Is your PlayStation 5 storage feeling a bit cramped? With modern game sizes constantly growing, it doesn’t take long for that internal 825GB SSD to fill up, leaving you constantly deleting and redownloading titles. Good news, though! Expanding your PS5’s storage is straightforward, and finding the right M.2 NVMe SSD can dramatically increase your game library without compromising performance. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-speed solution, Lexar has some fantastic options that make the cut. But it’s not just about Lexar; we’ll also look at a top competitor to give you a comprehensive view of the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 contenders and other excellent choices.
In this article, we’re diving deep into some of the best M.2 SSDs perfect for your PS5, focusing on Lexar’s standout offerings. We’ll break down their features, pros, and cons, and help you pick the ideal drive to keep your gaming experience smooth and limitless.
Why Upgrade Your PS5’s Storage?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an upgrade is almost essential for serious gamers:
- More Games, Less Deleting: Store dozens of AAA titles without constantly managing space.
- Faster Load Times: Enjoy quick boots and seamless transitions, especially with dedicated PS5 titles.
- Future-Proofing: Be ready for upcoming releases and larger game updates without a hitch.
- Optimal Performance: Play games directly from the expanded storage with speeds matching or exceeding the console’s internal drive.
How to Choose the Right PS5 SSD: A Quick Guide
Sony has specific requirements for PS5 compatible M.2 SSDs. Here’s what to look for:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Capacity: 250GB to 8TB.
- Sequential Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster.
- Heatsink: Absolutely critical for sustained performance and preventing thermal throttling. Without one, your SSD might overheat and slow down, or even damage your PS5. All our recommendations include an integrated heatsink or are designed for optimal cooling.
- Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 (2280 is most common).
Now, let’s explore what we consider to be the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 options, alongside a strong contender.
Our Top 5 Picks for PS5 SSDs (Including Lexar Best M.2 SSD for PS5 Options)
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
If you’re eyeing the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 that offers an excellent balance of speed, capacity, and value, the 2TB NM790 with Heatsink is a prime candidate. This drive is designed to deliver blistering PCIe Gen4 speeds that comfortably meet and exceed Sony’s requirements, ensuring your games load in a flash and play without a hiccup. The integrated heatsink is a massive plus, keeping temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions, making it a truly ‘plug-and-play’ solution for your console.
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Key Features:
- 2TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- High endurance: 1500TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a 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 smoother transfer speeds
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds exceed PS5 requirements
- Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance
- Low power consumption for better efficiency
- Generous 2TB capacity for a large game library
- Excellent endurance rating
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Cons:
- Not a Gen5 drive (though Gen5 isn’t needed or fully utilized by PS5)
- Might be slightly pricier than non-heatsink versions
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the NM790 for its ease of installation, impressive speed, and reliable performance within the PS5. Many highlight the peace of mind that comes with the integrated heatsink and the noticeable improvement in load times for their favorite titles.
2. Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
For the ultimate game hoarder or anyone who simply hates deleting games, the 4TB version of the Lexar NM790 is an absolute beast. Offering all the same fantastic speed and thermal management as its 2TB sibling, this drive quadruples your PS5’s usable storage. This means you can download virtually every major release, keep a vast backlog of classics, and never worry about running out of space. It’s truly a top contender if you’re looking for the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 in terms of sheer capacity combined with performance.
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Key Features:
- 4TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- Massive endurance: 3000TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a 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 smoother transfer speeds
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB capacity for massive game libraries
- Identical blazing fast speeds as the 2TB model
- Integrated heatsink for stable, cool operation
- Extremely high endurance rating for long-term use
- PS5 compatibility with easy installation
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to the large capacity
- Might be overkill for casual gamers
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User Impressions: Owners rave about the sheer freedom that 4TB of storage provides, noting the drive’s consistent high performance even with a full load. It’s often cited as the go-to choice for those who want to “set it and forget it” with their PS5 storage.
3. Lexar 1TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Starting your PS5 storage expansion journey? The 1TB Lexar NM790 with Heatsink is an excellent entry point, offering the same top-tier performance as its larger siblings but at a more accessible price. This drive gives your PS5 a significant boost over its internal storage, allowing you to comfortably install several large games. It’s perfect if you’re mindful of your budget but still demand the speed and reliability that makes an SSD the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 for gaming.
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Key Features:
- 1TB Capacity
- Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
- Solid endurance: 1000TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Designed with a 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 smoother transfer speeds
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Affordable entry into PS5 storage expansion
- Maintains the same lightning-fast speeds as higher capacities
- Integrated heatsink for essential thermal management
- Still offers a substantial storage boost
- Excellent value for money
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Cons:
- 1TB might fill up quickly for avid gamers with many titles
- Could lead to needing another upgrade sooner than larger capacities
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend this 1TB option as a smart, budget-friendly upgrade that delivers impressive performance. It’s often recommended for those who manage their game libraries actively or are new to expanding console storage.
4. Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
Important Note for PS5 Users: While this is a high-performance Lexar M.2 SSD, the Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO utilizes cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 technology. The PlayStation 5 currently only supports PCIe Gen4 SSDs. If you install this drive in your PS5, it will operate at Gen4 speeds, effectively performing similarly to a top-tier Gen4 SSD (like the NM790 series above) but potentially with higher power consumption and heat output not fully optimized for the PS5’s internal environment. This drive is truly designed to shine in high-end PC builds with compatible motherboards (like those with AMD Ryzen 7000 series or Intel 13th/14th Gen processors) for unparalleled speeds and future-proofing. It is not considered the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 due to the PS5’s Gen4 limitation.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/13,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% on compatible PC systems
- Powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for smoother, more efficient performance (on PC)
- Perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, and conserve CPU power (on PC)
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Pros:
- Future-proof for next-generation PC gaming and demanding applications
- Unmatched sequential read/write speeds for compatible Gen5 systems
- Advanced thermal management and caching technologies
- Ideal for high-end PCs, AI workloads, and content creation
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Cons:
- Not fully compatible with PS5 (will only run at Gen4 speeds)
- Higher cost for performance that PS5 cannot fully utilize
- May run hotter and consume more power than necessary in a PS5, potentially impacting longevity or thermal efficiency for the console.
