iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Short answer: To play downloaded PS5 games without repeatedly moving them, install a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD in the console’s expansion bay. A 2TB model with a correctly sized heatsink is the best fit for most libraries. USB SSDs are useful for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 games, but Sony does not allow PS5 games to run directly from USB extended storage.
The current tested shortlist covers four sensible choices: an overall/value model, a lower-cost option, a high-end drive and an 8TB high-capacity model. The comparison below separates manufacturer specifications from TechRadar’s June 15, 2026 test results, then explains compatibility, installation, capacity and troubleshooting.
The essential distinction: archive storage versus playable storage
PS5 games can be moved to a USB extended-storage drive, but they cannot be played directly from it. When you want to launch one, copy it back to the PS5’s internal console storage or to an installed M.2 SSD. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This makes the choice straightforward:
- Choose an internal M.2 NVMe SSD when you want PS5 games to remain playable from the added drive.
- Choose a USB SSD when your priority is inexpensive archiving, moving large downloads out of the console, or playing PS4 titles from the external drive.
A USB drive is therefore not a substitute for the M.2 expansion slot. It can hold a PS5 game safely, but a transfer back to playable storage is required before launching it.
#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 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.
USB extended-storage requirements
| Requirement | Sony specification | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or later | Use a USB 3.x-class connection that meets at least 5Gbps; slower legacy connections do not qualify. |
| Capacity | 250GB minimum, 8TB maximum | Drives outside this range are not supported as PS5 extended storage. |
| Connection | Connect the drive directly to the console | Sony warns against using a USB hub. |
| Compatibility | Not every device is guaranteed to work | Keep the receipt and test the exact drive and cable with your console before relying on it as your only archive. |
To prepare a new drive, connect it directly, open Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage, and choose the format option. Formatting erases the drive. To archive a PS5 game, open the console’s storage management screen, select the game and choose the move option for USB extended storage. When you want to play it, use the same storage controls to move it back to console or M.2 storage.
Best internal SSDs for PS5 games
TechRadar’s ranking, updated June 15, 2026, identifies four use cases. Its transfer rates are independent test results, not Sony specifications; quoted read/write figures come from the drive makers.
| Use case | Drive | Capacities listed | Quoted sequential speed | Endurance listed | TechRadar testing and qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall/value | Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink | 1TB, 2TB | Up to 7,000MB/s read; 5,100MB/s write | 1,200TBW | About 6,783MB/s in TechRadar’s test; strong endurance, pricing and a five-year warranty were highlighted. |
| Best budget | Lexar NM790 with Heatsink | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Up to 7,400MB/s read; 6,500MB/s write | 1,000TBW (1TB), 1,500TBW (2TB), 3,000TBW (4TB) | 6,526MB/s in the PS5 benchmark and more than 100GB copied in just under 45 seconds. The review reports occasional minor stutters in demanding games from its no-DRAM HMB design. |
| Best high-end | Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Up to 6,900MB/s read; 7,450MB/s write | Not stated in the supplied specifications | TechRadar measured 7,465.49MB/s read and 6,887.68MB/s write and transferred about 10GB in under four seconds. The review says it is expensive and can run hot. |
| Best high capacity | WD Black SN850P | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | Up to 7,300MB/s read; 6,300MB/s write | Not stated in the supplied specifications | Heatsink included. TechRadar considers the 8TB version the compelling choice for a very large library; the 1TB and 2TB versions offer weaker value. |
Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink: the balanced choice
The 980 Pro is the safest default when you want a mainstream 1TB or 2TB expansion drive without paying the premium associated with the fastest high-end option. Its tested throughput, stated endurance and five-year warranty make it a sensible fit for a console that will see frequent installs and removals.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBuy the version that already includes a PS5-compatible heatsink, rather than assuming a bare drive and a separate cooler will fit together. The heatsink counts toward Sony’s maximum installed thickness.
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 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.
