Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage can be a game-changer, especially if you’re a serious gamer with a large library. But with so many options available, choosing the right SSD can be confusing. This guide will focus on answering the question: Does Samsung T7 SSD work with PS5? We’ll explore the compatibility aspects, performance, and potential issues to help you make an informed decision about whether the Samsung T7 is the right external SSD for your PS5 gaming needs.
Samsung T7 SSD and PS5 Compatibility
This section explores the fundamental compatibility between the Samsung T7 portable SSD and the PlayStation 5. We’ll cover the technical specifications that matter and whether the T7 meets the PS5’s requirements for external storage expansion.
Understanding PS5 Storage Requirements
- Speed: The PS5 requires an NVMe SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. The Samsung T7, while a fast SSD, doesn’t typically meet this minimum speed requirement on its own. This is because of the interface limitations of using a USB connection to the PS5. Many users see read speeds that may be closer to 1,000MB/s.
- Interface: The PS5 supports NVMe SSDs through its internal expansion slot. The Samsung T7 is a portable SSD which is typically connected to the PS5 using a USB-C connector. While the PS5 does support external USB storage for some games, there are important caveats for playing directly from external storage that we explore further below.
- Form Factor: The PS5’s internal expansion slot is designed for a specific form factor. The Samsung T7, being a portable drive, is not suitable for direct insertion into the internal slot.
The Samsung T7’s Specifications
The Samsung T7 boasts impressive speeds for a portable SSD, but these speeds are generally measured when using it with a device that supports its native interface, such as a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
- Sequential Read Speeds: Advertised speeds often exceed 1,000 MB/s. However, it is essential to realize that these speeds are not guaranteed when plugged into a USB port of a PS5. The speed will be highly dependent on the USB port that is used to attach the drive to the PS5
- Sequential Write Speeds: These are also high and, like read speeds, can vary wildly based on the USB port and controller used.
- Interface: The Samsung T7 typically uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB-C connectors. This means that to achieve its advertised high speeds a fast USB interface is needed. The USB port on the PS5 may act as a bottleneck slowing down the overall performance significantly.
Using the Samsung T7 with the PS5: Practical Considerations
While the Samsung T7 might not directly satisfy the PS5’s internal storage speed requirements, it can still be useful, although limited. Here, we detail how to use the Samsung T7 as external storage for your PS5 and what you can expect in terms of performance.
Using the Samsung T7 for PS5 Game Storage
You can use the Samsung T7 to store PS4 and PS5 games, but this process is only partially supported and comes with performance penalties. In most cases, it will be slower than using an NVMe drive within the internal slot.
- Connect the Samsung T7 to your PS5 via a USB-C to USB-C cable.
- Format the drive according to the PS5’s instructions. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the drive.
- Move games or game data to the external storage.
Keep in mind that loading times for games stored on the external drive will be significantly slower than games installed on the internal NVMe drive.
Performance Benchmarks and Comparisons
Insert a comparison chart here showing performance differences between games stored on the PS5’s internal NVMe SSD, and games stored on a Samsung T7 SSD connected through a USB-C port. Real-world tests will show a significant performance gap.
Alternatives to the Samsung T7 for PS5 Storage
Given the limitations of using the Samsung T7 with your PS5, consider other options for optimizing storage.
Internal NVMe SSD Expansion
- Speed and Performance: The fastest and most recommended way to upgrade PS5 storage is by using a compatible NVMe SSD in the dedicated expansion slot. This eliminates the USB bottleneck, offering speeds comparable to the internal drive.
- Compatibility: Ensure the chosen NVMe SSD meets PS5’s speed and form factor requirements.
- Installation: The installation process is relatively straightforward, though it requires temporarily powering off the PS5 and carefully following Sony’s instructions.
Other High-Speed External SSDs
While the Samsung T7 might not be ideal, there are other external SSDs that offer significantly faster speeds via USB interface. Look for those that advertise USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Gen 2×2 compatibility for optimal performance with the PS5.
Debunking Common Myths
Myth 1: Any external SSD will work perfectly with the PS5.
False. The PS5 has specific requirements for storage speed and interface. While you can use external storage for some things, it won’t perform as well as an internal NVMe drive, and only certain external SSDs will work correctly.
Myth 2: The Samsung T7 is too slow to use with the PS5 for gaming.
Mostly true. While the T7 has fast speeds inherently, the USB interface used to connect it to the PS5 significantly limits its performance and makes the experience far from optimal.
Myth 3: Using external storage is as fast as using internal storage.
False. External storage, even fast external SSDs, will always be slower than the internal SSD in a PS5 due to the interface limitations. The data transfer speeds achievable are far lower.
FAQ
Does the Samsung T7 work with PS5 for game downloads?
Yes, you can download games to a Samsung T7 connected to your PS5 via USB, but game performance will be noticeably slower, leading to longer loading times.
Can I play PS5 games directly from the Samsung T7?
You can move some games to the Samsung T7, but performance and load times will be slower than playing directly from the console’s internal SSD. Some games may not even allow transfer to external storage.
What are the best alternatives to the Samsung T7 for PS5 storage?
Consider an internal NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s specifications for optimal performance. Alternatively, look for external SSDs with USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher speeds that can potentially improve the experience relative to the T7, but even then, the speeds will not approach those of a directly connected internal NVMe SSD.
Will using the Samsung T7 damage my PS5?
No, using a Samsung T7 should not damage your PS5, provided it is properly formatted and connected. But, it may impact your gaming experience due to performance limitations.
Is it worth using a Samsung T7 for PS5 storage?
The Samsung T7 is only really worthwhile for PS5 storage if you need extra storage space for archiving games or other data that you are not actively playing. For active gaming, consider the internal NVMe SSD or other high-speed external options that are better suited for the purpose.
Final Thoughts
While the Samsung T7 is a fast and reliable portable SSD, it’s not the ideal solution for directly improving your PS5 gaming experience. Due to USB interface limitations, its performance falls significantly short of the PS5’s internal storage speed requirements. For optimal gaming performance, investing in a compatible internal NVMe SSD remains the best option. Consider the Samsung T7 only for archival purposes or to move data if needed.