In recent console generations, gamers have often been limited by the storage capacity built into their systems. However, Sony took a remarkable step forward with the PS5 by incorporating an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to easily expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This decision marks a significant departure from Sony's past practices, such as the exorbitantly priced memory cards for the PS Vita and PSP, and is especially appreciated given the PS5's modest 825GB of built-in storage. Now, gamers can enhance their PS5 experience by installing high-performance PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top recommendation, which can load games almost as quickly as the console's proprietary 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

When choosing an SSD for your PS5, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, you need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which supports speeds up to 7,500MB/s, a substantial leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 accommodates various M.2 drive sizes, but the M.2 2280 is the most common and recommended choice.

Additionally, it's crucial to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate significant heat under load. The PS5's SSD slot area has limited airflow, making a heatsink essential to prevent overheating and performance throttling. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, a specification that most SSDs meet.

As for capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient, effectively doubling your storage and allowing you to install multiple large games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with extensive libraries, larger capacities up to 4TB are available, though they come at a higher cost.

For Xbox owners, check out our guide on the best SSDs for Xbox Series X. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains.

PS5 SSD Basics

A wide range of SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot, thanks to increased competition in the market. You can find high-speed, affordable drives for under $100, while larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital can cost over $500.

Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's compact design can lead to high temperatures, making a heatsink essential to prevent performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to purchase one separately, ensure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

Your SSD should have a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, with speeds typically ranging from 7,000 to 7,500MB/s. The PS5 will perform its own speed test upon installation, ensuring the drive is fast enough for PS5 games, with a peak speed around 6,500MB/s.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). A typical warranty lasts five years, and the TBW rating indicates the drive's expected lifespan. The type of NAND memory used—QLC, TLC, or MLC—also affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited storage (825GB for the standard model and 1TB for the Slim), and the large size of modern games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3, additional storage is often necessary. The M.2 expansion slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and cost. For those with extensive libraries, 4TB options are available.

While internal SSDs are the preferred storage solution, external hard drives can be used for storing PS5 games, though they cannot run them. They are useful for avoiding redownloads and can play PS4 titles directly.

For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, refer to our comprehensive guide on upgrading your PS5 storage. No advanced hardware skills are required.

1. 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 preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is designed to load data quickly and efficiently. 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 among the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 cannot fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB model, it offers great value.

Rated for sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds of 5,800MB/s, it comfortably meets PS5 compatibility requirements. In practice, the PS5 rates it at around 6,500MB/s, which is more than sufficient for loading PS5 games quickly.

The 1TB version has a durability rating of 700TBW, meaning it's warrantied to last until 700TB of data is written. This is unlikely to be reached by most PS5 gamers, making it a reliable choice for console use.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### CrucialT500

0A 1TB drive that delivers high speeds and includes 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, providing a performance boost over its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and fits perfectly into the PS5's compact space. It doubles the console's storage and eliminates the need for an additional heatsink purchase.

With Micron TLC 3D NAND flash memory, it achieves read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, ensuring fast game loading and data transfers. The 2TB version offers even more storage and faster speeds, with a TBW rating of 1,200TB, though a 4TB option is not available.

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 offers high performance at a reasonable price, though it has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro. For console use, this is not a significant concern, as the 2TB model is rated for 1,200TBW, well beyond typical gaming needs.

With a rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, the PS5's storage test rates it at 6,137MB/s, which is more than adequate for running PS5 games. In testing, it loaded games slightly faster than the console's native drive, demonstrating its efficiency.

As a DRAM-less SSD, it may not reach peak performance in professional workloads, but this is irrelevant for PS5 use. Note that it does not come with a heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately, which is typically affordable.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with read speeds up to 2,000MB/s and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a versatile external SSD. 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 that connects to the PS5 via USB, offering a convenient storage solution without the need to open the console. It's compatible with multiple platforms, including Xbox and PC, but cannot run PS5 games directly. It's ideal for storing PS5 game data to avoid redownloading large files and can play PS4 titles directly.

With read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it useful for transferring data between PS4 and PS5 during setup.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

The PS5's internal 825GB SSD leaves about 650GB for games after system files. The PS5 Slim offers slightly more, and the PS5 Pro increases this to 2TB. If you play a few games at a time, the built-in storage might suffice. However, for gamers with multiple games or those who enjoy live service games that grow with updates, additional storage is essential. An SSD is a valuable investment for expanding your PS5's capabilities.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You need an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are ideal for smooth performance.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be pricey, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are available.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0, and cannot fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more cost-effective and meet the PS5's performance needs.