Ever found yourself deleting games just to make space for the next big title on your PlayStation 5? You’re not alone! The PS5’s internal storage, while speedy, can fill up surprisingly fast. That’s where an M.2 NVMe SSD comes in, letting you expand your console’s capacity and keep all your favorite games ready to go. And when it comes to reliable, high-performance storage, Crucial is a name gamers trust.
But with so many options, how do you pick the Crucial best SSD for PS5? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting and rounded up 10 top-tier Crucial SSDs that are perfect for upgrading your PS5. We’ll dive into what makes each one stand out, so you can make an informed decision and get back to gaming with plenty of room to spare.
Let’s get your PS5 game library booming!
Understanding PS5 SSD Requirements
Before we jump into the products, a quick recap of what your PS5 needs:
* Form Factor: M.2 NVMe SSD (Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110)
* Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 (or higher, but Gen4 speeds are capped)
* Minimum Sequential Read Speed: 5,500 MB/s
* Capacity: 250 GB – 8 TB
* Heatsink: Absolutely essential for thermal management. If an SSD doesn’t come with one, you’ll need to buy and install one separately.
Now, let’s explore the Crucial best SSD for PS5 options!
The Top 10 Crucial SSDs for Your PS5
1. Crucial T500 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you’re looking to hit the ground running with top-tier Gen4 performance, the Crucial T500 2TB with its integrated heatsink is a fantastic choice. This drive is built for gamers who demand blazing-fast load times and smooth gameplay. Its impressive sequential read/write speeds ensure that your games launch quicker, textures render faster, and you spend less time staring at loading screens. Plus, it’s designed to be PS5-ready right out of the box, making installation a breeze.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Up to 7,400/7,000MB/s sequential reads/writes.
- PS5 READY: Integrated heatsink for easy, safe installation.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster with Microsoft DirectStorage support.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in demanding apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Comes with an integrated heatsink, simplifying PS5 installation.
- Optimized for gaming and content creation tasks.
- Generous 2TB capacity for a sizable game library.
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Cons:
- Still Gen4, not future-proofed for potential Gen5 PC upgrades (though perfectly fine for PS5).
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the T500 for its incredible speed and seamless compatibility with the PS5. The built-in heatsink is a huge plus, making the upgrade process stress-free. Many report significantly reduced load times across various titles.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Venturing into the bleeding edge of SSD technology, the Crucial P510 offers Gen5 speeds with an included heatsink, making it a compelling, future-proof option even if your PS5 only utilizes Gen4 speeds. This drive delivers serious performance, ensuring extremely fast data transfers and reduced load times, whether you’re gaming or tackling demanding desktop tasks. It strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge technology and affordability, backed by Micron’s renowned quality.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Up to 11,000/9,500MB/s read/write speeds.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Excellent balance of price and next-gen speed.
- MICRON QUALITY: Reliable, top-tier performance you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Includes Acronis True Image for easy data migration.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds, future-proofing your investment.
- Integrated heatsink for PS5 readiness.
- Excellent value for a Gen5 drive.
- Trusted Micron components and data migration software included.
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Cons:
- PS5 can only utilize Gen4 speeds, so the full Gen5 potential isn’t unlocked on the console.
- 1TB capacity might be limiting for some avid gamers.
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the P510 for its forward-thinking Gen5 technology and competitive pricing. PS5 users appreciate the built-in heatsink and the sheer speed, even if the console doesn’t push it to its absolute limits.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
The Crucial P310 1TB offers a solid entry into Gen4 NVMe performance, providing a significant boost over older Gen3 drives and the PS5’s internal storage for casual gamers and home users. This 1TB version delivers reliable speeds for faster game loads, quicker boot-ups, and smoother multitasking. While it offers broad compatibility with various devices, remember that for PS5 use, you will need to purchase and install a separate, compatible heatsink to meet Sony’s thermal requirements.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Ample room for games, apps, and media.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (with heatsink).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than Gen3 for everyday tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Good Gen4 speeds for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Affordable entry point into PCIe 4.0 performance.
