Is your PlayStation 4 feeling a bit sluggish? Are those loading screens stretching out longer than a final boss fight? It’s a common dilemma for many PS4 enthusiasts. The good news is, you don’t need a whole new console to breathe new life into your gaming experience. Upgrading your internal hard drive to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can be a game-changer, dramatically improving boot times, game loading, and overall system responsiveness.
When you’re searching for the ultimate performance boost, a Crucial best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 often comes to mind. Crucial, a brand synonymous with reliable memory and storage solutions, offers several excellent options. While the PS4 can only utilize SATA III speeds, many of these Crucial SSDs are also fantastic for future-proofing your setup or even boosting a PS5 if you upgrade later. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into 10 top SSDs, focusing on those perfect for your PS4 and some powerful alternatives that might just catch your eye!
Let’s explore the best internal SSDs that can turn your PS4 into a speed demon.
Why Upgrade Your PS4 to an SSD?
Before we jump into the products, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD is a smart investment for your PS4:
- Faster Loading Times: Games, menus, and applications will load significantly quicker.
- Improved System Responsiveness: Navigating the PS4 dashboard feels snappier.
- Quicker Boot-Up: Your console will turn on much faster.
- Reduced Noise & Heat: SSDs have no moving parts, making them quieter and cooler than traditional HDDs.
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: Less waiting means more playing!
The Top 10 Internal SSDs for Your PS4 (and Beyond!)
Here are our picks for the Crucial best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 and some stellar alternatives, including options for different capacities and next-gen consoles.
1. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 2TB is a fantastic, no-frills choice if you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective upgrade for your PS4. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD is specifically designed to replace your console’s existing hard drive, offering a significant speed boost over traditional HDDs. It’s all about getting you into your games faster and making your entire system feel more responsive without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
– Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive
– Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
– Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent value for money
– Significant performance upgrade over standard HDDs for PS4
– Energy-efficient design
– Reliable Crucial/Micron quality
– Easy installation into PS4
Cons:
– Not as fast as NVMe drives (though PS4 is limited by SATA III anyway)
– Lacks advanced features of higher-end SSDs
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the BX500 for its immediate impact on PS4 performance, noting much quicker game loads and system responsiveness. Many highlight its affordability and ease of installation as major selling points, making it a popular choice for console upgrades.
2. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
While primarily marketed as a gaming SSD for the PS5 and modern PCs due to its blazing PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds, the Crucial P310 2280 2TB still makes our list for its sheer performance and versatility. For PS4 users, while you won’t get the full Gen4 speeds internally (as the PS4 uses SATA III), this drive offers incredible value and could serve as an excellent external storage solution for your PS4 via a USB enclosure, or be ready for a future PS5 upgrade. Its robust build and Micron quality ensure top-tier performance wherever it’s used.
Key Features:
– 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
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
Pros:
– Blazing-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds (future-proof for PS5/PC)
– Excellent for external PS4 storage (with enclosure)
– Ample 2TB capacity
– Reliable and durable with Micron G8 NAND
– Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
Cons:
– Full speed not utilized internally by PS4 (requires an adapter and won’t exceed SATA limits)
– M.2 form factor requires a 2.5-inch adapter or external enclosure for PS4 use
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the P310 for its outstanding speed-to-price ratio, especially for PS5 users. PC gamers praise its quick load times and smooth performance. For PS4 users, it’s often considered a great choice for external storage or for those planning a PS5 upgrade soon.
3. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
The Crucial T500 2TB with a heatsink is a powerhouse built for intense gaming and content creation, explicitly boasting “PS5 Ready” capabilities. If you’re looking for the ultimate performance for a PS5, this is a top contender. For PS4 users, like other NVMe drives, its incredible Gen4 speeds (up to 7,400 MB/s reads) won’t be fully leveraged internally. However, its robustness, built-in heatsink, and future-proof performance make it an excellent choice for a high-speed external PS4 drive (with an appropriate enclosure) or a smart investment if a PS5 is on your horizon. It’s a true speed demon.
