One thing to consider is the memory of the new PS5, as games are taking up more and more space and the internal memory is often not enough.
You may already know this because you’ve already filled up the 667GB of storage that came with your PS5, or you may still plan to. If you haven’t done so yet, keep that in mind because it’s very likely that you’ll need a hard drive for your PS5 in the near future.
If you want to save yourself from constantly uninstalling, downloading, and installing games, it’s worth equipping your PlayStation 5 with an external hard drive – especially if you have a lot of PS4 games that you’ll eventually want to play again thanks to the new console’s improved features.
In addition to external hard drives, we also offer the best SSD drives that you can insert into your console’s internal slot to play PS5 games directly.
With Sony’s September 2021 update, all users can now install an SSD, not just beta users. Below are the requirements for internal SSD compatibility with PS5.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best PS5 SSDs you can buy now so you can continue using your gaming console without worrying about storage space.
We are here to help you with this difficult task, with many hard drives to make everything clear.
Internal SSDs for PS5
How to increase PS5 storage with internal M.2 SSD
The new PS5 console offers the possibility to add an internal M.2 SSD for more performance.
After months of waiting, the PS5 finally offers all users the ability to expand storage with external and internal hard drives. Until September 2021, only beta users could add internal SSDs, but after Sony’s update on September 15, anyone can do so.
This has led to the introduction of new compatible internal SSDs. According to Sony, these SSDs must have several built-in features to work.
The most important requirements are, of course, that they are sized for the available space in the internal slot and that they meet the speed requirements. We’ll cover all of that a bit later.
We’ve shown that with these internal hard drives, you can install PS5 games as usual and enjoy similar download speeds to PS5 storage.
Below are a number of frequently asked questions for more information.
M.2 SSDs are high-speed hard drives that can be added to increase the storage capacity of your PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition console.
With an M.2 SSD installed in your PS5 console, you can download, copy, and run games and multimedia applications for PS5 and PS4. You can freely transfer games between the PS5 console’s storage, the connected extended USB storage device, and the inserted M.2 SSD.
It is important that only compatible M.2 SSDs are used to expand the PS5’s storage.
Sony’s requirements for good performance are as follows:
– It must be a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD with an M.2 form factor.
– It must have a minimum download speed of 5500 MB/s.
– It must have a built-in heat sink or equivalent cooling system. If not already present, it must be added separately.
– Supported capacities are 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB or 4 TB.
In the following list of the best internal hard drives for PS5, all models meet the requirements.
The advantage of an M.2 SSD is that you can play PS5 games on the M.2 SSD and transfer them directly to the M.2 SSD. You can upgrade PS5 games on the M.2 SSD.
How to install an internal SSD to PS5
Time needed: 10 minutes
How do I install an internal hard drive in my PS5?
- Before starting with the installation process, touch a grounded metal object to remove static electricity from your body.
Otherwise, the M.2 SSD and the PS5 console may be damaged.
- Remove the top cover of the PS5
Carefully remove the top cover. Note: Do not power on the console when the top cover is removed.
- Remove the screws one by one from the metal plate next to the fan.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Remove the cover to gain access to the new hard drive compartment.
Do not remove the internal hard drive, which is soldered to the PS5 itself.
- Hold the edge of the M.2 SSD, align it with the expansion port slot, and push it in firmly at an angle.
Make sure the SSD is properly inserted before proceeding. Failure to do so may damage the SSD and the PS5 console.
- Tilt the M.2 SSD drive down and secure it with the screws.
- Replace the expansion bay cover and tighten the screw.
- Reattach the cover and slide it into place. When the cover is attached, you will hear a click.
- You can now turn on the console and the design guide will be displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the M.2 SSD.
Remember that if you have previously saved something on the SSD memory you have inserted, when you accept the formatting, it will erase it and you will not be able to recover it. If this is the case, back up the data if you do not want to lose it.
The best internal SSDs for the PS5
Best Internal SSDs for PS5
Below is a list of the best PS5 hard drives that meet all compatibility requirements.
