In recent console generations, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their devices. However, Sony's PS5 broke this mold by introducing an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to enhance their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was particularly appreciated given the PS5's relatively modest 825GB of built-in storage and Sony's history of pairing devices like the PS Vita and PSP with costly proprietary memory cards. With the PS5, you can now leverage high-end PC SSDs, such as our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to significantly increase your storage and enjoy nearly as fast game loading times as the console's own SSD.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
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Crucial T500
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Samsung 990 Evo Plus
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WD_Black P40
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There are some specific requirements for upgrading your PS5's storage. Firstly, you'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s—a substantial upgrade from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates all M.2 drive sizes, but the most common and recommended option is an M.2 2280 drive.
It's also crucial to choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot area has limited airflow. The heatsink must not exceed 11.25mm in height. PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate significant heat, and a heatsink is essential to prevent overheating and performance throttling. You can opt for an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.
When it comes to capacity, select the size that suits your needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple large games. For those with extensive libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.
For Xbox owners, check out our guide on the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.
AnswerSee ResultsPS5 SSD Basics
A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. With increased competition, you can find high-speed, affordable drives for under $100. Larger capacities, like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can cost over $500.
Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design can lead to high temperatures, making a heatsink essential to prevent performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
You'll need a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. Most modern PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, typically offering speeds between 7,000-7,500MB/s. The PS5 will perform its own speed test upon installation, with a peak around 6,500MB/s, so faster drives won't provide additional benefits for PS5 games.
Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD, 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 the drives listed here, offers a balance between performance and cost.
Given the PS5's limited storage (825GB for the standard model and 1TB for the Slim), and the large size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often necessary. The M.2 expansion slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for balancing capacity and cost. For extensive libraries, consider larger capacities up to 4TB.
While internal SSDs are preferred, you can also use an external hard drive. External SSDs offer faster speeds than traditional hard drives but cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing PS5 games to avoid redownloading and can play PS4 titles directly.
For installation guidance, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware skills are required.
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
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With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is perfect for quick data loading. It offers excellent value and high read speeds, though it's not the fastest drive available.
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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 was one of the first SSDs marketed for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it can't match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective option.
This SSD achieves sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, making it suitable for PS5 use. On the PS5, it's rated at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for most games.
The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's warrantied to last until 700TB of data is written. This is unlikely to be reached by most PS5 gamers, making it a reliable choice for console use.
2. Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
Crucial T500
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This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, all for a competitive price. It's an excellent value, doubling your PS5 storage without the need for an additional heatsink.
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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 a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor, the P5 Plus, at just over $100. It's a cost-effective solution that fits perfectly into the PS5's limited space.
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. The 2TB version offers even faster speeds and a higher TBW rating of 1,200TB, though it lacks a 4TB option.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
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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. While it has a lower endurance rating than the 990 Pro, it's more than sufficient for console use. The 2TB model tested achieved a PS5-rated speed of 6,137MB/s, loading games slightly faster than the console's native drive.
As a DRAM-less SSD, it may not reach peak performance in professional workloads, but this doesn't affect its performance on the PS5. Note that it doesn't come with a heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
4. WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
WD_Black P40
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This 1TB external SSD offers read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a faster alternative to traditional hard drives. It's compatible with multiple platforms but cannot run PS5 games directly.
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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, eliminating the need to open the console. It's also compatible with Xbox and PC. While it can't run PS5 games, it's useful for storing game data and playing PS4 titles directly.
With speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it ideal for transferring data between consoles.
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 825GB internal SSD, leaving around 650GB of usable space, additional storage is essential for gamers with multiple games or those who play live service games that grow in size over time. An SSD is one of the best PS5 accessories to invest in.
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 more than sufficient for PS5 use.
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 significant discounts are often available.
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 are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.
