Is your PlayStation 5 storage constantly screaming for more space? You’re not alone! With massive game sizes becoming the norm, the PS5’s built-in 825GB drive (with only around 667GB usable) fills up faster than you can say “next-gen graphics.” Thankfully, expanding your PS5 storage is incredibly easy, and a 2TB SSD is often the sweet spot for serious gamers.
When it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Crucial is a name gamers trust. They’re known for producing robust SSDs that offer fantastic speed and durability. But with so many options, how do you pick the Crucial best 2tb SSD for PS5? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the deep dive to bring you a comprehensive review of the top 7 Crucial 2TB SSDs, helping you find the perfect match for your gaming needs. Whether you’re after blistering speeds, easy installation, or a portable solution, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s jump in and find the ideal Crucial SSD to supercharge your PS5!
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 is a fantastic choice if you’re serious about gaming performance on your PS5. This drive is built for speed, boasting incredible sequential read and write rates that significantly reduce load times for even the most demanding titles. What makes it stand out for PlayStation 5 users is the integrated heatsink, which is absolutely essential for maintaining optimal performance and preventing thermal throttling inside your console. It’s a true plug-and-play solution for internal storage expansion.
- 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.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD.
Pros:
– Comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it PS5 ready.
– Exceptional Gen4 speeds meet and exceed PS5 requirements.
– Reduces game load times and improves overall responsiveness.
– Durable and reliable for long-term gaming.
Cons:
– Might be a bit pricier than non-heatsink options.
– Not Gen5, though Gen4 speeds are more than sufficient for PS5.
User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the T500 for its blazing-fast performance and how seamless the installation is thanks to the pre-attached heatsink. Many users report a noticeable difference in game load times and overall system snappiness after upgrading their PS5 with this drive. It’s often cited as one of the top internal SSDs for PS5.
2. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
While the P3 series from Crucial is typically associated with Gen3, the P310 model steps up to offer solid Gen4 performance that’s perfectly suitable for your PS5. This 2TB drive strikes a great balance between speed and value, providing ample space for your game library without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for casual gamers and home users who want a noticeable upgrade over the standard PS5 storage. Just remember that for PS5 internal use, you’ll need to purchase a separate heatsink!
- 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.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– Offers good Gen4 speeds that meet PS5 requirements.
– A more budget-friendly Gen4 option compared to premium drives.
– Excellent for expanding PS5 game storage.
– Micron quality ensures reliability.
Cons:
– Doesn’t come with a heatsink, requiring a separate purchase for PS5 internal use.
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market, but still very capable.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the P310 for its affordable entry into Gen4 speeds. Many find it a significant upgrade from their previous drives and praise its consistent performance, particularly when paired with an aftermarket heatsink for PS5 gaming. It’s seen as a smart choice for balancing cost and capability.
3. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Ready for the absolute bleeding edge of speed? The Crucial P510 with an integrated heatsink brings Gen5 performance to the table. While the PS5 itself doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds yet, choosing this drive future-proofs your setup and ensures you’re getting the fastest possible transfers available. Its included heatsink makes it convenient for direct installation into your PS5, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in console storage. If you want the most robust and powerful Crucial best 2tb SSD for PS5 that will last for generations of consoles, this is it.
- 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.
Pros:
– Ultra-fast Gen5 speeds, future-proofing your storage.
– Comes with an integrated heatsink for PS5 compatibility.
– Excellent for reducing load times on PS5 games and other demanding applications.
– Offers top-tier Micron reliability and performance.
Cons:
– PS5 doesn’t currently take full advantage of Gen5 speeds, so some performance is overkill.
– Likely a premium price point due to Gen5 technology.
User Impressions: Early adopters of the P510 rave about its unparalleled speed, even if the PS5 can’t fully max it out. They love the ease of installation with the built-in heatsink and the peace of mind that comes with future-proofing their console’s storage. It’s often chosen by enthusiasts who want the absolute best.
4. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming
The Crucial P5 Plus is a highly regarded Gen4 NVMe SSD, perfect for upgrading your PS5. While it doesn’t come with an integrated heatsink, its impressive read and write speeds easily surpass Sony’s recommendations for PS5 internal storage expansion. This 2TB drive provides ample room for a massive game library, ensuring you won’t have to constantly delete games. It’s a robust performer that delivers excellent value, just remember to pick up a compatible heatsink for optimal PS5 operation.
- OPTIMIZED FOR PS5: Meets and exceeds Sony’s recommended specifications for PlayStation 5 internal storage expansion.
- BLAZING GEN4 SPEEDS: Delivers sequential read speeds typically around 6,600MB/s and write speeds up to 5,000MB/s for rapid game loading.
- HIGH-CAPACITY 2TB: Store dozens of AAA titles, expansions, and media files without worry.
- ADVANCED NAND TECHNOLOGY: Built with high-quality Micron® 3D TLC NAND for superior performance and endurance.
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE: Engineered for consistent, sustained performance during intense gaming sessions.
Pros:
– Excellent Gen4 speeds, ideal for PS5 gaming.
– Proven reliability and performance from Crucial.
– Offers a great balance of speed and cost for a 2TB internal SSD.
– Widely compatible with a range of motherboards and consoles.
Cons:
– Requires a separate heatsink for proper thermal management in the PS5.
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive, but more than sufficient for PS5.
User Impressions: The P5 Plus is a fan favorite for PS5 upgrades. Users frequently commend its fast load times and consistent performance, noting how smoothly their games run. Many consider it a prime example of the Crucial best 2tb SSD for PS5 if you’re willing to add your own heatsink.
5. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
Not all PS5 storage upgrades need to be internal! The Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD is a fantastic external option, perfect for casual gamers, storing your PS4 library, or offloading PS5 games you’re not actively playing. With impressive speeds for a portable drive, it dramatically outperforms traditional external hard drives. Its rugged design means you can take your games on the go or confidently store them away, knowing they’re safe.
- 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 2TB 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.
Pros:
– Excellent portable storage for PS4 games and media.
– Much faster than external HDDs, speeding up transfers.
– Durable and rugged design with IP55 water/dust resistance.
– Broad compatibility with multiple devices, including PS5.
Cons:
– Cannot play PS5 games directly from an external drive.
– Slower than internal NVMe SSDs for transferring PS5 games back and forth.
User Impressions: Users love the X9’s compact size, robust build, and quick transfer speeds. It’s a popular choice for gamers who want to expand their PS4 game library on their PS5 or simply have a reliable backup solution. The durability is a big plus for those who move their drives around.
6. Crucial X10 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
If you need a portable SSD with serious speed, the Crucial X10 takes it up a notch from the X9. Boasting read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, this external drive is ideal for creators, students, and PC gamers who frequently transfer large files, and it’s also a powerhouse for managing your console game library. Its enhanced durability with IP65 rating provides extra peace of mind, making it a rugged and reliable choice for premium external storage that could be considered the Crucial best 2tb SSD for PS5 in the portable category.
- 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 2TB 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.
Pros:
– Exceptional external transfer speeds, significantly faster than the X9.
– Extremely durable with IP65 dust/water resistance and high drop resistance.
– Perfect for quickly moving large game files between consoles or PC.
– Broad compatibility for versatile use.
Cons:
– Premium price for external storage.
– Still cannot play PS5 games directly from it, only store them.
User Impressions: The X10 receives high praise for its incredible speed and ruggedness. Users often highlight how much faster it is for transferring large game files and how confident they feel about its durability for travel or rough handling. It’s a top pick for those who demand the best in portable performance.
7. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 10,000 MB/s
This version of the Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD offers the same mind-blowing Gen5 speeds as its heatsink-equipped sibling but comes without the pre-attached heatsink. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer to use their own heatsink solution or have a desktop PC with superior cooling. For PS5 users, this means you’d need to purchase and install a separate, compatible heatsink for safe and optimal operation. It’s a performance beast that delivers unparalleled read/write speeds, offering an exceptional balance of performance and price for those who manage their own thermal solutions.
- 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 laptops and desktops.
- 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.
Pros:
– Industry-leading Gen5 speeds for extreme performance.
– Potentially more affordable than the heatsink version if you have a heatsink already.
– Future-proofs your storage solution.
– Micron quality ensures reliability and endurance.
Cons:
– Does not come with a heatsink, which is mandatory for PS5 internal use.
– PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, so some performance is beyond immediate need.
User Impressions: Users who opt for the non-heatsink P510 are typically PC enthusiasts or PS5 owners confident in selecting and installing their own thermal solution. They love the raw speed and the value proposition, knowing they’re getting cutting-edge performance from Crucial. It’s truly a powerhouse for those seeking the pinnacle of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need a 2TB SSD for my PS5?
A1: The PS5 comes with only about 667GB of usable storage, which fills up quickly with modern AAA games. A 2TB SSD effectively triples your usable space, allowing you to store dozens of games without constantly deleting and redownloading them, significantly enhancing your gaming experience.
Q2: Can I use any Crucial 2TB SSD with my PS5?
A2: No, not just any SSD will do. For internal PS5 expansion, you need an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD (or Gen5, which is backward compatible) with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. Crucially, it must have a heatsink attached or you must install one separately, and it needs to fit within the PS5’s M.2 slot dimensions. External SSDs can be used for PS4 games or storing PS5 games, but not for playing PS5 games directly.
Q3: Do I really need a heatsink for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Absolutely! A heatsink is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and preventing thermal throttling inside the PS5’s compact environment. Without one, your SSD could overheat, leading to reduced speeds and potential damage over time. Sony specifically recommends using one.
Q4: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs for PS5?
A4: Gen4 SSDs offer sequential read speeds typically between 5,500 MB/s and 7,500 MB/s, which fully meets and often exceeds the PS5’s requirements. Gen5 SSDs push speeds even higher, often above 10,000 MB/s. While a Gen5 SSD will work in a PS5, the console’s hardware currently doesn’t fully utilize these extreme speeds, meaning a Gen4 drive provides comparable real-world PS5 gaming performance for less money, though Gen5 offers future-proofing.
Q5: Is it hard to install an internal SSD in a PS5?
A5: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 to make SSD installation relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing the console’s side cover, unscrewing a plate, inserting the SSD, and securing it. There are many official guides and videos online that walk you through it step-by-step.
Q6: Can I use an external Crucial SSD for PS5 games?
A6: You can use an external SSD like the Crucial X9 or X10 to store PS5 games, but you cannot play PS5 games directly from it. To play them, you’d need to transfer them back to the internal SSD or an internal M.2 NVMe expansion drive. However, you can play PS4 games directly from an external SSD, which is a great way to free up internal PS5 space.
Q7: How much storage does the PS5 really need for a typical gamer?
A7: For most gamers with a diverse library of AAA titles, a 2TB SSD is often considered the ideal sweet spot. It provides enough room for roughly 20-30 large PS5 games, plus some smaller titles and updates, without needing constant management. While 1TB is a good start, 2TB offers significantly more freedom and convenience in the long run.
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a high-quality Crucial 2TB SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. Whether you choose a lightning-fast internal NVMe drive or a versatile portable solution, you’re sure to enjoy faster load times and the freedom to keep more of your favorite games installed. We hope this guide helps you find the Crucial best 2tb SSD for PS5 that fits your playstyle perfectly! Happy gaming!