Are you constantly deleting games to make room for new titles on your PlayStation 5? It’s a common dilemma for PS5 owners, especially with those massive game file sizes! Good news: upgrading your console’s storage with a high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD is a total game-changer. But with so many options out there, finding the right one can feel a bit like a boss battle itself.
That’s where we come in. We’re diving deep to help you find the SanDisk best 2TB internal SSD for PS5 that will not only expand your storage but also ensure lightning-fast load times and seamless gameplay. While “SanDisk” might make you think of one brand, you’ll find that many of the top-tier drives are actually from WD_BLACK, a gaming brand by Western Digital, which is often powered by SanDisk technologies. This means you’re getting that trusted performance and reliability.
We’ve rounded up 10 top contenders – from super-speedy internal drives designed specifically for your console to versatile external options for archiving – to help you make an informed choice. Let’s get your PS5 running like never before!
Our Top Picks for PS5 Storage Expansion
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best SSDs to supercharge your PlayStation 5 experience. Remember, for internal PS5 use, you’ll generally need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s and a heatsink!
1. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
This drive is a beast, purpose-built for gamers who demand the absolute best. The WD_BLACK SN850X is an incredible upgrade for your PS5, offering top-tier performance that drastically cuts down load times. It’s packed with features designed to keep your gaming sessions smooth and responsive, ensuring you’re always ready for the next level. Its optional heatsink version is a lifesaver, maintaining peak performance even during the most intense gaming marathons.
Key Features:
– Insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s read, transforming your gaming experience.
– Capacities up to 8TB (this version is 2TB) built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
– Optional heatsink helps maintain peak performance by preventing thermal throttling.
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring drive health and customizing RGB (heatsink versions).
– Future-forward features like Predictive Loading and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
Pros:
– Exceptional speed for ultra-fast loading and game performance.
– Heatsink option is crucial for PS5 compatibility and sustained performance.
– Reliable Western Digital (SanDisk-powered) technology.
– Large capacity for an extensive game library.
Cons:
– Heatsink version might be slightly pricier.
– WD_BLACK Dashboard features are Windows-only, not directly for PS5.
User Impressions:
Gamers consistently praise the SN850X for its blazing speed and reliable performance on the PS5. Many note a significant improvement in load times, making their gaming experience much more fluid. The heatsink is frequently highlighted as a must-have for peace of mind.
2. WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
The WD_BLACK SN7100 is another fantastic choice for serious gamers looking to upgrade their PS5’s internal storage. This drive truly brings high-octane gaming performance right to your console, boasting impressive read and write speeds thanks to its PCIe Gen4 interface and SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND. It’s built to give you more space and more time to enjoy your favorite titles without the constant dread of “storage full” notifications.
Key Features:
– Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models).
– Purpose-built for serious gamers with a PCIe Gen4 interface.
– Powered by SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND.
– Available in multiple capacities up to 2TB, offering ample storage.
– Improved power efficiency over previous generations.
Pros:
– Excellent read/write speeds, perfect for PS5 requirements.
– Uses high-quality SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for reliability.
– Good power efficiency, beneficial for console operation.
– Backed by the trusted WD_BLACK/SanDisk lineage.
Cons:
– May require a separate heatsink purchase and installation.
– Dashboard features are not directly useful for PS5.
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the SN7100’s robust performance and the noticeable speed improvements it brings to their PS5. Many find it to be a reliable and cost-effective upgrade, especially when paired with an aftermarket heatsink.
3. WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD Internal Solid State Drive
Ready to push the boundaries of gaming performance? The WD_BLACK SN8100 introduces PCIe Gen 5 technology, offering absolutely breakneck speeds that might just be overkill (in the best way possible!) for your PS5, which currently leverages Gen 4. Still, it delivers incredible performance with exceptional power efficiency. If you’re looking for an investment that’s future-proof and powered by the cutting-edge of flash memory, this drive stands out. It’s truly a top-tier SanDisk best 2TB internal SSD for PS5 contender, even if the PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds yet.
Key Features:
– Experience PCIe Gen 5.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD technology.
– Reaches astonishing sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s (2TB-4TB model).
– Industry-leader in power efficiency, over 100% more efficient than Gen4 drives at low average operating power.
– Heightened speed and reliability with up to 4,800 TBW (8TB model) endurance and latest TLC 3D CBA NAND.
– Immense capacities up to 8TB, with this 2TB version offering plenty of room.
– Powered by SanDisk, with SanDisk Dashboard software support.
