Hey there, gamer! Is your PlayStation 5 storage starting to feel a bit cramped? With massive game installations becoming the norm, it’s no surprise that many PS5 owners are looking to expand their console’s capacity. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance M.2 SSDs, Lexar often makes a splash in online discussions. So, if you’re on the hunt for the Lexar best M.2 SSD for PS5 Reddit users are buzzing about, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve delved into the specs, crunched the numbers, and even peeked at what the community’s saying to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top M.2 SSDs that’ll supercharge your PS5 experience. Let’s dive in!
Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?
Your PlayStation 5 comes with a speedy 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB is actually usable for games. That fills up fast! Upgrading your PS5 storage with an M.2 NVMe SSD offers a few sweet benefits:
- More Games: Store a massive library of titles without constantly deleting and redownloading.
- Faster Load Times: While the PS5’s internal SSD is quick, a compatible M.2 SSD can match or even exceed those speeds, ensuring seamless gameplay.
- Future-Proofing: As game sizes continue to grow, having ample storage will keep you ready for the next big releases.
Key Factors When Choosing a PS5 SSD
Before we jump into our top picks, here’s what you need to consider for your PS5 SSD upgrade:
- Form Factor: It must be an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD.
- Speed: Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. Faster is always better!
- Capacity: Anywhere from 250GB to 8TB, but 1TB or 2TB is usually the sweet spot for most gamers.
- Heatsink: This is crucial! The PS5’s M.2 slot requires an SSD with an integrated heatsink or one you can attach yourself, to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance.
- Physical Size: The SSD with its heatsink needs to fit within the PS5’s M.2 expansion slot dimensions.
Our Top 5 M.2 SSDs for PS5
Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are our picks, including Lexar’s finest and a popular alternative often recommended by the Reddit community.
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re looking for a blazing-fast upgrade that offers excellent value, the Lexar NM790 2TB is a fantastic choice. This drive pushes the boundaries of PCIe Gen4 performance, delivering speeds that easily exceed Sony’s recommendations. What truly makes it stand out is its remarkable efficiency, consuming significantly less power than many other DRAM cache-enabled Gen4 SSDs, which is great for keeping things cool inside your PS5 without needing an oversized heatsink.
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Key Features:
- 2TB storage capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance with 1500TBW (Terabytes Written)
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops too
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast read/write speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements
- Excellent power efficiency for cooler operation
- High endurance rating for long-term reliability
- Great value for its performance and capacity
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Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a pre-installed heatsink (you’ll need to add one)
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User Impressions: Gamers love its speed and capacity, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 Reddit discussions. Users report noticeable improvements in game load times and overall system responsiveness. It’s often praised for offering top-tier performance without the premium price tag of some competitors.
2. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Ready to future-proof your gaming setup? The Lexar NM1090 PRO is a beast of an SSD, utilizing cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 technology to deliver mind-boggling speeds. While the PS5 doesn’t currently fully leverage Gen5 speeds, investing in this drive means you’re prepared for future updates or even a PC build down the line. It’s designed for the absolute peak of performance, with advanced features like a 6nm controller and robust caching to minimize bottlenecks.
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Key Features:
- 2TB storage capacity
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% (especially beneficial for PC gaming with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9)
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother, more efficient experience
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds and system responsiveness
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to boost game loads and minimize delays
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Pros:
- Unmatched PCIe Gen5 speeds for extreme performance
- Future-proof technology
- Advanced caching for superior responsiveness
- Optimized heat control
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Cons:
- PS5 currently only supports Gen4 speeds, so you won’t get the full benefit yet
- Premium price point
- Requires a robust heatsink solution
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User Impressions: Users are impressed by its raw power and forward-thinking design. While acknowledging that it’s overkill for the current PS5 capabilities, many appreciate the investment in future technology. It’s definitely for those who want the absolute best, even if it’s ahead of its time for consoles.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If 2TB is more than you need, the 1TB version of the Lexar NM790 offers the same exceptional performance in a slightly smaller, more budget-friendly package. You still get those impressive 7400MB/s read speeds, ensuring your PS5 games load in a flash. It’s the perfect sweet spot for gamers who want a significant storage bump without committing to the largest capacities, all while maintaining Lexar’s trusted reliability and efficiency.
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Key Features:
- 1TB storage capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance with 1000TBW (Terabytes Written)
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers and seamless performance
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Single-sided NVMe SSD, perfect for laptops too
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Same top-tier speed and efficiency as its 2TB counterpart
- More affordable entry point for high-performance storage
- Excellent endurance and reliability
- PS5 compatible
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Cons:
- Doesn’t include a heatsink (needs a separate purchase)
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User Impressions: A solid choice for those who don’t need 2TB but still want top-tier Lexar performance. Reddit users frequently recommend this 1TB option for its impressive speed-to-price ratio, calling it a no-brainer for a significant PS5 storage boost.
