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For PS5 storage expansion, start with fit and compatibility—not a headline speed ranking. Choose a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe drive with an effective heatsink or other cooling structure, then verify that the complete assembly fits Sony’s size limits. Sony recommends sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s, but says some games may not perform exactly as they do on the console’s internal SSD.
What makes an M.2 SSD compatible with a PS5?
Sony’s requirements apply to the complete drive, including its heatsink or other heat-dissipation structure. Check the exact product and capacity SKU before buying: dimensions and advertised speeds can vary between versions of the same drive. Sony also cautions that it cannot guarantee every third-party drive meeting its listed specifications will work.
Interface, capacity and supported lengths
- Interface: PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe, Key M. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
- Capacity: 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Supported M.2 sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
These are Sony’s compatibility requirements and supported dimensions; see PlayStation’s M.2 SSD requirements for the full specification.
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Heatsink clearance matters as much as drive length
The maximum width, including the cooling structure, is 25 mm. The maximum total thickness is 11.25 mm, with separate limits above and below the circuit board: up to 8 mm above it and up to 2.45 mm below it. A drive can have a supported length and still be too wide or thick once its heatsink is included.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Sony supports both single-sided and double-sided M.2 drives, but the cooling structures differ. If the manufacturer does not clearly state the complete assembled dimensions, check with it before purchase rather than assuming the heatsink will clear the PS5 slot. Sony says effective heat dissipation is required and warns that operating without heat-dissipation parts can cause overheating and operation failure.
How much SSD speed does a PS5 need?
Sony recommends sequential read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster for an expansion SSD. Treat that as a recommendation, not a guarantee that games will load or behave identically to the internal SSD. Sony notes that some games may not perform exactly the same even when an expansion drive exceeds that speed.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Manufacturer read-speed figures are maximum specifications, not independent PS5 game tests. The available product documentation does not establish a head-to-head performance ranking, measured loading-time gains or an average improvement across games. Avoid choosing on advertised throughput alone; confirm compatibility and compare the exact SKU, capacity, complete heatsink dimensions, warranty and price per usable terabyte.
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These are documented options, not a tested ranking. Their performance numbers below are claims from the manufacturers, and the stated figures apply to the specified capacities.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Drive | Documented details | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink | Samsung identifies its 1 TB listing as PCIe 4.0 NVMe and PS5 compatible, and advertises read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s for that SKU. Samsung product specifications | Confirm that the capacity and exact heatsink SKU you plan to buy meet Sony’s complete size limits. |
| WD_BLACK SN850P for PS5 | WD describes this drive as officially licensed for PS5, with a heatsink designed for the M.2 slot, and lists capacities up to 8 TB. WD advertises read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s for the 2 TB and 4 TB models. WD product data sheet | Confirm the specifications for your chosen capacity. Licensing does not establish better game performance than another compatible drive. |
The product pages establish manufacturer specifications, not comparative PS5 test results or current prices. Compare retail listings and warranty terms for the exact SKU before deciding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to install and format the expansion SSD
Use the Sony installation instructions for your specific PS5 model group; covers and model-specific procedures can vary. Sony’s guide describes the core process as follows:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Turn off the console and follow the model-specific instructions to remove the M.2 expansion-slot cover.
- Adjust the supplied spacer to match the SSD’s length.
- Insert the SSD into the connector, lower it into position and secure it.
- Replace the expansion-slot cover and reassemble the console as directed.
- Start the console. For a newly installed SSD, follow the on-screen formatting guide.
See Sony’s installation guide for the steps that apply to your console.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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.
