Hey there, fellow PS4 Pro gamers! Are you tired of those agonizingly long loading screens eating into your precious gaming time? Does your console feel sluggish when navigating menus or switching between games? If so, you’re in the right place! Upgrading your PS4 Pro’s storage with a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. And when it comes to reliable performance, Crucial SSDs are a fan favorite.
While our main focus today is finding the Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro, we’ll also explore some fantastic Crucial alternatives that offer different capacities and use cases, ensuring you get the perfect storage solution for your needs. Whether you’re looking for an internal swap or an external speed boost, Crucial has a strong contender. Let’s dive into our top picks and find out which SSD will take your PS4 Pro gaming experience to the next level!
Understanding SSDs for Your PS4 Pro
Before we jump into the reviews, it’s good to know a little about what we’re looking for. The PS4 Pro natively supports 2.5-inch SATA III drives for internal storage. This means an NVMe M.2 SSD (like some reviewed here) won’t fit internally without special adapters, and even then, the PS4 Pro’s internal SATA bus will limit its ultimate speed. However, NVMe and portable SSDs shine as incredibly fast external storage options via USB 3.0/3.1/3.2, which the PS4 Pro also supports. This offers a fantastic way to expand your game library and enjoy quicker load times for games stored on the external drive.
Our Top 5 Crucial SSD Picks for PS4 Pro Gamers
Crucial P310 500GB SSD
The Crucial P310 500GB SSD brings impressive PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds to the table. While it’s primarily designed for PCs and won’t fit directly into your PS4 Pro’s internal drive bay without an enclosure, it stands out for its incredible potential when used as a super-fast external drive (with a compatible USB-C NVMe enclosure). If you’re looking for a future-proof SSD that offers mind-boggling speeds for your PC and can pull double duty for your PS4 Pro via an external setup, this could be a stellar, albeit slightly unconventional, choice. It’s truly built for speed, making game transfers and external game loading snappy.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
– Spacious 500GB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
Pros:
– Extremely high read/write speeds, excellent for external storage applications (with a suitable enclosure)
– Generous 500GB capacity for a good number of games
– Future-proof Gen4 NVMe technology
– Trusted Micron quality and reliability
Cons:
– Not a direct internal replacement for PS4 Pro (requires external enclosure)
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports will bottleneck its maximum potential speed
– Might be overkill if only used externally for PS4 Pro
User Impressions:
Users often praise the P310 for its lightning-fast performance in PCs, noting significant improvements in boot times and application loading. Those who’ve used it in external enclosures appreciate the noticeable speed boost for large file transfers and, where applicable, console game loading, even with the USB bottleneck. It’s seen as a robust and reliable drive, though some acknowledge its full potential isn’t realized on older console hardware.
Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD
When it comes to expanding your PS4 Pro’s game library without opening the console, the Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD is a powerhouse. This external drive is designed for blazing-fast data access, making it perfect for storing and running PS4 Pro games directly. Its ultra-fast speeds mean your games will load significantly quicker than from the stock hard drive, and its rugged, portable design makes it ideal for gamers on the go or those who just want a sleek, reliable external solution. Plus, with a massive 1TB capacity, you won’t be worrying about storage space anytime soon.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for professional creators, this external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds for a seamless workflow. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
– Built to Last: Perfect for field work and all-weather shoots with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive includes a lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection for on-the-go security.
– Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
– Massive Storage Capacity: Store high-resolution photos, 4K/8K videos, and current projects with this compact 1TB SSD, offering secure and reliable storage for professionals and content creators
– Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
Pros:
– Excellent read/write speeds for an external drive, significantly boosting game load times
– Highly durable with IP55 water/dust resistance and drop protection
– Broad compatibility, including PS4 Pro (and PS5)
– Generous 1TB storage capacity
– Compact and portable design with security features
Cons:
– Premium price point
– PS4 Pro’s USB ports will still cap its maximum advertised speeds
– 1TB might be more than some users initially need, shifting away from a Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro focus
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the X10 Pro’s incredible speed and robust build quality. Many content creators and gamers find it indispensable for its quick transfers and reliable performance. PS4 Pro users specifically mention a noticeable improvement in game loading compared to their internal HDD, appreciating the plug-and-play simplicity and the peace of mind offered by its rugged design.
Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD
If you’re a serious gamer or content creator with an ever-growing library of large titles, the Crucial X9 Pro 4TB Portable SSD is an absolute game-changer for your PS4 Pro. While it steps well beyond our initial search for a Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro, its sheer capacity means you’ll virtually never run out of space for your games. Offering solid speeds for an external drive, combined with the legendary Crucial durability, this SSD allows you to store countless games, DLC, and media files without a second thought, all while enjoying faster access times compared to a traditional hard drive.
Key Features:
– High-speed Performance: Designed for professional creators, this external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 1050MB/s read and 1050/MB/s write speeds for a seamless workflow. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
– Built to Last: Perfect for field work and all-weather shoots with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive includes a lanyard loop, activity light, and SSD password protection for on-the-go security.
– Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
– Massive 4TB Storage: Store vast amounts of high-resolution photos, 4K/8K videos, and countless current projects with this compact SSD, offering secure and reliable storage for professionals and content creators
– Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
Pros:
– Colossal 4TB storage capacity for an enormous game library
– Fast read/write speeds, offering a clear upgrade over HDDs for game loading
– Extremely durable with IP55 rating and drop resistance
– Wide compatibility across multiple devices, including PS4 Pro
– Portable and secure design
Cons:
– Higher price due to massive capacity
– PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 interface limits its ultimate speed potential
– Might be excessive capacity for users strictly looking for a 500GB solution
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the X9 Pro 4TB for its unparalleled storage space, making it a favorite among those who need to carry vast amounts of data. For PS4 Pro owners, the common feedback is about the convenience of having their entire game library accessible on one fast external drive, coupled with noticeable improvements in load times. Its robust build quality also gets high marks for peace of mind.
Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 4TB Portable SSD is another excellent external storage option, particularly appealing to gamers, students, and creators who need vast storage on the go. Its matte blue finish and robust build make it both stylish and incredibly durable, able to withstand drops and environmental challenges with its IP65 dust and water resistance. While it’s a 4TB drive, offering way more than a Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro might imply, it delivers impressive read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, making it a fantastic choice for offloading games and enjoying faster access times for your PS4 Pro via its USB connection.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
– Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
– Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
– Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 4TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files
– Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
Pros:
– Massive 4TB capacity for extensive game libraries and media
– Very high read speeds for an external drive, boosting game loading
– Exceptional durability with IP65 dust/water resistance and impressive drop rating
– Broad compatibility with PS4 Pro and other devices
– Includes bonus software for added value
Cons:
– High price point due to capacity and speed
– PS4 Pro’s USB ports limit its full speed potential
– Much larger capacity than many users initially seek for a 500GB upgrade
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the X10 4TB’s remarkable speed and its ability to store an enormous amount of data. Its ruggedness is a standout feature, giving users confidence when taking it on the go. PS4 Pro users often highlight the seamless integration and the noticeable acceleration in game load times, making it a beloved choice for expanding their digital game collection.
Crucial MX500 500GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD
Here it is: the most direct answer to our quest for the Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro as an internal upgrade! The Crucial MX500 500GB 2.5-inch SATA SSD is renowned for its excellent balance of performance, reliability, and value. This drive is a perfect drop-in replacement for your PS4 Pro’s existing hard drive, offering a significant speed boost for boot times, game loading, and overall system responsiveness. It uses 3D NAND technology for efficiency and durability, ensuring your console runs smoothly for years to come. If you want to replace your internal drive with a top-notch 500GB SSD, the MX500 is truly hard to beat.
