Is your PlayStation 4 starting to feel a bit sluggish? Are you tired of those painfully long loading screens eating into your gaming time? It might be time for an upgrade! Swapping out your console’s old hard drive for a solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into your PS4. With an SSD, you’ll experience faster game loads, smoother gameplay, and quicker system responsiveness.
Lexar is a well-known name in the storage world, offering a range of reliable and high-performance SSDs. But with so many options, how do you pick the Lexar best SSD drive for PS4? We’ve done the digging for you! We’ve rounded up seven top Lexar SSDs, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make the perfect choice for your gaming setup. Get ready to level up your PS4 experience!
Why Upgrade Your PS4 with a Lexar SSD?
Before we dive into the products, let’s quickly chat about why an SSD makes such a difference for your PS4:
- Blazing Fast Load Times: Say goodbye to staring at loading screens. SSDs drastically cut down the time it takes for games to start and levels to load.
- Smoother Gameplay: While an SSD won’t improve frame rates, it can reduce texture pop-in and overall system responsiveness, leading to a more fluid experience.
- Durability: Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to drops and bumps – great for external options.
- Quieter Operation: No moving parts means less noise! Your PS4 will run a bit quieter without the whirring of an HDD.
- Efficient Performance: SSDs are generally more power-efficient, though this benefit is more pronounced in laptops.
The 7 Best Lexar SSD Drives for PS4 Gaming
Here are our top picks for the Lexar best SSD drive for PS4 to give your console the boost it deserves.
1. Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD, USB 3.2 Gen2 Portable SSD
If you’re looking for a quick and easy external storage upgrade that you can take anywhere, the Lexar ES3 1TB External SSD is a fantastic choice. This portable powerhouse connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering impressive read and write speeds that will significantly reduce game loading times compared to your PS4’s internal hard drive. Its slim, durable metal design makes it super portable, fitting easily into your pocket, and it’s plug-and-play compatible with your PS4, making setup a breeze.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Data Transfer: Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Wide Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Xbox X|S, laptops, and more.
- On The Go: Thin (10.5mm), stylish, durable metal design, weighs 42g.
- Data Safety First: Includes Lexar DataShield™ 256-bit AES encryption software.
- Comes with a Type-C cable for convenience.
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Pros:
- Excellent speed for an external drive.
- Extremely portable and lightweight.
- Durable metal casing.
- Easy plug-and-play setup for PS4.
- Data encryption for security.
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Cons:
- External drives take up a USB port.
- Speeds are dependent on USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility (PS4 has USB 3.0, which will still be much faster than HDD).
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User Impressions: Gamers love how compact and fast this SSD is, making it perfect for extending their PS4 game library without sacrificing performance. Many appreciate the robust build quality and the simple setup process.
2. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe
Alright, let’s be upfront: this Lexar Play SSD with Heatsink is primarily designed for the PS5 and high-end PC gaming, boasting PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe speeds. Its phenomenal 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write speeds are overkill for a PS4, which can’t utilize NVMe internally. However, if you’re a serious multi-platform gamer who might also use an external NVMe enclosure (purchased separately) for your PS4, or if you plan to upgrade to a PS5 soon, this drive offers massive, future-proof storage with an integrated heatsink for optimal thermal performance. For direct PS4 usage, it’s not the ideal internal choice, but could be adapted externally.
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Key Features:
- Designed for PS5 and PC gaming, enhancing gaming experience.
- Blazing-fast speeds: 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write (4TB: 3200TBW).
- Includes a unique heatsink for cooling during intense sessions.
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance on PC.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled speed for compatible systems (PS5/PC).
- Integrated heatsink for excellent thermal management.
- Massive 4TB storage capacity.
- Durable and reliable with a long warranty.
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Cons:
- Not directly compatible for internal PS4 upgrade.
- Overkill and expensive for PS4-only external use (unless paired with a compatible enclosure).
- Primarily focused on PS5/PC.
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User Impressions: PS5 and PC users rave about the insane speeds and the robust heatsink, making it a top-tier choice for next-gen gaming and high-performance computing. PS4 users would need to consider an external enclosure, making other options more straightforward.
3. Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
Now we’re talking about a prime candidate for the Lexar best SSD drive for PS4 internal upgrade! The Lexar 2TB NS100 SSD is a 2.5-inch SATA III drive, making it a direct replacement for your PS4’s existing hard drive. With sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s, this drive will dramatically speed up your console’s boot times, game loading, and overall system responsiveness. The 2TB capacity gives you plenty of room for a massive game library, so you won’t have to constantly delete games.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [2TB] 960TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited product support.
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Pros:
- Ideal for internal PS4 upgrade.
- Excellent 2TB capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Significant speed boost over HDD.
- Durable and reliable (no moving parts).
- Cost-effective performance upgrade.
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Cons:
- Requires opening your PS4 for installation (can be daunting for some).
- SATA III speeds are limited compared to NVMe (but perfect for PS4).
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User Impressions: PS4 owners who have installed this drive report a noticeable improvement in game loading times and overall system snappiness. It’s highly praised for being an affordable yet impactful upgrade.
4. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage
Much like its 1TB sibling, the Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD offers incredible convenience and performance for your PS4. This version doubles the storage, giving you a huge 2TB of space to store all your favorite titles and more. With speeds up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write, it’s about 9.5 times faster than traditional hard drives, making it a stellar choice for expanding your game library externally. It also comes with robust features like drop resistance and built-in encryption, making it a durable and secure option.
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Key Features:
- 9.5X faster than hard disk drives with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion.
- Built-in double-layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation.
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable.
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption and Lexar Recovery Tool.
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Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity in a portable form factor.
- Exceptional speed for an external SSD.
- Highly durable and secure with encryption.
- Excellent thermal management.
- Versatile connectivity with 2-in-1 cable.
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Cons:
- External drives take up a USB port on your PS4.
- Performance depends on the PS4’s USB 3.0 port capabilities.
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User Impressions: Users love the sheer speed and capacity of this external SSD. It’s often highlighted for its robust build quality, staying cool during extended use, and the added peace of mind from data encryption.
5. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For gamers on a tighter budget, or those who only play a few large titles at a time, the Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD offers an accessible entry point to SSD performance. This 2.5-inch SATA III internal drive provides a noticeable speed boost over your PS4’s stock HDD for boot times and game loads, making your console feel much snappier. While 256GB might seem small for a large game library, it’s perfect for your most-played games and offers the same reliability and durability benefits as its larger NS100 siblings.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [256GB] 120TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Affordable internal SSD upgrade.
- Significantly improves PS4 speed.
- Durable and reliable construction.
- Easy to install as an internal replacement.
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Cons:
- Limited storage capacity for extensive game collections.
- Requires internal installation.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently recommend this drive for its excellent value, delivering a solid performance boost without breaking the bank. It’s seen as a smart choice for those prioritizing speed for their core game collection.
6. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub, Supports
The Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a truly unique offering, blending ultra-compact storage with multi-port utility. While it’s marketed towards creators and professionals, its blazing-fast performance (up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write) and unique hub feature make it an interesting external option for PS4 gamers. Its rugged, IP65-rated design means it’s dust-proof, water-resistant, and drop-resistant, so it can handle being moved around. The integrated hub could even be useful for connecting other PS4 accessories.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact design for portability.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly to insert).
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write.
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports (with adapters/cables).
- Ready for travel: dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65), drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Exceptional portability and ruggedness.
- Very fast data transfer speeds.
- Integrated USB hub adds versatility.
- Long warranty period.
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Cons:
- More expensive due to the ‘Professional’ and ‘Hub’ features.
- The hub functionality might be less critical for a dedicated PS4 external drive.
- “Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector” description might be misleading; it implies a cable-less direct connection, which may be tricky with a PS4’s USB-A ports without an adapter.
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User Impressions: Professionals praise its compact size and versatility with the hub. For PS4 users, the speed and durability are a big plus, though the hub feature is more of a bonus than a necessity for most.
7. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
Hitting the sweet spot between capacity and affordability for an internal upgrade, the Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD is another excellent choice for boosting your PS4’s performance. As part of the NS100 series, it offers the same reliable 2.5-inch SATA III form factor and impressive read speeds of up to 550MB/s, making it significantly faster and more responsive than the stock hard drive. 512GB provides a decent amount of space for several large games, ensuring quicker loading and overall system fluidity.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [512GB] 240TBW endurance rating.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Good balance of price and capacity for an internal upgrade.
- Noticeable performance improvement over HDD.
- Reliable and durable (no moving parts).
- Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy installation.
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Cons:
- Requires internal installation.
- Might be too small for gamers with a vast digital library.
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User Impressions: This 512GB version of the NS100 is highly rated by users who appreciate its solid performance boost without the higher cost of larger capacities. It’s often recommended for those wanting a significant upgrade for their main games.
FAQ: All Your Lexar PS4 SSD Questions Answered
Got more questions about upgrading your PS4 with a Lexar SSD? We’ve got you covered!
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 with an SSD instead of just buying a new console?
A1: Upgrading to an SSD is a much more cost-effective way to extend the life and improve the performance of your existing PS4. It dramatically reduces load times and improves overall system responsiveness, giving you a “like-new” feel for a fraction of the price of a PS5.
Q2: Can I use both an internal and an external Lexar SSD with my PS4?
A2: Yes, absolutely! You can replace your PS4’s internal hard drive with an internal Lexar SSD (like the NS100 series) for the fastest system performance. Additionally, you can connect an external Lexar SSD (like the ES3 or Professional Go series) via USB to store even more games. The PS4 allows you to designate an external drive for game installations.
Q3: How much storage capacity do I really need for my Lexar best SSD drive for PS4?
A3: It really depends on your gaming habits.
* 256GB-512GB: Good if you play a few large games at a time and are willing to uninstall older titles.
* 1TB: A great sweet spot for most gamers, offering plenty of space for many AAA titles.
* 2TB and above: Ideal for digital-only gamers or those with very large game libraries who hate deleting anything.
Q4: Will a Lexar SSD make my PS4 games run at a higher frame rate?
A4: No, an SSD will not increase your game’s frame rate. Frame rates are determined by the console’s CPU and GPU. What an SSD will improve are load times, texture streaming, and overall system responsiveness, making the experience feel much smoother and more fluid.
Q5: Is installing an internal SSD in my PS4 difficult?
A5: For the PS4, installing an internal 2.5-inch SATA SSD is surprisingly straightforward. Sony designed the console to make hard drive replacement relatively easy, usually requiring just a screwdriver and a few minutes of your time. There are many excellent video tutorials online that walk you through the process step-by-step.
Q6: Can I use Lexar’s PS5-focused NVMe SSDs (like the 4TB Play) directly in my PS4?
A6: No, you cannot use an NVMe SSD like the Lexar 4TB Play directly as an internal upgrade for your PS4. The PS4 only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives internally. However, you could potentially use an NVMe SSD in a separate external NVMe enclosure, which then connects to your PS4 via USB, but this is often overkill and more expensive than dedicated external SATA SSDs.
Q7: Will using an external Lexar SSD for my PS4 take up one of my USB ports permanently?
A7: Yes, if you choose to use an external Lexar SSD, it will occupy one of your PS4’s USB 3.0 ports while it’s connected and in use. However, many gamers find this a worthwhile trade-off for the increased speed and storage capacity.
Conclusion
Upgrading your PlayStation 4 with a high-quality SSD is one of the best investments you can make to revitalize your gaming experience. Whether you opt for an internal SATA drive like the Lexar NS100 series for maximum system integration or a speedy external portable SSD like the Lexar ES3 for convenience and versatility, there’s a Lexar best SSD drive for PS4 that’s perfect for your needs.
Say goodbye to those frustrating loading screens and hello to quicker game launches and a more responsive console. Pick your Lexar champion, get it installed, and dive back into your favorite games with a whole new level of speed!