Are you running out of space on your PlayStation 5? It’s a common dilemma for PS5 gamers. With so many incredible titles dropping, that built-in 825GB SSD (only about 667GB usable) fills up fast! Deleting games just to make room for new ones can be a real pain. But what if there was a way to significantly expand your storage and keep those lightning-fast loading times? Well, there is, and it involves picking the best M.2 SSD for PS5.
Adding an internal M.2 NVMe SSD is the ultimate upgrade for your console. It not only gives you tons of extra room for all your favorite games but also ensures you’re ready for future releases without compromising on performance. We’re talking about blazing-fast speeds that keep those load screens to a minimum, just like the console’s original internal drive. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve rounded up seven top-tier M.2 SSDs that are perfect for your PS5, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and find the best M.2 SSD for PS5 that fits your needs and budget!
Our Top Picks for the Best M.2 SSD for PS5
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a true powerhouse, originally designed to transform gaming PCs but equally fantastic for your PS5. This drive is all about pushing boundaries, offering insane speeds that will drastically cut down your game loading times. If you’re looking for top-tier performance and aren’t afraid to invest in it, this SSD provides a serious upgrade that ensures your games run smoothly and load incredibly fast. It’s built for serious gamers who demand the best.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read.
- Capacities up to 8TB, built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version available to maintain peak performance.
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for drive health monitoring and RGB customization (heatsink versions).
- Future-forward features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds.
- Large storage capacities available.
- Heatsink option crucial for PS5.
- Advanced gaming-centric features.
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Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only, not relevant for PS5.
- Not officially licensed by PlayStation, though fully compatible.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the SN850X for its incredible speed and reliability, noting how it significantly reduces loading screens and game installation times. Many appreciate the optional heatsink version for its heat management, ensuring consistent performance during intense gaming sessions.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
If you want absolute peace of mind, the WD_BLACK SN850P is the way to go. This M.2 SSD is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning you can plug it in and play without a single worry about compatibility. It comes with a brand-new, optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5’s M.2 slot, making installation a breeze and ensuring optimal thermal performance. This is essentially the official stamp of approval for your console’s storage expansion.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB, storing up to 100 games (4TB model).
- Optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console.
- Allows playing directly from the drive, eliminating game transfers.
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe.
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility with PS5.
- PS5-optimized heatsink included.
- Extremely fast read speeds.
- Bonus PlayStation Plus trial.
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Cons:
- May come at a slightly higher price point due to official licensing.
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User Impressions: PS5 owners rave about the seamless installation and instant recognition of this drive by their console. The “officially licensed” status provides immense confidence, and the included PS Plus trial is a nice bonus. Users confirm it truly delivers on its promise of fast, worry-free storage expansion.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink offers an impressive blend of performance and power efficiency, making it an excellent choice for your PS5. It delivers exceptional read and write speeds, rivalling many top-tier drives, while consuming significantly less power than some competitors. This means less heat generated inside your PS5, contributing to overall system stability and longevity. It’s a smart choice for gamers who value both speed and efficiency.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- Built-in heatsink for optimized cooling and power efficiency.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smooth transfer speeds.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Very high read and write speeds.
- Excellent power efficiency, meaning less heat.
- Integrated heatsink is ready for PS5.
- Good warranty period.
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Cons:
- Write speed is slightly lower than some premium drives, but still excellent.
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User Impressions: Customers are highly satisfied with the Lexar NM790’s performance, often highlighting its fast loading times and smooth gameplay experience. The included heatsink is a big plus for PS5 users, and the competitive pricing for its features makes it a popular option.
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
When it comes to raw speed and reliability, the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is often considered a gold standard. As the fastest SSD from the world’s #1 flash memory brand, this drive is a cheat code for your PS5, delivering near-max PCIe 4.0 performance. Its ultra-slim integrated heatsink is specifically designed with the PS5 in mind, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and stable performance even during the most demanding gaming sessions. If you want the absolute pinnacle of SSD performance for your console, look no further.
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Key Features:
- Blazing speeds: up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO.
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink designed to dissipate heat and prevent performance issues.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
- Storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast, pushing PCIe 4.0 limits.
- Integrated heatsink optimized for PS5.
- Renowned Samsung reliability and brand trust.
- Excellent for heavy computing and gaming.
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Cons:
- Premium price point.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its unparalleled speed and consistent performance. Many PS5 owners report seamless integration and a noticeable improvement in game loading times. The integrated heatsink is frequently cited as a key advantage, making it a hassle-free upgrade.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While not the absolute fastest in the WD_BLACK lineup, the SN7100 is a fantastic value proposition that still delivers high-octane gaming performance for your PS5. Designed with modern gaming in mind, it offers excellent read and write speeds and impressive power efficiency, which is a bonus for sustained performance within your console. If you’re looking for a solid, reliable best M.2 SSD for PS5 that won’t break the bank but still performs admirably, the SN7100 is a contender. Just remember to grab a separate heatsink for PS5 compatibility!
