What is the best PS5 SSD and which PS5 SSD should you buy?
This guide is designed to make it easier for you when considering expanding the storage of your PS5. With numerous SSD options to choose from, this guide will help you navigate through them by highlighting the top-performing SSD products currently available and suggesting the ideal ones based on your unique requirements.
To ensure seamless compatibility with your Sony console, it’s crucial that any Solid State Drive (SSD) you purchase adheres to the technical specifications provided by Sony. The SSDs displayed on this page conform to these specifications for your convenience, but should you wish to explore other options, additional information is available in our FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
🔎 Ready for an expedition? Our table is here to assist! You can swiftly scan through the top-notch SSDs currently available on the market, or delve deeper into our thoughtful insights about the SSDs we believe are the finest choices. 💻📈
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The Quick Answer: Best Value PS5 SSDs
Just looking for the best-priced SSD that can be used with your PS5? This table has you covered.
As a keen gamer, I’m keeping tabs on the most cost-effective PS5 SSD deals, focusing on the storage space you receive for your money. The models featured aren’t necessarily my personal favorites (I delve deeper into those later), but rest assured, you won’t make a bad choice with any of these options: they’re all solid choices!
Best PS5 SSDs: Our Top Recommendations
If you’ve reached this part of our manual, it suggests that you might be curious to learn some details about the SSD you are considering purchasing and why it is considered a good investment. We completely understand your interest in this matter.
Each of the SSDs suggested in our recommendations below comes with a built-in heatsink and is an excellent option, tailored to your unique requirements and budget. However, we recommend reading our insights for each product prior to making your final choice.
1) WD_Black SN850 / SN850X / SN850P SSD
Among the best options for PlayStation 5 Solid State Drives, we highly recommend the WD_Black SN850 SSD series – a recent model that has received official endorsement from Sony itself.
Among the top-selling options available, the SN850 series stands out with remarkable speeds (7,000MB/s read / 5,300MB/s write for the standard SN850, and 7,300MB/s read / 6,300MB/s write for the more recent X and P models). Through rigorous testing, it has consistently demonstrated exceptional ease of installation and reliable performance.
As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share that the original SN850 model is being phased out in favor of its upgraded siblings, the SN850X and the SN850P. If you’re in the market for a new device, I strongly recommend checking these out. The primary distinction between the two newer models is that the P is an authorized collaboration with Sony, showcasing the PlayStation logo on the device itself and earning Sony’s official seal of approval. The X, on the other hand, tends to be more budget-friendly while still offering all the fantastic features you’ve come to expect. Enjoy your gaming adventures!
2) Samsung 980 Pro SSD
The Samsung 980 Pro Solid State Drive is yet another excellent option for PS5 SSDs, and like before, it’s one of the top-selling models currently available in the market.
Although its speeds are slightly slower compared to the newer WD_Black SN850 models (with read and write speeds of 7,000MB/s and 5,100 MB/s respectively), this model is equally dependable, simple to install, and frequently appears in retailer promotions, making it a budget-friendly option despite its top-tier performance.
The main disadvantage is that it doesn’t have sizes larger than 2TB, and this is due to an upcoming 990 Pro model that does offer larger sizes. Despite this, we currently suggest the 980 over the 990 because while the 990 has faster speeds, these aren’t essential for PS5 users at the moment.
3) Corsair MP600 PRO LPX SSD
Like the Samsung 980 Pro mentioned previously, this SSD from Corsair generally doesn’t reach the exceptional performance levels shown by WD_Black’s SN850. However, it often appears for sale at attractive prices which might make it more enticing.
As a gamer, I’d be thrilled about the 1TB version that delivers lightning-fast read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds of 5,800MB/s at a budget-friendly cost. Upgrading to the 2TB model not only increases your storage capacity but also boosts its write speed to an impressive 6,800MB/s – performance that’s hard to beat for the price!
4) Crucial T500 SSD
We’ve added the Crucial T500 to our list primarily because it’s commonly recognized as the top choice for cost-effective PS5 SSD options.
Over time, prices tend to change frequently, yet historically, both the Crucial T500 and its predecessor P5 models have consistently offered some of the most cost-effective performance ratios compared to other products in the market.
