Are you tired of staring at slow loading screens on your PlayStation 4? Does your PS4 feel sluggish, struggling to keep up with the latest AAA titles? An SSD (Solid State Drive) upgrade might be exactly what you need to inject new life into your aging console. While the PS4 can’t fully leverage the blazing speeds of the newest NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs internally, using a high-quality SSD externally or even an internal SATA SSD can significantly improve game loading times and overall system responsiveness.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into some top SSD options, including what we consider to be the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 (with a crucial caveat, which we’ll explain!) and other fantastic alternatives. We’ve handpicked 5 drives that offer excellent performance, reliability, and value, helping you make an informed decision to upgrade your PS4 gaming experience. Let’s get those games loading faster!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with an SSD?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why an SSD is a game-changer for your PS4:
- Faster Loading Times: This is the big one! Games will load significantly quicker, getting you into the action sooner.
- Smoother Gameplay: While an SSD won’t boost your frame rate, it can reduce texture pop-in and improve overall system responsiveness.
- Quicker Boot-Up: Your PS4 will start up faster from a cold boot.
- Durability: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and bumps compared to traditional HDDs.
- Quiet Operation: Without moving parts, SSDs run silently.
A Quick Note on PS4 Compatibility: The PS4 uses a SATA III interface for its internal drive. This means it can take a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD. However, it cannot natively use an NVMe M.2 SSD (like many of the Sabrent options) internally. If you want to use an NVMe M.2 drive with your PS4, you’ll need an external USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 enclosure, which then limits the drive’s speed to the USB bandwidth. This means the super-fast Gen4 speeds of NVMe drives are largely wasted for PS4 use, but they still offer a significant upgrade over the original HDD.
The Top 5 SSDs for Your PS4
Here are our top picks, carefully reviewed to help you find the perfect storage solution for your PlayStation 4.
1. BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, plug-and-play solution specifically designed for console compatibility, the Buffalo External SSD 500GB is a fantastic choice. This compact and robust external drive is ready to boost your PS4’s storage and performance right out of the box, offering a reliable and portable way to store your game data without breaking the bank. Its shock-resistant design means you can take your games on the go with confidence, making it ideal for both home use and travel.
Key Features:
– Compact and reliable SSD for on-the-go demand
– Explicitly compatible with PS4, PS5, Macs, and PCs
– Save space and reduce loading times on your console
– Faster speeds than traditional HDDs for large data copies
– Shock-resistant, rugged design for drop protection
– USB 3.2 Connectivity (supports USB-C / USB-A)
– Three-year warranty for registered devices
Pros:
– Excellent value for an external SSD
– Truly plug-and-play for PS4/PS5
– Highly durable and shock-resistant
– Very portable due to compact form factor
– Comes with a good warranty
Cons:
– External drive, so it occupies a USB port
– Performance limited by USB 3.2 interface (faster than HDD, but not NVMe speeds)
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the Buffalo External SSD for its ease of use and immediate performance boost on consoles. Many highlight its compact size and durability as major selling points, making it a reliable choice for expanding game libraries without complex setup. It’s often recommended as a cost-effective alternative to internal upgrades.
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2. SABRENT Rocket 4 Plus SSD with Heatsink 500GB PCIe Gen4
Now, let’s talk about a premium Sabrent option. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus SSD with Heatsink 500GB is an absolute powerhouse, designed to push the boundaries of PCIe 4.0 performance. While its raw Gen4 speeds (up to 7,100 MB/s) are primarily for modern PCs and PS5 consoles, it can be used with your PS4 if placed in a suitable external USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 enclosure. This means you’ll still get a significant speed upgrade over the PS4’s internal HDD, but the full Gen4 potential won’t be realized. This drive stands out for its cutting-edge hardware, inclusion of a heatsink for optimal thermal management, and robust TLC NAND with DRAM. If you’re looking for a Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4 and also own a PS5 or a high-end PC, this drive offers incredible versatility and future-proofing.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, pushing boundaries of speed
– Includes a dedicated heatsink for superior thermal performance
– Features TLC NAND and DRAM for consistent, top-tier performance
– Up to 7,100 MB/s read speeds
– Utilizes an eight-channel controller for demanding tasks
– Comes with Sabrent Acronis True Image for cloning
Pros:
– Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds (for compatible devices like PS5/PC)
– High-quality components ensure reliability and longevity
– Included heatsink is a huge plus for sustained performance
– Excellent for future-proofing your storage needs
– One of the best Sabrent 500GB SSD options available for overall performance
Cons:
– Gen4 speeds are largely wasted when used with a PS4 (requires external enclosure)
– More expensive than a standard SATA SSD
– Heatsink might make fitting into some external enclosures tricky
User Impressions:
PC and PS5 users rave about the Rocket 4 Plus’s incredible speed and performance, often citing significant reductions in game load times and system responsiveness. Those using it externally with older consoles or as portable storage appreciate its build quality and the sheer speed it delivers within USB limitations.
