Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? You’re not alone! With massive game installs and frequent updates, the PS5’s internal storage can fill up surprisingly fast. Thankfully, Sony made it easy to expand your console’s capacity with a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD. But not just any SSD will do; for optimal performance and longevity, you need a drive that comes with its own heatsink. This ensures your SSD stays cool under pressure, preventing throttling and keeping your games running smoothly.
Finding the best M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5 can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect storage upgrade. We’ll dive into seven top contenders that promise to give your PS5 the storage boost and speed it deserves. Get ready to say goodbye to deleting games and hello to an expansive digital library!
Why Your PS5 Needs an M.2 SSD with Heatsink
Adding an M.2 SSD to your PlayStation 5 isn’t just about getting more space; it’s about enhancing your entire gaming experience. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Massive Storage Expansion: Modern games can easily take up 100GB or more. An additional 1TB, 2TB, or even 4TB SSD means you can keep dozens, if not hundreds, of your favorite titles installed and ready to play.
- Blazing Fast Load Times: PS5 games are optimized for ultra-fast SSDs. A compatible M.2 SSD can match or even exceed the console’s internal drive speeds, meaning quicker boot-ups, faster level loads, and seamless transitions in games.
- Future-Proofing: As games get more graphically intense and demanding, having a high-performance SSD ensures your PS5 is ready for whatever comes next.
- Heat Management is Key: Running a high-speed SSD generates heat. A built-in heatsink is crucial for dissipating this heat, preventing the drive from overheating, which can lead to performance drops (throttling) or even shorten the lifespan of your SSD. For the tight confines of the PS5’s M.2 slot, an integrated heatsink is practically a must-have.
Now, let’s explore some of the best M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5 options available today!
Product Reviews
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
If you’re looking for an absolute powerhouse to push your PS5’s performance to its limits, the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a fantastic choice. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s designed to deliver near-max PCIe 4.0 speeds, ensuring your games load in a blink and you experience incredibly smooth gameplay. With its integrated ultra-slim heatsink, it’s engineered to fit perfectly within the PS5’s M.2 slot while efficiently managing heat, letting you play without limits.
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Key Features:
- Blazing fast speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s (read/write).
- PCIe Gen4 interface for high-performance bandwidth.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO.
- Ultra-slim integrated heatsink for improved temperature control.
- Storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
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Pros:
- Top-tier performance for lightning-fast loading and game handling.
- Excellent heat dissipation with an integrated, slim heatsink.
- Significant upgrade in random performance ideal for heavy gaming.
- Wide range of capacity options available.
- Renowned Samsung reliability and build quality.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to its top-tier performance.
- May be overkill for users who don’t demand the absolute fastest speeds.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its incredible speed and seamless integration with the PS5. Many report a noticeable difference in load times and overall system responsiveness, making it a highly recommended upgrade for serious gamers. The heatsink fits perfectly, which is a major relief for installations.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is built from the ground up for gaming, delivering ridiculously short load times and top-tier performance that will transform your PS5 experience. With insane speeds that push the boundaries of PCIe Gen4, this drive ensures you spend less time waiting and more time playing. The optional heatsink version is specifically designed to maintain peak performance during your most intense gaming sessions, keeping your drive cool and your gameplay smooth.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
- Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
- Optional heatsink version to maintain peak performance.
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for drive health monitoring and RGB customization (heatsink versions only).
- Future-forward features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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Pros:
- Exceptional speeds perfect for demanding PS5 titles.
- Massive capacity options, including an industry-leading 8TB.
- Heatsink effectively manages heat for sustained performance.
- Designed specifically with gamers in mind.
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Cons:
- WD_BLACK Dashboard features (like RGB) are only relevant for PC users.
- Might be considered a premium investment for some budgets.
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely love the SN850X for its raw speed and impressive capacity. Users report significantly reduced load times across various PS5 titles. The heatsink is effective, and the drive fits well within the PS5 slot, making for a straightforward upgrade.
Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
The Lexar NM790 with Heatsink strikes a fantastic balance between performance and efficiency, making it a smart choice for your PS5. It delivers speeds that are twice as fast as PCIe Gen 3 SSDs, ensuring quick data transfers and smooth gaming. What truly sets it apart is its impressive power efficiency, consuming up to 40% less power than many other Gen 4 SSDs, which is great for maintaining system stability. The integrated heatsink ensures your rig stays cool, offering better performance without breaking a sweat.