Lexar NM790 with Heatsink: capacity per dollar
The NM790 is the budget-oriented pick when the purchase price matters and you want a 4TB option. TechRadar’s PS5 transfer result shows that it can move large game data quickly, but its no-DRAM Host Memory Buffer design was associated with occasional minor stutters in demanding games during the review. That caveat does not make the drive unusable; it is a reason to choose a different model if consistent behavior in every demanding title matters more than capacity or cost.
Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink: premium transfers
The 990 Pro is aimed at buyers who want the strongest measured transfer performance among these choices and are comfortable paying more. TechRadar’s testing shows very high sequential throughput and a sub-four-second transfer for about 10GB. The same review notes higher heat and price, so confirm that the bundled heatsink remains within the PS5 envelope before installation.
WD Black SN850P: the library-sized option
The SN850P is the only listed choice reaching 8TB. That capacity is useful if you want to keep a very large downloaded library installed rather than repeatedly archive titles. Its heatsink is included, but the exact assembled dimensions still need to be checked against Sony’s limit. TechRadar’s value assessment favors the 8TB version; the smaller capacities are less attractive on a cost-per-terabyte basis.
Internal M.2 requirements every compatible drive must meet
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s safety guide specifies the following for the PS5 expansion bay:
Rank #3
- 【NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface】MOVE SPEED 2tb SSD is supported by cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, with a read and write speed of up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s, which reduce the delays of the games and operating system. The PCIe 4.0 interface is 2 times faster than the PCIe 3.0 and 13.5 times faster than the SATA SSD, ensuring lightning fast game loading and file transfer times. Nvme pcie 4.0 ssd use less power and get more performance, making it the best choice for upgrading.
- 【Compatible with PS5 & Large Capacity】MOVE SPEED M.2 2tb SSD perfectly compatible with PS5, laptop, PC. Featuring an M.2 2280 (80mm) form factor, it's compact and easy to install. M.2 ps5 ssd offers large storage capacity of 1TB/2TB, providing ample storage space for work, study or games. Unrivaled performance and large storage capacity make it easily upgradeable and be ready at all the time. With up to 2TB storage, your PS5 has extra room to store up to 50 games. Always ready for next games.
- 【Premium Quality】Our m.2 ssd for PS5 utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and cutting-edge Maxio MAP1602 controller technology. After 6 rounds of extreme tests(16 hours of high and low temperature aging test, 8 hours of 2000 times of dormancy test, 48 hours of continuous transmission test), almost 80-hour rigorous test prove its stability and long service life.
- 【Plug and Play & Strongly Cooling】The NVMe m.2 SSD has a built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink, which can strongly cool down the chip by 10 degrees during works or games, avoiding high-temperature slowdown and jamming, and our package comes with an heat sink(not installed), screws and screwdriver. Easy installation, plug and play. Cools and maintains exceptional performance during overloaded. Notes:The heatsink install tutorial can be found on our details page, or ask our after-service team.
- 【What's in the Box】Package includes a 2TB solid state drive SSD, heatsink(not installed), screws, screwdriver, user manual. 7 x 24 friendly and efficient customer service, 30 days 100% return and refund if there're any problems with the ssd. With the strong R&D and production support of our own MOVE SPEED factories, we can provide consumers with the ultimate product experience and after-sales service.
| Specification | Required value | What to check on the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Drive type | PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe, Key M | The product must explicitly identify PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe support. |
| Capacity | 250GB to 8TB | The nominal capacity must fall within Sony’s range. |
| Supported module sizes | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110 | Confirm the module length matches a mounting position in the console. |
| Maximum installed envelope | 25mm wide, 110mm long, 11.25mm thick | Measure the SSD and heatsink together, including any heat-transfer sheet. |
| Interface excluded | M.2 SATA is not supported | An M.2 shape alone is not enough; SATA-based M.2 drives will not work. |
| Thermal hardware | Use a heatsink, heat-transfer sheet or both when the drive lacks heat dissipation | Overheating can cause operation failure, and the cooling hardware must stay inside the 11.25mm thickness limit. |
Sony also states that meeting the published dimensions does not guarantee that every third-party M.2 device will work. Treat the specifications as a compatibility filter, not as a promise of universal support.
