Hey there, fellow gamers! If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably hit that dreaded “storage full” message on your PlayStation 5 more times than you’d like to admit. With massive game file sizes and a constant stream of new titles, the PS5’s built-in 825GB SSD (of which only about 667GB is usable) just doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s where a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD comes into play, expanding your console’s storage and letting you keep all your favorite games installed.
But which one should you choose? When it comes to reliable and fast storage, Lexar has carved out a strong reputation. In this guide, we’re diving deep to help you find the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5, along with a couple of top-tier alternatives that definitely deserve your attention. We’ll explore their features, pros, cons, and what users are saying, so you can make an informed decision and get back to gaming without storage worries!
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?
- More Games: Obvious, right? No more deleting games to make space for new ones. Keep your entire library ready to play.
- Faster Load Times: While the PS5’s internal SSD is already blazing fast, a compatible M.2 SSD can match or even exceed those speeds, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time playing.
- Seamless Gameplay: Play PS5 games directly from your expanded storage without any performance hitches.
- Future-Proofing: As games get bigger and more graphically intensive, having ample storage means you’re prepared for whatever the next generation of gaming throws at you.
Our Top Picks: Lexar Best 2TB Internal SSDs for PS5 (and More!)
Let’s dive into our detailed reviews, covering the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5 models and some fantastic alternatives that meet the console’s strict requirements.
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, high-performance upgrade, the Lexar NM790 with a pre-installed heatsink is a fantastic choice. This SSD is purpose-built to meet the demanding requirements of the PlayStation 5, offering exceptional speeds right out of the box. Its integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal management, which is crucial for sustained performance during those marathon gaming sessions on your PS5. You won’t have to worry about overheating or throttling, making it a truly “plug-and-play” solution.
Key Features:
* [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
* 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
* Designed with a heatsink to keep your rig cool for better performance and power efficiency
* Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
* Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
* Compatible with PlayStation 5
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Blazing fast read/write speeds, perfect for PS5
* Integrated heatsink for easy installation and excellent thermal performance
* Energy-efficient design, drawing less power
* Strong endurance rating (1500TBW)
* PS5 compatible out-of-the-box
Cons:
* Slightly higher price point due to the included heatsink
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the NM790 with heatsink for its easy installation and immediate performance boost on their PS5 consoles. Many highlight the peace of mind knowing the heatsink is already optimized, preventing any thermal issues. It’s often cited as a top contender for the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5.
2. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This is the sibling to our first pick, offering the same incredible performance without a pre-attached heatsink. Why choose this one? Perhaps you prefer to purchase and install a specific aftermarket heatsink, or maybe you’re using it in a PC or laptop where a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary or might not fit. For PS5 users, remember that a heatsink is essential for optimal performance and console longevity. If you go with this option, be sure to budget for and install a PS5-compatible heatsink separately!
Key Features:
* [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
* 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
* Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
* Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance
* Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
* Compatible with PlayStation 5 (with added heatsink)
* Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Same outstanding speed and endurance as the heatsink version
* More flexible for users who want to add their own heatsink
* Potentially a slightly lower upfront cost
* Excellent for PC and laptop use too
Cons:
* Requires a separate heatsink purchase and installation for PS5 use
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the raw speed and value of the NM790 without a heatsink. Those who chose it for their PS5 typically mention pairing it with a popular third-party heatsink and report excellent results, equating to the same smooth performance as its heatsink-equipped counterpart.
3. Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
The Lexar Play SSD is specifically “designed to coordinate with your PS5,” making it a strong contender if you’re looking for an SSD that feels tailor-made for your console. It comes with a unique heatsink that’s optimized for the PS5’s internal slot, ensuring straightforward installation and effective cooling. What truly sets it apart is being “tested and approved storage for your PS5 console,” giving you extra confidence that it will perform perfectly and allow you to play games directly from the drive without any issues.
Key Features:
* Designed to coordinate with your PS5, the Lexar PLAY 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD is made to enhance your gaming experience.