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Key Features:
- Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Designed with a heatsink 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.
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Pros:
- Excellent read/write speeds suitable for PS5.
- Highly power-efficient, potentially reducing heat and power draw.
- Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal management.
- Good value for the performance it offers.
- Backed by a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
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Cons:
- Write speeds are slightly lower than some top-tier competitors, though still very high.
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User Impressions: Many users appreciate the Lexar NM790 for its strong performance at a competitive price point. It’s often highlighted for its easy installation in the PS5 and its effective heatsink, leading to a noticeable improvement in game loading without any thermal issues.
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed for PS5
For the ultimate peace of mind and seamless compatibility, the WD_BLACK SN850P is an officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles. This means it’s been tested and approved by Sony themselves, guaranteeing a worry-free installation and optimal performance for your PS5 games. It comes with a brand-new, optimized heatsink specifically designed for the PS5, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times directly from the drive. Plus, some models even include a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe!
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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).
- Brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5.
- Play directly from the drive without transferring games.
- Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s.
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe (with some models).
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Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and performance due to official licensing.
- Heatsink perfectly optimized for PS5’s M.2 slot.
- Top-tier speeds for rapid game loading.
- Eliminates the need to transfer games; play directly from the drive.
- PlayStation Plus trial is a nice bonus.
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Cons:
- The “officially licensed” aspect can sometimes come with a slightly higher price tag.
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User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the SN850P’s “plug and play” nature for PS5. The official licensing provides immense comfort, and users confirm it performs flawlessly, delivering lightning-fast load times. The dedicated heatsink design is frequently praised for its perfect fit and cooling efficiency.
M.2 Heatsink Cooler 2280 SSD Double-Sided Heat Sink with
This isn’t an SSD itself, but a dedicated M.2 heatsink cooler designed to pair with your existing or new M.2 2280 SSD for both PC and PS5. If you’ve found a great SSD without an integrated heatsink, or if you want an upgrade to your current cooling solution, this double-sided aluminum alloy heatsink is a robust choice. It promises to drop your SSD’s temperature significantly, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained high performance. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer to buy their SSD and heatsink separately for maximum flexibility.
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Key Features:
- Designed for desktop PC/PS5, compatible with all single-sided M.2 2280 SSDs.
- Main body material: Aluminum alloy with anodic oxidation surface treatment.
- Dimensions suitable for PS5 M.2 slot.
- Includes high thermal conductivity thermal pads.
- Provides 10°C – 20°C cooling effect (varies by environment).
- Easy to install with double-sided clip design.
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Pros:
- Highly effective at dissipating heat from M.2 SSDs.
- Compatible with a wide range of single-sided 2280 M.2 NVMe SSDs.
- Durable aluminum alloy construction.
- Easy installation process.
- An affordable solution if you already have a compatible SSD.
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Cons:
- Requires purchasing an M.2 SSD separately.
- Might add a bit more complexity to the installation compared to an all-in-one unit.
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User Impressions: Users who opted for this separate heatsink solution report excellent cooling performance, noting significant temperature drops on their M.2 SSDs, which helps maintain peak speeds. Its compact design is also appreciated, especially for PS5 installations.
Fikwot FX910 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD for PS5&PC, PCIe Gen4
The Fikwot FX910 is a strong contender for the title of best M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5, offering extreme performance at a competitive price. With ultra-fast read and write speeds, this PCIe 4.0 drive ensures rapid boot-ups, smooth multitasking, and quick game loading. It features a built-in graphite heatsink that’s designed to keep the SSD cool even under heavy load, ensuring top performance during the most demanding tasks. Its wide compatibility with both PS5 and desktop PCs, plus a generous 5-year guarantee, makes it a reliable choice.
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Key Features:
- Extreme performance with speeds up to 7300MB/s (read) and 6200MB/s (write).
- PCIe 4.0 interface.
- Built-in graphite heatsink for advanced cooling.
- Wide compatibility with PS5 and desktop PCs.
- Capacities up to 4TB.
- Easy plug-and-play installation with no driver required.
- 5-Year Guarantee and 24/7 support.
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Pros:
- Impressive read/write speeds for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Effective built-in heatsink prevents thermal throttling.
- Excellent value for money given its performance.
- Simple and quick installation.
- Long 5-year warranty provides good peace of mind.
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Cons:
- Fikwot may be a lesser-known brand compared to industry giants, though reviews are positive.
