Upgrade Your PS5 Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5, however, offers a welcome change with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion beyond the console's initial 825GB (or 1TB for the Slim model). This guide explores the best SSD options for enhancing your PS5 experience.
TL;DR - Top PS5 SSD Picks:
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 Requirements & Recommendations:
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 (or Gen 4) or higher is essential for optimal speeds (up to 7,500MB/s).
- Form Factor: M.2 is required. While the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the 2280 is the most common and recommended.
- Heatsink: Crucial due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The heatsink must be no taller than 11.25mm. Many SSDs include one; otherwise, purchase a compatible separate heatsink.
- Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice offering a significant storage boost. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or even 8TB) are available but come at a higher price.
- Warranty & Endurance: Check the warranty period (typically 5 years) and the TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's lifespan. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and endurance for gaming.
Top SSD Reviews:
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and an included heatsink. A strong contender despite not being the absolute fastest. 1TB version offers a great balance of speed and price.
- Specifications: 1TB capacity, 7,100MB/s read speed, 5,800MB/s write speed, 3D TLC NAND, 700TBW.
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Crucial T500: The best budget option, offering high speeds and a heatsink at an affordable price. Micron TLC 3D NAND provides solid performance.
- Specifications: 1TB capacity, 7,300MB/s read speed, 6,800MB/s write speed, Micron TLC NAND, 600TBW (1TB).
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Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a competitive price, but requires a separate heatsink. Excellent load times.
- Specifications: 1TB-4TB capacities, 7,250MB/s read speed, 6,300MB/s write speed, Samsung V-NAND TLC, 600TBW (1TB), 1200TBW (2TB), 2400TBW (4TB).
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WD_Black P40: A fast external SSD (not for PS5 games directly, but ideal for PS4 games and data transfer).
- Specifications: 1TB capacity, 2,000MB/s read/write speed, WD TLC NAND, 600TBW.
PS5 SSD FAQ:
- Is an SSD worthwhile? Absolutely, if you play multiple games or large live-service titles.
- Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is generally sufficient.
- Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.
- Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds. PCIe 4.0 offers excellent performance at a lower cost.
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Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation instructions. Choosing the right SSD significantly enhances your PS5 gaming experience.
