If you want more room to keep and play PS5 games, a compatible internal M.2 NVMe SSD is the practical upgrade: games on it can be launched directly. A USB extended drive can store PS5 games, but you must copy them back to console or M.2 storage before playing. The choice depends on whether you need playable space or a place to park games between sessions.
Choose between an internal M.2 SSD and USB extended storage
| What you need | Internal M.2 SSD | USB extended storage |
|---|---|---|
| Play PS5 games directly from the drive | Yes. Sony supports downloading, storing, and playing PS5 games from M.2 storage. | No. Copy a PS5 game back to console or M.2 storage before playing it. |
| Play PS4 games directly from the drive | Yes. M.2 storage can store and launch PS4 games. | Yes. PS4 games can be played from USB extended storage. |
| Download or update games on the drive | Yes. You can use M.2 storage for game downloads and updates. | PS5 games can be stored on USB extended storage; Sony’s guidance describes it as a place to keep them between sessions, not play them directly. |
| Hardware and setup | A compatible PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, plus cooling that fits the expansion slot. | A compatible USB extended storage device; it does not require fitting an M.2 drive and cooling structure inside the console. |
Sony explains the distinction in its PS5 storage management guide and USB extended storage guide. Choose M.2 when you want additional space for games you can play without moving them first. Choose USB if you mainly want to keep PS5 games installed but out of the console’s playable storage, or play PS4 games from the drive.
Check M.2 SSD compatibility before buying
Search for a “PS5 compatible PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with heatsink,” then verify the current manufacturer specification sheet. The drive must meet Sony’s interface and size requirements, and the complete assembly—not just the SSD board—must fit.
Required interface, capacity, and form factor
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe, with an M key. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
- Capacity: 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Supported form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The four-digit number indicates the drive’s width and length in millimetres.
- Sequential read speed: Sony recommends 5,500 MB/s or faster. This is a recommendation, not a guarantee that a drive will match the built-in SSD or a guaranteed performance threshold.
These requirements and recommendations are listed in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s M.2 SSD installation guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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 drive and its cooling structure together
Sony requires effective heat dissipation. Check the assembled SSD—including any heatsink or other cooling structure—against these expansion-slot limits:
- Width: up to 25 mm.
- Length: 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm.
- Thickness: up to 11.25 mm total, including no more than 8.0 mm above the SSD board and 2.45 mm below it.
Single- and double-sided drives are supported, but cooling structures vary, and Sony notes that single-sided cooling structures are easier to fit. A bare drive may need a compatible heatsink or heat-transfer sheet. If the SSD already has a built-in heatsink, Sony advises against adding a second one. Confirm that the complete assembly stays within the dimensions rather than relying on a product label that says only “PS5 compatible.”
Rank #2
- 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).
Compatibility is not guaranteed for every third-party drive
Meeting the published specifications does not guarantee that a particular SSD will work or perform identically to the console’s internal storage. Sony Interactive Entertainment states in its PlayStation M.2 SSD support guide: “SIE cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products.” Sony also notes that some games may not perform exactly as they do from the internal SSD. Treat the speed figure as guidance, not a promise.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Install and use the SSD safely
- Update system software. Sony says to install the latest PS5 system software before adding the drive.
- Open the instructions for your exact console model. Sony’s installation steps differ across model groups, so use the model-specific directions in the official installation guide rather than assuming one cover-removal procedure applies to every PS5.
- Install the drive and its cooling structure within the fit limits. Follow the console-specific instructions and ensure the heatsink or other cooling assembly is seated as directed.
- Format the entire M.2 SSD when prompted. Formatting erases the drive, so do not install it expecting to preserve data already stored on it.
- Set storage and move games as needed. You can choose M.2 as an installation location and move games among console storage, M.2 storage, and USB extended storage.
If a game has problems when played from M.2 storage, Sony advises moving it to the console’s internal storage. Remove the M.2 SSD before sending the console for repair. Sony says proper installation of a compliant drive generally should not affect warranty coverage, but damage caused by failing to follow requirements or instructions may not be covered; check the warranty terms for your region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
- Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
- Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
- PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
- Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.
Rank #4
- 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).
Rank #3
- 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.
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.
