Amazon End of the year deals
Advert
One of the most disappointing aspects for many users of the PlayStation 5 is the reduced storage capacity in its internal memory, but Since August 2021, PS5 owners have the option to install an M.2 SSD expansion and get the same performance as the ultra-fast internal SSD while playing PS5 games. There are, however, certain specifications and requirements that must be followed in order to select the best SSD for your PS5.
Sony specifications include a cooling structure for heating dissipation, such as a heatsink that is necessary to adapt to the M.2 SSD storage expansion, 250 GB to 4 TB capacity, with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Also, Sony has provided the measures for the storage and heatsink.
Advert
What are the requirements and specifications?
Check the full specifications for the M.2 SSD and heatsinks here.
Advert
To install the internal SSD, Sony recommends doing it in a well-lit room with a table to work on, A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver, and a small flashlight (optional). Before installing the M.2 SSD, it is also essential to remove any static from the body by touching any metal grounded device, as the M.2 SSD or the PS5 may get damaged.
So far, not all the M.2 SSDs available on the market meet Sony's specifications. Therefore, we selected the best internal solid-state drives with heatsinks available. I advise getting it pre-installed with the manufacturer's heatsink for better performance and warranty.
1. Western Digital SN850, SN850X
Speed up to: 7,000 MB/s, 7,300 MB/s
The WD SN850 and SN850X are one of the best SSDs for the PS5 on the market and a great option if you want a reliable internal expansion for your console. As a matter of fact, the SN850 gen 4 has all the aspects to cover the list of requirements that the PS5 requires. Even the same Mark Cerny, the architect of the console, made a public statement on Twitter selecting this SSD like the one for his PS5s.
The SN850 with the heat sink is pre-installed and ready to connect to the console. In terms of storage capacity, it comes with 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, and there is an option to get it without the heat sink. First, however, it is necessary to install a compatible heat sink.
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Advert
2. Seagate FireCuda 530
Speed up to: 7,300 MB/s
Having passed all the specifications of the PS5 since the beta test in 2021, the Firecuda 530 gen 4 is the first SSD available for the console. This reliable and quick option has outstanding performance as the read speed is 7,300 MB/s, and also it comes with multiple storage options such as 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB. Moreover, the SSD comes with or without the heatsink pre-installed.
Amazon US
Amazon UK
3. Samsung 980 PRO
Speed up to: 7,000 MB/s
The Samsung 980 Pro is a premium, high-quality option with exceptional performance that is ready for any PS5 owner searching for internal SSD storage with excellent quality. The 980 Pro is now available with a well-ventilated heatsink that ensures consistent performance, and it is available with 1 and 2 TB storage. Also, there are some options without the heatsink with 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage.
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Advert
4. Gigabyte AORUS
Speed up to: 7,000 MB/s
The Aorus is another excellent internal Gen4 SSD to consider that is ready for the PS5, as it has the right heatsink pre-installed for the reduced space inside the console. In addition, the Aorus has a decent 7000 MB/s speed and offers a 1 or 2 TB storage option for a very competitive price compared with the other alternatives.
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
5. Kingston Fury Renegade
Speed up to: 7,300 MB/s
The Kingstone Fury is one of the fastest and most reliable SSD you can install to your PS5 and is another excellent internal Gen4 SSD to consider from a company that is an expert in memory products. The Fury renegade has a speed of up to 7300 MB/s and offers a good range of capacity, from 500 GB to 4TB storage. The M.2 SSD in the United Kingdom doesn't have the heatsink preinstalled, and perhaps it can be a disappointment as the performance of this M.2 SSD is terrific. Fortunately, for a decent price, there are excellent and easy-to-install options, such as the Sabrent heatsink, which can ensure that the Fury will run smoothly inside your PS5.
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Advert
6. Crucial P5 Plus
Speed up to: 6,600 MB/s
With sequential read speeds up to 6600MB/s, the Crucial P5 Plus SSD offers impressive speed and data protection. Although it is not the fastest on the list, the SSD is a very reliable option from a company that specializes in PC memories. Furthermore, it is equipped with the latest Gen4 NVMe technology designed to ensure the safety of your games and enhance system reliability that practically matches the internal PS5 SSD performance. The P5 Plus offers a decent range of capacity, from 500 GB to 2TB storage.
Although the Crucial P5 Plus doesn't come with the heatsink already installed, there are excellent and easy-to-install alternatives, such as the Sabrent heatsink Amazon USA or Amazon UK, which can ensure it runs smoothly inside the PS5.
Amazon USA
Amazon UK
Advert
*GamersAdvisor may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon Associate.
(For more information please visit About us section.)
** Discounts offered by retailers can change at any time, so they can appear differently on their websites.