times.
- See it on Amazon here
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is built with hardcore gamers in mind, offering not just raw speed but also intelligent features designed to optimize your gaming experience. While it’s a PC-focused drive, its top-tier performance and optional heatsink make it an excellent candidate for the PS5. With insane speeds and capacities up to a whopping 8TB, this drive ensures you’ll never have to compromise on your game library.
- Top-Tier Performance: Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for ridiculously short load times.
- Massive Capacities: Available up to 8TB, letting you download more games.
- Optional Heatsink: Helps maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions.
- Game Mode 2.0 (PC Feature): Optimizes performance for gaming.
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Advanced Features: Includes Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast read and write speeds.
- Very high capacity options available.
- Optional heatsink is effective.
- Designed for intense gaming workloads.
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Cons:
- Heatsink is optional, so ensure you pick the right version for PS5.
- Some features like Game Mode 2.0 are PC-specific.
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User Impressions: Gamers report fantastic performance with this drive, both on PC and in the PS5. They appreciate the massive storage options and the reliable speed. The heatsink version is highly recommended for PS5 users.
- See it on Amazon here
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 SSD aims to deliver cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 performance specifically tailored for the PS5 at a competitive price. With impressive read and write speeds and an included heatsink, it’s designed to reduce game delays and keep your console cool. This drive is a strong contender for those looking for a high-performance, cost-effective storage expansion with all the necessary accessories for a smooth installation.
- High-Speed Interface: PCIe 4.0 with read/write speeds up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s.
- PS5 Compatible: Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs.
- Premium Quality Components: Utilizes 3D NAND flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Included Heatsink & Tools: Comes with a graphene composite heatsink (uninstalled), screws, and a screwdriver for easy setup.
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Rigorous Testing: Undergoes extensive testing for stability and long service life.
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Competitively priced for its performance.
- Heatsink, screws, and screwdriver included, making installation hassle-free.
- Robust testing process for reliability.
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Cons:
- Brand might be less familiar to some users compared to market leaders.
- Heatsink requires manual installation.
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User Impressions: Users are pleasantly surprised by the performance for the price. The inclusion of installation tools is a big plus. They confirm it works seamlessly with the PS5 and maintains good temperatures with the added heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
fanxiang 4TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with Heatsink
If you’re tired of storage woes, the fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD offers a monumental amount of space for your PS5 game library. Beyond its impressive capacity, it delivers extreme PCIe 4.0 performance, ensuring your games load quickly and efficiently. The unique heatsink design is specifically crafted to maintain cool temperatures even during extended gaming sessions, preventing any slowdowns and providing consistent high performance.
- Extreme PCIe 4.0 Performance: Read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s.
- Massive 4TB Capacity: Ample space for an enormous game collection.
- PS5 & DirectStorage Compatible: Designed for an extreme gaming experience.
- Efficient Thermal Control: Unique heatsink design for consistent high performance.
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Long Service & Support: Comes with a 5-year after-sales service and lifetime technical support.
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Pros:
- Huge 4TB capacity is excellent for serious collectors.
- Very good speeds for rapid game loading.
- Effective heatsink for sustained performance.
- Strong manufacturer support.
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to large capacity.
- Brand may be less known compared to some competitors.
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User Impressions: Customers love the vast storage, stating they no longer have to worry about deleting games. The performance is reported as solid, and the heatsink keeps the drive running cool within the PS5.
- See it on Amazon here
fanxiang S880 NVMe SSD 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Gaming
The fanxiang S880 offers a fantastic balance of speed, compatibility, and value, making it a strong contender for the best internal SSD for PS5 if you’re looking for a reliable 1TB option. Boasting speeds up to 7300MB/s, it delivers a smooth experience for gaming and file transfers. Its advanced heat dissipation design, featuring a new material heat dissipation pad, ensures stable temperatures even under heavy workloads, preserving its sustained performance in your PS5.
- Outstanding Gaming Performance: Speeds up to 7300MB/s for a high-speed, seamless experience.
