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For a PS5 storage upgrade, choose a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD between 250 GB and 8 TB, with a recommended sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and a cooling solution that fits Sony’s size limits. Those figures are compatibility guidance, not a guarantee that every drive will work or match the console’s built-in SSD performance.
What to look for in a PS5 SSD
Interface, form factor, and capacity
Sony specifies a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a Key M socket. Supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110; capacity must be 250 GB to 8 TB. M.2 SATA drives are not supported. Check the exact model documentation rather than relying only on a product listing’s general PS5 compatibility claim. Sony’s PS5 M.2 SSD requirements are listed on its Canada support page.
Read speed
Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Treat this as a recommendation, not a performance guarantee: Sony notes that some games may not perform exactly as they do on the console’s built-in Ultra-High Speed SSD, even when the expansion drive exceeds the recommended speed.
Cooling and total dimensions
The drive needs effective heat dissipation, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. Some SSDs include a cooling structure; others need one bought separately. Do not add a second heatsink to a drive with one built in—Sony recommends against this because it may reduce cooling effectiveness.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Measure the complete assembly with its cooling structure installed. Sony’s maximum dimensions are 25 mm wide, 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm long depending on the form factor, and 11.25 mm thick overall. That thickness allows up to 8.0 mm above the SSD’s circuit board and 2.45 mm below it. Sony says single-sided cooling structures are easier to fit.
How to compare candidate drives
There is no specific model or current price established here as the best choice. Compare candidates against the same practical criteria:
Rank #2
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
- Capacity and cost per usable terabyte: Pick enough space for your game library and compare the price for that capacity.
- Sequential read speed: Check the manufacturer’s specification against Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation.
- Cooling included: Confirm whether the exact configuration includes an appropriate heatsink or needs a separate cooling structure.
- Full dimensions: Verify the SSD and cooling assembly together against Sony’s width, length, and thickness limits.
- Exact model documentation: Make sure the specifications apply to the model and heatsink configuration you intend to buy.
For a search such as “M.2 SSD with heatsink for PS5,” confirm the full dimensions and configuration before ordering. A 2 TB drive may be one capacity to compare, but Sony does not require 2 TB, and capacity alone does not establish that a drive is the best value.
Recommended Free Tools
M.2 SSD versus USB extended storage
An installed M.2 SSD can store, download, and run PS5 games. PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied back to the console’s internal storage or M.2 SSD before you can play them. If your priority is playing PS5 games directly from added storage, an internal M.2 expansion serves a different purpose from USB storage. Sony explains the storage options and their limits here.
Rank #3
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Installation and first-use preparation
- Check the fit and cooling plan: Confirm the drive’s form factor, complete dimensions, and heat-dissipation arrangement before opening the console.
- Gather the tool: Sony lists a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver for installation.
- Discharge static electricity: Touch a grounded metal object before handling the SSD.
- Back up anything important on the drive: The first use requires formatting, which erases all data on the M.2 SSD.
- Install and format: Follow Sony’s current instructions for adding an M.2 SSD to the PS5. Formatting is required before the drive can be used as console storage.
What compatibility figures do—and do not—guarantee
Sony’s support guidance provides specifications, but it does not certify that every drive meeting them will work. Sony says it cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSDs meeting the described requirements will operate with the console, and it does not guarantee identical game performance to the internal SSD. Check the current support page and the manufacturer’s exact product specifications before buying.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X NVMe SSD
- TRANFORM YOUR PC: Insane speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB - 4TB models) deliver top-tier performance with ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation — for the elite experience you’ve been waiting for.
- MORE ROOM FOR MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with SANDISK TLC 3D NAND, means you get to keep more games at the ready — and get into the action even faster.
- DO MORE WITH WD_BLACK DASHBOARD: The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) monitors your drive’s health, lets you customize your RGB lighting, and, exclusively on the SN850X SSD, enables Game Mode 2.0 to transform your gaming experience.
- FUTURE FORWARD FREATURES: The WD_BLACK SN850X SSD boasts a powerful suite of features, including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
Rank #4
- Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
- Work and Play - Whether you pursue science or culture, X7400 m.2 ssd 1TB accentuates ferocious performance for heavy computing and immersive gameplay. Get up to 40% fast performance for heavy-duty applications in data analytics, content creation, gaming and more.
- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
