Hey there, fellow PlayStation gamers! Is your PS4 Pro groaning under the weight of too many games? Are you tired of those painfully long load screens eating into your precious gaming time? You’re not alone. Many PS4 Pro owners hit a storage wall, and upgrading to a larger, faster drive is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your console. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one?
Today, we’re diving deep to find the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps4 pro, alongside other top contenders that will significantly boost your console’s performance and storage capacity. We’ve rounded up seven excellent 4TB SSDs, focusing on Lexar’s fantastic offerings and even a popular alternative, to help you make an informed decision. While some of these are high-speed NVMe drives primarily designed for PS5 or PC, we’ll explain how they can still serve your PS4 Pro effectively, typically via an external enclosure, offering a solid storage upgrade. Let’s get your gaming back on track!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 Pro Storage?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly chat about why a solid-state drive (SSD) is a game-changer for your PS4 Pro.
* Faster Load Times: This is the big one! SSDs are significantly faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), meaning your games will load quicker, levels will render faster, and you’ll spend less time staring at loading screens.
* Smoother Gameplay: While not a direct frame-rate boost, faster data access can help with texture pop-in and overall system responsiveness.
* Increased Storage Capacity: Modern games are huge. A 4TB SSD means you can install dozens of your favorite titles without constantly deleting and redownloading.
* Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resilient to drops and bumps compared to HDDs, especially important for external drives.
* Future-Proofing: Many of these drives are compatible with PS5 and PC, making them versatile investments.
Now, let’s explore the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps4 pro options and beyond!
The 7 Best 4TB SSDs for PS4 Pro
Here’s our breakdown of the top 4TB SSDs, highlighting their unique features and how they can benefit your PS4 Pro setup. Remember, for PS4 Pro, internal storage is SATA, and external uses USB 3.0/3.1. High-speed NVMe drives will be bottlenecked by the USB connection if used externally, but still offer a massive speed increase over an HDD.
Lexar 4TB SL500 Portable SSD
The Lexar SL500 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a dedicated external SSD for your PS4 Pro. Its sleek, thin, and lightweight design makes it incredibly portable, perfect for taking your game library on the go. While it boasts impressive USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds for compatible devices, its fast performance via USB 3.0/3.1 on your PS4 Pro will still deliver a noticeable improvement in load times and overall responsiveness, making it a strong contender for the “best 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro” title among external options.
- Key Features:
- Incredible USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write (compatible systems).
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording with iPhone 15 Pro/Max.
- Wide compatibility with mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, and PS5.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Equipped with a Type-C data cable for plug-and-play.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent portability and compact design.
- Significant speed upgrade for PS4 Pro via USB.
- Robust metal casing enhances durability.
- Broad compatibility makes it versatile.
- Built-in thermal management.
- Cons:
- Full potential speeds only realized on USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 compatible devices.
- No integrated cable management.
- User Impressions: Users love the SL500 for its pocket-friendly size and impressive real-world speed. Many PS4 and PS5 owners praise it for drastically reducing game load times and making game transfers a breeze. The metal design feels premium and durable.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB Armor 700 Portable SSD
If durability is your top priority, the Lexar Armor 700 is built to withstand almost anything you throw at it. This rugged portable SSD doesn’t just offer blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds; it’s also IP66-rated for water and dust resistance and can survive drops up to 3 meters. For gamers who might take their PS4 Pro and external drive to different locations or simply want peace of mind, the Armor 700 is an outstanding, robust external storage solution that confidently ranks as a strong contender for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps4 pro.
- Key Features:
- Blazing-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance of 2000MB/s max read/write speeds.
- Rated IP66 for water and dust protection; withstands up to 3-meter drops.
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording with iPhone 15 Pro/Max.
- Unique Thermal Control Design ensures optimal temperatures.
- Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, iPhone 15/16 series, cameras, gaming consoles.
- Includes Lexar DataShield, a 256-bit AES encryption solution.
- Includes a Type-C and USB-A all-in-one cable.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Exceptional durability for rugged environments.
- Very fast data transfer speeds (though bottlenecked by PS4 Pro’s USB).
- Excellent thermal management.
- Versatile compatibility.
- Includes both Type-C and USB-A cable for convenience.
- Cons:
- Slightly larger and heavier than non-rugged portable SSDs.
- Overkill for users who don’t need extreme durability.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed with the Armor 700’s rugged build and how it handles drops and splashes without a hitch. Gamers appreciate the speed boost it provides for their consoles, and the peace of mind from its durability is a huge plus.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is a high-performance internal NVMe drive that, while designed for PS5 and PC, can still be a viable option for a PS4 Pro user looking for a 4TB SSD. To use it with your PS4 Pro, you would need to place it in a compatible external NVMe enclosure that connects via USB 3.0/3.1. While this setup will bottleneck its incredible PCIe Gen4 speeds, it will still deliver significantly faster performance than a traditional HDD, making it a powerful external storage solution with future-proof potential.
- Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 3000TBW.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Blazing-fast speeds for PS5/PC gaming (when not bottlenecked).
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- Future-proof if you upgrade to a PS5 or build a PC.
- Cons:
- Requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro use, limiting its full speed.
- The heatsink might make it incompatible with some slim external enclosures.
- Overkill for PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 interface.
- User Impressions: PC and PS5 users rave about the NM790’s incredible speed and value. They highlight its ability to drastically reduce game load times and improve system responsiveness. The integrated heatsink is a big plus for sustained performance.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This version of the Lexar NM790 offers the same exceptional PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling but comes without the heatsink. This makes it an even more versatile option for specific external enclosures for your PS4 Pro, especially those that might have their own cooling solutions or where space is tight. It’s perfect for hardcore gamers and content creators on PS5 or PC, but for PS4 Pro, remember it’s an external USB solution, still providing a significant speed boost over an HDD.
- Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 3000TBW.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfer speeds.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Outstanding performance for PS5/PC.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- More versatile for various external enclosures due to no integrated heatsink.
- Great value for a high-performance 4TB NVMe.
- Cons:
- Still requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro, limiting speed.
- No included heatsink (may need one for sustained high-load use in PS5/PC).
- Speeds are significantly bottlenecked by PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0.
- User Impressions: Similar to the heatsink version, users are very pleased with the NM790’s raw speed and efficiency. Its lack of a heatsink is often seen as a benefit for custom cooling setups or for fitting into compact devices.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
The Lexar PLAY SSD is explicitly designed to enhance your gaming experience, especially for consoles like the PS5. Its inclusion of a unique heatsink makes installation effortless for PS5 users and ensures enhanced cooling during intense gaming sessions. If you’re looking for a top-tier NVMe drive that performs exceptionally well on a PS5 and can also serve as a fast 4TB external storage for your PS4 Pro (when paired with a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure), the Play SSD is a solid choice, albeit one whose full potential won’t be realized on the PS4 Pro.
- Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, enhancing gaming experience.
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds ensure reduced load times.
- Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console.
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling.
- Can be used for PS5 and PC gaming.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance.
- Five-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent performance for PS5 and PC gaming.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and improves cooling.
- Large 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Directly compatible and tested for PS5.
- Cons:
- Primarily optimized for PS5/PC; requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro.
- PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 interface severely limits its speed potential.
- Heatsink may not fit all external enclosures.
- User Impressions: PS5 owners particularly praise the Lexar PLAY for its straightforward installation and significant performance boost. Gamers appreciate the reduction in load times and the peace of mind provided by the integrated heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
Lexar 4TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Now we’re talking bleeding-edge! The Lexar NM1090 PRO is a PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD, pushing the boundaries with absolutely blistering speeds. While it’s largely overkill for a PS4 Pro (it would definitely need an external USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure, and its Gen5 speeds would be drastically capped), this drive is an absolute beast for high-end PC gaming, AI applications, and future PS5 Pro consoles. If you want the most future-proof 4TB storage possible that can also function as an external PS4 Pro drive, this is it, but be aware of the significant speed bottleneck on the PS4 Pro.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s.
- Accelerates load times by 200% compared to previous generations.
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control.
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs; reduces bottlenecks.
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache enhance data transfer speeds.
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads.
- Pros:
- Unparalleled, cutting-edge speed for PC and next-gen consoles.
- Extremely future-proof investment.
- Optimized for intense computing tasks.
- Excellent thermal management and efficiency.
- Cons:
- Massively overkill and expensive for PS4 Pro use (speeds bottlenecked by USB 3.0).
- Requires a high-end external NVMe enclosure compatible with Gen5 for any external use.
- Doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink (recommended for full potential).
- User Impressions: Early adopters of the NM1090 PRO marvel at its astonishing speeds, particularly for professional workloads and the most demanding PC games. It’s considered a top-tier choice for those building high-performance systems.
- See it on Amazon here
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal
We couldn’t talk about the best 4TB SSDs without including a powerhouse from Samsung, a leader in flash memory. The Samsung 990 PRO is a phenomenal PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD known for its exceptional performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Like the high-end Lexar NVMe drives, it’s primarily designed for PS5 and PC. However, if you opt to use it with an external USB 3.0/3.1 enclosure for your PS4 Pro, it will still offer a vast improvement over an HDD, leveraging Samsung’s reputation for quality and speed.
- Key Features:
- PCIe Gen4 performance with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Power efficiency up to 50% improved per watt over the 980 PRO.
- Storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
- Ideal for hardcore gaming, video editing, and data analysis.
- Pros:
- Industry-leading performance and reliability from Samsung.
- Exceptional read/write speeds for compatible systems.
- Excellent power efficiency for sustained performance.
- Great for demanding applications beyond gaming.
- Cons:
- Requires an external enclosure for PS4 Pro, significantly bottlenecking speed.
- Premium price point.
