Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Running out of space for those incredible AAA titles can be a real buzzkill, and nobody likes deleting games just to make room for a new one. Plus, the internal PS5 storage, while fast, is finite. If you’re looking to dramatically expand your game library and even improve load times, upgrading with a high-quality SSD is a no-brainer.
When it comes to reliable performance and great value, Crucial is a brand that consistently delivers. They’ve got a fantastic lineup of drives perfect for your console. But with so many options, how do you pick the crucial best 1TB SSD for PS5? We’re here to break down the top contenders from Crucial, focusing on their 1TB offerings that are ideal for your PS5 storage expansion. Get ready to level up your gaming experience!
Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
Looking for a solid performance boost without breaking the bank? The Crucial P310 is a fantastic entry point into Gen4 NVMe speeds for your PS5. It’s designed to give casual gamers and everyday users a noticeable upgrade in game load times and overall system responsiveness, offering a great balance of speed and affordability. This drive makes getting more storage for your PlayStation 5 surprisingly easy and efficient.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for Gen4 performance.
- Meets PS5 speed requirements comfortably.
- Reliable Crucial/Micron quality.
- Easy installation for a quick storage bump.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t include an integrated heatsink (you’ll need to add one).
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available.
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User Impressions: Many users praise the P310 for its straightforward installation and immediate impact on PS5 game loading. It’s often cited as a great option for those looking for a cost-effective yet powerful PS5 SSD upgrade that performs exactly as advertised.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Ready to push the boundaries of what your PS5 can do? The Crucial P510 is a Gen5 NVMe SSD that offers truly blistering speeds, future-proofing your console for years to come. What makes this a standout choice for your PlayStation 5 is the included heatsink, ensuring optimal thermal management right out of the box, making installation a breeze. It’s a premium option for serious gamers seeking the ultimate performance.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price, making it an ideal choice for savvy buyers.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software allows users to easily migrate data from old drives to the P510.
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Pros:
- Cutting-edge Gen5 speeds for ultra-fast loading.
- Integrated heatsink simplifies PS5 installation.
- Exceptional performance balance for the price.
- Comes with data migration software.
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Cons:
- Gen5 speeds are currently overkill for most PS5 games, meaning you might not see the full benefit yet.
- Higher price point than Gen4 alternatives.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently blown away by the P510’s speed, often describing it as “lightning fast.” The convenience of the included heatsink for PS5 installation is a frequently highlighted positive, making it a stress-free choice for a high-end SSD for PS5.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Another fantastic option in the Gen4 lineup, this Crucial P310 1TB SSD is a versatile powerhouse. While sharing many core features with its gaming-specific sibling, this particular listing emphasizes its broad compatibility beyond just the PS5, making it a great all-around performer for anyone needing a speedy 1TB NVMe drive. It’s still a perfect fit for a PS5 SSD upgrade, offering reliable performance and ample space.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades.
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
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Pros:
- Solid Gen4 speeds that meet PS5 requirements.
- Excellent value for a 1TB SSD.
- Highly versatile, works with many devices.
- Reliable performance backed by Micron.
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Cons:
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Not the top-tier speed for Gen4, but still very fast.
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User Impressions: Customers love this P310 for its dependable performance and impressive speed for the price. It’s frequently recommended as a sensible choice for those looking to expand their PS5 storage without overspending, offering a noticeable improvement across the board.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD
Sometimes, an internal SSD isn’t the only solution you need. The Crucial X9 is a fantastic portable 1TB SSD, perfect for storing your PS4 game library, transferring PS5 games, or simply backing up your media on the go. Its rugged design means you can take your files anywhere without a worry. While not an internal expansion for PS5 games, it’s an indispensable accessory for managing your game data.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives.
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go.
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files.
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive.
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Pros:
- Excellent for PS4 games and game archiving on PS5.
- Extremely durable and portable for on-the-go use.
- Broad compatibility with various devices.
- Fast external transfer speeds compared to HDDs.
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Cons:
- Cannot directly play PS5 games from it.
- Slower than internal NVMe SSDs.
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User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the X9’s robust build quality and impressive transfer speeds for an external drive. It’s a popular choice for gamers who need extra space for their PS4 library or simply want a quick way to move large files between their console and other devices.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
For the serious PS5 gamer who demands the best from Gen4 technology, the Crucial T500 with an integrated heatsink is a phenomenal choice. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s optimized for gaming, ensuring you get the absolute most out of your PS5 with quicker load times, smoother texture rendering, and less CPU utilization thanks to features like Microsoft DirectStorage. This is truly a crucial best 1TB SSD for PS5 if you’re aiming for top-tier Gen4 performance.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,300/6,800MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.15M/1.44M IOPs.
- PS5 READY: Heatsink version is easy to install in your PlayStation 5 (non-heatsink option also available).
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage.
- CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps, run heavy workloads, and render photos or videos faster.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD10.
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds, maximizing PS5 potential.
- Integrated heatsink for hassle-free PS5 installation.
- Optimized for gaming with DirectStorage support.
- Bonus Adobe Creative Cloud offer.
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Cons:
- Premium price for top-end Gen4 performance.
- Might be overkill for casual gamers who won’t fully utilize the speeds.
