Boost Your PS5's Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5 changed this with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's limited base storage (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), significantly enhances load times, making gaming smoother.

TL;DR - Top PS5 SSD Recommendations:

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX See it on Amazon

Best Budget: Crucial T500 See it on Amazon

Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy

Best External: WD_Black P40 See it on Amazon

PS5 SSD Considerations:

• Interface: Requires PCIe 4.0 (or higher) for speeds up to 7,500MB/s. Gen 3 M.2 SSDs are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, the 2280 is the most common and recommended.
• Heatsink: Essential for PCIe 4.0 SSDs due to heat generation. The heatsink must be 11.25mm or shorter. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice for doubling storage, but larger capacities (up to 4TB) are available for extensive game libraries.

What to Prioritize in a PS5 SSD?

[Poll: High storage, fast speeds, PCIe 5.0 compatibility, built-in heatsink, low price]

PS5 SSD Fundamentals:

Many high-speed, affordable SSDs are compatible with the PS5. Prices increase significantly with capacity; larger drives (e.g., 8TB) can cost over $500. Ensure your NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD adheres to the PS5's maximum dimensions (110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including heatsink). The PS5's limited space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating and performance throttling. Target a sequential read speed of 5500MB/s or higher. The PS5's internal speed test provides definitive confirmation of compatibility. Consider the warranty (typically five years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for durability. TLC NAND offers a good balance of performance and endurance.

Given the PS5's limited base storage, expansion is often necessary. Games can consume over 100GB each. The M.2 slot allows for adding 250GB–8TB of storage. 1TB is a good balance of capacity and cost. External hard drives are an alternative, but they cannot run PS5 games (PS4 games are playable).

Detailed SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink. A 1TB version can be found for around $80. TBW rating of 700TB.

2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, offering 1TB with a heatsink for under $100. Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s. Micron TLC 3D NAND. TBW rating of 600TB (1TB). A 2TB version is also available.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a competitive price. Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s. Samsung V-NAND TLC. Does not include a heatsink. TBW ratings vary by capacity.

4. WD_Black P40: External SSD offering 1TB with 2,000MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Cannot run PS5 games, but supports PS4 games and data transfer. WD TLC NAND. TBW rating of 600TB.

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Yes, if you play multiple games or live-service titles that frequently update.
• Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize their full capabilities.

Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation assistance. [link-to-installation-guide]