Key Features:
– 2.5-inch Solid State Drive
– 500GB Capacity
– 3D NAND technology for enhanced performance and longevity
– SATA III interface (compatible with PS4 Pro’s internal slot)
– Up to 560 MB/s sequential read and 510 MB/s sequential write speeds
– Integrated Power Loss Immunity to protect data
– AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Pros:
– Direct internal replacement for PS4 Pro, maximizing its internal SATA III bus speed
– Significant improvement in game loading and boot times over stock HDD
– Excellent reliability and durability with 3D NAND technology
– Very good value for a 500GB SSD
– Integrated power loss immunity and encryption for data safety
Cons:
– 500GB might feel limited for very large game libraries over time
– Not as fast as external NVMe options, but still hits the PS4 Pro’s internal limits efficiently
User Impressions:
The Crucial MX500 is consistently praised as one of the best value SSDs on the market. PS4 Pro users who’ve installed it internally report dramatic reductions in loading screens for games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V, and a much snappier UI experience. Its ease of installation and proven reliability make it a top recommendation for anyone looking to upgrade their console’s internal storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade my PS4 Pro with an SSD?
A1: Upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) significantly reduces game loading times, improves system responsiveness, and speeds up tasks like installing games, downloading updates, and navigating the PS4 Pro’s user interface. It replaces the slower traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) that comes standard with the console.
Q2: Can I use an external SSD for my PS4 Pro?
A2: Yes, absolutely! The PS4 Pro supports external storage via its USB 3.0 ports. You can connect an external SSD, format it for games, and run titles directly from it. This is an excellent way to expand your game library and often provides faster loading times than the internal HDD, though slightly slower than an internal SATA SSD.
Q3: Is a 500GB SSD enough for my PS4 Pro?
A3: For many users, 500GB is a decent starting point. It’s enough for several large AAA games or many smaller titles. However, modern games can easily take up 50GB-100GB or more, so if you have a vast game library or play many big titles, you might find yourself managing space frequently. If budget allows, a 1TB SSD offers much more breathing room.
Q4: Will an NVMe SSD work internally in my PS4 Pro?
A4: No, an NVMe M.2 SSD does not fit directly into the PS4 Pro’s internal 2.5-inch SATA drive bay. The PS4 Pro’s internal interface is SATA III. While you could technically use an NVMe SSD in an external enclosure via USB, it won’t be as fast as an internal SATA SSD, as the PS4 Pro’s USB 3.0 ports will bottleneck the NVMe drive’s full potential.
Q5: How do I install an internal SSD in my PS4 Pro?
A5: Installing an internal SSD in a PS4 Pro is relatively straightforward. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a USB drive to reinstall the PS4 system software, and a new 2.5-inch SATA SSD. There are many excellent video tutorials online that walk you through removing the HDD, inserting the SSD, and reinstalling the system software step-by-step. Remember to back up your saved game data first!
Q6: What’s the difference between an internal and external SSD for PS4 Pro performance?
A6: An internal SATA SSD (like the Crucial MX500) will generally offer the best performance for games stored on it, as it connects directly to the console’s internal SATA III bus. An external SSD connected via USB 3.0 will also provide significant speed improvements over the stock HDD but might be slightly slower than an internal SSD due to the USB interface’s overhead. Both are a huge upgrade from the original HDD.
Q7: Is Crucial a good brand for PS4 Pro SSDs?
A7: Yes, Crucial (a brand of Micron) is widely regarded as a very reliable and high-quality manufacturer of SSDs. Their drives are known for their strong performance, durability, and excellent value, making them a popular choice for console upgrades and PC builds alike.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your PS4 Pro with a quality SSD is one of the best ways to inject new life into your console. While the Crucial MX500 500GB SSD stands out as the ideal internal replacement, offering the perfect blend of performance and compatibility for those specifically seeking a Crucial best 500gb ssd for ps4 pro, Crucial also offers fantastic external options like the X10 Pro and X9 Pro if you need more space or prefer the convenience of external storage.
No matter which Crucial SSD you choose, you’re in for a treat with faster load times, smoother gameplay, and an overall more enjoyable gaming experience. Happy gaming!