With the evolution of console storage, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has marked a significant leap forward by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot. This feature allows gamers to expand their storage capacity using readily available, high-performance SSDs, unlike the costly memory cards used with previous Sony handhelds like the PS Vita and PSP. The PS5's built-in storage is around 825GB, which, although substantial, can fill up quickly with today's large game files. Thankfully, you can now enhance your gaming experience by installing top-tier PC SSDs, such as the highly recommended Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to manage even more games with load times nearly as swift as the console's native drive.
Here are the best SSDs for PS5 that you should consider:
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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When choosing an SSD for your PS5, consider the following restrictions:
- Opt for a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, vastly surpassing the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs.
- Ensure it's an M.2 drive; the PS5 accommodates all current M.2 sizes, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended.
- A built-in heatsink is advisable due to the potential heat generation of PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, a specification most SSDs meet comfortably.
When deciding on capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive will effectively double your storage, allowing you to install a substantial number of games or, at the very least, manage games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 alongside a couple of others. Larger options up to 4TB are available for those looking to create an extensive game library, though these come with a heftier price tag.
For Xbox enthusiasts, check out our curated list of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.
When selecting an SSD for your PS5, you're looking at a wide array of options that fit seamlessly into the console's M.2 slot. Competition has driven down prices while boosting performance, making high-speed drives available for under $100. Larger storage solutions, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can cost over $500.
Ensure your SSD meets the PS5's requirements: it should be an NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design necessitates a heatsink to manage heat effectively and prevent performance throttling. Most SSDs come with optional heatsinks, but if you're purchasing one separately, ensure it's less than 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
Your SSD should achieve sequential read speeds of at least 5500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives today boast speeds between 7,000MB/s and 7,500MB/s, well within the PS5's capabilities. When installing, the PS5 will conduct a speed test, typically peaking at around 6,500MB/s, ensuring the drive is suitable for running PS5 games.
Consider the warranty and endurance of the SSD. A five-year warranty and a TBW (Terabytes Written) rating indicate the drive's longevity. A 700TBW rating, for example, suggests the drive should last until it's written 700TB of data over its lifetime.
The type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects durability and price. TLC NAND, used in the recommended SSDs, offers a balanced middle ground in terms of endurance and cost.
With games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 taking up over 100GB each, the PS5's 825GB or the PS5 Slim's 1TB may not suffice for avid gamers. The M.2 expansion slot allows for additional storage ranging from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective sweet spot. For those with vast libraries, up to 4TB of mainstream PCIe 4.0 SSDs are available.
While an internal SSD is ideal, external hard drives or SSDs can be used to store PS5 games, though you cannot run PS5 games directly from them. They're useful for saving space and avoiding redownloads, and PS4 titles can be played directly from the drive.
For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, check out our comprehensive guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware knowledge is required.
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
This SSD boasts read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and comes with a preinstalled heatsink, ensuring swift data loading. It's an excellent value option, delivering high read speeds at a reasonable price. While not the fastest available, its performance is more than adequate for PS5 games.
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 Pro LPX was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer higher speeds, the PS5 can't fully utilize them, making the MP600 Pro LPX a cost-effective choice. Its 700TBW rating ensures longevity for most gamers.
2. Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
Crucial T500
This 1TB drive offers high speeds and includes a heatsink, making it an affordable yet high-performing option for the PS5. It utilizes Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, ensuring impressive speeds of up to 7,300MB/s for reads and 6,800MB/s for writes.
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, doubling your PS5 storage without the need for an additional heatsink. A 2TB option is available with doubled TBW and even faster speeds, though a 4TB version is not offered.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
This SSD offers high performance at a competitive price, though it requires a separate heatsink. With sequential read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it provides fast load times for PS5 games, though its endurance rating is lower than the pricier 990 Pro.
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 delivers where it counts—speed and value. It's a DRAM-less SSD, which doesn't impact its performance on the PS5. A separate heatsink is needed, but these are affordable and widely available.
4. WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
WD_Black P40
This external SSD offers 1TB of storage with read and write speeds up to 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection. It's faster than traditional hard drives but cannot run PS5 games directly. It's an excellent solution for storing PS5 game data and playing PS4 titles.
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 a versatile option for PS5 users, offering fast data transfer and compatibility with other platforms like Xbox and PC. While it can't run PS5 games, it's perfect for storing large games and playing PS4 titles directly from the drive.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
Yes, especially if you play multiple games or enjoy live service games that grow with updates. The PS5's internal storage can be quickly consumed, making an SSD a valuable accessory for expanding your gaming library.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
Aim for an SSD with at least 5,500MB/s read speed. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal for optimal performance.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
Consider purchasing during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, or Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the best discounts on PS5 SSDs.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not necessary for the PS5, as it supports PCIe 4.0 and can't fully utilize the higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. Stick with PCIe 4.0 SSDs for better value and compatibility.
