Boost Your PS5's Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage. The PS5 changed that by including an M.2 PCIe slot for expansion. This is a welcome improvement, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage (825GB). Upgrading with a high-speed SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), significantly enhances game loading times.
TL;DR - Top PS5 SSD Recommendations:
Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX See it on Amazon
Best Budget: Crucial T500 See it on Amazon
Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy
Best External: WD_Black P40 See it on Amazon
Key Considerations:
- PCIe 4.0 (or higher): Essential for optimal speeds (up to 7,500MB/s).
- M.2 Form Factor: The PS5 supports various sizes, but 2280 is most common.
- Heatsink: Crucial for preventing overheating, especially with PCIe 4.0 drives. The heatsink shouldn't exceed 11.25mm in height. Many SSDs include one; otherwise, purchase a compatible one separately.
- Capacity: 1TB is a good balance of cost and capacity, doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but more expensive.
What to Look For in a PS5 SSD:
- High storage capacity
- Fastest speeds
- Built-in heatsink
- Low price (for budget options)
PS5 SSD Basics:
Numerous compatible SSDs are available at various price points. While larger drives (e.g., 8TB) exist, they command a significantly higher price. Ensure your chosen SSD meets the PS5's size requirements (110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm including heatsink) and the minimum read speed of 5500MB/s. The PS5's installation process includes a speed test to verify compatibility. Consider the warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for long-term reliability. Most drives use TLC NAND, offering a good balance of performance and endurance.
Individual SSD Reviews:
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value, high read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s), pre-installed heatsink. 700TBW rating.
2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, impressive speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read), includes heatsink. 600TBW (1TB model).
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance, fast load times, but requires a separate heatsink. TBW varies by capacity.
4. WD_Black P40: External SSD, faster than traditional hard drives, but cannot run PS5 games directly. Useful for PS4 games and data transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Is an SSD worth it? Yes, if you need more storage or faster loading times.
- What speed SSD? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0).
- Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday.
- Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize their speed.
Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation instructions. (placeholder_upgrade_guide_link)