Is your PlayStation 5 storage feeling a bit cramped? You’re not alone! Modern games are massive, and the PS5’s internal 825GB SSD (with less than 700GB actually usable) fills up fast. Thankfully, Sony made it easy to expand your storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD, but there’s a catch: it needs a heatsink to prevent overheating and ensure peak performance.
If you’re searching for the Lexar best SSD for PS5 with heatsink or just the top contenders in general, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up five fantastic options that will supercharge your PS5’s capacity and keep your games running smoothly, even during the most intense gaming sessions. Let’s dive in and find the perfect upgrade for your console!
Why a Heatsink is Non-Negotiable for PS5 SSDs
Before we get to the reviews, a quick word on heatsinks. The PS5’s M.2 slot is designed for high-speed PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs, which can generate a lot of heat when working hard. A heatsink acts like a mini radiator, dissipating this heat and preventing your SSD from thermal throttling. Without it, your drive could slow down significantly to protect itself, leading to longer load times and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. So, always go for an SSD that either comes with a pre-installed heatsink or allows you to add one easily.
Our Top 5 SSD Picks for Your PlayStation 5
Here are our handpicked SSDs, focusing on performance, reliability, and most importantly, integrated heatsinks for seamless PS5 compatibility.
1. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
If you’re looking to massively expand your PS5 library without constantly juggling games, the Lexar 4TB Play SSD is a serious contender. This drive is specifically “designed to coordinate with your PS5,” meaning it’s built with console gamers in mind. Its generous 4TB capacity means you can download dozens of AAA titles and never worry about running out of space. Plus, the integrated heatsink ensures cool operation, making it a reliable and high-performing choice for dedicated gamers.
Key Features:
– Designed for PS5 with a coordinating aesthetic
– Blazing-fast 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds
– Huge 4TB capacity, 3200TBW endurance rating
– Unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
– Compatible with both PS5 and PC gaming setups
– HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Massive 4TB storage means virtually unlimited game installs
– Excellent read/write speeds for quick loading
– Pre-installed heatsink perfectly fits PS5 dimensions
– Tested and approved for PS5, allowing direct gameplay
– Versatile for both console and PC use
Cons:
– Premium price point due to large capacity
– Might be overkill for casual gamers who only play a few titles
User Impressions:
Gamers love the sheer capacity of this drive, praising how it completely eliminates storage anxieties. Many highlight the simple plug-and-play installation into their PS5 and appreciate the consistent performance during long gaming sessions, noting zero slowdowns or heat-related issues.
2. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For those who need a significant storage boost without breaking the bank, the Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink is an excellent choice. This drive offers impressive PCIe Gen 4 speeds, making it twice as fast as older Gen 3 SSDs. Its 1TB capacity is a sweet spot for many gamers, providing ample room for several big titles. The integrated heatsink isn’t just for show – it actively works to keep the drive cool, ensuring your PS5 maintains optimal performance and efficiency.
Key Features:
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1TB capacity with 1000TBW endurance
– 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Designed with a heatsink for cooler, more efficient operation
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Fantastic speed for the price point
– Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal management
– Lower power consumption is a bonus for efficiency
– A perfect balance of capacity and cost for many users
– Easy and reliable PS5 compatibility
Cons:
– 1TB might still feel limited for extremely large game libraries over time
– Not the absolute highest endurance rating compared to some premium drives, but still very good
User Impressions:
Users frequently comment on the excellent value of the NM790, citing its impressive speeds that noticeably reduce loading times in PS5 games. The easy installation process and the confidence provided by the integrated heatsink are also common positive remarks.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Stepping up from its 1TB sibling, the Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink offers double the storage capacity while retaining all the speed and efficiency benefits. If 1TB isn’t quite enough but 4TB feels like overkill, this 2TB option hits that sweet spot. It delivers the same blistering 7400MB/s read speeds, ensuring your games load in a flash. The integrated heatsink is, of course, a critical component, guaranteeing consistent performance and reliability, making this Lexar best SSD for PS5 with heatsink a prime choice for serious gamers.
Key Features:
– Blazing fast performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– Generous 2TB capacity with 1500TBW endurance
– Twice the speed of PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Integrated heatsink for optimal cooling and power efficiency
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for enhanced transfer speeds
– Fully compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Ideal 2TB capacity for most gamers’ growing libraries
– Top-tier Gen 4 speeds for rapid game loading and performance
– Efficient cooling with the pre-installed heatsink
– Lower power consumption contributes to system stability
– Excellent value for the performance and capacity offered
Cons:
– Still might not be enough for those who hoard every game released
– Endurance rating, while good, is slightly lower than the 4TB model (proportionally)
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the balance of performance and capacity, calling it a “game-changer” for their PS5 experience. The seamless installation and the noticeable reduction in loading screens are often highlighted, along with the reassurance of the pre-attached heatsink.
4. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
When it comes to high-performance storage, Samsung’s 990 PRO is often considered a benchmark, and the version with an integrated heatsink is no exception. This 2TB drive offers “blazing speed” and “cool victory,” living up to its reputation with incredible read/write speeds that push the limits of PCIe Gen 4. It’s designed not just for gaming but heavy computing, making it exceptionally robust. Its ultra-slim heatsink is specifically engineered for PS5 compatibility, ensuring it fits perfectly and dissipates heat effectively.
