Is Your PS5 Running Out of Space? A Guide to SSD Upgrades

The thrill of next-gen gaming on the PlayStation 5 quickly confronts a frustrating reality: storage fills up fast. Modern titles, particularly expansive open-world adventures, can consume as much space as an entire library of PlayStation 4 games. This leads to the dreaded “Tetris” game of constantly deleting and reinstalling titles. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution: expanding your PS5’s internal storage with a compatible SSD. This isn’t just about convenience; a quality SSD ensures your console maintains lightning-fast load times, rivaling those of the built-in drive. It’s a small investment that delivers a significant improvement, especially for gamers who frequently switch between multiple titles.

However, navigating the world of SSDs can be daunting. Not all drives are created equal, and compatibility with the PS5 requires careful consideration. You need an SSD that meets Sony’s stringent speed requirements and can effectively dissipate heat during extended gaming sessions. Some models come equipped with a heatsink, while others allow you to purchase and install one separately, offering a cost-saving option. We’ve rigorously tested the top contenders to provide a curated selection of the best SSDs for PS5, simplifying the upgrade process and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

<p>Sony’s specifications for PS5 SSD upgrades are fairly precise. The official requirement is an M.2 Socket 3 (Key M) Gen4 x4 NVME SSD. But that’s just the starting point. Crucially, the drive must deliver sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. While some testing has shown the console can accept drives slightly slower – around 4,800MB/s – we strongly recommend adhering to the official specification to future-proof your investment and avoid potential compatibility issues with upcoming games.</p>

<p>Cooling is another critical factor. SSDs generate heat, and sustained high temperatures can lead to performance throttling or even damage. Sony mandates “effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink.” The PS5’s expansion slot has height limitations (11.25mm total, with only 2.45mm allowed below the drive), so you’ll need to ensure your chosen SSD and heatsink combination fits within these constraints. Fortunately, many manufacturers now offer PlayStation-specific SSDs designed to meet these requirements.</p>

<p>Beyond speed and cooling, physical dimensions matter. The PS5 supports 22mm-wide SSDs of various lengths (30mm, 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, and 110mm). The vast majority of drives available will be 22mm wide and 80mm long, making them universally compatible. </p>

<p><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> <div style="background-color:#fffbe6; border-left:5px solid #ffc107; padding:15px; margin:20px 0;"><strong>Pro Tip:</strong> Don't overlook the importance of a quality heatsink. Even if an SSD comes with one, consider upgrading to a more robust solution for optimal thermal performance, especially during marathon gaming sessions.</div></p>

<h2>How Much Storage Do You Really Need?</h2>

<p>Determining the ideal SSD capacity depends on your gaming habits and library size. The PlayStation 5 and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-5-pro-review-a-superpowered-700-console-for-gamers-who-wont-buy-a-pc-110056410.html">PlayStation 5 Pro</a> support internal drives ranging from 250GB to 8TB. While 250GB drives are technically compatible, they offer minimal storage for modern games and aren’t cost-effective. A 500GB drive is a viable option, but the sweet spot for most gamers is a 1TB or 2TB SSD, offering ample space without breaking the bank.</p>

<p>PS5 game sizes typically range from 30GB to 100GB, although some titles, like <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</em> and <em>Warzone 2.0</em>, can exceed 240GB. If you’re a dedicated <em>Call of Duty</em> player, a larger SSD is essential. For more casual gamers, a 1TB drive can comfortably accommodate six to ten games.  Consider your internet speed as well. If you have slow broadband, the convenience of having games readily available on an internal SSD outweighs the time it takes to re-download them.</p>

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  <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2020-11/341eb080-1ec1-11eb-bffb-88f330aaaf35" alt="Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console." data-uuid="a2d26540-68ec-3e38-a70e-59b044befdb5">
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    Aaron Souppouris / Engadget
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<p>The PS5’s internal storage is also impacted by the operating system and caching, meaning a 1TB SSD will provide approximately 1TB of usable space. The PS5 Pro offers 1.86TB of storage out of the box, which can be increased by deleting the pre-installed <em>Astro’s Playroom</em>.  Importantly, the upgrade process is compatible with all PS5 models – Slim, standard, and Pro – as they share the same internal architecture.</p>

<p>What about external storage? While external SSDs connected via USB are ideal for storing PS5 titles, they cannot be used to *play* PS5 games directly. They are, however, excellent for storing PS4 games and for quickly transferring PS5 games between storage locations.  For external storage, the Crucial X9 Pro and Samsung T7 are reliable options.</p>

<p>Do you find yourself constantly juggling game installations?  What's the biggest storage bottleneck you're facing with your PS5?</p>

<div style="background-color:#f0f8ff; border-left:5px solid #1e90ff; padding:15px; margin:20px 0;"><strong>Did You Know?</strong> <p>Gen5 SSDs, while faster, currently offer no performance benefit on the PS5 due to the console's hardware limitations. Stick with Gen4 for the best value.</p></div>

<section>
  <h3>How much storage space do I need for my PS5?</h3>
  <p>The ideal amount of storage depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB or 2TB SSD is generally recommended for most players, providing ample space for a growing game library without excessive cost.</p>
</section>

<section>
  <h3>Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD?</h3>
  <p>No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external SSD. However, you can store PS5 games on an external drive and transfer them to the internal SSD when you want to play.</p>
</section>

<section>
  <h3>What SSD specifications are essential for PS5 compatibility?</h3>
  <p>The SSD must be an M.2 Socket 3 (Key M) Gen4 x4 NVME SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s and include effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink.</p>
</section>

<section>
  <h3>Is a heatsink necessary for a PS5 SSD?</h3>
  <p>Yes, a heatsink is crucial to prevent thermal throttling and ensure optimal performance. The PS5’s expansion slot has height limitations, so choose a low-profile heatsink designed for PS5 SSDs.</p>
</section>

<section>
  <h3>How difficult is it to install an SSD into my PS5?</h3>
  <p>Installing an SSD is a relatively straightforward process. Our detailed guide, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/how-to-install-a-ps5-ssd-130010846.html">How to Install a PS5 SSD</a>, provides step-by-step instructions to help you through the process. Remember to ensure you have Sony’s latest system software installed beforehand.</p>
</section>

Upgrading your PS5’s storage is a worthwhile investment that enhances your gaming experience. By choosing the right SSD and following our guidance, you can eliminate storage anxieties and focus on what truly matters: enjoying your favorite games.

Share this article with fellow PlayStation gamers who are struggling with limited storage! What SSD are you considering for your PS5 upgrade? Let us know in the comments below!