- No integrated heatsink (may need to buy separately for PS5/PC).
- User Impressions: The Samsung 990 PRO consistently receives top marks for its incredible speed, especially in real-world scenarios. Gamers and professionals alike praise its reliability and the noticeable performance boost it provides in their systems.
- See it on Amazon here
Buying Guide: What to Look for When Choosing a 4TB SSD for PS4 Pro
When picking out a 4TB SSD for your PS4 Pro, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- External vs. Internal: The PS4 Pro uses a SATA III connection for its internal drive. While you can swap the internal HDD for a 4TB SATA SSD, it’s a more involved process. Most users opt for an external SSD, which connects via USB 3.0/3.1. This is plug-and-play and usually sufficient for a great speed boost.
- Speed (and reality check): PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0/3.1 ports max out around 5 Gbps (625 MB/s) or 10 Gbps (1250 MB/s) respectively for USB 3.1 Gen 2. Even the fastest NVMe drives reviewed above will be capped by this limit when used externally. Don’t worry, though—even at those capped speeds, it’s still significantly faster than the stock HDD!
- Durability and Portability: If you plan on moving your external SSD around, consider a rugged portable drive like the Lexar Armor 700. For stationary use, a standard portable SSD like the SL500, or an internal NVMe in a robust enclosure, will do just fine.
- Heatsink (for NVMe drives): If you choose an internal NVMe drive (like the Lexar NM790 or Play) to put into an external enclosure, a heatsink is generally not required as the USB interface won’t push the drive hard enough to generate excessive heat. However, if you plan to use the drive in a PS5 or PC later, a heatsink is often beneficial.
- Compatibility: All the portable SSDs listed are directly compatible with PS4 Pro via USB. For the internal NVMe drives, remember you’ll need a good quality USB 3.0/3.1 external enclosure for NVMe SSDs.
FAQ Section
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 Pro with an SSD?
A: Upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) for your PS4 Pro drastically reduces game load times, makes game installations and transfers much faster, and generally improves system responsiveness compared to the slower traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that comes standard.
Q2: Can I use an NVMe SSD directly inside my PS4 Pro?
A: No, the PS4 Pro uses a SATA III interface for its internal storage, not NVMe. You cannot directly install an NVMe SSD inside the console. However, you can use an NVMe SSD externally by placing it in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1 NVMe enclosure.
Q3: What’s the difference between an external and internal SSD for PS4 Pro?
A: An internal SSD replaces the console’s existing HDD and needs to be a 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. This provides the fastest possible internal speeds for the PS4 Pro. An external SSD connects via one of the console’s USB 3.0/3.1 ports. It’s much easier to set up (plug-and-play) and provides a significant speed boost for games stored on it, although the USB interface will bottleneck the absolute maximum speeds of high-end NVMe drives.
Q4: Will a 4TB SSD improve PS4 Pro load times significantly?
A: Absolutely! Whether you use an internal SATA SSD or an external SSD via USB 3.0/3.1, you’ll experience a substantial reduction in load times for games, often cutting them by 30-50% or more compared to the stock HDD.
Q5: Do I need a heatsink for an SSD used with a PS4 Pro?
A: For external SSDs connected via USB, a heatsink is generally not necessary. The USB interface itself acts as a bottleneck, preventing the SSD from reaching speeds that would generate excessive heat. If you plan to use an internal NVMe drive within an external enclosure, the enclosure itself often provides sufficient passive cooling. However, if you intend to move the NVMe drive to a PS5 or PC later, a heatsink might be beneficial for sustained, high-performance use there.
Q6: How do I install an external SSD on my PS4 Pro?
A: It’s super easy!
1. Connect the external SSD to one of your PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0/3.1 ports.
2. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
3. Select your SSD and choose Format as Extended Storage.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. Once formatted, you can set it as the default installation location for new games or move existing games to it.
Q7: Is Lexar a good brand for PS4 Pro SSDs?
A: Yes, Lexar is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality flash memory and storage solutions. Their SSDs offer excellent performance, reliability, and often come with competitive warranties, making them a great choice for PS4 Pro users looking for a reliable storage upgrade.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with a 4TB SSD is one of the best investments you can make to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose a dedicated portable SSD like the Lexar SL500 or the rugged Lexar Armor 700 for direct external use, or an incredibly fast NVMe drive like the Lexar NM790 (with or without heatsink), Lexar Play, or even the bleeding-edge Lexar NM1090 PRO (used in an external enclosure), you’re guaranteed a massive boost in game load times and storage capacity.
While the internal NVMe drives are technically overkill for the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0/3.1 speeds, they offer superb performance if you’re also planning to use them with a PS5 or PC in the future, giving you a versatile and future-proof storage solution. For pure PS4 Pro external storage, the portable SSDs like the SL500 and Armor 700 are perhaps the most practical and direct contenders for the Lexar best 4tb ssd for ps4 pro.
Whichever Lexar drive you choose, you’re picking a reliable path to more storage and less waiting. Happy gaming!