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User Impressions: Customers are pleasantly surprised by the Fikwot FX910, often highlighting its excellent speed-to-price ratio. It’s frequently cited as an easy install for the PS5, with the heatsink performing well to keep temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions.
Crucial P310 2TB PCIe Gen4 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD with
The Crucial P310 with Heatsink offers a significant jump to Gen4 performance for your PS5, designed to speed up everything from bootups to game loads without compromising on quality. This SSD is specifically engineered with an integrated heatsink to fit into and work seamlessly with PlayStation 5 consoles, ensuring optimal thermal management. Beyond just gaming, it boasts better productivity performance, making your Windows boot-ups and application starts nearly 20% faster, along with impressive power efficiency for longer gaming sessions.
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Key Features:
- Next-level Gen4 performance up to 7,100MB/s.
- Integrated heatsink designed to fit and work with PlayStation 5 consoles.
- Nearly 20% faster performance in bootups and gameplay compared to other Gen4 SSDs.
- Up to 20% faster performance in real-world tasks like starting applications.
- Provides up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs.
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Pros:
- Solid Gen4 speeds for quick loading times in games and applications.
- Heatsink is perfectly integrated and PS5-compatible.
- Notable improvements in both gaming and general productivity tasks.
- Excellent power efficiency for sustained performance.
- Trustworthy Crucial brand reputation.
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Cons:
- Read/write speeds are good, but slightly lower than the absolute fastest drives on this list.
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User Impressions: Users praise the Crucial P310 for its reliable performance and easy PS5 compatibility. The integrated heatsink is highly effective, and the drive is seen as a solid, cost-effective upgrade that delivers tangible improvements in game loading and system responsiveness.
How to Choose the Right SSD for Your PS5
When picking the best M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Speed: Sony recommends an SSD with sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster. All the drives on our list meet or exceed this, ensuring optimal performance.
- Capacity: 1TB is a good starting point, but if you have a large game library or plan to download many new titles, a 2TB or even 4TB drive will give you much more breathing room.
- Heatsink: This is non-negotiable for PS5. An integrated heatsink that fits within the PS5’s M.2 slot dimensions (max 110mm L x 25mm W x 11.25mm H) is essential to prevent thermal throttling. All our picks include appropriate heatsinks.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands known for reliability and customer support.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5 with an M.2 SSD and heatsink is one of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience, providing ample storage and lightning-fast load times. Whether you opt for the raw speed of a Samsung 990 PRO, the official licensing of a WD_BLACK SN850P, or the efficient performance of a Lexar NM790, you’re making a smart investment. Any of these top contenders for the best M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5 will let you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your favorite games! So, go ahead, pick your champion, and expand your gaming horizons!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5 has limited internal storage. An M.2 SSD expands this storage significantly, allowing you to install more games, reduce the need to delete and re-download titles, and improve load times for both PS5 and PS4 games.
Q2: What are the minimum requirements for an M.2 SSD for PS5?
A2: Sony recommends a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It must also include an integrated heatsink and fit within specific dimensions (up to 110mm in length, 25mm in width, and 11.25mm in total height including the heatsink).
Q3: Is a heatsink really necessary for an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A3: Yes, absolutely. High-speed M.2 SSDs generate a lot of heat, especially under sustained loads like gaming. Without a heatsink to dissipate this heat, the SSD can overheat and “throttle” its performance to prevent damage, leading to slower loading times and a less smooth gaming experience. Sony officially recommends using a heatsink.
Q4: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A4: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is a straightforward process. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 and unplug all cables. Then, remove the bottom cover of the console to access the M.2 expansion slot. Insert the SSD, secure it with the provided screw (from Sony), and replace the cover. The PS5 will guide you through formatting the drive upon boot-up.
Q5: Can I play PS5 games directly from the M.2 SSD?
A5: Yes! Once installed and formatted, your M.2 SSD acts as an extension of your PS5’s internal storage. You can download and play both PS5 and PS4 games directly from the expanded storage without any performance penalties.
Q6: Will installing an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A6: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your console’s warranty. Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible expansion slot specifically for user-installed M.2 SSDs. Just make sure to follow the official installation instructions carefully.
Q7: How much storage capacity should I choose for my PS5 SSD?
A7: This depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB SSD is a good starting point and will significantly expand your storage. However, if you have a vast game library or prefer to keep many large games installed, a 2TB or even 4TB SSD will provide much more freedom and future-proofing. Consider the average size of the games you play and how many you typically keep installed.