In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, with the PlayStation 5, Sony introduced a significant enhancement by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This allows gamers to boost their storage by installing off-the-shelf SSDs, a refreshing change from the expensive proprietary memory cards used with the PS Vita and PSP. The PS5 comes with a modest 825GB of storage, but with the M.2 slot, you can seamlessly integrate high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top pick, to expand your library and enjoy nearly identical loading speeds to the console's built-in drive.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
-----------------------------------------
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9See it at Amazon
### Crucial T500
0See it at Amazon
### Samsung 990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
### WD_Black P40
1See it at Amazon
When choosing an SSD for your PS5, there are certain restrictions to keep in mind. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which can achieve speeds up to 7,500MB/s, far surpassing the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. Additionally, you'll need an M.2 drive, and while the PS5 accommodates all sizes of M.2 drives with its screw holes, the M.2 2280 is the most commonly used and recommended size.
It's also crucial to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot is in a confined space with limited airflow. PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat under load, and a heatsink ensures your drive doesn't overheat and throttle performance. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, but fortunately, most SSDs meet this requirement. You can opt for an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.
As for capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient to double your PS5's storage, allowing you to install multiple large games. However, if you have a vast game library, you might consider a larger 4TB drive, though these are pricier.
A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, and with increased competition, you can find high-speed, cost-effective options under $100. For larger capacities, prices rise significantly, with top-tier 8TB SSDs costing over $500.
When installing an SSD, ensure it's an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions not exceeding 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's tight space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it fits within the height limits of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
Your SSD should have a sequential read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds around 6,500MB/s are more than adequate for PS5 games. The PS5 will run its own speed test upon installation to confirm compatibility.
Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD, typically measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A higher TBW rating indicates a longer lifespan. Also, look at the type of NAND memory used: QLC, TLC, or MLC. TLC NAND, used in our recommended drives, offers a good balance between performance and cost.
Given the PS5's limited storage and the large size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, expanding your storage is often necessary. The M.2 slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and price. For those with extensive libraries, 4TB options are available.
While internal SSDs are the preferred storage solution, you can also use an external hard drive for PS4 games and to store PS5 games for quick access without redownloading.
For installation guidance, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware skills are required.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9With blistering read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load up data quickly every time. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 5,800MB/s
- NAND type: 3D TLC
- TBW: 700TB
Pros:
- Excellent value
- High read speed
Cons:
- Not the fastest drive around
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective option. With a sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, it's well-suited for PS5 games, achieving speeds around 6,500MB/s on the console. Its durability rating of 700TBW is more than sufficient for most gamers.
Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
### Crucial T500
0A 1TB drive that hits high speeds and includes a heatsink for use with the PS5, all for less than you’d expect. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,300MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 6,800MB/s
- NAND type: Micron TLC
- TBW: 600TB
Pros:
- TLC 3D NAND flash memory
- Impressive speeds
Cons:
- No 4TB option
The Crucial T500 offers excellent value, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and doubles your PS5's storage. With Micron TLC 3D NAND, it achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers. While a 2TB option is available with increased TBW and speed, there's no 4TB version for those with larger libraries.
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
### Samsung 990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
- Sequential read speed: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 6,300MB/s
- NAND type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
- TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)
Pros:
- Excellent performance for the money
- Extremely fast load times
Cons:
- Doesn't come with a heatsink
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price, though it lacks a built-in heatsink. With a read speed of up to 7,250MB/s, it performs well on the PS5, achieving speeds around 6,137MB/s. It's ideal for gamers who don't need the highest endurance ratings, as the 2TB version is rated for 1,200TBW. While it's a DRAM-less SSD, this doesn't impact its performance on the PS5. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, but they're affordable and widely available.
WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
### WD_Black P40
11TB of storage with blistering 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection allows this option to act like an external SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 1TB
- Sequential read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Sequential write speed: 2,000MB/s
- NAND type: WD TLC
- TBW: 600TB
Pros:
- Faster than traditional hard drive
- Multiplatform support
Cons:
- Can't run PS5 games
The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects to the PS5 via USB, offering 1TB of storage with read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing game data and playing PS4 titles. Its speed and multiplatform compatibility make it a versatile choice for gamers looking to expand their storage without opening their console.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
Yes, an SSD is highly beneficial for the PS5. With only about 650GB of usable space from the internal 825GB SSD, and even with the PS5 Slim's slightly larger storage, avid gamers will quickly find themselves needing more space. An SSD is one of the best accessories you can invest in to keep your game library accessible.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
You should get an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal for smooth performance.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
The best times to buy a PS5 SSD are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when you can find significant discounts.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and cannot fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making them an unnecessary expense when PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more affordable and sufficient.
