Are you tired of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones on your PlayStation 5? With today’s massive game files, the PS5’s internal 825GB of usable storage can fill up faster than you can say “trophy unlocked.” That’s where a high-quality M.2 NVMe SSD comes in, transforming your gaming experience by giving you tons of room and lightning-fast load times. We’re talking about a Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5 – a fantastic way to double, triple, or even quadruple your console’s capacity!
Expanding your PS5’s storage isn’t just about fitting more games; it’s about seamless gameplay, quicker access to your favorite titles, and less waiting around. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Crucial has a strong reputation in the memory and storage world, offering reliable and high-performing SSDs perfect for your PlayStation 5. We’ve rounded up the top Crucial 4TB SSDs, plus a couple of strong contenders, to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage upgrade for your beloved console!
How to Choose the Best 4TB SSD for Your PS5
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly go over what makes an SSD ideal for your PS5:
- PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe M.2 SSD: This is a non-negotiable requirement. Your PS5 needs this specific type of drive for optimal performance.
- Sequential Read Speed: Sony recommends a minimum of 5,500 MB/s. The higher, the better for future-proofing and faster game loads.
- Capacity: We’re focusing on 4TB here, which offers ample space for dozens of AAA titles.
- Heatsink: Crucial! PS5 SSDs generate heat, and a heatsink is essential to prevent thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance. Some SSDs come with one pre-installed, while others require you to add your own.
Now, let’s explore some of the Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5 options available, along with a couple of strong alternatives.
1. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 stands out as a solid, dependable choice for gamers looking to boost their PS5’s storage without breaking the bank. It offers a great balance of performance and value, providing speeds that easily meet Sony’s recommendations. This drive is a workhorse, designed to handle demanding game loads and multitasking, making it an excellent all-around upgrade for casual and enthusiastic gamers alike. Its reliability, backed by Micron quality, means you can game with peace of mind.
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 ample space for AAA games, apps, and media
– Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
Pros:
– Excellent value for Gen4 speeds
– More than meets PS5’s speed requirements
– Large 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
– Trusted brand reliability
– Good for both gaming and general productivity
Cons:
– Doesn’t come with a heatsink, which you’ll need to purchase separately for PS5 use
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market, but still very fast
User Impressions:
Many users praise the P310 for its straightforward installation and noticeable speed improvements on their PS5. They often highlight the significant storage boost as a game-changer, allowing them to download more titles without worrying about space. The consensus is that it’s a fantastic performance-to-price ratio.
2. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you’re looking for an immediate, hassle-free upgrade specifically tailored for your PS5, the Crucial T500 with its pre-installed heatsink is a brilliant contender for the Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5. This drive is built for speed and endurance, offering top-tier Gen4 performance that not only meets but exceeds the PS5’s requirements. The included heatsink makes installation a breeze, ensuring your drive stays cool under pressure, even during the most intense gaming sessions.
Key Features:
– LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s
– 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 DirectStorage
– CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
– ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan
Pros:
– Comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it PS5-ready out of the box
– Excellent Gen4 speeds for ultra-fast loading
– Great for both gaming and heavy content creation tasks
– DirectStorage support enhances PC gaming performance
– High endurance and reliability
Cons:
– Premium price point due to included heatsink and top-tier performance
– Non-heatsink option is available but requires separate heatsink for PS5
User Impressions:
Gamers absolutely love the T500 Heatsink version for its ‘plug-and-play’ nature with the PS5. Users report noticeably faster game loads and smoother performance, emphasizing the peace of mind that comes with the integrated cooling solution. It’s often described as a truly significant upgrade.
3. Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Another strong offering from Crucial, this P310 model provides the same robust Gen4 performance as its sibling, making it a reliable choice for expanding your PS5 storage. While marketed with broader compatibility for various handheld gaming consoles like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, its core specifications ensure it’s more than capable of handling the demands of your PlayStation 5. It represents a fantastic blend of speed, capacity, and the trusted quality Crucial is known for.
