Over the past few console generations, gamers were often limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. However, Sony took a refreshing approach with the PS5 by including an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to add off-the-shelf SSDs to expand their storage. This move is a significant departure from Sony's previous practices with the PS Vita and PSP, which were paired with costly proprietary memory cards. The PS5's base storage of 825GB can feel restrictive, especially with today's large game files. Thankfully, gamers can now install high-end PC SSDs, such as the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX—our top pick—to enjoy faster load times and store more games.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9See it at Amazon### Crucial T500

0See it at Amazon### Samsung 990 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. First, you'll 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.

It's also crucial to select an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's SSD slot area has limited airflow, and PCIe 4.0 SSDs can generate significant heat. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, a specification that most SSDs meet. You can opt for an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase one separately.

As for capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient to double your storage and accommodate several large games, such as 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.

The market for PS5-compatible SSDs has grown, offering a range of high-speed, affordable options. Prices start at under $100 for smaller drives, while larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB from Western Digital can exceed $500. When installing an SSD, ensure it fits within the PS5's dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5 will run a speed test upon installation, ensuring the drive meets the required 5,500MB/s read speed.

When selecting an SSD, consider the warranty and endurance rating, measured in TBW (Terabytes Written). Most SSDs come with a five-year warranty and a TBW rating that indicates their lifespan. Additionally, the type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects durability and price, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited base storage, expanding with an internal SSD is essential for avid gamers. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can quickly fill up the console's space. 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 looking for external storage, options like the WD_Black P40 offer high-speed external SSDs. While they can't run PS5 games directly, they're useful for storing game data and playing PS4 titles, saving time on redownloads.

For guidance on installing your PS5 SSD, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage. No hardware expertise is required to enhance your console's storage capabilities.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD is optimized for quick data loading. It offers excellent value and high performance, making it a top choice for PS5 users. 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 available

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top performer. While it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 can't fully utilize those speeds anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it's a cost-effective choice.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0This 1TB drive offers 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 provides excellent value, with performance surpassing its predecessor, the P5 Plus. Priced just over $100, it doubles your PS5's storage and comes with a heatsink, eliminating the need for additional purchases.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung 990 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 price
• Extremely fast load times

Cons:

• Doesn't come with a heatsink

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers high performance at a reasonable price. While it lacks a built-in heatsink, one can be purchased separately for a few dollars. Its speed and endurance make it a solid choice for PS5 users.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1This 1TB external SSD offers read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection, making it a versatile storage solution. 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 drives
• 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. While it can't run PS5 games, it's ideal for storing game data and playing PS4 titles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Yes, an SSD is highly beneficial for the PS5. With system files taking up a significant portion of the 825GB internal storage, expanding with an SSD allows you to store more games and enjoy faster load times.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You should get 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 optimal performance.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

The best times to buy a PS5 SSD are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when significant discounts are often 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 higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more cost-effective choice.