Key Features:
– Near max PCIe Gen 4 performance with speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
– Significant random performance improvement (55% vs. 980 PRO)
– 2TB storage capacity, also available in 1TB and 4TB
– Ultra-slim integrated heatsink for improved temperature control
– Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops
– From the world’s #1 flash memory brand
– Built for heavy computing, gaming, video editing, and data analysis
Pros:
– One of the fastest consumer SSDs on the market
– Exceptional performance for demanding applications and games
– Reliable brand with a strong reputation for quality
– Integrated heatsink fits PS5 perfectly
– Available in a range of capacities
Cons:
– Typically comes with a premium price tag
– Might be considered overkill for users who don’t demand the absolute highest speeds
User Impressions:
Reviewers consistently laud the 990 PRO for its unparalleled speed, noting immediate improvements in game loading and file transfers. The heatsink is often praised for its sleek design and effectiveness, confirming that the drive stays cool even under heavy loads, ensuring a smooth PS5 gaming experience.
5. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive with Heatsink
The WD_BLACK SN850X is built for gamers who demand the absolute best. This 2TB NVMe SSD transforms your PS5 (or PC) into a gaming powerhouse, delivering insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s. What sets the SN850X apart is its focus on gaming-specific features, including “Predictive Loading” and “Game Mode 2.0” (for PC users) that optimize performance even further. The heatsink version is essential for PS5 compatibility, ensuring that these high speeds are maintained without thermal throttling during your most intense gaming sessions.
Key Features:
– Top-tier performance with speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
– 2TB capacity (also available up to 8TB)
– Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for reliability
– Optional heatsink version included for peak performance maintenance
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and customization (RGB for heatsink versions)
– Advanced features like Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
Pros:
– Extremely fast for quick load times and smooth gameplay
– Heatsink included to prevent thermal throttling on PS5
– Reputable brand known for gaming-focused storage
– High endurance and reliability with TLC 3D NAND
– Designed with gaming-specific optimizations
Cons:
– The advanced dashboard features are Windows-only, limiting their use for PS5 gamers
– Can be a pricier option compared to some competitors
– RGB lighting on the heatsink is not visible inside the PS5
User Impressions:
Gamers often highlight the noticeable speed improvements when using the SN850X, reporting significantly faster load times and smoother in-game experiences. The reliability of the WD_BLACK brand is a frequently cited reason for purchase, and the heatsink’s performance is consistently praised for keeping the drive cool under pressure.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect PS5 SSD
Upgrading your PS5 storage with a fast NVMe SSD and a reliable heatsink is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. Whether you prioritize massive capacity like the Lexar 4TB Play, the excellent value and speed of the Lexar NM790, or the absolute peak performance of the Samsung 990 PRO or WD_BLACK SN850X, there’s a perfect option out there for you.
We’ve focused on finding the Lexar best SSD for PS5 with heatsink options alongside other market leaders to give you a comprehensive overview. Whichever drive you choose from this list, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a seamless, lag-free, and expansive gaming library on your PlayStation 5. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do I need an SSD with a heatsink for my PS5?
A1: High-speed PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs generate a lot of heat, especially under load. A heatsink is crucial for dissipating this heat, preventing the SSD from overheating and “thermal throttling,” which would significantly slow down its performance and lead to longer load times and potential stability issues for your PS5 games.
Q2: What are the minimum speed requirements for an M.2 SSD for PS5?
A2: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe SSD that is PCIe Gen 4×4 with a sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster. All the drives reviewed here meet or exceed this requirement, ensuring optimal performance.
Q3: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A3: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 and unplug all cables. Remove the console’s cover plates, locate the M.2 expansion slot (usually under a small metal cover), remove the screw and spacer, insert the SSD, secure it with the spacer/screw, replace the cover, and reattach the PS5’s cover plates. The PS5 will then guide you through formatting the drive upon startup.
Q4: Can I use any NVMe SSD for my PS5?
A4: No. You need an M.2 NVMe SSD that is PCIe Gen 4×4 compatible and has a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. Crucially, it must also have an attached heatsink, and its physical dimensions (including the heatsink) must fit within the PS5’s expansion slot (maximum 110mm length, 25mm width, 11.25mm height).
Q5: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 4 SSDs?
A5: PCIe Gen 4 SSDs are designed with double the bandwidth of Gen 3, meaning they can achieve much higher sequential read and write speeds. For PS5, Gen 4 is required to keep up with the console’s internal SSD performance and ensure seamless gameplay. Gen 3 SSDs are generally not compatible or fast enough for the PS5’s requirements.
Q6: How much storage do I really need for my PS5?
A6: This depends on your gaming habits. The PS5’s usable internal storage is around 667GB. Adding a 1TB SSD gives you around 1.6TB total, which is good for many users. A 2TB SSD brings you to about 2.6TB, offering ample space for a large game library. If you download every new game or enjoy keeping many titles installed, a 4TB SSD offers virtually unlimited freedom.
Q7: Does installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an officially supported M.2 SSD in your PS5 will not void your warranty. Sony explicitly provides instructions on how to do it, making it a user-upgradable component. Just ensure you follow the installation guidelines properly.