- Reliable Micron quality and thermal control.
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Cons:
- Does not include a heatsink; one must be purchased separately for PS5 installation.
- Speeds are good but not as high as the T500 series.
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User Impressions: Users find the P310 1TB to be a very capable and cost-effective Gen4 SSD. It’s particularly popular for budget-conscious gamers who are willing to add their own heatsink to meet PS5 requirements.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial P310 2280 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
For those with an ever-expanding game library and no desire to ever delete a title, the Crucial P310 4TB is an absolute powerhouse. Offering a massive amount of storage alongside reliable Gen4 performance, this SSD ensures you have room for all your AAA games, apps, and media. Just like its smaller sibling, this drive provides excellent PCIe 4.0 speeds, but remember that for proper thermal management within your PS5, a separate heatsink is required for installation.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 4TB SSD: Massive capacity for even the largest game collections.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (with heatsink).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than Gen3 for everyday tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Enormous 4TB capacity – rarely need to delete games.
- Solid Gen4 speeds for smooth gaming and system responsiveness.
- Reliable and durable thanks to Micron’s advanced technology.
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Cons:
- A separate heatsink is essential and must be purchased for PS5 use.
- Speeds are not as extreme as the top-tier Gen4 drives.
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User Impressions: This 4TB beast is highly rated by users who prioritize vast storage above all else. They appreciate the consistent performance and the peace of mind that comes with having so much space for their digital world.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial P310 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD
Hitting a sweet spot between capacity and cost, the Crucial P310 2TB is an excellent option for most PS5 users. It provides ample space for a significant game collection without breaking the bank, all while delivering robust PCIe 4.0 performance. Enjoy quicker game load times, faster boot-ups, and overall smoother system operation. As with other P310 models, remember to procure a separate heatsink to ensure optimal thermal performance when installing this drive in your PlayStation 5.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
- Spacious 2TB SSD: Ideal capacity for most gamers’ libraries.
- Broad Compatibility: Works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5 (with heatsink).
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than Gen3 for everyday tasks.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control.
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Pros:
- Ideal 2TB capacity for balancing storage needs and budget.
- Good Gen4 speeds for a noticeable performance improvement.
- Reliable and compatible across multiple platforms.
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Cons:
- Requires a separately purchased heatsink for PS5 installation.
- Not the fastest Gen4 drive available, but still well above PS5 minimums.
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User Impressions: Many consider the P310 2TB the perfect middle-ground option, offering solid performance and sufficient space at a competitive price point. Its reliability and ease of use (once the heatsink is sorted) are frequently highlighted.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
Doubling the capacity of its 1TB sibling, the Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with an integrated heatsink offers an even more compelling package for those seeking top-tier performance and ample storage. This drive is a superb choice if you want to future-proof your storage while enjoying incredible speeds on your PS5 (even if it’s capped at Gen4 speeds). With 2TB of space, you’ll have plenty of room for your favorite games and then some, all while benefiting from Crucial’s trusted Micron quality.
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Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Up to 11,000/9,500MB/s read/write speeds.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation for Gen5 desktops and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for easy data migration.
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Pros:
- Outstanding Gen5 speeds for future-proofing and superb PS5 performance.
- Integrated heatsink included for hassle-free PS5 installation.
- Generous 2TB capacity to hold many games.
- Comes with data migration software.
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Cons:
- The PS5 doesn’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds, so some performance is technically ‘unused.’
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User Impressions: This 2TB P510 is often lauded for its robust performance, excellent capacity, and future-ready design. Users appreciate not having to worry about thermal solutions due to the pre-installed heatsink, making it a highly convenient upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Crucial T500 4TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
If you’re a serious gamer with a vast collection or you dabble in content creation, the Crucial T500 4TB is a game-changer. This drive offers an enormous amount of space, ensuring you’ll never have to make tough decisions about what to uninstall. Coupled with lightning-fast Gen4 speeds and a pre-installed heatsink, it’s truly a no-compromise solution for your PS5. Experience ultra-fast load times and seamless performance across all your digital adventures.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Up to 7,000/6,900MB/s sequential reads/writes.
