Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? Modern games are getting bigger and bigger, and that meager internal SSD fills up surprisingly fast. If you’re tired of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones, it’s time for an upgrade. Adding an M.2 NVMe SSD is the best way to supercharge your PS5’s storage capacity, allowing you to keep dozens of your favorite titles ready to play at a moment’s notice.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5? You need a drive that’s not only fast enough to meet Sony’s demanding specifications but also offers reliable performance and ample space. A 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 is a fantastic long-term investment, giving you massive room to grow your game library without compromise.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the top contenders, focusing on speed, reliability, and PS5 compatibility. Let’s dive into our picks for the best 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 that will truly transform your gaming experience.
1. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB
If you’re looking for an absolute powerhouse that promises top-tier performance and reliability, the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is often at the top of the list. This SSD isn’t just fast; it’s engineered for intense gaming sessions and heavy data loads, featuring Samsung’s renowned flash memory technology. The integrated heatsink is a game-changer for PS5 users, ensuring optimal temperature control and sustained performance, so you can truly play without limits. It’s built with PS5 compatibility squarely in mind, making it a plug-and-play dream for expanding your console storage.
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast sequential read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
– Integrated ultra-slim heatsink for superior thermal control
– PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface
– Built with the world’s #1 flash memory brand for reliability
– Optimized for PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard
Pros:
– Exceptional speeds exceed PS5 requirements
– Integrated heatsink simplifies installation and ensures optimal performance
– Samsung’s reputation for quality and durability
– Massive 4TB capacity for an extensive game library
Cons:
– Often comes with a premium price tag
– Might be overkill for casual users (but perfect for enthusiasts!)
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the 990 PRO for its incredible speed and seamless integration with the PS5. The built-in heatsink is a huge plus, removing any guesswork or extra purchases. Gamers report noticeably faster load times and smoother gameplay, making it a highly recommended choice for a premium storage upgrade.
2. fanxiang 4TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4 Gaming SSD
The fanxiang S880E makes a strong case for itself as a dedicated gaming SSD, offering impressive PCIe Gen 4 speeds that are perfectly suited for the demands of the PlayStation 5. Designed specifically with hardcore gamers in mind, it promises an extreme gaming experience with faster loads and seamless performance. What really sets it apart is its thoughtful thermal control solution: a specially designed sticker with graphite and aluminum foil layers that help effectively dissipate heat. This means you can push your PS5 without worrying about performance dips due to overheating.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 technology
– Sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s
– Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory
– Advanced thermal control via graphite/aluminum foil sticker
– Compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage for PC gaming
Pros:
– Excellent speeds for an immersive gaming experience
– Focus on thermal management helps maintain peak performance
– Designed for gaming consoles like the PS5
– 5-year after-sales service and technical support
Cons:
– Less recognized brand compared to industry giants
– Thermal solution is a sticker, not a traditional heatsink (though effective)
User Impressions:
Customers highlight the fanxiang S880E as a solid, cost-effective option that delivers on its promises for gaming. The reported speeds are impressive, and the unique thermal sticker seems to do a good job of keeping temperatures in check during extended play sessions. It’s seen as a reliable and performant choice for expanding PS5 storage.
3. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
When it comes to the PlayStation 5, the WD_BLACK SN850P holds a special place: it’s the ONLY officially licensed 4TB M.2 SSD for PS5 consoles. This licensing offers unparalleled peace of mind, ensuring 100% compatibility and optimized performance straight out of the box. Western Digital has gone a step further by designing a brand-new, optimized heatsink specifically for the PS5, making installation truly worry-free. With this SSD, you can play directly from the drive without ever needing to transfer games, backed by a trusted name in storage. Plus, a bonus 14-day PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe trial sweetens the deal!
Key Features:
– Officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles
– Optimized heatsink designed specifically for PS5 M.2 slot
– Blazing read speeds up to 7,300MB/s via PCIe Gen 4 technology
– Capacities up to 4TB, storing up to 100 games
– Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe
Pros:
– Guaranteed compatibility and peace of mind with official licensing
– Purpose-built heatsink for easy and secure PS5 installation
– Exceptional performance for short load times and seamless gameplay
– Strong brand reputation and reliability
– PS Plus trial is a nice added bonus
Cons:
– Premium price due to official licensing and optimization
– Write speed not explicitly listed in provided features, though expected to be high.