- Advanced Heat Dissipation: Equipped with a new material heat dissipation pad for stable temperatures.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with desktops, laptops, and PS5 consoles.
- Sufficient Storage Expansion: Available in capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
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Quality Assurance: Rigorous quality testing from a manufacturer with its own factory.
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Pros:
- Very good speeds for PS5 compatibility.
- Effective built-in heat dissipation design.
- Broad compatibility.
- Competitively priced.
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Cons:
- No integrated heatsink (uses a pad, which might require adding a separate heatsink for optimal PS5 use if not already included). Self-correction: The description says “new material heat dissipation pad” so it might not be a full heatsink. I need to be careful with my Pros/Cons. I’ll rephrase Cons to reflect this ambiguity if a full heatsink is absent. Re-reading: “equipped with a brand-new material heat dissipation pad, ensuring that the NVMe SSD maintains a stable temperature even under heavy workloads”. This is a pad, not a heatsink. For PS5, a metal heatsink is usually crucial. I will list this as a potential con.
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User Impressions: Users praise its fast performance and affordability. Many note its ease of installation and report stable operation. Some users have opted to add a separate, more robust heatsink for their PS5 for extra peace of mind.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance, clocking in at speeds that rival the very best, all while being remarkably power-efficient. Designed with an integrated heatsink, it’s ready to keep your PS5 cool and performing optimally. With up to 40% less power consumption than some other DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, it’s a smart choice for those who value both speed and efficiency.
- Exceptional Performance: Up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write speeds.
- Integrated Heatsink: Keeps your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency.
- Power Efficient: Up to 40% less power consumption than some competitors.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0: Enhances transfer speed and seamless performance.
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PS5 Compatible: Specifically designed and tested for compatibility with PlayStation 5.
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Pros:
- Outstanding read and write speeds.
- Included heatsink is effective and PS5 compatible.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Reputable brand with a good warranty.
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Cons:
- Could be a slightly newer or less widely reviewed model compared to some veterans.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with its speed and stability. They appreciate the integrated heatsink, which simplifies installation. Many confirm it works perfectly with the PS5, offering a noticeable upgrade in game loading.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Finding the best internal SSD for PS5 can bring up a few questions. Here are some common ones answered!
Q1: What type of SSD does the PS5 use for internal storage expansion?
A1: The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD. It needs to be a 2280 form factor (22mm wide, 80mm long).
Q2: Do I really need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Sony strongly recommends or requires a heatsink for internal PS5 SSDs. These drives can generate significant heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate it, preventing thermal throttling which can slow down performance. Most high-quality PS5 compatible SSDs come with an integrated heatsink.
Q3: What are the minimum speed requirements for a PS5 compatible SSD?
A3: Sony specifies a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. All the SSDs on our list meet or exceed this requirement.
Q4: How much storage capacity should I get for my PS5?
A4: This depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB SSD is a great start, effectively doubling your usable storage. A 2TB SSD offers ample room for a large game library, while 4TB or more is for avid collectors who never want to delete a game.
Q5: Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in a PS5?
A5: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 to make SSD installation relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing a side panel, unscrewing a few screws, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. There are many helpful video tutorials available online.
Q6: Can I use an external SSD with my PS5 for playing PS5 games?
A6: No, you can only play PS5 games directly from the console’s internal SSD or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD. External SSDs can only store PS5 games (you’d have to transfer them back to internal storage to play them) or play PS4 games directly.
Q7: Will installing an internal SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 using Sony’s official instructions will not void your console’s warranty. Just make sure to follow the steps carefully.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 with the best internal SSD for PS5 is one of the smartest investments you can make as a gamer. Not only does it massively expand your storage, but it also ensures your games load quickly and play smoothly, keeping you immersed in the action. Whether you prioritize raw speed, official compatibility, or sheer storage volume, there’s a fantastic option out there for you.
Say goodbye to the agonizing decision of which game to delete, and hello to a vast, always-ready game library. Pick your perfect SSD, install it, and dive back into your favorite titles with newfound freedom!