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- Purpose-built with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- Up to 2,400TBW endurance for heavy use.
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Pros:
- Very good read/write speeds for gaming.
- Excellent power efficiency.
- High endurance for heavy gaming.
- More affordable than some top-tier models.
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink; one must be purchased separately for PS5.
- Slightly slower than the SN850X or SN850P, but still well above PS5 requirements.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the SN7100 as a cost-effective solution that still offers significant speed improvements over the base console storage. It’s often recommended for those who are comfortable adding their own heatsink to get great performance without the premium price tag.
Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
The Fikwot FX910 might be from a lesser-known brand, but it packs a serious punch, delivering extreme performance that makes it a strong candidate for the best M.2 SSD for PS5. With ultra-fast speeds and a built-in graphite heatsink, it’s designed to keep cool under pressure, ensuring stable performance during your most intense gaming sessions. Its wide compatibility and generous 5-year guarantee add peace of mind, making it a compelling choice for gamers seeking high performance and reliability.
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Key Features:
- Extreme performance: up to 7300MB/s read and 6200MB/s write.
- Built-in graphite heatsink for advanced cooling and stability.
- Wide compatibility with PS5 and desktop PCs.
- Available up to 4TB capacity.
- Easy plug-and-play installation.
- 5-year guarantee and 24/7 support.
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Pros:
- Excellent read speeds, well above PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink is effective and convenient.
- High capacity options available.
- Strong warranty and customer support.
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Cons:
- Brand might not be as recognized as Samsung or WD.
- Write speed is decent but lower than some top-tier competitors.
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User Impressions: Customers report surprising performance from the Fikwot FX910, often noting its quick installation and effective cooling. The value for money, combined with strong customer service and a solid warranty, makes it a popular alternative to more established brands.
MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 enters the arena with cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, promising lightning-fast game loading and file transfer times for your PS5. What truly sets this drive apart is its robust cooling solution, featuring a built-in graphene composite heat sink and an additional uninstalled heatsink included in the package. This dual approach to cooling, along with rigorous 80-hour testing, speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to stability and long service life, making it a reliable and high-performance choice.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 high-speed interface with up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
- Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptop, and PC.
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor.
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink + additional heatsink (uninstalled) included.
- Passed rigorous 80-hour testing for stability and longevity.
- Includes heatsink, screws, and screwdriver for easy installation.
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Pros:
- Extremely high read/write speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Excellent thermal management with dual heatsink approach.
- Thoroughly tested for quality and durability.
- Comes with all necessary installation tools.
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Cons:
- Brand is less established than industry giants.
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User Impressions: Users are impressed by the MOVE SPEED HB7450’s raw speed and the thoughtful inclusion of installation tools and multiple cooling options. Many highlight its seamless integration with the PS5 and the peace of mind offered by the extensive testing and warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions about PS5 SSDs
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: Your PlayStation 5 has limited internal storage (around 667GB usable). With modern games often exceeding 100GB, this space fills up quickly. An M.2 SSD allows you to vastly expand your game library without needing to delete games or compromise on the console’s incredible loading speeds. It’s essentially adding more super-fast storage.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for a PS5 SSD?
A2: Sony specifies certain requirements for M.2 SSDs. They must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD, with a capacity between 250GB and 8TB. The most crucial factor is sequential read speed, which must be 5,500 MB/s or faster. They also need to fit within specific physical dimensions (22mm width, and with a heatsink, a maximum height of 11.25mm).
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Yes, a heatsink is absolutely crucial. High-performance M.2 SSDs generate a significant amount of heat, especially during intense gaming. Without a heatsink, the drive can overheat, leading to thermal throttling (reduced performance) or even damage. Sony highly recommends and essentially requires a heatsink for any M.2 SSD installed in the PS5.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver. First, power off your PS5 completely and unplug all cables. Then, remove the side cover, locate the M.2 expansion slot (under a metal cover), insert the SSD at an angle, secure it with the provided screw, replace the metal cover, and put the side panel back on. Your PS5 will guide you through formatting it on boot-up.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from the expanded M.2 SSD?
A5: Yes, absolutely! Once installed and formatted, the M.2 SSD functions as an extension of your PS5’s internal storage. You can download, install, and play PS5-specific games directly from it, enjoying the same lightning-fast loading times as games stored on the console’s built-in drive.
Q6: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A6: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty. Sony explicitly supports and provides instructions for M.2 SSD expansion, so feel free to upgrade your storage without worry.
Q7: How much storage capacity do I really need for my PS5?
A7: This depends on your gaming habits. If you play a lot of different AAA titles, 1TB or 2TB is usually a great starting point, allowing you to comfortably store 15-30 large games. If you’re a serious collector or want maximum future-proofing, 4TB or even 8TB options are available, letting you build a massive library without ever deleting anything. For most gamers, 2TB is the sweet spot for the best M.2 SSD for PS5 in terms of capacity and cost.