User Impressions:
PS5 owners rave about the SN850P’s “plug-and-play” simplicity and the confidence that comes with its official license. Many appreciate the perfectly fitting heatsink. The drive consistently delivers rapid load times and smooth gameplay, cementing its status as a go-to choice for the ultimate PS5 storage expansion.
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 4TB
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers groundbreaking read/write speeds, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing rapid data transfers and faster task completion. While it shares the Samsung pedigree, the EVO Plus differentiates itself by focusing on remarkable efficiency and broad compatibility. It boasts exceptional thermal control thanks to a nickel-coated controller that ensures less power consumption without sacrificing performance. Critically, it’s optimized to support both PCIe 4.0 x4 and even PCIe 5.0 x2, offering a degree of future-proofing. Just be aware, for PS5 use, you’ll need to purchase a separate heatsink, as this model doesn’t include one.
Key Features:
– Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
– Large 4TB capacity with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0
– Exceptional thermal control with efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller
– Optimized for PCIe 4.0 x4 and compatible with PCIe 5.0 x2
– Magician Software for drive health monitoring and updates
Pros:
– Outstanding speeds for quick loading and file transfers
– Excellent power efficiency and thermal management (chip level)
– Forward-compatible with future PCIe 5.0 systems
– Trusted Samsung reliability and software support
Cons:
– Does not include an integrated heatsink, requiring a separate purchase for PS5
– Can be confusing with the 990 PRO series
User Impressions:
Customers find the 990 EVO Plus to be a blazing-fast drive for a variety of tasks, including gaming. While the lack of an included heatsink is a common point of mention for PS5 users, they report that once a compatible heatsink is added, the drive performs flawlessly, offering a significant upgrade in speed and capacity.
5. Ediloca 4TB SSD NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 Internal
The Ediloca 4TB NVMe SSD enters the fray with compelling features, including blazing PCIe 4.0 speeds and seamless compatibility with both PS5 and PC. What’s truly impressive is its robust durability, boasting an 8000 TBW endurance rating, making it a long-lasting investment. The intelligent thermal management system, featuring a special composite design and a new material heat dissipation patch, ensures stable performance even under heavy loads. This drive is designed for hardcore gamers and professionals who demand high-performance computing, providing not just speed but also remarkable reliability.
Key Features:
– Blazing sequential read/write speeds up to 7300/6300 MB/s
– NVMe 1.4 technology with advanced 3D TLC NAND
– Officially validated for PS5 storage expansion
– Intelligent thermal management with a new material heat dissipation patch
– High 8000TBW endurance rating and 5-year warranty
– Includes installation screwdriver and mounting screw
Pros:
– High endurance rating for extended longevity
– Excellent speeds for gaming and demanding applications
– PS5 validated for straightforward compatibility
– Thoughtful thermal design to prevent throttling
– Comes with installation tools for convenience
Cons:
– Less established brand in the M.2 SSD market
– Thermal solution is a patch, not a full heatsink (may require separate heatsink for peace of mind, though it claims effectiveness)
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Ediloca SSD for its impressive performance given its price point. The reported speeds hold up well in real-world scenarios, and the inclusion of installation tools is a pleasant surprise. Its PS5 compatibility and robust endurance rating make it a compelling choice for those seeking great value and reliable storage.
6. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 4TB M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4
The Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is purpose-built to be an extreme Gen4 storage solution for your PS5, exceeding all of Sony’s M.2 performance requirements. This means you can count on it for lightning-fast game loads and seamless transitions directly from the SSD. What makes it particularly appealing for PS5 users is the pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader. This clever design ensures effective heat dispersal while fitting perfectly within the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot, removing any compatibility concerns and keeping your drive cool under pressure.
