Best SSD for PlayStation 5 Storage Expansion
Finding your PS5 storage full after just a few AAA installs is a rite of passage for every gamer. While the internal 825GB drive was revolutionary at launch, modern titles like Call of Duty and Jedi: Survivor demand more breathing room. I’ve spent years testing NVMe drives, and for the PS5, the WD_BLACK SN850X remains my undisputed top pick. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate heatsinks and read speeds to ensure your expansion feels seamless and fast.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best SSD for PlayStation 5: Detailed Reviews
WD_BLACK SN850X View on Amazon
The WD_BLACK SN850X is the refined successor to the original drive Mark Cerny himself recommended. In my testing, this drive consistently hits the upper echelons of Gen4 performance, often clocking in-game load times that are indistinguishable from the PS5’s native internal storage. What I love most is the pre-installed heatsink; it’s slim enough to fit perfectly in the expansion slot while maintaining excellent thermals during three-hour gaming marathons. It utilizes Game Mode 2.0 to optimize throughput, and while that’s a PC feature, the underlying hardware efficiency translates beautifully to the console environment. You’re getting a 1,200 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating on the 2TB model, which means it’ll likely outlive the console itself. It’s slightly pricier than budget alternatives, but for peace of mind and raw speed, it’s the gold standard I use in my personal PS5.
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Lexar NM790 View on Amazon
The Lexar NM790 is a bit of a dark horse that has taken the enthusiast community by storm. Don’t let the lack of a dedicated DRAM cache scare you; it uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 and a state-of-the-art controller that actually runs cooler and more efficiently than many high-end drives. I find this drive exceptional for users who want 4TB of storage without spending the price of a second console. It boasts 7,400 MB/s sequential reads, which actually surpasses the PS5’s recommended specs by a wide margin. In practical use, you’ll notice that transferring a 100GB game takes mere seconds. The version with the integrated heatsink is essential for the PS5, and it fits the bay with millimeters to spare. It’s the smartest “bang-for-your-buck” choice on the market right now, offering premium Gen4 speeds at what used to be entry-level prices.
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX View on Amazon
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX was specifically designed with the PS5 in mind, hence the “LPX” (Low Profile) designation. It’s frequently on sale, making it one of the most accessible ways to add a terabyte or two to your console. Performance-wise, it delivers a solid 7,100 MB/s, which is well above Sony’s 5,500 MB/s floor. I’ve installed this in several friends’ consoles, and the build quality of the heatsink is what stands out—it feels substantial and well-engineered. The only real limitation is that at the 500GB or 1TB capacities, its write speeds are slightly slower than the flagship WD or Samsung drives, but for purely gaming, you will never feel that bottleneck. If you’re looking to spend the bare minimum while still getting a “name brand” drive with a high-quality thermal solution, this is your best bet.
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Samsung 990 Pro View on Amazon
Samsung’s 990 Pro is widely considered the king of the M.2 world for a reason. Its random read/write speeds are significantly higher than the competition, which helps with background tasks and asset streaming in open-world games. I’ve found that the 990 Pro runs incredibly efficiently; Samsung managed to increase performance by 50% per watt over the 980 Pro. The integrated heatsink version features stylish RGB (though you won’t see it inside the PS5) and a very effective thermal pad setup. While an early firmware issue worried some users a year ago, current stock is fully patched and rock-solid. If you also use your SSD for heavy PC workloads or video editing when it’s not in your PS5, this is the most versatile drive you can buy. It is the ultimate “no compromises” choice for those who trust Samsung’s long history of NAND dominance.
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Seagate FireCuda 530 View on Amazon
The Seagate FireCuda 530 was one of the first drives to be officially confirmed as PS5 compatible, and it remains a beast. Its standout spec is the endurance rating—at 2,550 TBW for the 2TB model, it is nearly double that of the Samsung or WD counterparts. While you’ll likely never write that much data just by playing games, it’s a testament to the quality of the 176-layer TLC NAND used here. The heatsink is a collaborative design with EKWB, a legend in the water-cooling space, and it looks and performs like a high-end piece of machinery. It’s often a bit more expensive than the newer Lexar or Corsair drives, but you’re paying for that extreme durability and the peace of mind that comes with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services. It’s a workhorse drive that excels in every metric.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose an SSD for PS5
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD_BLACK SN850X | Overall Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar NM790 | Value Seekers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Corsair MP600 Pro LPX | Budget Builds | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Samsung 990 Pro | Premium Quality | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Seagate FireCuda 530 | Max Endurance | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
Yes, absolutely. Sony explicitly mandates a heatsink for the PS5’s internal M.2 expansion slot. The slot is located in a corner of the console with limited airflow compared to the main fan. Without a heatsink, the SSD will quickly reach its thermal limit during intensive gaming, causing it to throttle its speed significantly to protect itself. This results in stuttering or longer load times. You can buy a drive with a pre-installed heatsink or add your own.
Can I play PS5 games directly from the expanded SSD?
Yes, this is the primary benefit of the M.2 expansion slot. Unlike external USB drives, which can only store PS5 games (you have to move them back to the internal drive to play), the internal M.2 SSD works exactly like the built-in storage. You can install, play, and update PS5 and PS4 games directly from the expansion drive without any performance penalty. In many cases, high-end drives actually load games a fraction of a second faster than the internal drive.
Will installing an SSD void my PlayStation 5 warranty?
No, it will not. Sony designed the PS5 with a user-accessible expansion slot specifically so owners could upgrade their storage. The process only involves removing the outer console cover and a single screw. As long as you follow the instructions and don’t physically damage the motherboard or other internal components during the process, your warranty remains fully intact. It’s a “user-serviceable” part of the console, much like the hard drive was in the PS3 and PS4 eras.
Is a Gen5 SSD better for the PS5 than a Gen4?
While PCIe Gen5 SSDs are technically faster on paper, they offer zero benefit for the PlayStation 5. The PS5’s hardware interface is capped at PCIe Gen4 speeds. A Gen5 drive will technically work because the technology is backwards compatible, but it will be limited to Gen4 speeds. Furthermore, Gen5 drives run significantly hotter and are much more expensive. Stick with a high-quality Gen4 drive like the SN850X or 990 Pro for the best experience and value.
How much storage should I actually buy?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you mostly play one or two live-service games like Fortnite or Destiny 2, a 1TB drive is plenty. However, if you enjoy a variety of AAA titles, many of which now exceed 100GB each, I strongly recommend a 2TB drive. It offers the best price-per-gigabyte ratio and provides enough room for roughly 15-20 major titles. Only go for 4TB or 8TB if you have a massive library you want accessible at all times without redownloading.
Final Verdict
Expanding your PS5 storage is the single best upgrade you can make for your console. If you want the absolute best experience with zero compromises, grab the **WD_BLACK SN850X**—it’s the enthusiast’s choice for a reason. For those who want more space for less money, the **Lexar NM790** is a modern marvel of efficiency. Regardless of which drive you choose, ensure it has a heatsink, and you’ll be back to gaming with a massive library in minutes.