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User Impressions: PC users are ecstatic about the NM1090 PRO’s mind-bending speeds and how it transforms their system’s responsiveness. They commend its suitability for heavy-duty tasks and next-gen gaming. PS5 users considering this need to be aware of the performance limitations and potential drawbacks.
5. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2
While our main focus is on Lexar, it would be remiss not to include an industry leader like the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink. This drive is often hailed as one of the best M.2 SSDs for the PS5, offering top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance that pushes the limits of the interface. Samsung’s reputation for reliability and cutting-edge flash memory is well-deserved, and the 990 PRO delivers blistering speeds alongside an integrated heatsink specifically designed with the PS5’s dimensions in mind. It’s a premium choice for those who want absolute peak Gen4 performance.
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Key Features:
- 2TB Capacity
- BLAZING SPEED: up to 7450/6900 MB/s read/write
- Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**
- Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink designed to dissipate heat and stabilize temperature
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops/laptops
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Pros:
- Industry-leading Gen4 speeds and reliability
- Specifically engineered with PS5 compatibility in mind (form factor and heatsink)
- Exceptional random performance for gaming and heavy computing
- Proven track record from a top flash memory brand
- Available in various capacities (1TB to 4TB)
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Cons:
- Typically at the higher end of the price spectrum for Gen4 SSDs
- May offer marginal speed improvements over other top-tier Gen4 drives, depending on workload.
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User Impressions: The Samsung 990 PRO is a fan favorite for PS5 upgrades. Users consistently praise its easy installation, incredible speeds that eliminate loading screens, and the confidence that comes with Samsung’s brand reputation. It’s a highly recommended choice for seamless, high-performance gaming.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About PS5 SSD Upgrades
Q1: Do I really need an M.2 SSD for my PS5?
A: If you find yourself frequently deleting games to make space for new ones, then yes, an M.2 SSD is a fantastic upgrade. It significantly expands your game library without compromising performance, allowing you to install and play PS5 titles directly from the expanded storage.
Q2: What kind of M.2 SSD does the PS5 need?
A: The PS5 requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD. It also needs to have a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Crucially, it must have an integrated heatsink or you need to add one to prevent overheating.
Q3: Can I use any M.2 SSD with a heatsink for my PS5?
A: Not just any. While a heatsink is essential, the SSD must still meet the Gen4 x4 NVMe specification and hit the minimum speed requirement. Also, the physical dimensions of the SSD with the heatsink must fit within the PS5’s expansion slot. All the Lexar and Samsung drives reviewed above are designed to fit.
Q4: Is installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 difficult?
A: No, it’s surprisingly straightforward! Sony designed the PS5 with an accessible M.2 slot. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, and the process involves removing a side plate, unscrewing a cover, inserting the SSD, and reassembling. Sony provides clear instructions on their support website.
Q5: Will a Gen5 SSD work in my PS5?
A: Yes, a Gen5 SSD like the Lexar NM1090 PRO will physically fit, but it will only operate at PCIe Gen4 speeds. The PS5 cannot utilize the higher Gen5 speeds, meaning you’d be paying extra for performance you can’t access, and it might run hotter or consume more power than a purpose-built Gen4 drive. It’s generally not recommended for PS5.
Q6: How much storage do I need for my PS5?
A: This depends on your gaming habits.
* 1TB: A good starting point, effectively doubling your usable storage. Great for those who manage their library.
* 2TB: Our recommended sweet spot. Offers ample space for a large collection of AAA titles and online games.
* 4TB: Ideal for hardcore gamers who want to install nearly everything and never worry about space.
Remember, the PS5’s internal storage is around 667GB usable, so even 1TB is a significant boost.
Q7: Why are heatsinks so important for PS5 SSDs?
A: Heatsinks are vital because high-speed NVMe SSDs generate a lot of heat, especially during sustained use like gaming. Without a heatsink to dissipate this heat, the drive can overheat, leading to “thermal throttling” (where performance slows down to prevent damage) or even long-term reliability issues. Sony specifically mandates a heatsink for PS5-compatible SSDs.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a high-quality M.2 SSD is one of the best enhancements you can make for your gaming experience. For many, finding the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 comes down to the NM790 series, offering phenomenal Gen4 speeds, excellent thermal management with an integrated heatsink, and great value across its 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The Lexar NM790 2TB with Heatsink hits a fantastic sweet spot for most gamers, but the 4TB option is there for those who truly want limitless storage.
While the Lexar NM1090 PRO pushes the boundaries of Gen5 performance for PC users, it’s crucial to remember its limitations for PS5. And, of course, the Samsung 990 PRO stands as an incredibly strong alternative, offering top-tier performance and reliability.
Ultimately, the Lexar best m 2 ssd for ps5 for you will depend on your budget, desired capacity, and whether you prioritize value or peak performance. Whichever you choose, you’re in for faster load times, more games, and a much smoother PlayStation 5 experience. Happy gaming!