Key Features:
– Extreme PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe 1.4 interface
– Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,100MB/sec and 6,800MB/sec
– Exceeds all Sony PS5 M.2 performance requirements
– Pre-installed low-profile aluminum heatspreader
– Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries
Pros:
– Excellent performance specifically optimized for PS5
– Integrated low-profile heatsink fits PS5 slot perfectly
– Corsair’s reputation for high-quality gaming hardware
– Ready to install right out of the box
Cons:
– Speeds, while excellent, are marginally lower than the absolute fastest drives on this list
– May be priced at the higher end
User Impressions:
Many PS5 owners consider the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX a top choice due to its perfect fit and easy installation. The integrated low-profile heatsink is a highlight, and users report consistent high performance with noticeably reduced load times in demanding titles. It’s often recommended for its reliability and hassle-free PS5 integration.
7. Empowered PC TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 4TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2
The TEAMGROUP T-Force G50 positions itself as a stellar choice for gamers, creators, and professionals seeking a performance boost without breaking the bank. While its sequential speeds are a touch lower than some of the absolute fastest drives on this list, it still offers a significant upgrade with rapid boot times and quicker application launches, easily meeting PS5 requirements. What truly stands out is its patented graphene heat spreader. This innovative thermal management solution effectively keeps temperatures in check without adding significant bulk, making it highly suitable for both laptops and the PS5’s slim M.2 slot.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen4x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 protocol
– Sequential read/write speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and 4,500 MB/s
– Patented graphene heat spreader for efficient thermal management
– 3D TLC NAND flash memory with SLC caching for burst performance
– Robust 2600 TBW (Terabytes Written) rating and 5-year limited warranty
– Compatible with PS5 SSD expansion slots
Pros:
– Excellent value proposition for its capacity and features
– Innovative graphene heat spreader for low-profile thermal management
– High endurance rating for long-term reliability
– Meets PS5 speed requirements for smooth gameplay
– Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons:
– Sequential speeds are lower than the premium drives on this list
– DRAM-less controller (though mitigated by Host Memory Buffer)
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the T-Force G50 for offering a noticeable performance upgrade at a competitive price. The graphene heatsink is frequently mentioned as a clever and effective design, allowing for easy PS5 installation. It’s seen as a reliable and economical choice for expanding PS5 storage without compromising too much on speed.
FAQ Section: All Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Why do I need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A1: The internal storage on the PS5 fills up quickly, especially with large modern games. An M.2 SSD allows you to significantly expand your storage capacity, letting you keep more games installed simultaneously. It also enables you to play games directly from the expanded storage, just like you would from the console’s internal drive, without any performance compromises.
Q2: What specifications should I look for in a PS5 compatible M.2 SSD?
A2: Sony recommends a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. It also requires a heatsink to ensure stable performance and prevent overheating. All the 4TB M.2 SSDs for PS5 reviewed above meet or exceed these requirements.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 M.2 SSD?
A3: Yes, Sony strongly recommends and effectively requires a heatsink for any M.2 SSD installed in the PS5. This helps dissipate heat generated by the drive during intense gaming, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained high performance. Some SSDs come with a pre-installed heatsink, while others require you to purchase and install one separately.
Q4: Is installing an M.2 SSD in my PS5 difficult?
A4: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5 with an easily accessible M.2 expansion slot. The process typically involves removing a side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and then reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions, and many online tutorials are available. It’s a straightforward procedure that most users can complete in under 15 minutes.
Q5: Will installing an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A5: No, installing a compatible M.2 SSD will not void your PS5’s warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation guidelines and don’t damage the console in the process. This is a user-upgradable component.
Q6: Can I transfer my PS4 games to the M.2 SSD?
A6: Yes, you can. You can transfer both PS5 and PS4 games to the M.2 SSD. For PS4 games, you can also use an external USB HDD/SSD, but for PS5 games, an internal M.2 NVMe SSD is the only way to store and play them directly without transferring them back to the main console storage.
Q7: Is a 4TB M.2 SSD overkill for a PS5?
A7: For many, a 4TB M.2 SSD is the perfect balance of massive storage and future-proofing. With game sizes constantly increasing (often 100GB+ per game), a 4TB drive can comfortably hold dozens of AAA titles, preventing you from needing to delete and re-download games frequently. It might be “overkill” if you only play a few games at a time, but it offers unparalleled convenience for extensive game libraries.