Top PS5 SSDs for Enhanced Gaming

This guide explores the best SSDs for enhancing your PS5's storage capacity. The PS5's limited internal storage often necessitates an upgrade, and thankfully, Sony included an M.2 PCIe slot for easy expansion. This allows for significantly faster loading times compared to the console's built-in drive.

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 for PS5 SSD Selection:

• PCIe 4.0 (or higher): Essential for optimal PS5 compatibility. While PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, the PS5 won't utilize their full speed potential.
• M.2 Form Factor: The PS5 uses the M.2 standard. The 2280 size is most common.
• Heatsink: Crucial for preventing overheating, especially with PCIe 4.0 drives. The PS5's internal space limits airflow. Many SSDs include a heatsink; otherwise, purchase one separately (ensure it's under 11.25mm tall).
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling the PS5's storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or even 8TB) are available but at a higher cost.
• Warranty and TBW (Terabytes Written): Check the warranty period (typically 5 years) and TBW rating, indicating the drive's write endurance. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and longevity for gaming.

Detailed Reviews of Top Picks:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with fast read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s) and a pre-installed heatsink. A strong contender despite not being the absolute fastest.

2. Crucial T500: A budget-friendly option with impressive speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read) and an included heatsink. A great balance of performance and price.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a reasonable price, but requires a separately purchased heatsink. Excellent speeds, but lacks a built-in heatsink.

4. WD_Black P40: An external SSD offering faster speeds than traditional hard drives, ideal for storing and transferring PS4 games (PS5 games cannot be played directly from it).

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Absolutely, especially if you own many games or play large live-service titles.
• Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Look for deals during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds. Stick with PCIe 4.0 for better value.

Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation instructions. Upgrading your PS5's storage is a straightforward process, even for non-tech-savvy users.