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 space for AAA games, apps, and media
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles (including PS5)
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
Pros:
– Meets PS5 speed requirements with ease
– Large 4TB capacity is excellent for game libraries
– Highly versatile for various devices, including other handhelds
– Great performance for the price
– Reliable and durable build quality
Cons:
– Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 installation
– Not the absolute bleeding-edge in terms of speed, but very competitive
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the P310’s consistent performance across different platforms. PS5 users specifically highlight its ease of installation (once a heatsink is applied) and the massive jump in available storage, which allows them to keep many more games installed simultaneously.
4. Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
While not an internal SSD for playing PS5 games directly, the Crucial X10 Portable SSD is an incredibly versatile and durable external storage solution that can still greatly benefit PS5 owners. It’s perfect for storing your PS4 game library, which you can play directly from this drive, or for offloading PS5 games to free up internal space. Its rugged, portable design means you can take your game library on the go, making it a fantastic companion for anyone with a PS5 and other devices.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds
– Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres)
– Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A
– Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 4TB SSD
– Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image
Pros:
– Extremely durable and portable
– Excellent for playing PS4 games directly from the drive on PS5
– Can store PS5 games for quick transfer to internal storage
– Broad compatibility with many devices
– Fast external transfer speeds
Cons:
– Cannot play PS5 games directly from this external drive
– Slower than internal NVMe SSDs for PS5 games
– Not a direct internal storage expansion solution for PS5 titles
User Impressions:
Users frequently commend the X10 for its robustness and incredible speed for an external drive. PS5 owners specifically value it for migrating their PS4 game collection and as a temporary archive for PS5 titles, appreciating the convenience and speed it offers for these tasks.
5. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2
When it comes to raw performance and brand prestige, the Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink SSD is an undeniable powerhouse and a strong contender for the title of Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5 alternative. Samsung’s flash memory expertise shines through in this drive, offering blazing-fast Gen4 speeds that push the limits of what the PS5 can utilize. With an integrated heatsink and a design made specifically with the PS5 in mind, this SSD delivers a premium, no-compromise experience for the most demanding gamers and content creators.
Key Features:
– BLAZING SPEED: Near max performance with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
– REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds (7450/6900 MB/s)
– THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
– PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Generous 4TB storage capacity
– MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink designed for PS5 compatibility
Pros:
– Top-tier Gen4 performance, exceeding PS5 recommendations
– Pre-installed, slim heatsink perfect for PS5 slot
– Exceptionally high read and write speeds for minimal loading
– Renowned Samsung reliability and endurance
– Designed specifically with PS5 compatibility in mind
Cons:
– Often comes with a higher price tag than some competitors
– Over-spec’d for the PS5, as the console can’t fully utilize its peak speeds
User Impressions:
Customers consistently rate the Samsung 990 PRO as a phenomenal upgrade. PS5 users are particularly impressed with the easy installation thanks to the integrated heatsink and the noticeable snappiness of their console after installation. It’s often highlighted as the “go-to” premium choice for serious gamers.
6. Crucial T710 4TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T710 represents the bleeding edge of SSD technology, boasting incredible Gen5 speeds. While the PlayStation 5 currently operates on a PCIe Gen4 interface, this 4TB SSD with an integrated heatsink is fully backward compatible, meaning it will work flawlessly with your PS5 at Gen4 speeds. This makes the T710 an excellent choice if you’re looking to future-proof your storage, knowing it will be ready for the next generation of consoles or high-end PC builds, all while providing top-tier Gen4 performance on your current PS5.
Key Features:
– WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay with up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds
– ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Activates advanced ray tracing in applicable games (on PC)
– POINT. CLICK. DONE.: DirectStorage speeds up creative processes
– LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: A pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage
– STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: Integrated heatsink maximizes heat dissipation
– SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption
Pros:
– Cutting-edge Gen5 technology for ultimate future-proofing
– Provides top-tier Gen4 speeds on PS5 (as it’s backward compatible)
– Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance
– Extremely high endurance and reliability
– Excellent for high-end PC gaming and content creation
Cons:
– PS5 cannot fully utilize its Gen5 speeds, meaning some performance is “left on the table”
– Significantly higher price point due to Gen5 technology
– Might be considered overkill if only for PS5 use
User Impressions:
Early adopters of the T710 are thrilled with its phenomenal speed, even when running at Gen4 limits. While PS5 users acknowledge they aren’t getting full Gen5, they appreciate the future-proofing aspect and the robust, integrated heatsink. It’s seen as an investment in top-tier performance for years to come.
7. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD, Up
This version of the Crucial T500 offers the same lightning-fast Gen4 speeds as its heatsink-equipped sibling but comes without a pre-installed heatsink. This makes it a great option for users who prefer to choose and install their own heatsink, perhaps a specific low-profile design or one that matches their build aesthetics. For PS5 users, it’s crucial to remember that you will need to purchase and install a separate M.2 heatsink to ensure optimal performance and prevent thermal throttling. Once equipped, it provides an outstanding upgrade for your PS5, boosting game loading and overall responsiveness.
Key Features:
– LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,000/6,900MB/s
– COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop or workstation (and PS5 with heatsink)
– ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders with DirectStorage
– CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
– ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan
Pros:
– Outstanding Gen4 performance and speed
– More flexible for users who want to add their own specific heatsink
– Excellent for gaming and professional content creation
– DirectStorage support for PC gaming
– Great value for the performance
Cons:
– Does not come with a heatsink, which is essential for PS5 use (must buy separately)
– Installation requires an extra step compared to pre-heatsink models
User Impressions:
Users who opt for this T500 variant appreciate the slightly lower cost and the freedom to choose their own heatsink. Once properly set up with a suitable heatsink, PS5 users report identical fantastic performance to the pre-heatsink model, praising its speed and the massive storage expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is a 4TB SSD overkill for the PS5?
A: Not at all, especially with the ever-growing size of modern AAA games. A 4TB SSD provides ample space for dozens of titles, allowing you to install a huge library without constantly deleting and re-downloading games. It offers significant convenience and future-proofing.
Q2: Do I really need a heatsink for an SSD in my PS5?
A: Yes, absolutely. Sony explicitly states that an M.2 SSD installed in the PS5 must have a heatsink. The PS5’s internal environment can get warm, and a heatsink helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can severely impact performance and potentially shorten the drive’s lifespan.
Q3: Can I use an external 4TB SSD like the Crucial X10 to play PS5 games?
A: No, you cannot directly play PS5 games from an external SSD. External drives can store PS5 games (to free up internal space), but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal M.2 NVMe SSD or the console’s built-in storage to play them. However, you can play PS4 games directly from an external SSD on your PS5.
Q4: How difficult is it to install a 4TB SSD in the PS5?
A: It’s surprisingly easy! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible M.2 slot. You’ll need a small Phillips head screwdriver and about 10-15 minutes. There are many excellent video tutorials online (including official Sony guides) that walk you through the process step-by-step.
Q5: Will a Gen5 SSD like the Crucial T710 perform faster than a Gen4 SSD in my PS5?
A: While the Crucial T710 is a Gen5 SSD, the PlayStation 5’s architecture currently supports a PCIe Gen4 interface. This means that while a Gen5 SSD will work (due to backward compatibility), it will operate at Gen4 speeds. You won’t get the full Gen5 speed benefits on the PS5 itself, but it does offer excellent future-proofing for potential next-gen consoles or PC upgrades.
Q6: What’s the minimum speed requirement for a PS5 SSD?
A: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. All the Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5 options reviewed here meet or exceed this requirement, ensuring optimal performance for your console.
Q7: Are Crucial SSDs reliable?
A: Yes, absolutely! Crucial is a brand of Micron, one of the largest memory and storage manufacturers in the world. Their SSDs are known for their high quality, reliability, and excellent performance, making them a trusted choice for gamers and professionals alike.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PlayStation 5 with a Crucial best 4TB SSD for PS5 is one of the most impactful enhancements you can make. It liberates you from storage woes, significantly reduces load times, and lets you immerse yourself more fully in your gaming world. Whether you choose a high-performance Gen4 drive like the Crucial T500 (with heatsink for easy installation) or opt for the future-proof Crucial T710, you’re guaranteed a substantial upgrade. Don’t let storage limits hold you back – pick your perfect SSD and get back to gaming!