In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's PS5 introduced a game-changing feature: an internal M.2 PCIe slot that allows users to expand storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing departure from Sony's previous practices, such as the costly memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP, especially considering the PS5's initial 825GB of storage. Now, you can enhance your gaming experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which offers loading speeds nearly as fast as the console's built-in drive.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
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Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9See it at Amazon
### CrucialT500
0See it at Amazon
### Samsung990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
### WD_Black P40
1See it at Amazon
There are specific requirements for the SSDs you can use with the PS5. You need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various M.2 drive sizes, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended. Additionally, it's crucial to choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height to fit within the PS5's slot. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.
When selecting the capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple games, including large titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with extensive gaming libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.
PS5 SSD Basics:
--------------A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, offering high-speed and affordable options, especially with the increased competition in the market. Prices for these drives can vary significantly, with larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital costing over $500. Ensure your SSD meets the PS5's size requirements of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink, to fit properly and prevent overheating. 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 be a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive with sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. The PS5 will run a speed test upon installation to confirm compatibility. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for the PS5. Also, consider the warranty and endurance rating (TBW) of the drive, which indicates how much data can be written over its lifespan. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.
Given the PS5's limited initial storage and the size of modern games, expanding 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 cost. For those needing more space, 4TB options are available. Additionally, you can use an external hard drive for storage, though PS5 games cannot be played directly from them; they are useful for storing PS4 games and reducing download times.
For installation guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD is optimized for quick data loading. It offers excellent value and high performance, making it a top choice for PS5 users. 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 available
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was among the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top performer. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 drives, the PS5 cannot fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective choice for expanding your PS5 storage.
Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
### CrucialT500
0This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, making it an affordable yet powerful option for PS5 users. 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 provides excellent value, offering a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5's slot. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory ensures high performance, with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s. While a 2TB option is available with increased speeds and TBW, there's no 4TB version for those with larger libraries.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
### Samsung990 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 price
- Extremely fast load times
Cons:
- Does not come with a heatsink
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price, though it lacks a built-in heatsink. Its endurance rating is lower than the more expensive 990 Pro, but it's still more than sufficient for console use. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it performs well on the PS5, loading games quickly. As a DRAM-less SSD, it's optimized for console use rather than professional workloads. You'll need to purchase a separate heatsink, but they are affordable and widely available.
WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
### WD_Black P40
1This 1TB external SSD offers read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a versatile storage solution for PS5, Xbox, and PC. 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 drives
- Multiplatform support
Cons:
- Cannot run PS5 games
The WD\_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects to the PS5 via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without the need to open the console. While it cannot run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing game data and playing PS4 titles. Its high speeds make it ideal for transferring data between consoles, enhancing your gaming setup across multiple platforms.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
Yes, an SSD is highly beneficial for the PS5. With system files taking up a significant portion of the internal 825GB SSD, leaving around 650GB for games, additional storage becomes essential for gamers who enjoy multiple titles or large live service games. Upgrading to an SSD is one of the best investments you can make for your PS5.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
You should opt for 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 seamless performance.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
PS5 SSDs can be a significant investment, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where you can find substantial 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 higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer better value and performance for the PS5.