- PS5 READY: Integrated heatsink for easy, safe installation.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster with Microsoft DirectStorage support.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in demanding apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Colossal 4TB capacity – perfect for extensive game libraries and media.
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds, exceeding PS5 requirements.
- Integrated heatsink for immediate PS5 compatibility.
- Excellent for both gaming and professional content creation.
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to the large capacity and high performance.
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User Impressions: This 4TB T500 receives rave reviews from power users and content creators. They adore the expansive storage paired with speeds that keep everything snappy and responsive, confirming its status as a crucial best SSD for PS5 for those who want it all.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink
For gamers who want excellent Gen4 performance without needing vast amounts of storage, the Crucial T500 1TB with an integrated heatsink is an ideal choice. It offers the same incredible speed benefits as its larger T500 siblings – faster game loading, improved texture rendering, and DirectStorage support – all in a more compact capacity. It’s perfect for those focusing on a few demanding titles or for users who simply need a significant boost over their PS5’s internal drive.
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Key Features:
- LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Up to 7,300/6,800MB/s sequential reads/writes.
- PS5 READY: Integrated heatsink for easy, safe installation.
- ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster with Microsoft DirectStorage support.
- CONTENT CREATION: Up to 42% faster performance in demanding apps.
- ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Includes one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan.
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Pros:
- Outstanding Gen4 speeds that easily surpass PS5 requirements.
- Comes with an integrated heatsink, ensuring hassle-free PS5 installation.
- Optimized for gaming and creative workloads.
- More affordable entry point into the high-performance T500 series.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity might be quickly outgrown by avid gamers with large libraries.
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User Impressions: Users highly recommend the 1TB T500 for its fantastic performance and convenience. It’s often chosen as a primary upgrade for boosting overall PS5 responsiveness and game loading without a huge upfront cost.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Crucial P5 Plus 2TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD Internal Gaming SSD
The Crucial P5 Plus 2TB is a well-established and highly regarded Gen4 NVMe SSD, known for its robust performance and Micron’s trusted reliability. While the specific features weren’t detailed in the provided list, the P5 Plus series generally offers excellent sequential read/write speeds, making it a strong contender for a PS5 storage upgrade. It’s built with Micron’s advanced technology, ensuring consistent high performance for gaming and multitasking. Often compatible with PS5, users typically need to add a compatible heatsink for optimal thermal management within the console.
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Key Features (General P5 Plus expectations):
- Solid Gen4 Speeds: Typically up to 6,600 MB/s read speeds.
- Reliable Performance: Built with Micron Advanced 3D NAND.
- PS5 Compatible: Requires a separately purchased heatsink.
- Dynamic Write Acceleration: Improves burst performance.
- Full-Drive Encryption: For enhanced data security.
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Pros:
- Proven Gen4 performance for quick game loads and system responsiveness.
- Generous 2TB capacity.
- Highly reliable due to Crucial/Micron’s quality control.
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Cons:
- Does not typically include a heatsink; a separate purchase is required for PS5 use.
- Speeds are generally good, but not as fast as the newer T500 series.
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User Impressions: The P5 Plus 2TB is consistently praised for being a reliable workhorse. Users love its solid performance and the value it offers, especially for gamers looking for a trustworthy Gen4 upgrade with ample space, provided they account for the heatsink.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink
For those who crave the absolute pinnacle of speed and future-proofing, the Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD with its premium integrated heatsink is the ultimate choice. This drive pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, offering mind-blowing Gen5 speeds that will make your PS5 feel even more responsive, even if the console can’t fully harness its maximum potential. It’s built with leading Gen5 technology, featuring advanced ray tracing support and DirectStorage to truly enhance your gaming and creative experiences.
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Key Features:
- WIN BIGGER: Up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds.
- ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Supports advanced ray tracing and detailed atmospheres.