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3. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
The Crucial P310 500GB SSD offers another excellent gateway into the world of PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance. Delivering up to 6,600 MB/s read speeds, this drive is a fantastic upgrade for modern laptops and desktops, and even some handheld gaming devices. For PS4 users, much like the Sabrent NVMe drives, the P310 would need an external USB enclosure. While you won’t hit those maximum Gen4 speeds, you’ll still get a substantial boost over a traditional HDD, making game loads and system operations much snappier. Crucial is known for its reliable Micron quality, so you can trust this drive to handle your gaming library with ease.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
– Spacious 500GB SSD for games, apps, and media
– Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and select handhelds
– Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation in real-world tasks
– Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
– Trusted Micron Quality
Pros:
– Very fast performance for compatible systems (PC, PS5 with enclosure)
– Reliable brand with Micron’s quality assurance
– Good value for a Gen4 NVMe SSD
– Backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems
Cons:
– Gen4 speeds are not utilized by PS4 (requires external enclosure)
– No heatsink included (though often not needed for external use)
User Impressions:
Customers highlight the Crucial P310 for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, particularly for those upgrading their PC or laptop. Users appreciate its consistent speed and reliability, and many find it a cost-effective way to get into Gen4 NVMe technology, even if using it in a Gen3 system or externally.
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4. WD_BLACK SN7100 500GB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
When it comes to gaming performance, WD_BLACK is a name that gamers trust. The SN7100 500GB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD is purpose-built for high-octane gaming, offering blistering speeds up to 7,250MB/s read. Like the other NVMe drives on this list, it’s primarily designed for internal use in PCs or PS5s. However, if you’re keen on using a premium gaming-focused drive externally with your PS4 (via a USB enclosure), the SN7100 will provide a noticeable performance upgrade over an HDD, accelerating your game loading times. It’s also remarkably power-efficient, making it a solid choice for laptops and handheld gaming devices.
Key Features:
– High-octane gaming performance with speeds up to 7,250MB/s read
– Purpose-built for serious gamers with PCIe Gen4 interface
– Next-generation TLC 3D NAND for reliability
– Power-efficient design (up to 100% more than previous generation)
– WD_BLACK Dashboard software for drive optimization (Windows only)
– Manufactured by SanDisk Technologies
Pros:
– Top-tier speed for gaming on compatible platforms
– Excellent power efficiency
– Reputable WD_BLACK brand for gaming hardware
– Robust and reliable build quality
Cons:
– Requires an external enclosure for PS4 use
– Gen4 speeds are effectively capped by USB bandwidth on PS4
– Dashboard software is Windows-only
User Impressions:
Gamers often praise the WD_BLACK SN7100 for its consistent high performance and reliability in demanding gaming scenarios. Users report significant improvements in game loading and overall system snappiness when installed in compatible PCs or PS5s, making it a highly recommended upgrade for serious gamers.
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5. SABRENT Rocket 4 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280
While our main focus is on the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4, we couldn’t leave out the Sabrent Rocket 4 1TB NVMe SSD. If you find yourself needing more space than 500GB and are still looking for a premium Sabrent option, this 1TB drive is a phenomenal choice. Boasting blazing Gen4 speeds up to 7450MB/s read, it’s optimized for fast boots, smooth gaming, and demanding workloads on modern systems. For PS4 users, just like its 500GB sibling, it requires an external USB enclosure. While you won’t experience its full PCIe 4.0 potential, it will still deliver a massive upgrade in loading times compared to an HDD, and you’ll have double the storage capacity to boot. This drive is a perfect fit if you also own a PS5 and want a single, high-performance storage solution that serves both consoles (with the right accessories for PS4).