4. Lexar 1TB NQ780 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
The Lexar NQ780 is another strong contender for your PS5, offering reliable PCIe Gen4 performance that meets and exceeds Sony’s speed requirements. While its write speeds are a bit lower than the NM790, it still delivers excellent read performance, which is what matters most for game loading. This SSD focuses on providing a balanced, high-quality experience with Lexar’s signature stability, making it a dependable choice for everyday gaming.
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Key Features:
- 1TB storage capacity
- Delivers read/write speeds up to 6500/2500 MB/s for fast gameplay and boot-ups
- High-quality 8-channel Gen 4 controller provides better sustained write performance
- HMB and SLC cache technologies improve performance, user experience, and reduce latency
- Great for laptops too thanks to its single-sided design and Intelligent Power Control
- Lexar DiskMaster SSD Management tool lets you perform firmware updates, manage the drive, and monitor health
- A 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind
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Pros:
- Solid PCIe Gen4 read speeds for quick game loading
- Reliable performance with an 8-channel controller
- Includes Lexar’s useful DiskMaster software
- Competitive pricing for a 1TB Gen4 drive
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Cons:
- Write speeds are lower than Lexar’s NM790 series
- Does not come with a heatsink
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User Impressions: A good entry point for Lexar users, offering dependable performance without breaking the bank. Users appreciate its consistent speed and Lexar’s reputation for quality, making it a reliable choice for a PS5 storage upgrade.
5. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed
While our primary focus is on Lexar, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the WD_BLACK SN850P, an absolute titan in the PS5 SSD space and a drive frequently discussed and highly recommended on Reddit. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s officially licensed for PlayStation 5 consoles, meaning you get guaranteed compatibility and an optimized experience right out of the box. Plus, it comes with a pre-installed, PS5-specific heatsink, making installation a breeze.
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Key Features:
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles for guaranteed compatibility
- 2TB capacity, allowing you to store a massive game library
- Comes with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for easy, worry-free installation
- Play directly from the drive, eliminating the need to transfer or delete games
- Pushes PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times
- Includes a 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus Premium | Deluxe (check terms)
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Pros:
- Officially licensed by Sony, ensuring perfect compatibility
- Integrated, optimized heatsink for easy installation and thermal management
- Blazing-fast read speeds that meet PS5 requirements
- Comes with bonus PlayStation Plus Premium trial
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Cons:
- Often at a higher price point due to official licensing and included heatsink
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User Impressions: Universally praised for its hassle-free installation and perfect compatibility, often topping lists alongside any Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 Reddit users might recommend. Gamers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product and the convenience of the pre-attached heatsink.
Conclusion
Choosing the right M.2 SSD for your PS5 means balancing speed, capacity, and budget, all while ensuring it’s compatible and properly cooled. Lexar offers a fantastic range of drives that deliver exceptional performance, with options like the NM790 providing incredible speed and efficiency, and the NM1090 PRO pushing the envelope of Gen5 technology.
While the officially licensed WD_BLACK SN850P stands out for its seamless, guaranteed experience, Lexar’s offerings provide a compelling alternative, often delivering similar or even higher raw speeds at competitive price points (especially if you’re willing to add your own heatsink). Ultimately, whether you go for the speed demon Lexar NM790 or the ultimate convenience of the WD_BLACK, you’re in for a serious PS5 storage upgrade that’ll keep you gaming for years to come.
Happy gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: How do I install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
A: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is fairly 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 (under a metal cover), insert the SSD at an angle, secure it with the screw provided with your PS5, replace the cover, and then reattach the PS5 cover plates. The PS5 will then prompt you to format the drive upon boot-up.
Q2: Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 M.2 SSD?
A: Yes, absolutely! Sony strongly recommends using an M.2 SSD with a heatsink to prevent thermal throttling and ensure consistent performance. Without one, your SSD could overheat, leading to reduced speeds and potential system instability during intense gaming sessions.
Q3: What are the minimum speed requirements for a PS5 SSD?
A: Sony recommends an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. While some drives may technically work at lower speeds, meeting this recommendation ensures optimal performance and compatibility with your PS5 games.
Q4: Can I use any M.2 SSD with my PS5?
A: No. Your PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD. Older PCIe Gen3 drives or SATA M.2 SSDs are not compatible. Additionally, the SSD and its heatsink must fit within the specific dimensions of the PS5’s expansion slot. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility list or product description.
Q5: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for PS5?
A: PCIe Gen4 offers theoretical maximum speeds of around 7,000-7,500 MB/s, which the PS5 currently supports. PCIe Gen5 is the next generation, offering up to double those speeds (around 12,000-14,000 MB/s). While you can install a Gen5 SSD in your PS5, the console’s hardware currently limits it to Gen4 speeds. Investing in Gen5 is more about future-proofing for potentially updated PS5 firmware or future PC builds.
Q6: How much storage do I really need for my PS5?
A: It depends on your gaming habits. 1TB is a great starting point, allowing you to store 15-25 large games. 2TB is ideal for serious gamers who want a vast library without constant management. With some games reaching over 100GB, more space is always better if your budget allows.
Q7: Does installing an M.2 SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A: No, installing an M.2 SSD in the dedicated expansion slot of your PS5 does not void your warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation instructions and don’t damage any components in the process.