They must have a built-in heatsink or be added separately. Due to the current lack of heatsink options, we’ll leave you with both, but we’ll also leave you with compatible heatsinks if you want to add them to the SSD you purchase.
Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850
Western Digital WD_Black SN850 version with integrated heatsink
So let’s start this list of the best internal SSD drives for PS5 with the WD_BLACK SN850 from Western Digital. This NMVe internal SSD hard drive for PS5, achieves an ultra-fast read speed of 7,000 MB/s and write speed of 5,300 MB/s.
This will ensure that the games will be installed and played with total fluidity and it should be noted that its speed clearly exceeds most external hard drives that we will see below. This is essential for PS5 games that require higher performance.
There are two versions, one with heat sink and one without. The one we recommend you is already take the one that comes with it integrated, since with the other you have to add a separate one that fits in the internal space of the console slot.
WD_BLACK SN850 heatsinkless version for PS5
Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850 Features
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 ×4, NVMe 1.4
- Integrated heat sink (depending on version).
- Read speed: Up to 7000MB/s
- Write speed: Up to 5300MB/s
- Available capacities: 4 TB, 2 TB, 1 TB, 500 GB
View price Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850 with heatsink
View price Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850 without heatsink
Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD
Seagate FireCuda 530 with heatsink and without heatsink PCIe 4 gen
Another SSD for the PS5 that meets the requirements, is this Seagate FireCuda 530 which like the WD_BLACK SN850 we just saw, has high speed and an integrated heatsink.
There is also a version without heatsink so you can add your own, but we advise you to buy directly the version with integrated heatsink. However, there is little availability of the heatsink version, so below is also the price of the version without heatsink.
Seagate FireCuda 530 Internal SSD for PS5 without heatsink version
The advantage of the integrated heatsink version is that due to the extreme speeds of NVMe PCIe Gen4 generating additional heat helps reduce thermal throttling while maximizing peak performance over longer periods.
To this end, Seagate partnered with EKWB, leaders in thermal management, to develop the FireCuda 530’s custom heatsink. This integrated heatsink, is created from a high quality aluminum block with a fine-textured anodized finish to help maximize cooling efficiency.
The low-profile heatsink design allows for installation in tighter spaces, and the premium dark metallic gray anodization features additional micropores on the surface of the material to facilitate cooling.
If you choose the option without heatsink, you must add one that is compatible in the PS5 space.
This SSD card achieves a speed of up to 73000 MB/s read and up to 6900 MB/s writ,e so you are guaranteed optimum performance. It is available in versions from 500 GB to 4 TB capacity.
Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD Features
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 × 4, NVMe 1.4
- Integrated heat sink (depending on version).
- Read speed: Up to 7300 MB/s
- Write speed: Up to 6900 MB/s
- Available Capacities: 4 TB, 2 TB, 1 TB, 500 GB
View Seagate FireCuda 530 price with integrated heatsink
M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, PS5 Internal SSD, speeds up to 7300MB/s
View Seagate FireCuda 530 price without heatsink
M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, PS5 Internal SSD, speeds up to 7300MB/s
M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, PS5 Internal SSD, speeds up to 7300MB/s
M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, PS5 Internal SSD, speeds up to 7300MB/s
M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, PS5 Internal SSD, speeds up to 7300MB/s
Samsung SSD 980 PRO
Best Hard Drives for PS5 – Samsung 980 Pro SSD
Here another of the best selling PS5 SSDs available in both heatsink and non-heatsink versions.
The Samsung 980 Pro is one of the best SSD hard drives for PS5 along with the Western Digital and Seagate we just saw by reaching a read speed of up to 7000 MB/s and a write speed of up to 5000 MB/s, which ensures a good performance with your PS5.
To highlight the read and write performance of up to 1,000,000/1,000,000,000 IOPS, all with an average power consumption of 6.2W (maximum 8.9W), and a lifespan of at least 1.5 million hours as claimed by the brand.
The version without an integrated heatsink features a nickel encapsulation to aid cooling, and the back has a foil with a compound to help dissipate heat.
It is available in the usual capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. The price difference between the version with heatsink and without is usually quite small and at least so far in both versions there is good stock availability.
