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 modest 825GB of built-in 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 native 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 drive must be an M.2 type, and while the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended.
We also suggest opting for an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot area has limited airflow, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate substantial heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, a specification that most SSDs meet. You can choose an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.
When it comes to 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 libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.
*If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of 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, such as 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 throttling or damage. 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.
You'll need a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. Most SSDs advertise their read and write speeds, giving you a good idea of their performance. The PS5 conducts its own speed test upon installation, which typically peaks at around 6,500MB/s. Therefore, drives significantly faster than this may not be necessary for the PS5. Most PCIe 4.0 drives are rated between 7,000–7,500MB/s, offering plenty of options.
Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the drive, often measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A drive rated for 700TBW should last at least until that point. 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 endurance and cost.
Given the PS5's 825GB and the PS5 Slim's 1TB storage, additional space is often necessary. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can exceed 100GB each. The M.2 expansion slot supports 250GB to 8TB of additional storage. A 1TB drive strikes a balance between capacity and price, but for larger libraries, 4TB options are available.
While internal SSDs are preferred, external hard drives can be used for storage, though they cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing larger games to avoid redownloading, and PS4 titles can be played directly from them.
For installation help, check out our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9
With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is ready to load data quickly. It offers excellent value and high read speeds, though it's not the fastest drive available. 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 those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective option.
Product Specifications
Capacity1TBSequential read speed7,100MB/sSequential write speed5,800MB/sNAND type3D TLCTBW700TBPROS
Excellent valueHigh read speedCONS
Not the fastest drive aroundSee it at Amazon
Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
### CrucialT500
0
This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, all for a competitive price. It's a great value, doubling your console's storage without the need for an additional heatsink purchase. The Crucial T500 uses Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, providing impressive speeds of up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write, ensuring fast game boots and data transfers.
For those needing more space, the 2TB version offers increased storage and even faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200 and a five-year warranty. Unfortunately, a 4TB option is not available.
Product Specifications
Capacity1TBSequential read speed7,300MB/sSequential write speed6,800MB/sNAND typeMicron TLCTBW600TBPROS
TLC 3D NAND flash memoryImpressive speedsCONS
No 4TB optionSee it at Amazon
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
### Samsung990 Evo Plus
0
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. While it has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro, it's still more than sufficient for console use. The 2TB version is rated for 1,200 TBW, which is ample for most gamers.
With a read speed of up to 7,250MB/s, the PS5's storage test rated it at 6,137MB/s, which is fast enough for PS5 games. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio in just 4.37 seconds, slightly faster than the native drive. Note that it's a DRAM-less SSD, but this doesn't impact its performance on the PS5. However, it doesn't come with a heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
Product Specifications
Capacity1TB – 4TBSequential read speed7,250MB/sSequential write speed6,300MB/sNAND typeSamsung V-NAND TLCTBW600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)PROS
Excellent performance for the moneyExtremely fast load timesCONS
Doesn't come with a heatsinkSee it at Best Buy
WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
### WD_Black P40
1
The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, offering 1TB of storage with read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s. It's faster than traditional hard drives and works across multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC. However, it cannot run PS5 games directly, though it can store them, saving you from redownloading large titles like Spider-Man 2. PS4 games can be played directly from this drive, freeing up internal storage for PS5 games.
Product Specifications
Capacity1TBSequential read speed2,000MB/sSequential write speed2,000MB/sNAND typeWD TLCTBW600TBPROS
Faster than traditional hard drive Multiplatform supportCONS
Can't run PS5 gamesSee it at Amazon
PS5 SSD FAQ
-----------Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB for games after system files. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer more storage, but if you play multiple games or enjoy live service games that grow with updates, you'll need more space. An SSD is a worthwhile investment for expanding your storage capacity.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
You need an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement. Speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal unless you're frequently transferring large files.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have dropped over time. The best times to buy are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are 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 can't fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more cost-effective choice.
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