Key Features:
– Blazing Gen4 Speed: Up to 7450MB/s read and 6100MB/s write speeds
– High IOPS (up to 850K/800K random) with efficient design
– Single-sided M.2 2280 form factor for broad compatibility (desktops, laptops, PS5)
– Ideal for pros and gamers needing fast, responsive storage
– Trusted Sabrent support and firmware updates
Pros:
– Extremely high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
– Generous 1TB capacity for extensive game libraries
– Excellent for PS5 internal expansion
– Reliable Sabrent brand quality and support
– High IOPS means great responsiveness
Cons:
– 1TB capacity, not 500GB (might be overkill for some PS4 users)
– Full Gen4 speeds are not utilized when used with PS4 via USB enclosure
– Requires a separate enclosure for PS4 external use
User Impressions:
The Sabrent Rocket 4 1TB is a fan favorite among PC and PS5 enthusiasts for its incredible speed and ample storage. Users consistently report significant improvements in system performance and game loading, often citing it as a top-tier choice for high-performance builds. Its reliability and ease of setup are frequently praised.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I install an NVMe SSD like the Sabrent Rocket directly into my PS4?
A: No, the PS4 uses a SATA III interface for its internal drive, which means it can only accommodate 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or HDDs internally. NVMe M.2 SSDs like the Sabrent Rocket series are designed for PCIe slots on PCs or the PS5’s internal expansion slot.
Q: How can I use an NVMe SSD with my PS4 then?
A: You can use an NVMe SSD with your PS4 by placing it in a compatible USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 external enclosure. The PS4 can then recognize it as an external USB storage device.
Q: Will using an NVMe SSD externally with my PS4 give me Gen4 speeds?
A: No. When an NVMe SSD is used externally with a PS4 via a USB enclosure, its speed will be limited by the USB interface’s bandwidth, typically around 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) or 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2). While this is still much faster than the PS4’s internal HDD, it won’t utilize the drive’s full PCIe Gen4 potential.
Q: Is a 500GB SSD enough for my PS4?
A: A 500GB SSD offers a good balance between cost and storage. It’s enough space for several large AAA games or many smaller titles. If you have a massive game library or prefer to keep all your games installed, you might consider a 1TB external SSD or supplementing with your internal HDD.
Q: What’s the main benefit of upgrading my PS4 with an SSD?
A: The most significant benefit is drastically reduced game loading times. You’ll spend less time staring at loading screens and more time playing. Overall system responsiveness and boot-up times will also improve.
Q: Do I need a special enclosure for an NVMe M.2 SSD?
A: Yes, you’ll need an external enclosure specifically designed for NVMe M.2 SSDs, which typically connects to your PS4 via a USB-A or USB-C cable. Make sure the enclosure supports USB 3.0 or higher for the best possible speeds.
Q: How do I move my PS4 games to an external SSD?
A: Once you connect and format your external SSD to your PS4, you can go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications, select the games you want to move, press the Options button, and choose “Move to Extended Storage.” You can also set new downloads to automatically install to the external drive.
Final Thoughts on the Best 500GB SSD for PS4
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with an SSD is one of the best ways to revitalize your gaming experience, slashing those tedious loading times and making your console feel snappier. While direct internal NVMe support isn’t available for the PS4, using an external SSD—be it a dedicated external unit like the Buffalo or an NVMe drive in an enclosure—will still deliver a substantial performance boost.
When considering the Sabrent best 500GB SSD for PS4, it’s important to remember that their Rocket series drives truly shine on PS5 or PC. However, if you’re looking for a premium, high-quality drive that can serve your PS4 externally and also future-proofs you for a PS5 upgrade, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 500GB is an excellent choice. For a simpler, plug-and-play solution purely for PS4 external storage, the Buffalo External SSD 500GB offers incredible value and ease of use.
No matter which drive you choose, getting an SSD for your PS4 is a solid investment that will enhance your gaming sessions significantly. Happy gaming!