Is your PlayStation 5 storage bursting at the seams? With massive game files becoming the norm, expanding your PS5’s storage isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity for any serious gamer. You want to keep all your favorite titles ready to play without constant deleting and re-downloading. That’s where high-speed SSDs come in!
While Lexar is known for its fantastic storage solutions, finding the absolute best Lexar best SSD cards for PS5 means looking at specific M.2 NVMe drives. We’ll also dive into other top-tier, PS5-compatible SSDs that deliver the performance you need. Let’s explore the best options to supercharge your console!
1. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
If you’re looking to future-proof your setup or just want ridiculously fast performance, the Lexar NM1090 PRO is a beast. While the PS5 currently only supports PCIe Gen4 speeds, this Gen5 drive will still deliver exceptional performance for your console, thanks to backward compatibility, and will be ready for any future upgrades that might utilize its full potential. It’s an absolute speed demon designed for cutting-edge systems, offering incredible data transfer rates that will make game loading a breeze.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology with read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s (will operate at Gen4 speeds on PS5)
- 6nm controller for optimized heat control and efficient performance
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache for enhanced data transfer
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage for improved game loads
- Ideal for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating processing
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Pros:
- Extreme, top-of-the-line performance (even if capped on PS5)
- Future-proof for next-gen consoles or PC upgrades
- Advanced thermal management
- Excellent for cutting down load times significantly
- High reliability and efficiency
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Cons:
- PS5 can’t utilize its full Gen5 speed potential
- Might be overkill/pricier than a dedicated Gen4 SSD
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User Impressions: Gamers and PC enthusiasts are thrilled with its raw speed and efficiency, noting a palpable difference in application and game loading. Many appreciate the forward-thinking Gen5 support.
- See it on Amazon here
2. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 1TB, NVMe M.2
When it comes to the best SSD cards for PS5, Samsung’s 990 PRO with Heatsink is consistently a top contender. This drive is practically tailor-made for the PlayStation 5, offering blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds and, crucially, an integrated heatsink. This means you won’t have to worry about overheating during intense gaming sessions, making it a plug-and-play dream for PS5 owners. It’s a true champion maker for your gaming setup.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 interface with read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- Integrated heatsink for optimal thermal control
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO
- RGB LED lights for added aesthetic appeal (for PCs, not visible in PS5)
- Samsung Magician software for optimization (PC-only)
- In-house components from the world’s #1 flash memory brand
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Pros:
- Perfectly compatible and optimized for PS5
- Built-in heatsink simplifies installation
- Exceptional sequential and random read/write speeds
- Breakthrough power efficiency
- Renowned Samsung reliability
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Cons:
- RGB lights aren’t visible inside the PS5
- Premium price point
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User Impressions: Users universally praise its incredible speed, ease of installation, and how well it keeps cool under pressure in their PS5s. It’s frequently recommended as the go-to PS5 upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 2TB SL500 Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s
Now, this Lexar SSD is a bit different from the internal M.2 drives. The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is an excellent external storage solution. While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, you can store them there and move them to the internal storage when you want to play. Plus, it’s perfect for playing PS4 games directly or for extending storage for other devices like your iPhone 15 Pro, making it a versatile addition to your tech arsenal.
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Key Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 performance up to 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write
- Thin, lightweight, and durable metal design
- Supports Apple Pro Res recording (up to 4K 60FPS with iPhone 15 Pro/Max)
- Wide compatibility including PS4, PS5 (for storage/PS4 games), Xbox X|S, mobile devices
- Unique Thermal Control Design for sustained performance
- Includes Type-C data cable and Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption
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Pros:
- Extremely fast external transfer speeds
- Highly portable and durable design
- Great for storing PS5 games (to transfer later) and playing PS4 games
- Versatile across multiple devices
- Excellent thermal management for an external drive
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Cons:
- Cannot play PS5 games directly from this drive
- Performance might be lower on systems not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
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User Impressions: Customers love its sleek design, robust build, and impressive speeds for a portable drive. iPhone 15 Pro users particularly enjoy the direct recording feature, and console owners find it ideal for managing their game libraries.
- See it on Amazon here
4. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
The MOVE SPEED HB7450 is another fantastic choice for your PlayStation 5, offering a generous 2TB of storage combined with the essential integrated heatsink. Designed specifically with PS5 compatibility in mind, this drive delivers rapid PCIe Gen4x4 speeds, ensuring minimal load times and a smoother gaming experience. With its rigorous testing and focus on cooling, you can trust this SSD to keep your game library expanding without performance worries.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink (package also includes uninstalled heatsink)
- M.2 2280 form factor, perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller
- Rigorously tested for stability and long service life (80+ hours of tests)
- Ample 2TB capacity, providing space for up to 50 PS5 games
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Pros:
- High-speed PCIe 4.0 performance
- Includes an effective heatsink for PS5
- Large 2TB storage capacity
- Excellent build quality and durability from extensive testing
- Easy plug-and-play installation
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Cons:
- Brand might be less recognized than Samsung or Lexar
- Heatsink might need separate installation if not pre-attached (though included)
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User Impressions: Gamers are impressed by its raw speed and the value it offers with the included heatsink. Many note how smoothly their PS5 games load and run, appreciating the significant storage boost.
- See it on Amazon here
Other Lexar Storage Solutions (Not for PS5 Internal Expansion)
It’s important to clarify that while these Lexar products are excellent storage solutions, they are SD cards and are not suitable for expanding the internal storage of your PlayStation 5. The PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD. These SD cards are primarily designed for cameras, drones, and other devices that use SD card slots for photo and video storage.
5. Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SD Card, UHS-II
This professional-grade Lexar SD card is built for photographers and videographers who demand extreme speed and reliability. It excels at capturing high-resolution images and cinema-quality video, making it perfect for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and other professional recording equipment. Just remember, it’s not for your PS5!
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Key Features:
- High-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) up to 300MB/s read
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K video
- Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
- Designed for durability
- Limited lifetime warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds for professional photo/video
- Excellent for 8K video recording
- Highly durable and reliable
- Good for accelerating workflow off-camera
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Cons:
- Not compatible with PS5 for storage expansion
- Higher price point for an SD card
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User Impressions: Professional photographers and videographers rave about its speed and reliability, especially for high-bitrate video capture and rapid burst shooting.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Lexar 128GB (2-Pack) Professional 1667x SD Card, UHS-II
Similar to its 2000x sibling, the Lexar 1667x SD card offers fantastic performance for media creation. This 2-pack provides great value, ensuring you have ample space and speed for capturing stunning 4K video and high-resolution photos. It’s a workhorse for creative professionals, though, once again, it won’t help with your PS5 storage woes.
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Key Features:
- UHS-II technology (U3) with read speeds up to 250MB/s
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video
- High-speed file transfer from card to computer
- Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
- Limited lifetime warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for 4K video and high-res photos
- Good value with a 2-pack
- Accelerates workflow for content creators
- Durable and reliable
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Cons:
- Not compatible with PS5 for storage expansion
- Still a premium product for SD card use
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the consistent performance and the convenience of a dual pack for continuous shooting. Many highlight its reliable data transfer speeds to significantly speed up their editing workflow.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 256GB (2-PK) Professional SILVER PRO SD Card, UHS-II
Rounding out our look at Lexar’s “card” offerings, the SILVER PRO SD Card 2-pack offers a substantial 256GB of storage per card with strong read and write speeds. It’s designed for serious videographers and photographers who need reliable performance for shooting in 4K and beyond. This is another top-tier SD card that’s perfect for cameras, but completely different from the internal M.2 SSDs your PS5 needs.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 280MB/s read, up to 160MB/s write
- Shoot stunning videos in 1080p Full-HD, and 4K
- Saves time with a dramatically accelerated workflow
- Backwards-compatible at the highest UHS-I speeds
- Rigorously tested for performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability
- Lifetime limited warranty
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Pros:
- High capacity and strong speeds for demanding media
- Great for professional 4K video recording
- Excellent for accelerating post-production workflow
- Rigorously tested for reliability
- Good value in a 2-pack
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Cons:
- Not compatible with PS5 for storage expansion
- Still not an SSD, despite the “SSD cards” keyword ambiguity
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User Impressions: Professionals depend on these cards for their larger capacity and consistent speeds, ensuring they don’t miss a shot or face slow data transfers when working with large video files.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of SSD do I need for my PS5?
A: Your PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 solid-state drive with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. It also needs to be a specific size (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110) and, critically, have an integrated heatsink or one installed separately to prevent overheating.
Q2: Is a heatsink really necessary for a PS5 SSD?
A: Yes, Sony highly recommends or even requires a heatsink for internal PS5 SSDs. The PS5’s internal M.2 slot is designed to operate with a drive that can effectively dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance during long gaming sessions and preventing throttling.
Q3: How much storage can I add to my PS5?
A: You can add an M.2 NVMe SSD with a capacity ranging from 250GB up to 8TB. However, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB drives are the most common and practical choices for most gamers.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD with my PS5?
A: Yes, you can use an external SSD (like the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD) with your PS5. You can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you’ll need to transfer them to the internal or M.2 expansion slot SSD to play them. External SSDs are perfect for playing PS4 games directly or for archiving your PS5 game library.
Q5: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for PS5 SSDs?
A: PCIe Gen5 SSDs offer theoretical speeds far exceeding Gen4. However, the PlayStation 5’s M.2 slot is designed for PCIe Gen4 x4. While a Gen5 drive like the Lexar NM1090 PRO will be backward compatible and work, the PS5 will only be able to utilize its Gen4 speeds. It might be future-proof, but it won’t unlock its full potential on the current PS5 console.
Q6: How difficult is it to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
A: Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 is a relatively straightforward process that many users can do themselves. You’ll need a Philips head screwdriver, and you simply remove the PS5’s side cover, unscrew a single plate, insert the SSD, and then secure everything back in place. Sony provides official instructions that are easy to follow.
Q7: What are the main benefits of upgrading my PS5 storage?
A: The primary benefits include:
– More Games: Keep more PS5 titles installed and ready to play without constant deletion.
– Faster Load Times: While the internal PS5 SSD is already fast, a high-quality M.2 NVMe drive can maintain or even slightly improve loading speeds for some games.
– Convenience: No more waiting for downloads or game transfers from external drives to play your favorite titles.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best ways to enhance your gaming experience. While we’ve highlighted some fantastic Lexar options and other top brands, the key is to choose a PCIe Gen4 drive with a heatsink that meets Sony’s specifications. The Lexar best SSD cards for PS5 in the internal M.2 category (like the NM1090 PRO, operating at Gen4 speeds) and strong competitors like the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink offer the speed and reliability you need.
Remember that external solutions like the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD are also incredibly useful for managing your game library, especially for PS4 titles. Make sure you’re picking the right tool for the job – an internal M.2 NVMe for playing PS5 games, or a versatile external drive for storage and PS4 titles. Happy gaming!