Boost Your PS5's Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by their console's built-in storage. The PS5 changed that with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This guide explores the best SSD options for enhancing your PS5 experience, addressing speed, capacity, and thermal considerations.
Top SSD Picks for PS5:
Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Our top pick. Excellent value with impressive read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s) and a pre-installed heatsink. A 1TB version is readily available at budget-friendly prices.
Crucial T500: Best budget option. Offers high speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read) and includes a heatsink, all at an affordable price point.
Samsung 990 Evo Plus: Best PS5 SSD without a heatsink. Delivers excellent performance at a competitive price. Note: Requires a separate heatsink.
WD_Black P40: Best external PS5 SSD. While it can't run PS5 games directly, it offers faster speeds than traditional external hard drives and is useful for PS4 games and data transfer.
PS5 SSD Considerations:
- Interface: Requires PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 (or better). The PS5 doesn't fully utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds.
- Form Factor: M.2 is essential. The 2280 size is most common.
- Heatsink: Crucial due to PCIe 4.0 drives generating significant heat. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink (max height 11.25mm) or purchase one separately.
- Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or more) are available but more expensive.
- Warranty and Endurance (TBW): Check the warranty period and TBW rating (Terabytes Written) for an indication of the drive's lifespan. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and durability for gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Is an SSD worth it for PS5? Absolutely, especially if you have a large game library or play many large games. The PS5's internal storage fills up quickly.
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What speed SSD should I get? At least 5,500MB/s sequential read speed is required. 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal, but the PS5 won't utilize speeds beyond that significantly.
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When is the best time to buy? Look for deals during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
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Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No. The PS5 doesn't fully support PCIe 5.0 speeds, making PCIe 4.0 drives a more cost-effective choice.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best PS5 SSD to meet your needs and budget. Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance. (Link to guide would go here)
