Are you a PlayStation 5 owner constantly battling “storage full” notifications? We totally get it. Even with its impressive specs, the PS5’s internal storage can fill up faster than you can say “next-gen graphics.” But don’t fret! Expanding your PS5 storage is easier and more affordable than you might think, especially with Crucial’s lineup of high-performance yet budget-friendly SSDs. If you’re looking for a Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 that won’t break the bank but will significantly upgrade your gaming experience, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into seven fantastic Crucial M.2 NVMe SSDs that are perfect for your PS5. We’ll cover their features, what makes them tick, and why they’re a great choice for expanding your game library and cutting down on those pesky load times. Let’s find your next great storage upgrade!
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage with a Crucial SSD?
The PlayStation 5 comes with a speedy internal SSD, but with modern AAA games often clocking in at 100GB+ each, that 825GB (667GB usable) fills up quickly. Adding an M.2 NVMe SSD to your PS5’s expansion slot is the perfect solution. It allows you to:
- Install More Games: No more agonizing over which game to delete to make room for a new release.
- Maintain Blazing Speeds: Play PS5 games directly from the expansion drive with no compromise on loading times.
- Future-Proof Your Console: As games get bigger, you’ll be ready.
Crucial, a brand synonymous with quality memory and storage solutions, offers a range of SSDs that meet or exceed Sony’s requirements for PS5 compatibility. They strike a fantastic balance between performance and price, making them a top contender for the Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 title.
Our Top 7 Crucial Best Cheap SSDs for PS5
Let’s jump into the reviews of these fantastic Crucial SSDs, designed to get you more storage for less!
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 is a powerhouse for serious gamers who demand top-tier performance without emptying their wallets. This 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD, especially the heatsink version, is built from the ground up to be PS5-ready, offering incredible speeds that will make your game load times a distant memory. It’s not just fast; it’s optimized for the latest gaming tech like Microsoft DirectStorage, ensuring you get the most out of your high-fidelity titles. Plus, the included Adobe Creative Cloud offer is a neat bonus for content creators.
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.18M/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.
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ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD.
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Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds, perfect for PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink ensures optimal performance and easy PS5 installation.
- DirectStorage optimization for PC gaming is a major plus.
- Generous 2TB capacity holds a huge game library.
- Free Adobe Creative Cloud trial is a nice value-add.
- Cons:
- Might be on the higher end of “cheap” compared to entry-level options.
- 2TB might still be insufficient for truly massive game collections over time.
User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the T500 for its noticeable speed improvements and seamless PS5 integration. Many highlight its fantastic value given the top-tier performance, calling it a true game-changer for their consoles.
2. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 1TB offers a superb entry point into Gen4 NVMe speeds for your PS5. It’s a fantastic Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 if you’re looking for a solid performance boost without spending a fortune. While not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive out there, its speeds are more than enough to meet and exceed PS5 requirements, ensuring quick game load times and smooth performance. This 1TB model is perfect for those who need a substantial storage bump for their favorite titles.
- 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.
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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 speeds, hitting PS5 requirements.
- Reputable Micron quality ensures reliability.
- Easy compatibility with PS5 and other devices.
- Noticeable performance boost over older Gen3 drives.
- Cons:
- 1TB might feel limited for very large game libraries.
- Doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink, which needs to be purchased separately for PS5.
User Impressions: Users love the P310 for its straightforward performance and affordability. Many cite it as a brilliant choice for extending their PS5’s life without a hefty investment, appreciating the swift loading screens it enables.
3. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial P510 1TB steps into the future with Gen5 technology, yet manages to offer an “affordable performance” balance, making it a compelling option. While the PS5 itself only utilizes Gen4 speeds, investing in a Gen5 drive like the P510 gives you incredible raw speed and offers future-proofing. It comes with a heatsink, making installation in your PS5 hassle-free. If you’re someone who likes to be ahead of the curve, this SSD offers serious speed at a competitive price for its class.
- 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.
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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:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds, though overkill for PS5, offers significant future-proofing.
