Upgrade Your PS5: Top-Rated M.2 SSDs for 2025

Enhance Your PS5 Experience: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by the built-in storage. The PS5 changed that with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a welcome upgrade, especially considering the PS5's limited base storage (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), significantly improves load times.

TL;DR - Best PS5 SSDs:

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX See it on Amazon

Crucial T500 See it on Amazon

Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy

WD_Black P40 See it on Amazon

PS5 SSD Considerations:

• Interface: Requires at least a PCIe 4.0 (Gen 4) drive for speeds up to 7,500MB/s. Gen 3 drives are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: An M.2 drive is essential. While various sizes are compatible, the 2280 is the most common.
• Heatsink: A heatsink is highly recommended due to the heat generated by PCIe 4.0 SSDs. The PS5's internal design isn't ideal for passive cooling. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately (ensure it's under 11.25mm tall).
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling the console's storage. Larger capacities (4TB+) are available but more expensive.

Poll: What's Your PS5 SSD Priority?

(Poll options: High storage, Fastest speeds, PCIe 5.0 (future-proofing), Built-in heatsink, Low price)

PS5 SSD Essentials:

Many high-speed, affordable SSDs are compatible with the PS5. Prices vary significantly depending on capacity. Larger drives (e.g., 8TB) can cost over $500.

Key Specifications:

• Dimensions: Maximum 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm (including heatsink)
• Interface: NVMe PCIe 4.0
• Read Speed: At least 5500MB/s (PS5 testing often peaks around 6500MB/s)
• Warranty & TBW (Terabytes Written): Check the warranty period and TBW rating for an indication of drive longevity. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and endurance.

SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (Best Overall):

• Read Speed: Up to 7,100MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5,800MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB (reviewed)
• NAND Type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB
• Pros: Excellent value, high read speeds.
• Cons: Not the absolute fastest available.

2. Crucial T500 (Best Budget):

• Read Speed: Up to 7,300MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,800MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB (reviewed)
• NAND Type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB
• Pros: Excellent value, impressive speeds.
• Cons: No 4TB option available.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus (Best Without Heatsink):

• Read Speed: Up to 7,250MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,300MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB - 4TB
• NAND Type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
• TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)
• Pros: Excellent performance, fast load times.
• Cons: Requires a separate heatsink.

4. WD_Black P40 (Best External):

• Read Speed: 2,000MB/s
• Write Speed: 2,000MB/s
• Capacity: 1TB
• NAND Type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB
• Pros: Faster than traditional HDDs, multi-platform support.
• Cons: Cannot run PS5 games directly.

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Yes, if you have multiple games or large live-service titles.
• Required SSD Speed? Minimum 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0).
• Best Time to Buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday.
• PCIe 5.0 Necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds.

Remember to consult our guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage for installation instructions. (link-to-installation-guide)