For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage of their consoles. The PS5 changed this with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy expansion with off-the-shelf SSDs. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's initial 825GB of storage. Now, you can install high-performance PC SSDs, like the top-rated Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, to significantly increase your game library with load times nearly as fast as the console's internal drive.
TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:
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Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
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Crucial T500
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Samsung 990 Evo Plus
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WD_Black P40
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There are some important considerations. You'll need a PCIe 4.0 (or higher) M.2 SSD. While the PS5 accommodates various M.2 sizes, a 2280 drive is the most common and recommended. A heatsink is also crucial because PCIe 4.0 SSDs generate significant heat; either a built-in heatsink or a separate one (under 11.25mm tall) is necessary to prevent overheating and performance throttling.
Capacity depends on your needs. A 1TB drive doubles your storage, sufficient for many gamers. Larger 4TB drives offer significantly more space but come at a higher cost.
If you're an Xbox owner, see our roundup of the best SSDs for Xbox Series X.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Callum Bains
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PS5 SSD Basics
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Many SSDs are compatible with the PS5's M.2 slot. Competitive pricing means you can find high-speed drives for under $100. Larger capacities (like upcoming 8TB drives) significantly increase the cost. Ensure your SSD is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive with maximum dimensions of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink).
The PS5's limited space necessitates a heatsink to prevent overheating. Most drives include one; otherwise, ensure any separate heatsink is under 8mm above the SSD. The drive should have a sequential read speed of 5500MB/s or faster. The PS5's installation process includes a speed test.
Consider the warranty (usually five years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's endurance. Most drives use TLC NAND, offering a balance between performance and cost. QLC is less durable and cheaper, while MLC is more durable and expensive.
Given the PS5's limited storage (825GB base, 1TB Slim), expansion is often needed. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur’s Gate 3 exceed 100GB each. The M.2 slot allows for 250GB–8TB expansion; 1TB is a popular choice. External hard drives are an alternative, though PS5 games can't be run from them. PS4 games can be played from external drives.
See our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation assistance.
1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
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Best PS5 SSD
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX
With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink, this SSD offers fast loading times. 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 remains a top choice, offering excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. While not the absolute fastest, it's more than sufficient for PS5, and its 700TBW rating is unlikely to be exceeded by most users.
2. Crucial T500
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Best Budget PS5 SSD
Crucial T500
A 1TB drive with high speeds and a heatsink for under $100. 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, combining speed and a heatsink at a competitive price. Micron TLC 3D NAND ensures solid performance.
3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus
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Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
Excellent performance at a reasonable price. See 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, fast load times
Cons: Doesn't include a heatsink
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus delivers strong performance without a premium price tag. Note that it requires a separate heatsink.
4. WD_Black P40
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Best External PS5 SSD
WD_Black P40
1TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. 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 a fast external SSD, useful for storing and transferring data but not for running PS5 games directly. PS4 games are playable from this drive.
PS5 SSD FAQ
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Is an SSD worth it for PS5? Yes, if you play many games or live-service titles that grow in size, an SSD is highly recommended to alleviate storage limitations.
What speed SSD should I get for PS5? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.
Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds; PCIe 4.0 drives offer better value.