Key Features:
– LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,400/7,000MB/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 and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage
– CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps
– ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us
Pros:
– Extreme Gen4 NVMe speeds, ideal for PS5 and high-end PCs
– Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal management
– Optimized for DirectStorage for future PC gaming benefits
– Excellent for demanding tasks like content creation
– Generous 2TB capacity
Cons:
– Overkill for internal PS4 use (speeds won’t be fully utilized)
– Higher price point than SATA SSDs
– M.2 form factor requires external enclosure or adapter for PS4
User Impressions:
Gamers are blown away by the T500’s speed, especially on PS5 and PCs with DirectStorage. They report significantly faster game loading and smoother experiences. The heatsink is a big plus for sustained performance under heavy load.
4. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
This specific variant of the Crucial P310 is notable for its compact M.2 2230 form factor, making it ideal for devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and certain ultra-compact laptops. While its tiny size isn’t a direct fit for the PS4’s 2.5-inch bay, its PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance (up to 7,100 MB/s read) makes it a very capable drive. For PS4 users, this could be an excellent, incredibly power-efficient option for an external drive when paired with a compatible 2230 NVMe enclosure, offering blazing speeds that the PS4 can leverage via USB 3.0.
Key Features:
– Broad Compatibility: Works with Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and select Dell laptops
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds
– Spacious NVMe SSD: This 2TB SSD provides space for AAA games, apps, and media
– Power-efficient Design: Engineered for low power draw to extend battery life on handheld consoles and laptops
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
Pros:
– Ultra-compact M.2 2230 form factor
– Blazing-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds (great for external PS4 storage)
– Highly power-efficient, extending battery life in compatible devices
– Ample 2TB capacity for games and media
– Reliable Micron quality
Cons:
– M.2 2230 is not an internal fit for PS4 (requires external enclosure)
– Full Gen4 speeds won’t be utilized by PS4 internally or even externally via USB 3.0
– Specialized form factor might be harder to find compatible enclosures for
User Impressions:
Handheld console owners adore this specific P310 for its perfect fit and performance in devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. Its power efficiency is a frequently praised aspect. For those looking for a compact, fast external solution for their PS4, it’s a very interesting option.
5. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re looking for a solid upgrade but don’t quite need 2TB of storage, the Crucial BX500 1TB offers all the same great benefits as its 2TB sibling in a more compact capacity. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD is still a major improvement over any mechanical hard drive, providing faster boot times, quicker game loads, and a much more responsive PS4 experience. It’s a fantastic, budget-friendly entry point into SSD performance.
Key Features:
– Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive
– Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
– Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Affordable entry point to SSD performance
– Significant speed increase for PS4 over HDD
– Energy-efficient and quiet operation
– Reliable Crucial/Micron build quality
– Easy to install in PS4
Cons:
– Only 1TB capacity (may fill up quickly for avid gamers)
– SATA III speeds are limited compared to NVMe (but fine for PS4)
User Impressions:
Customers love the 1TB BX500 for its cost-effectiveness and noticeable performance improvements on their PS4s. Many consider it the ideal upgrade for gamers who want better speed without needing massive storage, making it a popular choice for replacing stock HDDs.
6. Crucial P3 Plus 2TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus 2TB represents another strong contender in the Gen4 NVMe SSD space, offering impressive speeds up to 5000MB/s sequential reads. While not as blistering as the T500, it provides a fantastic balance of performance and price. Like other NVMe drives, its full Gen4 capabilities won’t be realized internally within a PS4. However, it’s a superb choice for a PS5 upgrade, a high-performance PC, or as a very fast external drive for your PS4 via a compatible USB 3.0 enclosure, where it will still outperform any external HDD.
Key Features:
– NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
– Spacious storage up to 4TB (this variant is 2TB)
– Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
– Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
– Backward compatibility with Gen3
Pros:
– Excellent Gen4 NVMe speeds for the price point
– High reliability and longevity
– Great for future-proofing your storage setup (PS5/PC)
– Ample 2TB capacity
– Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
Cons:
– Full speeds not utilized by internal PS4 installation
– M.2 form factor requires adapter or external enclosure for PS4
– Doesn’t come with a heatsink (might need one for PS5)
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the P3 Plus for its solid performance and competitive pricing for a Gen4 NVMe drive. Many recommend it as an excellent upgrade for PS5 or PC builds, citing noticeable improvements in game loading and file transfers. Its reliability also earns high marks.
7. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
Pushing the boundaries of storage technology, the Crucial P510 2TB is a Gen5 NVMe SSD offering mind-blowing speeds of up to 11,000/9,500MB/s read/write. This is truly next-generation performance, designed for the absolute bleeding edge of PC gaming and professional workloads. For the PS4, this drive is significant overkill internally – the console simply cannot handle Gen5 speeds. However, if you’re building a top-tier PC or planning for future console generations, and want a Crucial best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 as a future-proof external drive (again, with an enclosure), this offers unparalleled speed potential.
Key Features:
– 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
– MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
– SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software
Pros:
– Phenomenal Gen5 NVMe speeds, future-proof for years
– Excellent for high-end PC builds and professional use
– Included Acronis software for easy data migration
– Top-tier Micron reliability
– Impressive performance-to-price ratio for a Gen5 drive
Cons:
– Extreme overkill for internal PS4 use (speeds are vastly beyond what PS4 can utilize)
– M.2 form factor requires an external enclosure for PS4 use
– Might run hot without a dedicated heatsink (for Gen5 use)
User Impressions:
Early adopters of Gen5 systems are thrilled with the P510’s blistering speeds, noting incredibly fast boot times and application loads. They highlight its value proposition for a cutting-edge Gen5 drive. For PS4 users, it’s primarily a consideration for those looking for an ultra-fast external drive or planning a serious PC upgrade.
8. Crucial BX500 4TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For those who want to download every game imaginable and never worry about storage space, the Crucial BX500 4TB is an absolute dream. While our main keyword focuses on 2TB, this larger capacity 2.5-inch SATA SSD provides all the speed benefits of the BX500 line – faster boots, quicker game loads, and improved responsiveness – but with double the storage. It’s an ideal choice for serious gamers with extensive digital libraries who need a reliable and spacious internal upgrade for their PS4.
Key Features:
– Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive
– Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
– Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Massive 4TB storage capacity for extensive game libraries
– Significant speed boost over HDDs for PS4
– Energy-efficient and quiet operation
– Reliable Crucial/Micron quality
– Easy installation into PS4
Cons:
– Higher price point due to larger capacity
– Still limited by SATA III speeds (not an NVMe drive)
User Impressions:
Users with vast game collections rave about the 4TB BX500, noting the convenience of having so much fast storage. They report the same excellent performance improvements as the 2TB version, making it a highly recommended choice for heavy users tired of managing game installs.
9. PNY CS900 2TB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
While our focus is on Crucial, the PNY CS900 2TB is a formidable competitor and an excellent alternative for your PS4. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offers fantastic value, delivering crucial speed upgrades over traditional hard drives. With sequential read/write speeds up to 550/530MB/s, it maximizes the PS4’s internal SATA interface, ensuring faster game loads and a snappier overall console experience. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice from a reputable brand.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer and feel the difference with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
– Exceptional performance offering up to 550MB/s seq. read and 530MB/s seq. write speeds
– Superior performance and up to 50% faster boot up time as compared to traditional hard-drives (HDD)
– Ultra-low power consumption
– 3 Year Warranty, 24/7 US based technical support
Pros:
– Excellent performance for PS4’s SATA III interface
– Very competitive price for a 2TB SSD
– Energy-efficient design
– Reliable brand with good customer support
– Easy to install in PS4
Cons:
– Not as recognized as Crucial or Samsung by some users
– Performance caps at SATA III limits (no NVMe potential)
User Impressions:
Many users choose the PNY CS900 for its impressive performance given its affordable price. They report substantial improvements in PS4 game loading and overall system responsiveness, often highlighting its ease of installation and dependable operation.
10. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
Rounding out our list is the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB, a true all-star in the SATA SSD market and a prime alternative to the Crucial best 2TB internal SSD for PS4. Samsung is renowned for its SSD quality and performance, and the 870 EVO lives up to that reputation. It offers top-tier SATA III performance, maximizing the PS4’s internal interface with sequential speeds up to 560/530 MB/s. With industry-leading reliability and broad compatibility, this drive is a premium choice for any PS4 owner seeking the best possible SATA SSD upgrade.
Key Features:
– THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology.
– EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance with 870 EVO, which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
– Accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer
– INDUSTRY DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 2,400 TBW
– MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: 870 EVO has been compatibility tested for major host systems and applications
Pros:
– Top-tier SATA III performance, maximizing PS4’s capabilities
– Industry-leading reliability and endurance (2,400 TBW)
– Broad compatibility with various systems
– Excellent brand reputation and support
– Ample 2TB capacity
Cons:
– Premium price compared to some other SATA SSDs
– Performance is limited by the SATA III interface (not NVMe)
User Impressions:
The Samsung 870 EVO consistently receives glowing reviews for its stellar performance and unmatched reliability. Users call it the “gold standard” for SATA SSDs, noting its consistent speed, durability, and smooth operation across various devices, including the PS4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 with an internal SSD?
A1: Upgrading to an internal SSD dramatically improves your PS4’s performance by reducing game loading times, speeding up system boot-up, and making the overall user interface feel much more responsive. It also typically runs quieter and cooler than the stock hard drive.
Q2: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs for PS4?
A2: SATA SSDs (like the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 870 EVO) connect via the SATA III interface, which is what the PS4 natively supports internally. NVMe SSDs (like the Crucial P310 or T500) use the faster PCIe interface. While NVMe drives are significantly faster on paper, the PS4’s internal hardware can only utilize SATA III speeds. So, installing an NVMe drive internally in a PS4 (which would require an adapter) won’t yield its full potential speed, but it can still be used effectively as an external drive via USB 3.0.
Q3: Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in a PS4?
A3: No, it’s a relatively straightforward process. Sony designed the PS4 to allow for easy hard drive upgrades. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver, a USB drive to back up your data and reinstall the PS4 system software, and about 30-60 minutes. Many online guides and videos walk you through each step.
Q4: Will a 2TB SSD be enough storage for my PS4?
A4: For most gamers, 2TB is a generous amount of storage. Many modern AAA games can take up 50-100GB or more, so a 2TB drive can comfortably hold 15-30 large titles. If you have an exceptionally vast digital library, 4TB options are also available, like the Crucial BX500 4TB.
Q5: Can I use an NVMe SSD for external storage with my PS4?
A5: Yes! You can place an NVMe M.2 SSD into a compatible USB 3.0 (or newer) enclosure. When connected to your PS4 via a USB 3.0 port, it will function as external storage, providing much faster load times than an external HDD. While it won’t hit the NVMe’s full theoretical speeds, it will still offer a significant boost for games installed on it.
Q6: Does an SSD improve game framerates on PS4?
A6: No, an SSD primarily improves loading times, texture streaming, and overall system responsiveness. It does not directly affect the game’s framerate, as that is determined by the PS4’s CPU and GPU. However, faster texture loading can sometimes reduce stuttering in open-world games.
Q7: Should I get a Crucial SSD specifically for my PS4?
A7: Crucial SSDs are excellent choices for PS4 upgrades due to their reputation for reliability, performance, and value. The Crucial BX500 2TB, for instance, is a perfect plug-and-play solution. While other brands like Samsung and PNY also offer fantastic SATA SSDs, Crucial remains a top contender for the Crucial best 2TB internal SSD for PS4 market.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS4 with a high-quality SSD is one of the best investments you can make to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose a dedicated SATA drive like the Crucial BX500 2TB internal SSD for PS4 or opt for a powerful NVMe drive that can double as a future-proof solution for a PS5, you’re in for significantly faster loading times and a much snappier console. Don’t let slow load screens hold you back – it’s time to power up your PS4!