When it comes to gaming, there are a few things you need to take into account. The graphics card, the storage, and the software. The PlayStation 5 has a built-in NVMe SSD that can handle high-end games with ease. If you’re looking for an SSD that will help you achieve the best gaming experience on your PlayStation 5, then we recommend looking for an NVMe SSD that is compatible with the PlayStation 5’s hardware. To find out which NVMe SSD is right for you, we recommend reading our guide on how to choose the best NVMe SSD for your PlayStation 5. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the factors that will influence your decision when it comes to choosing an NVMe SSD for your PlayStation 5. Once you’ve decided whichNVMe SSD is right for you, it’s time to get started! Here are some tips on how to choose the best NVMe SSD for your PlayStation 5:
- Consider what type of game you plan on playing. Games like Call of Duty and Battlefield are notorious for requiring high-end graphics cards and storage space. If you plan on playing these games regularly, then a faster and larger storage drive may not be necessary. However, if you only play these games occasionally or if your storage drive is more limited in capacity, then a slower but larger drive may be better suited for your needs.
- Consider what type of gamer you are. Some people prefer faster drives while others prefer smaller drives when it comes to gaming performance. If you’re someone who likes to play multiple games at once or if gaming is important to you but don’t want a large storage drive in addition to it, then go with a smaller drive instead of a faster one. However, if gaming isn’t as important to you as larger storage space or fast speeds are important to you then go with a large drive instead of a smaller one so that your
The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 with a few missing features, including the ability to expand the storage using an aftermarket SSD. With the September System Update released on September 15, 2021, however, all users have the capability, so make sure your system is up to date
Make Sure Your SSD Conforms to Sony’s Specifications
Sony has a range of requirements that must be met for your drive to match the specifications of the existing SSD that ships with the console. Unlike USB storage solutions which can only be used for PS4 (backward compatibility) titles, native PS5 games have much higher read and write speed requirements.
The drive must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD ranged between 250GB and 4TB in capacity. Older Gen3 drives and anything that doesn’t hit Sony’s target 5.5GB/sec sequential read speed isn’t up to par.
These drives must have an M.2 form factor type of 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 (information that should be included in the item description). The socket type used is Socket 3 (Key M). The drive’s physical dimensions also matter, with the PS5 only having room for drive modules that are 22mm wide (25mm modules won’t fit). Length must be 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, or 110mm.
In addition to the drive module’s physical dimensions, Sony also recommends a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. Some drives come with heatsinks already attached, while others come “naked” and require you to affix one yourself. Without adequate cooling, your drive could suffer a performance penalty under load.
With the heatsink attached, the total size of your expansion drive must not exceed 110mm in length, 25mm in width, and 11.25mm in height. Note that while 25mm is the maximum width, the NVMe module must not exceed 22mm (25mm is the quoted size with a heatsink attached).
Which SSDs Work With the PS5?
If you’ve read those specifications and decided that you’d rather defer to someone else and just buy a “known good” NVMe drive, we don’t blame you. Sony’s solution provides more consumer freedom than Microsoft’s approach to Xbox Series X|S proprietary storage cards, but it introduces many more variables to trip up the average user.
Here are some drives that include heatsinks that you can drop straight into your PS5:
Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850 1TB Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Patriot Viper VP4300 1TB
Here are some drives that are up to spec, but come without a heatsink or a heatsink that is too large:
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB (no heatsink) Samsung 980 Pro 1TB (no heatsink) MSI Spatium M480 1TB (no heatsink) Corsair MP600 1TB (shorter heatsink required)
You’ll need to ensure that any heatsink you purchase doesn’t cause your SSD to exceed the 11.25mm height allowance. Much of the time item descriptions and user reviews will confirm or deny this, and some heatsinks like the MHQJRH M.2 2280 can be adjusted to fit.
Once you’ve picked an appropriate NVMe SSD, here’s how to install it in your PS5. The process requires you open your PS5 console, but it’s not too complicated if you follow the instructions.
Upgrading PS5 Storage Will Get Easier
Sony’s approach requires console owners to pay close attention to the hardware they are purchasing to ensure compatibility. This means more affordable upgrade paths for users provided they know what they’re doing.
Expect manufacturers to slap a “fits PS5” sticker on a box and bundle their drives with a suitably sized heatsink before long, which should make upgrading your PS5’s internal storage far more straightforward.
Get more out of your Sony console with Review Geeks’ top PlayStation 5 accessories.