- POINT. CLICK. DONE.: DirectStorage accelerates creative processes.
- LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Crucial’s innovation for maximum performance.
- PREMIUM HEATSINK: Integrated heatsink for optimal heat dissipation without noisy fans.
- SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption.
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Pros:
- Absolutely unparalleled Gen5 speeds for extreme future-proofing.
- Premium integrated heatsink, designed for optimal thermal management.
- Enhances gaming and creative applications with advanced features.
- Cutting-edge technology from a trusted brand.
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Cons:
- Gen5 speeds are significantly overkill for the PS5, which only supports Gen4 speeds.
- Higher price point compared to Gen4 alternatives.
- 1TB capacity might be limiting for a premium drive.
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User Impressions: Enthusiasts marvel at the T710’s raw speed and cutting-edge features. While acknowledged as overkill for a PS5 by some, many see it as a worthwhile investment for the best possible performance and long-term viability, making it a standout Crucial best SSD for PS5 in the high-end category.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Upgrading your PS5’s storage with a high-quality M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the best enhancements you can make for your gaming experience. Crucial offers a fantastic range of drives, from the value-packed P310 series to the ultra-fast T500 and even the future-proof Gen5 P510 and T710 models.
When picking your Crucial best SSD for PS5, consider these factors:
* Capacity: How many games do you want to store? 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB+?
* Speed: While all these Crucial drives exceed the PS5’s minimum, the T500 series offers some of the best Gen4 performance, and Gen5 drives like the P510 and T710 provide even higher headroom (though PS5 won’t fully utilize it).
* Heatsink: Ensure your chosen SSD either comes with one or you purchase one separately. It’s non-negotiable for PS5.
* Budget: Crucial offers options at various price points, so you can find a drive that fits your wallet.
No matter which Crucial SSD you choose from this list, you’re guaranteed a significant upgrade that will free you from storage worries and keep you immersed in your favorite games. Happy gaming!
FAQ: Your PS5 SSD Upgrade Questions Answered
Q1: What kind of SSD does the PlayStation 5 use?
A1: The PlayStation 5 uses an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD for expansion storage. While Gen5 SSDs can physically fit, the PS5 will only utilize them at Gen4 speeds.
Q2: Do I really need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
A2: Yes, absolutely! Sony explicitly states that an M.2 SSD installed in the PS5 must have a heatsink for proper thermal management. Without one, your SSD could overheat, leading to performance throttling or even damage. Always ensure your chosen SSD either comes with an integrated heatsink or you purchase a compatible one separately.
Q3: What is the minimum read speed required for a PS5 SSD?
A3: Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s for optimal performance. All the Crucial SSDs reviewed here comfortably exceed this requirement, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Q4: How much storage can I add to my PS5?
A4: The PS5 supports M.2 NVMe SSDs ranging from 250 GB up to 8 TB. The most common and recommended capacities for gamers are 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, offering a good balance of space and value.
Q5: Is a Gen5 SSD better for my PS5 than a Gen4 SSD?
A5: While Gen5 SSDs offer significantly higher speeds than Gen4, the PlayStation 5’s architecture is designed to utilize PCIe Gen4 speeds. This means a Gen5 SSD will work perfectly in your PS5, but its maximum potential (the extra speed beyond Gen4) won’t be fully unlocked by the console. A high-end Gen4 SSD like the Crucial T500 is often considered the sweet spot for performance-to-price on PS5.
Q6: How do I install an SSD in my PS5?
A6: Installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, power off and unplug your PS5. Then, remove the bottom cover panel, unscrew the M.2 expansion slot cover, insert the SSD (with heatsink) at an angle, secure it with the included screw, replace the cover, and reattach the console’s panel. The PS5 will then format the new drive upon boot-up. Sony provides a detailed guide on their support website.
Q7: Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
A7: No, installing an officially supported M.2 SSD will not void your PS5’s warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official installation instructions carefully. If you encounter any issues during or after installation, consult Sony’s support documentation.