- Integrated heatsink for easy PS5 installation.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a Gen5 drive.
- Reliable Micron quality and included data migration software.
- Cons:
- The PS5 can’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, meaning you’re paying for unused potential.
- 1TB might still be too small for some gamers with massive libraries.
User Impressions: Early adopters are thrilled with the P510’s phenomenal speed, noting its exceptional performance in Gen5-compatible PCs and its readiness for future console advancements. PS5 users appreciate the built-in heatsink and robust performance.
4. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
Need more space than 1TB but still want that sweet spot of value and performance? The Crucial P310 2TB is your answer. This model offers the same reliable PCIe Gen4 performance as its 1TB sibling but doubles the capacity. It’s a fantastic Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 for gamers who’ve amassed a significant digital collection and want to stop juggling installations. With 2TB, you can comfortably store dozens of AAA titles, keeping them ready to play whenever you are.
- 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 2TB 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.
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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:
- Generous 2TB capacity provides ample space for a large game library.
- Meets PS5 speed requirements with solid Gen4 performance.
- Excellent value for money, especially at 2TB.
- Reliable Micron build quality.
- Cons:
- Like the 1TB version, requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Speeds are good, but not the absolute fastest among Gen4 drives.
User Impressions: This 2TB version is a crowd-pleaser for its perfect balance of capacity and cost. Users frequently highlight how much easier gaming becomes when they don’t have to constantly manage storage, all thanks to this dependable drive.
5. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
For those who crave massive storage alongside bleeding-edge performance, the Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 with Heatsink is a showstopper. It combines the next-gen speeds of a Gen5 drive with a whopping 2TB capacity, all while maintaining Crucial’s “affordable performance” ethos. Just like its 1TB counterpart, it’s PS5-ready with an integrated heatsink. If you want a future-proof solution that gives you room to grow for years to come, and you appreciate having the absolute fastest technology available, this SSD is an impressive choice.
- 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.
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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:
- Immense 2TB capacity for an enormous game collection.
- Unparalleled Gen5 speeds (even if PS5 can’t fully use them yet).
- Integrated heatsink for straightforward PS5 installation.
- Strong price-to-performance for a Gen5, 2TB drive.
- Cons:
- The Gen5 speeds are currently beyond what the PS5 can utilize, so some performance is “unused.”
- Higher price point than Gen4 alternatives, even if it’s “affordable” for Gen5.
User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the sheer speed and generous capacity of the 2TB P510. It’s particularly favored by PC enthusiasts and those wanting to max out their PS5 storage with the best possible technology, even if the full speed isn’t utilized.
6. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For the ultimate game hoarder, the Crucial P310 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is a dream come true. Imagine never having to delete a game again! This drive offers an enormous 4TB of storage, coupled with the reliable Gen4 speeds that make it perfect for your PS5. While it might push the definition of “cheap” in terms of raw price, it offers incredible value per terabyte and is undoubtedly the Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 if your primary goal is maximizing capacity without compromising on performance.
- 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 4TB 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.
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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:
- Massive 4TB capacity allows for virtually limitless game installations.
- Strong Gen4 performance meets and exceeds PS5 requirements.
- Excellent value per terabyte for high-capacity storage.
- Built with Crucial’s trusted Micron quality.
- Cons:
- The upfront cost will be significantly higher than smaller capacity drives.
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
User Impressions: Enthusiastic users call the 4TB P310 a “life-changer” for its sheer storage capacity. It’s highly recommended for anyone with a massive digital library who wants to eliminate storage worries completely.
7. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
The Crucial P310 1TB makes another appearance, highlighting its versatility and continued relevance. This specific listing emphasizes its broad compatibility, not just with PS5 and traditional PCs, but also with popular handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. If you’re a multi-platform gamer looking for a single, reliable 1TB Gen4 solution that can potentially serve double duty in various devices (with appropriate adapters/form factors), this is a solid choice. It’s a prime example of a Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 that also offers great flexibility.
- 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.
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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:
- Highly versatile, compatible with PS5, PCs, and various handhelds.