Similar to the SSDs we’ve previously featured, the T500 boasts impressive capabilities, delivering speeds as fast as 7,300/6,800MB/s, a performance level that’s quite remarkable for its price range.
5) Kingston FURY Renegade SSD
Want speed? We’ll give you speed.
The Kingston Fury Renegade is undeniably a fast Solid State Drive (SSD). Specifically, the 1TB version offers read speeds of 7,300 megabytes per second and write speeds of 6,000 megabytes per second, while the 2TB variant significantly increases the write speed to an impressive 7,000 megabytes per second.
In simpler terms, this SSD ranks fifth among our top five because its speed might be more than most PS5 users actually need, making its slightly higher cost a potential deterrent for some.
Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a rapid SSD that’s also compatible with your PlayStation 5 without compromising safety, this option should suit you perfectly.
PS5 SSD Heatsinks
If you’ve bought a PlayStation 5 M.2 SSD without a cooling component, it is crucial to attach a heatsink to it prior to inserting it in your gaming system for optimal performance and longevity.
To maintain a cool operating temperature for your SSD within the PS5, Sony has strategically engineered the airflow to effectively handle the internal PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD slot. Luckily, these heat sinks are inexpensive and straightforward to install.
The crucial factor is ensuring compatibility with your heatsink, as its dimensions must not surpass 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm. Additionally, it should not protrude more than 2mm below the SSD nor be higher than 8mm above it. Considering these requirements can be challenging, but here are some suitable options that comply with them:
Or, in a shorter version:
The primary concern is heatsink compatibility – its size should not exceed 110 x 25 x 11.25mm and should not extend more than 2mm below the SSD or be higher than 8mm above it. After considering these conditions, here are some compatible options:
PS5 SSD: Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we provide responses to frequently asked questions from PlayStation 5 (PS5) gamers regarding the purchase and understanding of Solid State Drives (SSDs).
This way, you’ll find helpful information on making informed decisions and enhancing your gaming experience with an SSD.
PS5 SSD Tech Requirements
To enhance your next-generation console’s internal storage capacity, you’ll require a Solid State Drive (SSD) that matches the specifications set by Sony for using and installing a PS5 M.2 SSD.
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Capacity | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB |
| Read Speed | 5,500MB/s or faster |
| Size | 110 (Length) x 25 (Width) x 11.25 millimetres (Thickness) (* All with heatsink) |
| Heatsink | Required |
When considering an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink for your PS5, ensure that the heatsink adheres to specific dimensions: It must not measure less than 2.25 millimeters from the M.2 SSD below and should not surpass 8 millimeters above the SSD. Failing to meet these measurements could prevent proper installation in the slot. Purchasing a separate heatsink for your chosen SSD and installing it yourself may be both practical and cost-effective, so do some research before making a decision.
To install a compatible PS5 M.2 SSD drive, first, verify that your system software is on firmware version 21.02-04.00.00 or newer. You can do this by navigating to Settings > System > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software > Update Using Internet. If you find that your console needs an update, make sure it’s running the latest firmware for a hassle-free SSD installation experience.
How To Install A PS5 SSD
Once you’ve picked up a shiny new PS5 SSD, it’s time to install it!
For assistance with installing your PS5 SSD, please check out the provided guide or take a look at the video below titled: “Installing an Internal PS5 SSD and Increasing Storage” for step-by-step instructions.
Are USB External Hard Drives Compatible with PS5?
Absolutely! You have the option to employ a pre-existing USB External Drive with your PlayStation 5. But, please note that you won’t be able to directly run PS5 games straight off the drive.
Instead, the external storage can hold PS5 games, but you’ll need to transfer them to the main drive or an attached SSD to play them. However, these devices are compatible with playing backwards compatible PS4 games, so if you were considering using your old PS4 hard drive on a PS5, it still has some utility.
For more on external hard drives, make sure to consult our full guide:
This article is part of our PS5 buyer’s guide, which can also help you with the following:
- PS5 Stock: Where to Buy PlayStation 5
- Best PS5 External Hard Drives
- All DualSense PS5 Controller Colours
- PS5 Console Covers: All Colours And Where To Buy Them
- Best 4K TVs for PS5 in 2024
- Where to Buy Cheap PlayStation Wallet Top-Ups, PS Plus Subscriptions and Gift Cards
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2025-02-03 12:38