Pros:
– Future-proof PCIe Gen 5 speeds (even if PS5 doesn’t fully utilize them now).
– Exceptional power efficiency, reducing stress on your system.
– High endurance and reliability with advanced NAND technology.
– Backed by SanDisk expertise and software.
Cons:
– PS5 currently maxes out at PCIe Gen4 speeds, so you won’t see the full potential.
– Likely requires an aftermarket heatsink, not included in all versions.
User Impressions:
Early adopters rave about the SN8100’s incredible raw speed. While acknowledging that the PS5 doesn’t fully use Gen5, users appreciate the drive’s responsiveness and stability, highlighting it as a premium option for serious enthusiasts.
4. MOVE SPEED HB7450 2TB SSD for PS5 with Heatsink TLC
While not a SanDisk or WD_BLACK brand, the MOVE SPEED HB7450 positions itself as a strong contender specifically for PS5 users. This 2TB NVMe SSD comes with an integrated graphene composite heatsink and even provides an uninstalled heatsink in the package, making it incredibly convenient for PS5 installation. It offers robust PCIe 4.0 performance, designed to reduce game delays and ensure lightning-fast loading times.
Key Features:
– NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High-Speed Interface with up to 7450MB/s read and 6500MB/s write.
– Perfectly compatible with PS5, laptops, and PCs in an M.2 2280 form factor.
– Large storage capacity of 2TB, enough for up to 50 PS5 games.
– Utilizes high-quality 3D NAND flash memory and Maxio MAP1602 controller.
– Built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink and an additional uninstalled heatsink included.
– Undergoes rigorous testing for stability and long service life.
Pros:
– High read/write speeds meet PS5 requirements.
– Comes with an included heatsink, simplifying PS5 installation.
– Strong cooling capabilities to prevent thermal throttling.
– Large capacity at a competitive price.
Cons:
– Not a widely recognized brand compared to Western Digital/SanDisk.
– Long-term reliability compared to established brands might be a concern for some.
User Impressions:
Users are generally impressed by the MOVE SPEED HB7450’s performance and the convenience of the included heatsink. Many see it as an excellent value proposition, delivering on its promise of faster loading and ample storage for the PS5.
5. SANDISK SSD Plus 2TB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA
Here’s an important distinction! While this is a genuine SanDisk 2TB internal SSD, it’s a SATA drive, not an NVMe PCIe Gen4 drive. This means it is NOT compatible as an internal expansion drive for your PlayStation 5. The PS5 requires a high-speed NVMe M.2 SSD. However, for upgrading older PCs or laptops with slower hard drives, or as a secondary storage drive in a PC, the SanDisk SSD Plus is a fantastic and reliable choice for quick boots and application launches.
Key Features:
– Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches in compatible systems.
– High capacities for applications and large media files.
– Sequential Read speeds of up to 545MB/s and write speeds of up to 515MB/s.
– Shock-resistant for proven durability.
Pros:
– Affordable 2TB storage solution.
– Reliable SanDisk brand quality.
– Great for older PC/laptop upgrades or general data storage.
Cons:
– NOT compatible as an internal PS5 SSD.
– SATA speeds are significantly slower than NVMe PCIe Gen4, which the PS5 requires.
User Impressions:
Users who purchase this for its intended use (PC/laptop upgrades) are very happy with its performance and reliability, noting a considerable speed boost over traditional HDDs. However, it’s crucial to understand it’s not for PS5 internal expansion.
6. Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD for PS5 2TB Internal
The Seagate Game Drive for PS5 is an officially licensed product, making it a super straightforward and worry-free choice for your console. You won’t have to guess about compatibility here, as it’s built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all PS5 models. Its custom heatsink is a huge plus, ensuring consistent peak performance without overheating, so you can download, update, and play all your PS5 and PS4 games directly from the drive.
Key Features:
– Officially licensed for PS5, ensuring seamless compatibility.
– Custom heatsink helps minimize thermal throttling and maintain peak performance.
– All PS5 and PS4 games operate directly from the M.2 SSD.
– Absolute performance with up to 7300/6000MB/s read/write speeds, harnessing full PCIe Gen4 power.
– Industry-leading 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
– Guaranteed PS5 compatibility and easy installation.
– Integrated heatsink is perfectly designed for the PS5 slot.
– Excellent read/write speeds meeting all PS5 requirements.
– Strong warranty offering.
Cons:
– Might be at a premium price due to official licensing.