* 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds ensure reduced load times and deliver seamless gameplay. 2TB: 1600TBW.
* Tested and approved storage for your PS5 console, this SSD allows you to play games right off the drive. There’s no need to transfer or delete games from your console.
* Include a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling during intense gaming sessions.
* Lexar PLAY 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD can be used not only for PS5 but also for PC gaming. HMB and SLC Dynamic cache deliver improved performance, accelerated data access speeds, and enhanced overall responsiveness when used with a PC.
* Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
* Specifically designed and tested for PS5 compatibility
* Unique, optimized heatsink for easy installation and cooling
* High speeds for reduced load times
* Excellent endurance (1600TBW)
* Play PS5 games directly from the drive
Cons:
* May be slightly less flexible for non-PS5 specific custom builds compared to more generic options
User Impressions:
Many users who chose the Lexar Play praise its perfect fit and straightforward installation within their PS5. The “designed for PS5” aspect resonates strongly, providing peace of mind and excellent performance for gaming directly from the drive. It’s certainly a strong contender for the title of Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5.
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While our focus is on Lexar, the WD_BLACK SN850X is such a phenomenal gaming SSD that it deserves a spot as a top-tier alternative. This drive is a beast, offering ludicrous speeds and a suite of gaming-focused features that truly enhance your experience. With an optional heatsink version available, it’s perfectly suited for PS5 and high-end PC gaming alike. The WD_BLACK Dashboard software (Windows only) adds extra value with monitoring and even RGB customization for the heatsink version.
Key Features:
* TRANSFORM YOUR PC. Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s.
* MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES. Capacities up to 8TB built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites.
* HEATSINK FOR THE WIN. All capacities have an optional heatsink version to help maintain peak performance through your most intense gaming sessions.
* DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) monitors your drive’s health, lets you customize your RGB lighting (heatsink versions only), and can automatically detect games to turn on Game Mode 2.0.
* FUTURE-FORWARD FEATURES. The WD_BLACK SN850X boasts a powerful suite of features, including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
Pros:
* Exceptional speeds and gaming performance
* Optional heatsink version perfect for PS5
* WD_BLACK Dashboard offers advanced features (PC)
* Predictive Loading and other gaming optimizations
* Highly durable TLC 3D NAND
Cons:
* Dashboard features are Windows-only (not applicable to PS5)
* Can be a premium-priced option
User Impressions:
The SN850X is consistently lauded by gamers for its incredible speed and reliability. PS5 users particularly love the heatsink version for its easy installation and flawless performance, with many noting a tangible improvement in load times for their favorite titles. It’s a gold standard for PS5 SSDs.
5. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
Here’s another impressive alternative that punches above its weight, especially considering its value. The MOVE SPEED HB7450 comes with cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, delivering speeds that easily meet and exceed PS5 requirements. What’s particularly neat is its dual-cooling solution: a built-in graphene composite heatsink and an uninstalled traditional heatsink included in the package, giving you options. This drive emphasizes rigorous testing and quality components, ensuring long-term stability for your gaming setup.
Key Features:
* 【NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface】MOVE SPEED 2tb SSD is supported by cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, with a read and write speed of up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s, which reduce the delays of the games and operating system. The PCIe 4.0 interface is 2 times faster than the PCIe 3.0 and 13.5 times faster than the SATA SSD, ensuring lightning fast game loading and file transfer times. Nvme pcie 4.0 ssd use less power and get more performance, making it the best choice for upgrading.
* 【Compatible with PS5 & Large Capacity】MOVE SPEED M.2 2tb SSD perfectly compatible with PS5, laptop, PC. Featuring an M.2 2280 (80mm) form factor, it’s compact and easy to install. M.2 ps5 ssd offers large storage capacity of 1TB/2TB, providing ample storage space for work, study or games. Unrivaled performance and large storage capacity make it easily upgradeable and be ready at all the time. With up to 2TB storage, your PS5 has extra room to store up to 50 games. Always ready for next games.
