Is your PlayStation 5 crying out for more storage? As game sizes balloon, that internal 825GB (or rather, 667GB usable) fills up faster than you can say “Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” If you’re looking to expand your PS5’s digital horizons without emptying your wallet, you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into some fantastic options, including why a Sabrent solution often forms the Sabrent best affordable SSD for PS5 setup, balancing price, performance, and crucial cooling.
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD isn.t just about capacity; it’s about maintaining those lightning-fast load times and ensuring smooth gameplay. But with so many options out there, how do you pick a drive that gives you the best bang for your buck? We’ve rounded up five excellent choices that hit that sweet spot of affordability and performance, ensuring your PS5 upgrade is seamless and smart. Let’s get started!
Understanding PS5 SSD Requirements
Before we jump into the reviews, a quick refresher on what your PS5 needs:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
- Capacity: 250GB – 8TB
- Read Speed: 5,500MB/s or faster recommended
- Form Factor: M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 (2280 is most common)
- Heatsink: Absolutely essential for sustained performance and preventing thermal throttling.
1. SABRENT M.2 NVMe PS5 Heatsink (SB-PSHS)
While not an SSD itself, the Sabrent PS5 Heatsink is an absolute game-changer and a vital component if you’re piecing together the Sabrent best affordable SSD for PS5 solution. Sabrent understood the assignment when they designed this heatsink, which replaces the PS5’s original SSD cover. This innovative “sandwich design” ensures your NVMe M.2 SSD stays cool under pressure, maximizing its performance without compromise. It’s built like a tank from CNC’d aluminum, designed specifically to integrate flawlessly with your console’s cooling system, making it an indispensable part of your PS5 storage expansion strategy.
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Key Features:
- Specifically engineered to fit the PS5 console’s SSD expansion slot.
- High-quality CNC’d aluminum for superior heat dissipation.
- Replaces the native PS5 console cover for enhanced cooling.
- Sabrent’s “Sandwich Design” ensures even pressure and consistent heat transfer.
- Comes with an installation guide, screws, and thermal tape for convenience.
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Pros:
- Excellent thermal performance, crucial for PS5 SSDs.
- Easy and secure installation.
- Designed to work with the PS5’s existing fan for optimal airflow.
- High-quality, durable construction.
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Cons:
- An additional purchase; doesn’t include the SSD itself.
- Only useful for PS5 expansion slot, not for PC builds.
User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the Sabrent heatsink for its perfect fit and impressive cooling capabilities. Many report significantly lower SSD temperatures compared to stick-on heatsinks, ensuring their drives never throttle. It’s often highlighted as a must-have for any PS5 SSD upgrade, especially when aiming for a robust and affordable setup.
2. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 1TB, NVMe M.2
When it comes to raw speed and reliability, Samsung’s 990 PRO series is often considered top-tier, and the 1TB version with an integrated heatsink is a fantastic option for PS5 owners. It leverages PCIe 4.0 to deliver blistering read/write speeds that push the limits of what the PS5 can handle, ensuring virtually no loading screen lag. While Samsung drives might feel like a splurge, the 1TB model often hits an sweet spot during sales, making it a surprisingly strong contender for the best affordable SSD for PS5 if you prioritize ultimate performance and a trusted brand. Its integrated heatsink is perfectly sized for the PS5, offering superb thermal control and making installation a breeze.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 interface for near-max performance.
- Up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write speeds, and 1400K/1550K IOPS.
- Breakthrough power efficiency, 50% improved over 980 PRO.
- Nickel-coated controller and integrated heatsink for thermal control.
- Perfect fit for PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard devices.
- Comes with Samsung Magician software for drive management (PC only).
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed and performance, ideal for next-gen gaming.
- Reliable Samsung brand quality and in-house component production.
- Integrated heatsink specifically designed for PS5 compatibility.
- Improved power efficiency means less heat generation.
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Cons:
- Can be pricier than some other options, though sales make it more competitive.
- 1TB might still feel limited for the most avid gamers.
User Impressions: Users rave about the 990 PRO’s lightning-fast load times and seamless performance on their PS5s. Many consider it a premium upgrade that justifies the cost, especially for competitive gaming where every second counts. The integrated heatsink gets high marks for its effectiveness and ease of installation.
3. SAMSUNG 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB, NVMe M.2
For those who never want to delete a game again, the Samsung 990 PRO Heatsink SSD 4TB is a dream come true. This mammoth of an SSD offers the same blazing-fast Gen4 performance as its 1TB sibling, but with enough space to literally download your entire digital library and then some. While 4TB might not scream “affordable” at first glance, consider the long-term value: you won’t need another storage upgrade for years. If you can catch this on a good sale, it becomes an incredibly compelling option for the best affordable SSD for PS5 if your definition of “affordable” includes future-proofing your storage for maximum convenience.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 performance, up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write.
- Massive 4TB storage capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Integrated ultra-slim heatsink designed for PS5 compatibility.
- More than 55% improvement in random performance over 980 PRO.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled storage capacity, virtually eliminating the need to uninstall games.
- Top-tier speeds for the ultimate gaming experience.
- Reliable and durable Samsung quality.
- Integrated heatsink for excellent thermal management in the PS5.
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Cons:
- Higher upfront cost, making it less “affordable” for some budgets.
- May be overkill if you only play a few games at a time.
User Impressions: Owners of the 4TB 990 PRO consistently highlight the sheer convenience of never having to manage game storage again. The performance is, as expected from Samsung, flawless. Many feel the investment is well worth it for the peace of mind and unlimited gaming possibilities.
4. SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 – 1TB m.2 2280 SSD
If you’re hunting for a truly budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds, the SIX X7400 NVMe M.2 SSD 1TB is definitely worth a look. This drive aims to provide strong performance for a significantly lower price point, making it a strong contender for the title of best affordable SSD for PS5 for gamers who need capacity and speed without breaking the bank. It boasts read speeds up to 7350MB/s, putting it right up there with premium drives, and comes with a heatsink and installation tools, making it a convenient all-in-one package.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen4x4 High-Speed Interface with up to 7350MB/s read speeds.
- Designed for heavy computing and immersive gameplay.
- Compatible with laptops, desktops, and PS5 storage expansion.
- Purpose-built for achieving short load times and uninterrupted gameplay.
- Includes heatsink, screws, and screwdriver for easy installation.
- Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance-to-price ratio.
- Comes with a heatsink and all necessary installation tools.
- Solid 1TB capacity for a good number of games.
- 5-year warranty provides peace of mind.
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Cons:
- Less established brand compared to Samsung or Sabrent.
- Specific endurance ratings might be harder to find.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the SIX X7400 for its surprising speed at a lower price point. Many confirm it works perfectly with their PS5, delivering fast load times similar to more expensive alternatives. The inclusion of a heatsink and tools is a frequently praised bonus for ease of setup.
5. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
Looking for that sweet spot between capacity and cost? The MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 might just be your winner. This drive offers a generous 2TB of storage, enough for dozens of games, while still keeping the price competitive. With impressive read/write speeds (up to 7450MB/s read, 6500MB/s write) and a built-in graphene composite heat sink (plus an additional uninstalled heatsink in the package), it’s clearly designed with PS5 gaming in mind. It truly embodies the spirit of finding the best affordable SSD for PS5 by offering a robust combination of space, speed, and thermal management at an attractive price point.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 interface with up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds.
- Large 2TB storage capacity, perfect for extensive game libraries (up to 50 PS5 games).
- Utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
- Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink, plus an additional uninstalled heatsink.
- Compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs; M.2 2280 form factor.
- Comes with screws, screwdriver, and user manual.
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Pros:
- Great balance of capacity, speed, and price.
- Dual heatsink solution (built-in and extra) for excellent cooling.
- Rigorous testing ensures stability and long service life.
- Easy plug-and-play installation with included tools.
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Cons:
- MOVE SPEED is a newer brand compared to industry giants.
- Some users might prefer an integrated, pre-installed heatsink over two options.
User Impressions: Users are generally very impressed with the MOVE SPEED HB7450, especially its performance and storage capacity for the price. The dual heatsink approach is often highlighted as a thoughtful design choice, and many report stable temperatures and swift load times on their PS5s.
FAQ: Your PS5 SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Why do I need an SSD for my PS5, and can I use any SSD?
A1: You need an SSD for your PS5 to expand its storage and play more games, especially new titles that demand high speeds. However, you can’t use just any SSD. The PS5 requires a specific type: an NVMe M.2 SSD with a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface, a minimum read speed of 5,500MB/s, and crucially, a heatsink.
Q2: What is a heatsink and why is it so important for a PS5 SSD?
A2: A heatsink is a device designed to absorb and dissipate heat from electronic components. For a PS5 SSD, it’s vital because these drives operate at very high speeds, generating significant heat. Without proper cooling, the SSD can overheat, leading to “thermal throttling” where its performance is intentionally reduced to prevent damage. A good heatsink ensures your SSD maintains peak performance, which is exactly what you want for the best affordable SSD for PS5 gaming.
Q3: Is installing an SSD in my PS5 difficult?
A3: Not at all! Sony designed the PS5’s SSD expansion slot to be user-friendly. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver and about 10-15 minutes. The process involves removing the console cover, unscrewing the expansion bay cover, inserting the SSD (with heatsink attached), and then putting everything back. Most SSDs and heatsinks, like the Sabrent option, come with clear instructions.
Q4: Will using an external HDD/SSD work for PS5 games?
A4: You can use an external HDD or SSD (even a slower USB 3.0 one) for storing and playing PS4 games on your PS5. However, you cannot play PS5 native games directly from an external drive. For PS5 games, you’ll need to move them to the console’s internal storage or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD.
Q5: Can I use the Sabrent M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink with any M.2 SSD?
A5: Yes, the Sabrent PS5 Heatsink (SB-PSHS) is designed to be compatible with a wide range of single-sided and double-sided M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs that meet the PS5’s speed requirements. It’s a versatile choice for anyone building a custom Sabrent best affordable SSD for PS5 setup by pairing it with their preferred drive.
Q6: What capacity SSD should I get for my PS5?
A6: It really depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: A good starting point, providing enough space for 10-15 AAA PS5 titles. It’s often the best affordable SSD for PS5 capacity.
* 2TB: Ideal for most gamers, offering plenty of room for 25-30+ titles without constant game management.
* 4TB+: For the hardcore collector who wants to download everything and never worry about space. Keep in mind, these drives come with a higher price tag.
Q7: Will installing an SSD void my PS5’s warranty?
A7: No, Sony has officially stated that installing a compatible M.2 SSD in the designated expansion slot will not void your PS5’s warranty, provided you follow the installation instructions correctly and don’t cause any physical damage to the console.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your PS5’s storage doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. By understanding the requirements and carefully selecting an M.2 NVMe SSD with a proper heatsink, you can significantly boost your console’s capacity and keep those lightning-fast load times intact. Whether you opt for a premium brand like Samsung for ultimate performance, a value-packed option like SIX or MOVE SPEED, or combine a Sabrent heatsink with your chosen drive for the Sabrent best affordable SSD for PS5 experience, you’re making a smart investment in your gaming future. Happy gaming!