Enhance Your PS5 Experience: A Guide to the Best SSDs
For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5 changed this with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion beyond the console's initial 825GB (or 1TB in the Slim model). This upgrade significantly improves loading times, allowing you to enjoy a smoother gaming experience. This guide explores the top SSD choices for your PS5.
TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:
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!)
PS5 SSD Requirements and Recommendations:
- PCIe 4.0 (or higher): Essential for achieving optimal speeds (up to 7,500MB/s). While PCIe 5.0 drives are backward compatible, the PS5 won't utilize their full potential.
- M.2 Form Factor: The PS5 supports various sizes, but the 2280 is most common.
- Heatsink: Highly recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The heatsink must be 11.25mm or less in height. Many SSDs come with pre-installed heatsinks.
- Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling your storage. Larger capacities (up to 8TB) are available but come at a higher price.
- 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 durability for gaming.
Top SSD Choices Detailed:
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink. A 1TB version is often available for under $80. TBW rating of 700TB.
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Crucial T500: Best budget option, offering high speeds (7,300MB/s read) and a heatsink for around $100 (1TB). Uses Micron TLC 3D NAND. TBW rating of 600TB (1TB).
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Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a competitive price. Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, but requires a separately purchased heatsink. TBW varies by capacity (600TB for 1TB, 1200TB for 2TB, 2400TB for 4TB).
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WD_Black P40: An external SSD option offering 2,000MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Cannot run PS5 games directly but is useful for storing PS4 games and transferring data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Is an SSD worth it? Yes, if you frequently play multiple games or live-service titles that require significant storage.
- What speed SSD do I need? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0).
- Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
- Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it? No, the PS5 doesn't fully utilize their speed.
Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for step-by-step installation instructions. Choosing the right SSD will significantly enhance your PS5 gaming experience.