– Limited to Seagate’s ecosystem, unlike SanDisk-powered drives.
User Impressions:
PS5 owners love the plug-and-play nature and the peace of mind that comes with an officially licensed product. The performance is consistently praised for being fast and reliable, with the integrated heatsink being a major selling point.
7. COLORFUL PS5 SSD 2TB NVMe, M.2 SSD 2TB, 2280 Drive
The COLORFUL CN700 PRO SSD offers ultimate PCIe 4.0 performance, making it a great choice for your PS5. This drive is engineered for gamers, promising to drastically reduce loading times and enhance gameplay responsiveness. It leverages a PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology, delivering blazing-fast speeds that will keep you ahead of the game. Its advanced thermal management, featuring a specialized graphite-coated sticker, ensures stable operation even during intense sessions.
Key Features:
– PCIe Gen4 x4 controller and NVMe 2.0 technology for blazing-fast 7400/6600 MB/s sequential read/write speeds.
– Gaming-optimized and fully compatible with PS5 and gaming PCs.
– Built with high-quality 3D NAND flash memory for professional-grade productivity.
– Advanced thermal management with a graphite-coated sticker for efficient heat dissipation.
– Universal M.2 2280 form factor for effortless, tool-free installation.
Pros:
– Excellent speeds meeting and exceeding PS5 requirements.
– Good thermal solution with the graphite-coated sticker.
– High-quality NAND flash for durability and performance.
– Seamless compatibility and easy installation.
Cons:
– Brand might be less familiar to some users.
– Heatsink sticker may not be as robust as a full metal heatsink for extreme conditions.
User Impressions:
Users are pleasantly surprised by the COLORFUL SSD’s performance, noting its speed and reliability for PS5 gaming. The ease of installation and the effective thermal management are frequently mentioned as positives.
8. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive (Repeat Entry)
Yes, we’re looking at the WD_BLACK SN850X again because it’s just that good, and it was provided twice in our list! This powerful drive is a top contender for the SanDisk best 2TB internal SSD for PS5 title, offering unparalleled performance. It’s designed to transform your PC or PS5 gaming experience with ridiculously short load times and insane speeds. With capacities up to 8TB (this specific listing is for 2TB), you’ll never have to worry about running out of space for your favorite titles. The optional heatsink is a game-changer, ensuring your drive stays cool and performs at its peak, even during the most demanding gaming sessions.
Key Features:
– Get top-tier performance with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (read).
– Ample room with 2TB capacity, built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND.
– Optional heatsink version is essential for maintaining peak performance in PS5.
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for monitoring and customization.
– Future-forward features including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management.
Pros:
– Consistently delivers exceptional speed and performance.
– Heatsink option makes it ideal for PS5, preventing thermal throttling.
– Highly reliable due to Western Digital’s quality and SanDisk’s underlying technology.
– Large capacity reduces the need to uninstall games.
Cons:
– Heatsink version might come at a slightly higher cost.
– Dashboard features don’t apply to PS5 use directly.
User Impressions:
The SN850X continues to be a favorite among PS5 users for its robust performance. Players consistently report faster boot times, quicker game loads, and a smoother overall experience, validating its reputation as a premium gaming SSD.
9. WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
While our main focus is on the SanDisk best 2TB internal SSD for PS5, this 1TB version of the WD_BLACK SN7100 is still an excellent choice if your storage needs aren’t quite as vast. It brings the same high-octane gaming performance as its 2TB sibling, offering impressive read and write speeds. Powered by SanDisk’s next-generation TLC 3D NAND, it’s built for serious gamers who need a reliable and fast internal drive for their PS5. It’s a great option for expanding your library without breaking the bank, and with improved power efficiency, it’s a smart upgrade.
Key Features:
– High-octane gaming with speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write.
– Purpose-built PCIe Gen4 interface with SanDisk’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
– Available in multiple capacities, this version being 1TB.
– Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for drive optimization.
– Powered by SanDisk for trusted performance.
Pros:
– Excellent speeds for seamless PS5 gaming.
– Good value for those needing less than 2TB.
– Reliable SanDisk-powered technology.
– Energy-efficient operation.
Cons:
– Only 1TB, which may not be enough for many users long-term.
– Requires a separate heatsink purchase and installation.
User Impressions:
Users find the 1TB SN7100 to be a perfectly capable and fast drive for their PS5. It’s often chosen as a more budget-friendly entry point into high-speed console storage expansion, with users praising its speed and smooth performance.
10. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD, Officially Licensed for PlayStation
Here’s another crucial distinction for PS5 owners! The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is an excellent product, but it is an external SSD, not an internal one. While officially licensed for PlayStation, its primary use for PS5 is to archive PS5 games and play PS4 games directly. You cannot install and play PS5 games directly from an external drive. However, for quickly transferring PS5 games to and from your internal storage, or for playing your entire PS4 library, this drive is fantastic. It’s durable, fast for an external drive, and backed by SanDisk’s renowned quality.
Key Features:
– Designed, tested, and approved for PlayStation consoles (external use).
– Enhanced speeds up to 1000MB/s for quick transfers between external and internal PS5 storage.
– Expand your space for archiving PS5 titles and playing PS4 games.
– Includes a 1-month trial of Discord Nitro.
– IP65 rating and up to 3-meter drop protection for rugged durability.
– Backed by SanDisk purpose-built quality and a 5-year limited warranty.
Pros:
– Extremely durable and portable.
– Fast transfer speeds for an external SSD.
– Officially licensed for PlayStation.
– Great for archiving PS5 games and playing PS4 games.
– Backed by a strong SanDisk warranty.
Cons:
– Cannot play PS5 games directly from this drive.
– Slower than an internal NVMe SSD for PS5 game transfers.
– Not a solution for internal storage expansion.
User Impressions:
Users love this portable SSD for its ruggedness and reliability. Many find it invaluable for managing their large game libraries, especially for quickly moving PS5 games or enjoying their PS4 backlog. The portability is a huge bonus for gamers on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions About PS5 SSDs
Q1: What kind of SSD does my PS5 need for internal storage expansion?
Your PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD that supports PCIe Gen4 x4. It also needs to have a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s. Crucially, it must be equipped with an efficient heatsink to prevent thermal throttling, as the PS5’s internal bay doesn’t provide sufficient cooling on its own.
Q2: Why do I need a heatsink for my PS5 internal SSD?
A heatsink is vital because high-speed NVMe SSDs generate a lot of heat, especially under heavy load like gaming. Without adequate cooling, the SSD will “throttle” its performance to prevent overheating, leading to slower load times and an overall degraded experience. The PS5’s internal slot is compact, so a heatsink helps dissipate heat effectively.
Q3: How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?
Installing an internal SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power down your PS5 completely and unplug all cables. Remove the console’s faceplate, locate the expansion slot cover, unscrew it, and then insert the M.2 SSD into the slot. Secure it with the provided screw, reattach the covers, and power on your PS5. The console will then guide you through the formatting process. Always refer to Sony’s official guide or a video tutorial for precise steps.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD like the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD to play PS5 games directly?
No, you cannot. External SSDs (or HDDs) are great for archiving PS5 games (transferring them to external storage to free up internal space) and for playing PS4 games directly. However, PS5 games must be stored on the console’s internal SSD or an installed M.2 NVMe SSD to be playable. The external drive simply doesn’t meet the speed requirements.
Q5: Is 2TB enough storage for my PS5?
For most gamers, 2TB is a fantastic balance of capacity and cost. Modern PS5 games can range from 50GB to well over 100GB each. A 2TB drive (which usually offers around 1.8TB of usable space) can comfortably hold 15-30 large PS5 titles, depending on their size, along with your original internal storage. This significantly reduces the need for constant game management.
Q6: What’s the connection between SanDisk and WD_BLACK SSDs?
Many WD_BLACK SSDs, especially those featuring flash memory, are manufactured by SanDisk Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates and distributed under license from Western Digital Corporation. This means that when you choose a WD_BLACK drive, you’re often getting the reliable flash technology and expertise that SanDisk is known for, ensuring high performance and durability.
Q7: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs for PS5?
PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to PCIe Gen3 SSDs. The PS5 specifically requires a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD to meet its high data transfer requirements for next-gen games. While a Gen3 drive might physically fit, it won’t perform up to the PS5’s standards and will likely be flagged as incompatible or too slow by the console.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage with a high-speed 2TB internal SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming experience. It eliminates the frustration of constantly managing your game library, allowing you to focus on what really matters: playing!
When searching for the SanDisk best 2TB internal SSD for PS5, remember to consider the WD_BLACK line, as these drives are powered by SanDisk technology and offer incredible performance. Always prioritize PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSDs with integrated or bundled heatsinks, as these are non-negotiable for PS5 compatibility and sustained performance.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the options and feel confident in choosing the perfect drive to unleash your PS5’s full potential. Happy gaming!