How much capacity should you buy?
When 1TB makes sense
A 1TB SSD is the lowest-capacity choice in the tested recommendations. It suits a player who rotates through a smaller active collection, uses USB storage for archives, or wants the lowest initial cost. The console formats the drive and reserves some space, so the usable figure shown after installation will be lower than the number printed on the box.
Why 2TB is the usual sweet spot
For most owners, 2TB balances price, headroom and the number of games that can remain installed. It reduces the need to move titles to USB while avoiding the much higher purchase cost of an 8TB drive. The Samsung 980 Pro, Lexar NM790 and Samsung 990 Pro are all listed in 2TB versions, giving you a choice of value, budget capacity or premium performance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When 4TB is justified
Choose 4TB if you regularly keep several large games installed, share the console with other players, or want fewer archive transfers over the life of the console. The Lexar NM790, Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black SN850P are listed in this capacity. Compare the complete heatsink bundle, not just the bare-drive price.
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).
Who should consider 8TB
An 8TB SSD is for a very large permanent library. Among the listed options, only the WD Black SN850P reaches that capacity. It is a convenience purchase rather than a value default, and its price and availability can change quickly.
Do higher benchmark speeds make games load faster?
All four recommendations advertise enough PCIe Gen4 performance for the PS5 expansion requirement. Sequential read and write numbers are useful for comparing large transfers, but they do not establish a universal game-loading advantage. TechRadar’s figures are measurements from its own tests under its own conditions, not a guarantee that every title will load faster by the same margin.
The practical differences are more visible during installation, copying and moving games. TechRadar copied more than 100GB from the NM790 in just under 45 seconds and transferred about 10GB with the 990 Pro in under four seconds. Those are useful reference points, not promises for your console, game, firmware, cable or source drive.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Endurance is another comparison axis. Terabytes written (TBW) describe the amount of data a manufacturer rates the drive to withstand under its warranty methodology; they are not a prediction of the exact life of a PS5 installation. The NM790’s stated TBW varies by capacity, while the supplied specifications list 1,200TBW for the 980 Pro and do not state endurance figures for the 990 Pro or SN850P.
Best Value
- PCIe 4.0 SSD Extreme Performance: M.2 SSD 1TB adopts PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller, supports NVMe 2.0 technology, featuring sequential read/write speeds of up to 7000/3900 MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 1TB SSD NVMe SSD is fit for most motherboards and Desktops, Laptops, All-in-one PCs, and etc, FANXIANG S880ER with Heatsink SSD for PS5 delivers incredible storage performance
- NVME SSD 1TB for Gaming: Designed for hardcore gamers, S880ER with Heatsink PCIe 4.0 SSD is compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage, enables faster loads for an extreme gaming experience, and it is your best partner for victory in Game. Upgrade your game console storage, enabling a extraordinary experience in game
- Professional Performance for Working: Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory that delivers incredibly high transfer speeds for short boot time, fast application loading, and fast file processing. M.2 SSD 1TB is designed for high performance, and enabling a extraordinary experience in productivity for professionals, and videomakers even under heavy workloads
- Efficient Thermal Control: S880ER with Heatsink M.2 SSD for PS5 has unique heatsink design, which can effectively help reduce the temperature of the PCIe 4.0 SSD when it is working. Even during extended gaming sessions or intense data processing tasks, the SSD for PS5 remains cool, maintaining consistent high performance. This means no slowdowns, allowing you to enjoy peak speeds at all times
- 5-Year Service: Our 1TB NVMe SSD for PS5 come with a 5 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. FANXlANG is a trustworthy storage product brand with more than 20 years of manufacturing experience
Installation guide for an internal M.2 SSD
- Verify the complete assembly. Check that the SSD is PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe, Key M, within 250GB–8TB, and that the SSD plus heatsink fits inside 25mm × 110mm × 11.25mm. Do this before opening the console.