* 【Premium Quality】Our m.2 ssd for PS5 utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and cutting-edge Maxio MAP1602 controller technology. After 6 rounds of extreme tests(16 hours of high and low temperature aging test, 8 hours of 2000 times of dormancy test, 48 hours of continuous transmission test), almost 80-hour rigorous test prove its stability and long service life.
* 【Plug and Play & Strongly Cooling】The NVMe m.2 SSD has a built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink, which can strongly cool down the chip by 10 degrees during works or games, avoiding high-temperature slowdown and jamming, and our package comes with an heat sink(not installed), screws and screwdriver. Easy installation, plug and play. Cools and maintains exceptional performance during overloaded. Notes:The heatsink install tutorial can be found on our details page, or ask our after-service team.
* 【What’s in the Box】Package includes a 2TB solid state drive SSD, heatsink(not installed), screws, screwdriver, user manual. 7 x 24 friendly and efficient customer service, 30 days 100% return and refund if there’re any problems with the ssd. With the strong R&D and production support of our own MOVE SPEED factories, we can provide consumers with the ultimate product experience and after-sales service.
Pros:
* Excellent PCIe 4.0 speeds, meeting PS5 requirements
* Dual-cooling solution (built-in graphene + included heatsink)
* Rigorous quality testing for reliability
* Includes installation tools (screws, screwdriver)
* Competitive pricing for its performance
Cons:
* Less well-known brand compared to Lexar or WD
* Heatsink requires manual installation (though tools are provided)
User Impressions:
Users are pleasantly surprised by the MOVE SPEED HB7450, often highlighting its incredible performance-to-price ratio. The included heatsink and tools are a nice touch, making the installation process smoother, and many report flawless operation and fast game loading on their PS5 consoles.
6. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Stepping into the future, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a next-generation SSD boasting PCIe 5.0 technology. While the PS5 currently only supports PCIe Gen4 speeds, this drive is a powerhouse designed for the absolute bleeding edge of computing – think high-end PC gaming, AI workstations, and professional content creation. It’s technically compatible with PS5 (as it’s backward compatible with Gen4), but you won’t fully utilize its blistering 14,000/13,000 MB/s speeds. However, if you want a drive that’s future-proof and performs exceptionally well even when capped at Gen4 speeds, this is a premium option.
Key Features:
* PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s and accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9
* A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience and more efficient performance
* A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
* DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds to reduce wait times and improve system responsiveness
* Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power, and enrich the gaming experience
Pros:
* Future-proof PCIe 5.0 technology (unreal speeds for future hardware)
* Exceptional performance even when limited to PS5’s Gen4 speeds
* Advanced 6nm controller for optimized heat control
* DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for superior responsiveness
* Excellent for high-end PC builds and AI workloads
Cons:
* PS5 cannot fully utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds, so you’re paying for unused potential
* Likely a higher price point due to bleeding-edge technology
* Requires a separate heatsink for PS5 use
User Impressions:
Early adopters of the NM1090 PRO are blown away by its raw power on compatible PC systems. PS5 users who chose it for future-proofing still report excellent Gen4 performance, noting it easily meets the PS5’s requirements and provides plenty of headroom. This could be considered the ultimate Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5 if you’re looking to invest in the future.
7. WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
Rounding out our list with another strong alternative, the WD_BLACK SN7100 offers high-octane gaming performance designed with efficiency in mind. This PCIe Gen4 drive from Western Digital’s gaming-focused line delivers impressive speeds that will significantly boost your PS5’s storage and load times. It’s built with Western Digital’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND, ensuring durability and reliability. Crucially for laptop and handheld gaming device users, it boasts up to 100% more power efficiency over previous generations, making it a great all-around performer.