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely rave about the T500, citing noticeable improvements in game loading and overall system snappiness. The “PS5 Ready” heatsink version is particularly popular for its seamless fit and robust thermal performance, making it a favorite for a significant PS5 storage upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
If you want the absolute fastest, most bleeding-edge performance for your PS5, look no further than the Crucial T710. This Gen5 NVMe SSD pushes the boundaries with incredible read/write speeds, making it a future-proof investment for discerning gamers and content creators alike. With an integrated heatsink, it’s designed for maximum performance in your PS5 without worrying about overheating. It’s an investment in raw speed and next-gen capabilities.
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Key Features:
- WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay at the speed of thought. With up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds, you’ll be faster out of the gate.
- ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Don’t miss out on the detailed atmospheres of your favorite games. Activate advanced ray tracing in applicable games to see all the reflections, fog and lighting to improve your gameplay.
- POINT. CLICK. DONE.: Spend more time being creative and less time waiting on your latest renders. Included DirectStorage speeds up your creative process and allows you to create as fast as you can imagine.
- LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Crucial is a pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage, built for maximum performance. The T710 showcases Crucial’s innovation and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming, creativity, and beyond.
- STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: The T710 offers an integrated heatsink to maximize heat dissipation for optimal performance without noisy fans or liquid cooling. A non-heatsink option is also available.
- SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption. Install the latest T710 firmware exclusively via Crucial’s official support page (Support > Firmware Updates) to enable encryption.
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Pros:
- Unrivaled Gen5 speeds, the fastest on this list.
- Integrated, high-performance heatsink for optimal PS5 thermal management.
- Future-proof for upcoming game optimizations and technologies.
- Supports hardware encryption for data security.
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Cons:
- Premium price, representing a significant investment.
- Current PS5 games may not fully utilize Gen5 speeds, meaning some performance is left on the table for now.
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User Impressions: Users report an almost instantaneous feel in system responsiveness and game loading with the T710. While recognizing the premium price, those who invest in this drive are thrilled with its cutting-edge performance and the peace of mind that comes with future-proofing their console. It’s definitely among the crucial best 1TB SSD for PS5 for enthusiasts.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
If the X9 wasn’t fast enough for your external storage needs, the Crucial X10 takes portable performance to a whole new level. This ultra-fast portable 1TB SSD is designed for creators, serious PC gamers, and anyone who needs rapid data access on the move. Its rugged build and significantly higher transfer speeds make it an outstanding choice for managing your PS5 game backups, large media files, or quickly offloading data.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance.
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go.
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files.
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive.
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Pros:
- Exceptional external transfer speeds (much faster than X9).
- Extremely durable with high IP rating and drop resistance.
- Highly versatile, compatible with a wide range of devices including PS5.
- Great for quick PS5 game transfers and PS4 game storage.
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Cons:
- Cannot directly play PS5 games from it (only store them).
- Higher price point for an external drive.
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User Impressions: The X10 consistently earns praise for its “blazing fast” transfer speeds, making short work of even massive files. Users appreciate its robust build, which gives them confidence when taking it anywhere, proving it’s worth the investment for those who prioritize speed and durability in portable storage.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ Section: All Your Crucial PS5 SSD Questions Answered!
Q: Do I really need an SSD for my PS5, or is the internal storage enough?
A: While the PS5’s internal storage is fast, it’s limited to 825GB, with only about 667GB usable. With modern games easily hitting 100GB+, you’ll quickly run out of space. An SSD upgrade is highly recommended for expanding your game library without constantly deleting and redownloading titles. Plus, you can enjoy faster load times for games installed on the expansion drive!
Q: What speed SSD does the PS5 actually need?
A: Sony recommends an NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD with sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster. All the internal Crucial SSDs reviewed above meet or significantly exceed this requirement, ensuring optimal performance for your PlayStation 5.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, Sony explicitly states that an SSD installed in the PS5 expansion slot must have a heatsink. This is crucial for preventing thermal throttling and maintaining optimal performance, especially during long gaming sessions. Many Crucial SSDs designed for PS5 come with integrated heatsinks, simplifying the installation process. If your chosen SSD doesn’t include one, you’ll need to purchase and attach one separately.
Q: Can I use an external SSD like the Crucial X9 or X10 for PS5 games?
A: You can store PS5 games on an external SSD, but you cannot play them directly from it. To play a PS5 game, you’ll need to transfer it back to the console’s internal storage or an installed internal NVMe SSD. However, external SSDs are perfect for storing and playing PS4 games, as well as for quickly transferring PS5 games between your internal drives to save on download times.
Q: How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process that involves opening a cover on your console, unscrewing a bay cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions, and there are numerous video tutorials available online. Always ensure your PS5 is unplugged and powered off before beginning installation.
Q: Why choose Crucial for PS5 SSDs?
A: Crucial, a brand of Micron, is known for its high-quality NAND flash memory and solid-state drives. They offer excellent performance, reliability, and often great value. Their SSDs are designed to meet or exceed PS5’s strict requirements, providing a dependable and fast storage expansion solution from a trusted manufacturer.
Q: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5?
A: PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 refer to different generations of the PCIe interface, with Gen5 being significantly faster. While Gen4 SSDs (like the Crucial P310 or T500) offer speeds well above Sony’s recommendation and provide excellent performance, Gen5 SSDs (like the Crucial P510 or T710) push those speeds even further. Currently, most PS5 games don’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, meaning a high-end Gen4 drive is often more than enough. However, a Gen5 drive offers more future-proofing as games and console optimizations evolve.