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
The built-in SSD on a PS5 is 825 GB on the original console and on the Digital Edition variant listed in Sony’s CFI-21XX manual. Another CFI-21XX variant is listed at 1 TB, and the PS5 Pro is listed at 2 TB. These are advertised drive capacities. The space you can actually use for games is always smaller, so check your own console’s free space before deciding what to delete or add.
Built-in SSD capacity by model
There is no single storage figure that applies to every PS5. The number depends on the model group and edition, and the figures below are the ones Sony has published.
| Console model or edition | Advertised built-in SSD | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Original PS5 (launch specification) | 825 GB | Sony Interactive Entertainment technical specifications, 2020 |
| Original PS5, model CFI-1002A | 825 GB | Sony Interactive Entertainment CFI-1002A manual, 2020 |
| CFI-21XX, one console variant | 1 TB | PlayStation CFI-21XX instruction manual; publication date not shown in the source |
| CFI-21XX, Digital Edition variant | 825 GB | PlayStation CFI-21XX instruction manual; publication date not shown in the source |
| PS5 Pro | 2 TB | Sony Store Japan product listing; publication date not shown; regional listing |
The 825 GB figure describes the original model, not every PS5 sold since 2020. The PS5 Pro figure comes from a regional store listing, so confirm it against the listing in your own market before quoting it.
How to identify your console
Capacity depends on the exact model, so start by matching your console to the table:
#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.
- Find the model number, which begins with CFI, on the packaging or the label on the console. Match it to the CFI-1002A or CFI-21XX rows above.
- Check whether the console is a Digital Edition. The CFI-21XX manual assigns 825 GB to that edition, while another CFI-21XX variant is listed at 1 TB.
- If the model label and the box disagree, or you cannot find a CFI number, trust the console itself. The free-space check below works on any PS5.
Why free space is smaller than the printed capacity
Sony says part of the SSD is set aside for system use. The original model manual states: “A portion of the SSD capacity is reserved for use in connection with console administration, maintenance and additional options. As a result, the availability of SSD capacity may vary.” In practice, the space available for games is noticeably less than the advertised figure, and the exact amount can vary.
To see the real number on your console:
- From the home screen, open Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Read the free space shown for the internal SSD. PlayStation Support describes this route as: “To check how much free storage space you have, go to the home screen and select Settings > Storage.”
Use that figure, not the box, when deciding whether you need more room.
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.
Ways to add storage
There are three practical routes. They differ in whether PS5 games can run directly from the added storage, so compare them before buying anything.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
M.2 NVMe SSD (internal expansion)
An M.2 NVMe SSD installed in the console’s internal expansion slot is the only option that lets you keep PS5 games playable from the added drive. A drive has to meet Sony’s current requirements, which include:
Rank #3
- 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
- PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface.
- Capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB.
- A supported form factor and maximum dimensions that include any cooling structure, so measure the drive with its heatsink attached.
- A recommended sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or more.
- Effective heat dissipation.
PlayStation Support publishes these M.2 requirements, and its guidance is the authority on compatibility. A drive’s capacity alone does not establish that it works, so check the latest requirements page before buying.
USB extended storage (archive and transfer)
A USB external drive can store PS5 game data, which is useful for moving games off the console or keeping an archive. The limitation is that a PS5 game stored on USB storage must be moved back to the console’s internal storage or an M.2 drive before you can play it. Compatible PS4 games can be played directly from external USB storage.
Rank #4
- PCIe 4.0 SSD Extreme Performance: M.2 SSD 2TB adopts PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller, supports NVMe 2.0 technology, featuring sequential read/write speeds of up to 7100/5300 MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 2TB 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 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 2TB 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 2TB 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
Delete and redownload
If you do not need every game installed at once, you can delete games and reinstall them later. PlayStation says deleted purchased games and applications remain available to re-download from your game library. This costs no hardware, but it does require a network connection and the download time when you reinstall.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoosing between the options
| Option | Play PS5 games directly from it | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.2 NVMe SSD | Yes | A permanent internal upgrade | PlayStation’s current M.2 requirements, including dimensions with heatsink |
| USB external drive | No; PS5 games must be moved back first. PS4 games can be played from it. | Archiving and moving games off the console | Sony’s current USB extended storage guidance |
| Delete and redownload | Not applicable | Freeing space at no cost | Game is still in your library and can be downloaded again |
Game install sizes differ by title and by update, so the built-in capacity alone does not tell you how many games will fit. Check the sizes of the games you actually play against the free space you saw in Settings.
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.
