Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? With massive game files becoming the norm, it’s no surprise that many PS5 owners are quickly running out of space on their console’s internal drive. But simply adding any SSD won’t cut it. For optimal performance and to keep your console running smoothly, you need an NVMe M.2 SSD with a heatsink that meets Sony’s stringent requirements.
Crucial, a brand synonymous with quality memory and storage solutions, offers some of the most reliable and high-performing SSDs perfect for your PS5. A heatsink is non-negotiable because it prevents thermal throttling, ensuring your drive maintains its top speeds even during intense gaming sessions. We’ve scoured the market to bring you the crucial best SSD with heatsink for PS5 options, focusing on speed, capacity, and overall value. Let’s dive into these top picks that will supercharge your gaming experience!
Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 2TB stands out as a true powerhouse for your PS5, offering lightning-fast Gen4 speeds that will drastically cut down your game loading times. This particular model comes equipped with an integrated heatsink, making it perfectly PS5-ready right out of the box. Beyond just gaming, its impressive read/write capabilities also make it a fantastic choice for content creators looking for faster rendering and smoother workflows on their PCs. If you’re looking for a top-tier Gen4 drive that delivers uncompromising performance, this is a fantastic option.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: 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
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders with Microsoft DirectStorage support
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan
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Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds for gaming and productivity
- Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal management for PS5
- DirectStorage support enhances PC gaming performance
- Generous 2TB capacity
- Easy installation process
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to high performance and capacity
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the T500 for its noticeable speed improvements, reporting significantly faster load times and smoother in-game experiences. Users also appreciate the hassle-free PS5 installation thanks to the pre-attached heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD with Heatsink
For those seeking a reliable and speedy Gen4 upgrade without breaking the bank, the Crucial P310 1TB with a heatsink is an excellent choice. This drive delivers impressive read and write speeds that easily meet and exceed PS5 requirements, ensuring quick game loads and seamless performance. It’s a versatile drive that not only boosts your console’s storage but also offers significant productivity enhancements for PC users, making it a well-rounded and affordable performance upgrade.
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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
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides ample space for AAA games, apps, and media
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5, with backward compatibility to Gen3 systems
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for tasks like booting Windows and running applications
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
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Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for the price
- Reliable performance for both gaming and general use
- Integrated heatsink for PS5 compatibility
- Good entry-level capacity for essential game libraries
- Proven Micron quality ensures durability
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Cons:
- 1TB might eventually feel limiting for very large game collections
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User Impressions: Customers frequently highlight the P310’s fantastic value, noting its snappy performance and straightforward installation process. Many are thrilled with the speed upgrade it provides, confirming it’s a solid choice for PS5 storage expansion.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Ready to embrace the future? The Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 SSD with a heatsink offers next-generation speeds that are truly astounding. While the PS5 primarily leverages Gen4 speeds, choosing a Gen5 drive like the P510 means you’re not just upgrading your PS5 storage; you’re also future-proofing your investment for potential PC upgrades or future console iterations that can fully utilize its incredible bandwidth. This drive combines cutting-edge performance with a substantial 2TB capacity, all while maintaining an exceptional balance of performance and price.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and 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
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for data migration
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds, significantly exceeding PS5 requirements
- Excellent future-proofing capabilities
- Integrated heatsink ensures PS5 compatibility and thermal stability
- Generous 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries
- Includes data migration software
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Cons:
- PS5 currently doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, meaning some of its performance is overkill (though still beneficial)
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User Impressions: Early adopters are incredibly impressed by the P510’s raw speed, describing it as incredibly responsive. The easy installation and the peace of mind that comes with future-proof Gen5 technology are frequently mentioned positives.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD with Heatsink
If you’re tired of constantly managing your game library and want virtually endless space for your PS5 games, the Crucial P310 4TB with a heatsink is your answer. This colossal 4TB drive offers the same robust Gen4 performance as its smaller P310 siblings, boasting impressive read/write speeds that ensure your games load quickly and run smoothly. It’s the ultimate solution for hardcore gamers and content creators who need massive storage coupled with reliable speed, making it an undeniable crucial best SSD with heatsink for PS5 for large collections.
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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
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Provides immense space for AAA games, apps, and media
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5, with backward compatibility to Gen3 systems
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for various applications
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable performance
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB capacity eliminates storage concerns
- Strong Gen4 performance keeps games loading fast
- Integrated heatsink ensures smooth PS5 operation
- Highly versatile for both console and PC use
- Excellent long-term value for storage enthusiasts
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Cons:
- Higher upfront cost due to massive capacity
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User Impressions: This drive is a dream come true for users with huge game libraries. Reviewers love the sheer amount of space, stating they no longer have to delete games. The consistent fast performance is also a major plus, making it a highly recommended upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD with Heatsink
Striking a fantastic balance between capacity and cost, the Crucial P310 2TB with a heatsink is an ideal upgrade for most PS5 users. You get plenty of room for a substantial game library without the premium price tag of a 4TB drive, combined with the same speedy Gen4 performance found across the P310 series. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a more dedicated player, this 2TB option provides significant storage expansion and a noticeable boost in loading times, all within a PS5-compatible package.