Key Features:
* HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
* PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
* MORE SPACE FOR FAVORITES AND NEW TITLES. Available in multiple capacities up to 4TB, upgrade to an SSD that gives you tons of storage.
* MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
* DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Pros:
* Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for fast loading and transfers
* Highly power-efficient design
* Built with reliable TLC 3D NAND
* Available in various capacities up to 4TB
* From a reputable brand in storage
Cons:
* Does not include a heatsink (must be purchased separately for PS5)
* Dashboard features are PC-only
User Impressions:
Users find the SN7100 to be a solid, dependable performer. While not always at the absolute peak of Gen4 speeds, it’s consistently fast and reliable, especially when paired with a good heatsink for PS5 use. Its power efficiency is a bonus for those concerned with overall system longevity and energy use.
How to Install an M.2 SSD in Your PS5 (Quick Guide)
Adding an M.2 SSD to your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Power Down & Unplug: Completely turn off your PS5, unplug all cables, and let it cool down.
- Remove the PS5 Base: Lay the console on its side and remove the stand.
- Slide Off the Cover: Gently lift one corner of the PS5 faceplate (the one with the PlayStation logo) and slide it away from the console. You’ll hear a click, and it should come off.
- Locate the Expansion Slot: Unscrew the cover for the expansion slot, typically found near the fan.
- Install the SSD: Remove the screw and spacer from the slot. Insert your M.2 SSD (with heatsink attached, if not pre-installed) into the slot at an angle, then gently push it down. Secure it with the screw and spacer at the 2280 position.
- Reassemble: Replace the expansion slot cover, slide the PS5 faceplate back on, and reattach the base.
- Format: Plug your PS5 back in and power it on. The console will detect the new SSD and prompt you to format it. Follow the on-screen instructions.
And just like that, you’ve got tons more space for your games!
FAQs About PS5 SSDs
Q1: Do I really need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! Sony explicitly states that an M.2 SSD with a heatsink is required for the PS5. This prevents thermal throttling and ensures consistent high performance during intense gaming, protecting both your SSD and your console.
Q2: What kind of SSD is compatible with PS5?
A: The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD, specifically a 2280 form factor. It needs to have a minimum read speed of 5,500 MB/s. Make sure your chosen drive meets these specifications.
Q3: How much storage can I add to my PS5?
A: The PS5 supports M.2 SSDs ranging from 250GB up to 8TB. For most gamers, a 2TB internal SSD for PS5 hits the sweet spot between capacity and cost.
Q4: Can I play PS5 games directly from the external SSD?
A: Yes, once formatted, a compatible internal M.2 SSD functions just like the PS5’s built-in storage. You can install and play PS5 games directly from it. For external USB drives, you can only store PS4 games or PS5 games that you then transfer back to the internal SSD to play.
Q5: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD in the designated expansion slot will not void your PS5 warranty. Sony provides official instructions for doing so.
Q6: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for PS5?
A: The PS5’s M.2 slot is designed for PCIe Gen4 speeds. While Gen5 SSDs are backward compatible and will work, they will operate at Gen4 speeds. You’ll be paying for Gen5 capabilities that the PS5 can’t fully utilize, so a good Gen4 SSD offers the best value for PS5.
Q7: Are all 2TB Lexar SSDs compatible with PS5?
A: Not all Lexar 2TB SSDs are compatible with PS5. You need to ensure it’s a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD with sufficient read speeds (5,500 MB/s or higher) and, crucially, an included or separately installed heatsink. Always check the specific model’s specifications.
Final Thoughts on the Lexar Best 2TB Internal SSD for PS5
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a high-quality M.2 SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. For finding the Lexar best 2TB internal SSD for PS5, the Lexar NM790 with Heatsink or the Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink stand out as top contenders due to their excellent performance and integrated thermal management. However, don’t overlook powerful alternatives like the WD_BLACK SN850X or the value-packed MOVE SPEED HB7450.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be enjoying faster load times, more games installed, and a smoother overall PS5 experience. Happy gaming!