- Shut down completely. Use the PS5 power menu, wait until the status light is off, unplug the console and let it cool. Do not install the drive while the console is in Rest Mode.
- Gather the tool. Sony’s installation guidance calls for a Phillips screwdriver. Keep the expansion-bay screw and spacer available; do not substitute a screw that could contact the circuit board.
- Open the expansion bay. Remove the console cover and the M.2 expansion-bay cover according to the hardware guide for your PS5 model. Place the covers somewhere clean so dust does not enter the bay.
- Set the spacer and insert the drive. Position the supplied spacer at the mounting hole that matches the SSD length, slide the M.2 connector into the socket at an angle, then press the free end down and secure it with the bay screw. Never force the connector.
- Close the console. Refit the bay cover and the outer console cover, then reconnect the power and display cables.
- Format when prompted. Start the PS5 and follow the on-screen M.2 formatting guide. Formatting deletes existing data on the new drive, so a drive containing files from another computer must be backed up first.
- Confirm storage. Open the Storage settings and verify the new M.2 capacity appears. Install or move a game only after the console has completed formatting.
If the console does not detect the drive, power it off again before reseating anything. Check the connector, mounting screw, spacer position, interface type and assembled dimensions.
PS5 Slim compatibility
For a PS5 Slim, use the same Sony interface, capacity, module-size and maximum-envelope requirements. The relevant question is not whether a listing says “Slim,” but whether the exact SSD-and-heatsink assembly fits the console’s M.2 bay and uses PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe rather than M.2 SATA.
Before buying, inspect the listing for the complete installed thickness, confirm that the heatsink is included if you need one, and compare the model number with the seller’s specification sheet. Sony’s warning that third-party compatibility is not guaranteed applies even when the published measurements appear compliant.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choosing by situation
| Your priority | Most appropriate direction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced 1TB or 2TB expansion | Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink | Combines strong tested throughput, stated endurance and a five-year warranty. |
| Lowest-cost route to 1TB–4TB | Lexar NM790 with Heatsink | Offers the broadest budget capacity range, with the review’s HMB stutter caveat. |
| Premium transfer performance | Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink | TechRadar recorded the highest measured read result among these tested drives, but the model costs more and can run hot. |
| Largest permanently installed library | WD Black SN850P 8TB | It is the only listed option reaching 8TB and includes a heatsink. |
| PS5-game archiving or PS4 play | USB extended-storage SSD | It meets a different need: PS5 games must be copied back before play, while PS4 games can run from the USB drive. |
Buying and installation pitfalls
- Buying a bare drive by mistake: A bare M.2 may need a separate heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. Confirm that the combined thickness remains 11.25mm or less.
- Confusing M.2 with NVMe: M.2 describes the physical format. The PS5 requires PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe and does not support M.2 SATA.
- Using the advertised speed as a guarantee: Boxed sequential figures and review benchmarks are not Sony-certified loading-time promises. Attribute test results to the test conditions in which they were measured.
- Expecting USB to run PS5 games: The console can store the files externally, but the game must be moved to console or M.2 storage before launch.
- Connecting through a hub: Sony advises a direct USB connection for extended storage.
- Ignoring heat: Insufficient heat dissipation can cause operation failure. Use a suitable thermal solution, but do not exceed the installed-size envelope.
- Assuming every compliant drive is guaranteed: Sony explicitly says third-party M.2 compatibility is not guaranteed, so retain your purchase protection and verify the exact SKU.
- Comparing old prices: SSD pricing, stock and heatsink bundles change quickly. Check the live listing, regional availability and exact capacity before ordering.
Recommended decision
Start with a 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe drive that includes a heatsink and fits Sony’s 25mm × 110mm × 11.25mm maximum. The Samsung 980 Pro is the balanced default; select the Lexar NM790 when budget and 4TB capacity matter most, the Samsung 990 Pro when premium transfer performance justifies its cost and heat, or the WD Black SN850P 8TB when the goal is the largest installed library. Add a USB SSD separately only when you need an archive for PS5 games or direct playback of PS4 games.
Quick Recap
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.