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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
- Spacious 2TB SSD: Provides generous space for AAA games, apps, and media
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5, with backward compatibility to Gen3 systems
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for various applications
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable performance
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Pros:
- Optimal 2TB capacity for most gamers
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading
- Integrated heatsink for effortless PS5 installation
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Durable and reliable Micron build quality
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Cons:
- For those with truly enormous game collections, even 2TB might eventually feel snug
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User Impressions: Many users find the 2TB P310 to be the “sweet spot” for their PS5. They frequently comment on how quickly games load and appreciate the added storage, allowing them to keep many titles installed simultaneously. The ease of installation is also a recurring positive note.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
If you’re eager to dabble in Gen5 technology but don’t need the massive capacity of a 2TB drive, the Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 SSD with a heatsink offers incredible speed in a more accessible package. This drive provides unparalleled read/write speeds, far exceeding the PS5’s current requirements, which makes it an exciting future-proof option. For early adopters or those who also plan to upgrade a Gen5-compatible PC, this 1TB P510 delivers bleeding-edge performance at an exceptional value, ensuring your console is ready for whatever comes next.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and 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
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for data migration
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Pros:
- Extremely fast Gen5 speeds for ultimate performance
- Excellent future-proofing for next-gen hardware
- Integrated heatsink for guaranteed PS5 compatibility
- More affordable entry point into Gen5 SSDs
- Includes useful data migration software
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might require more game management over time for heavy gamers
- PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds yet
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User Impressions: Users are thrilled with the P510 1TB’s speed and the forward-thinking aspect of Gen5. They note significant improvements in load times, even if the PS5 isn’t maxing out its full potential, and appreciate having a cutting-edge drive for their console.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 1TB with a heatsink is another fantastic choice for gamers who prioritize raw speed and performance. Offering the same lightning-fast Gen4 read/write speeds as its 2TB counterpart, this drive ensures your PS5 games load at blistering paces and run with optimal efficiency. It’s an ideal solution for those who want a premium Gen4 experience, complete with an integrated heatsink for easy PS5 installation, and prefer to manage their library to fit within 1TB of expansion.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: 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
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders with Microsoft DirectStorage support
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan
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Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds for rapid game loading
- Integrated heatsink makes PS5 installation a breeze
- Supports Microsoft DirectStorage for enhanced PC gaming
- Includes Adobe Creative Cloud offer
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might require occasional game uninstalls for larger libraries
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User Impressions: Gamers love the T500 1TB for its sheer speed, reporting a noticeable difference in how quickly their games load compared to the internal PS5 storage. The included heatsink and straightforward setup are also frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an SSD with a heatsink for my PS5?
A1: Sony specifically requires an M.2 NVMe SSD for the PS5’s expansion slot to have a heatsink. This is because high-performance SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink helps dissipate that heat, preventing the drive from overheating and “thermal throttling,” which would reduce its speed and performance during intense gaming.
Q2: What specifications should I look for in a PS5-compatible SSD?
A2: For optimal PS5 compatibility, look for an NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. The physical dimensions, including the heatsink, must also fit within the PS5’s expansion slot (maximum 110mm length, 25mm width, and 11.25mm height). All Crucial SSDs with heatsinks listed here meet these requirements.
Q3: Is installing an SSD in my PS5 difficult?
A3: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5’s expansion slot to be user-friendly. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process typically involves removing the PS5’s side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and securing it. There are many helpful video tutorials available online to guide you step-by-step.
Q4: Can I use a Gen5 SSD with my PS5?
A4: Yes, you can! While the PS5 is optimized for Gen4 speeds, Gen5 SSDs are backward compatible. This means a Gen5 drive like the Crucial P510 will work in your PS5, though it will operate at Gen4 speeds. It’s a great way to future-proof your storage if you also have a Gen5-compatible PC or anticipate future console revisions.
Q5: How much storage capacity do I really need?
A5: This depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: Good for moderate gamers with a rotating library. You might need to delete older games occasionally.
* 2TB: The sweet spot for most gamers, allowing you to keep a large selection of AAA titles installed.
* 4TB: Ideal for hardcore gamers, digital hoarders, or those with very large game collections who never want to delete anything.
Q6: Will using an external SSD work for PS5 games?
A6: An external USB SSD can be used to store and play PS4 games directly. However, PS5 games must be stored and played from the console’s internal SSD or an installed internal NVMe M.2 SSD like the ones listed here to benefit from their higher speeds and architectural optimizations. You can transfer PS5 games from the M.2 SSD to an external drive for storage, but you’ll need to move them back to play.
Q7: Do these Crucial SSDs come with everything I need for installation?
A7: These Crucial SSDs come with an integrated heatsink, which is the main accessory needed for PS5 compatibility. You’ll only need a Phillips head screwdriver for the physical installation into your PS5. For PC users, some Crucial drives also include Acronis True Image for Crucial software to help with data migration.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with a high-quality NVMe SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming setup. It not only eliminates storage anxiety but also ensures your games load faster and run smoother, keeping you immersed in the action. The Crucial brand offers a fantastic range of options, from the blazing-fast Gen5 P510 series to the excellent-value Gen4 P310 and the high-performance T500 drives, all with essential integrated heatsinks.
No matter your budget or capacity needs, there’s a crucial best SSD with heatsink for PS5 waiting to elevate your gaming experience. Choose wisely, install it with confidence, and get ready to enjoy a world of games without limits!