With the advent of built-in storage in recent console generations, gamers have often been constrained by the limited storage capacity that comes with their consoles. However, Sony's PS5 introduces a significant upgrade by featuring an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move marks a refreshing change from Sony's past, where the PS Vita and PSP were paired with exorbitantly priced memory cards. With the PS5's modest 825GB of storage, the ability to add high-end PC SSDs, such as our top pick, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, offers a seamless way to accommodate more games and enjoy fast load times comparable to the console's built-in drive.
TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:
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 some key considerations when choosing an SSD for your PS5. You must use a PCIe 4.0 or newer drive, which can reach speeds up to 7,500MB/s, significantly faster than the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports M.2 drives of any physical size, but the most common and recommended is the M.2 2280.
We recommend selecting an SSD with a built-in heatsink to manage the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs, particularly since the PS5's SSD slot area does not facilitate ideal airflow. The heatsink must not exceed 11.25mm in height. You can choose an SSD with an integrated heatsink or purchase a separate one that fits the PS5's size restrictions.
When it comes to capacity, consider your storage needs. A 1TB drive can effectively double your available storage and handle numerous games, including hefty titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. If you have a larger budget and a more extensive game library, you might opt for a 4TB drive, keeping in mind the higher cost.
For Xbox owners, explore 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, and the market has seen increased competition, making high-speed, affordable drives more accessible. While smaller SSDs can be found for under $100, larger drives like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital are pricier, often exceeding $500.
Ensure your SSD fits the PS5's maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink, to accommodate the console's limited space and manage heat. Most drives offer an optional heatsink, but if purchasing separately, ensure it meets the height requirement of under 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.
Select a PCIe 4.0 SSD with at least 5,500MB/s sequential read speeds. While most current PCIe 4.0 drives reach speeds around 7,000-7,500MB/s, the PS5's speed test caps at about 6,500MB/s, making faster drives unnecessary for PS5 gaming.
Pay attention to the SSD's warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), to understand its expected lifespan. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects endurance and price, with TLC NAND offering a balanced option for gamers.
Given the PS5's 825GB and the PS5 Slim's 1TB internal storage, additional space is often necessary, especially with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 consuming over 100GB each. The M.2 expansion slot supports SSDs from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a cost-effective choice for most users. Larger libraries may benefit from 4TB drives.
While internal SSDs are preferred, external hard drives offer a convenient alternative for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 titles, although PS5 games cannot be run directly from them.
For guidance on installing a PS5 SSD, refer to our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage, designed to assist users of all skill levels.
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
Best PS5 SSD
Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
9With its impressive read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD is optimized for rapid data loading on the PS5. See it at Amazon
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. Although it doesn't match the latest PCIe 5.0 SSDs in speed, the PS5 cannot fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB model, it offers unbeatable value. With sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,800MB/s, it's well-suited for PS5 gaming, achieving speeds around 6,500MB/s on the console. Its durability, rated at 700TBW, is more than sufficient for most gamers, though it might be a concern if repurposing for other high-demand applications.
Crucial T500
Best Budget PS5 SSD
### CrucialT500
0This 1TB SSD combines high speeds with a heatsink, all at a budget-friendly price. See it at Amazon
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 excellent value with its performance upgrade over the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, this 1TB drive includes a heatsink and fits perfectly within the PS5's space constraints. Utilizing Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, it delivers read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring swift game loading and data transfer. While a 4TB option is unavailable, the 2TB version provides doubled storage and endurance, maintaining the same five-year warranty.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
### Samsung990 Evo Plus
0See it at Best Buy
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 provides high performance without a high price tag. Though its endurance rating is lower than the 990 Pro, it's more than adequate for console use, with the 2TB model offering 1,200TBW. It achieves sequential read speeds of up to 7,250MB/s, though the PS5 rates it at 6,137MB/s, still sufficient for PS5 games. It loaded Metaphor: Refantazio slightly faster than the native drive. Note that it's a DRAM-less SSD, which doesn't impact PS5 performance but requires a separate heatsink purchase, available at a low cost.
WD_Black P40
Best External PS5 SSD
### WD_Black P40
1This 1TB external SSD offers 2,000MB/s read speeds via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, providing a convenient storage solution without opening your PS5. See it at Amazon
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, offering a plug-and-play solution for PS5 storage expansion. It doesn't support running PS5 games directly but can store game data, saving redownload time for large titles like Spider-Man 2. PS4 games can be played directly from this drive, freeing up space for PS5 games on internal storage. With read speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's much faster than traditional hard drives and suitable for transferring data from PS4 to PS5.
PS5 SSD FAQ
Is an SSD worth it for PS5?
With the PS5's 825GB SSD partially occupied by system files, leaving around 650GB for games, additional storage can be crucial, especially for gamers with multiple titles or large live service games. The PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro offer slightly more storage, but an SSD remains one of the best accessories for expanding your library.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5?
An SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s is necessary for the PS5. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are generally sufficient unless you frequently transfer large files.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?
PS5 SSDs can be a significant investment. For the best deals, consider shopping during Amazon Prime Day in July, or during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, when discounts are often substantial.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?
No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for the PS5, as the console supports only PCIe 4.0 and cannot utilize the full speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer excellent performance at a more affordable price point.