- Meets PS5’s speed requirements with good Gen4 performance.
- Great entry-level capacity for extending PS5 storage.
- Reliable Crucial (Micron) build quality.
- Cons:
- 1TB might be limiting for dedicated PS5 users with large libraries.
- Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation.
User Impressions: Users appreciate this P310 for its all-around solid performance and surprisingly broad compatibility. Many find it to be an excellent, budget-friendly option for upgrading not just their PS5 but also their portable gaming setups.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About PS5 SSDs
Q1: What kind of SSD do I need for my PS5?
A: Your PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD that supports PCIe Gen4 x4. It also needs to have sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Crucially (pun intended!), it must be physically compatible with the PS5’s M.2 slot dimensions and have an efficient heatsink attached. All the Crucial SSDs reviewed here meet these performance requirements, but remember to get a heatsink if the drive doesn’t come with one!
Q2: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! Sony explicitly states that a heatsink is required for any M.2 SSD installed in the PS5. Games can put a lot of strain on your SSD, generating heat. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing thermal throttling (where the drive slows down to prevent overheating) and ensuring stable, high-performance gaming over long sessions.
Q3: How do I install an SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an SSD in your PS5 is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver.
1. Turn off your PS5 completely and disconnect all cables.
2. Place your PS5 on a soft cloth and remove the base.
3. Carefully slide off the console cover.
4. Unscrew the expansion slot cover and remove it.
5. Insert your M.2 SSD into the slot, secure it with the provided screw and spacer, and replace the cover.
6. Put the PS5 console cover back on.
Once you power on your PS5, it will prompt you to format the new SSD. It’s always best to consult Sony’s official PS5 support page for the most up-to-date and detailed instructions.
Q4: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for my PS5?
A: PCIe Gen4 SSDs are currently the standard for PS5 expansion, offering speeds well above Sony’s minimum requirement of 5,500 MB/s. Gen5 SSDs, like some of the Crucial P510 models we reviewed, are the next generation, offering even faster read/write speeds (often 10,000 MB/s or more). While Gen5 drives are incredibly fast, the PS5’s M.2 slot is designed for Gen4 speeds, meaning a Gen5 SSD will perform at its Gen4 capability in the PS5, not its full Gen5 potential. So, while a Gen5 drive is future-proof, a good Gen4 drive provides excellent value and performance for the PS5 right now.
Q5: How much SSD storage do I really need for my PS5?
A: This depends entirely on your gaming habits!
* 1TB: A good starting point, significantly expanding the PS5’s usable storage. Suitable for casual gamers or those who play a few large games at a time.
* 2TB: Our most recommended sweet spot. Offers plenty of room for a substantial game library without constant management. Ideal for most avid gamers.
* 4TB: For the ultimate game collectors or those who want to download every game from PS Plus Extra/Premium. It’s a significant investment but guarantees you won’t run out of space for years.
Q6: Can I move my PS5 games to the new SSD after installation?
A: Yes, absolutely! Once your new Crucial SSD is formatted by the PS5, you can easily move games and apps between the console’s internal storage and your new expansion drive. Go to Settings > Storage > Installation Location, or navigate to your Game Library, select a game, press the Options button, and choose “Move Games and Apps.”
Q7: Are Crucial SSDs reliable for gaming?
A: Crucial is a brand of Micron, one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers. They’re well-known for producing high-quality, reliable memory and storage products. Crucial SSDs are a very popular choice among gamers and PC builders due to their consistent performance, excellent endurance, and competitive pricing. You can definitely trust a Crucial SSD to handle your gaming needs.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 storage with a reliable and fast M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. It frees you from the constant struggle of storage management and lets you simply enjoy your games. Whether you go for the blazing speeds of the T500, the fantastic value of the P310, or the future-proof potential of the P510, there’s a Crucial best cheap SSD for PS5 that’s perfect for your needs and budget.
No matter which Crucial drive you choose, you’re getting a quality product backed by a reputable brand, ensuring your PS5 gaming experience remains smooth, fast, and, most importantly, fun! Happy gaming!