Samsung 980 Pro Features
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 × 4, NVMe 1.4
- Integrated heat sink (depending on version).
- Read speed: Up to 7000 MB/s
- Write speed: Up to 5000 MB/s
- Capacities available: 4 TB, 2 TB, 1 TB, 500 GB and 250 GB
See price Samsung 980 Pro with integrated heatsink
View price Samsung 980 Pro without heatsink
PS5 compatible heatsinks
Best PS5 compatible heatsinks.
As we have seen, the best option is that the internal hard drive you buy comes already with heatsink, however, the stock is very limited and you are likely to be stuck buying the version without heatsink. Both the WD_BLACK SN850, FireCuda 530 y Samsung 980 Pro are available in the version without heatsink and meet the requirements of speed and dimensions, you only need to add a heatsink separately.
The requirements that Sony has notified that the heatsinks in the PS5 have to meet. are as follows:
- The total height of the M.2 SSD and heat sink, whether integrated or separate, must be less than 11.25 mm.
- The overall size above the board must be less than 8 mm.
- The size below the board should be less than 2.45 mm.
- Drive beams to be 22 mm wide, so M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
- M.2 SSD lengths should be any of these: 30 mm, 42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, 110 mm.
ELUTENG M.2 2280
NVME Cooling Sink with 4 Thermal Conductivity Silicone Pads
SABRENT M.2 NVMe Heatsink
Engineered to fit perfectly into the PS5 console's SSD expansion slot
Glotrends heatsink M.2 heatsink 2280 SSD
Best external SSDs for PS5
Above we have seen the best internal hard drives you can add to the PS5. Now, it is turn to see the best external drives to increase the storage of your PlayStation 5 and be able to play your PS4 games. With these external drives you can store your PS4 as well as PS5 games, but the latter cannot be played directly from these hard drives that you add, but for the moment it only allows you to store them.
That is, you can add any of these SSD hard drives that we leave you to be able to download and play directly your PS4 games, but those of PS5, you can only store them. If you want to play them, you have to move them to the internal memory of the console, which offers the necessary speed for them to go optimally.
Western Digital Black P50
Western Digital WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive NVMe SSD
We start this list of the best external hard drives for PS5 with this one. Western WD_Black P50 Digital. This is undoubtedly one of the best options for several reasons. It combines high speed, careful design and high-level finishes and construction.
Aesthetically, the WD Black P50 is a military-looking SSD made of metal. Its USB-C port can be used on your devices as either a USB-A or USB-C connection and offers a read speed of up to 2000 MB/s, a spectacular figure to be able to run your PS4 games properly..
With this external SDD hard drive, your PS5 will load games quickly, loading all the data with hardly any delay and the stability and its performance are maintained after several hours.
It has a small but clear LED light on one of the short ends which is always a help, but a small downside is that it gets a little hot when in use, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when fitting it.
View price WD Black P50
Compatible with PS5, Up to 2,000 MB/s
Compatible with PS5, Up to 2,000 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD V2
SanDisk Sandisk Extreme PRO – The best SSDs for PS5
Another one of the best external hard drives for the PS5 is this SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD V2. This is a revamped version that increases the read speed up to 2000 MB/s. The previous generation can still be purchased on Amazon, for a lower price, but the read speed remains at 1050 MB/s.
This SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD V2, stands out for its water and dust resistant design with IP55 certification. It also includes a carabiner handle so you can leave it attached to your belt or backpack to take it anywhere and it is a disk that also offers better shock resistance than other models.
Of course, keep in mind that all these features have an impact on the price and it is not exactly an economical model. But if you want a hard drive that offers maximum durability and portability, this one is the one for you. SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD V2 is going to do the job.
Also as we say, you can buy the first generation which achieves a good speed of up to 1050 MB/s, which is at a lower price.
View price SanDisk Extreme PRO 2nd generation SSD
Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Samsung T7 SSD for PS5 – Best hard drives for ps5
We continue with a more affordable option, but one that is still going to give you good service for playing your PS4 games on the new PS5 The Samsung T7 is an SSD hard drive that features up to 1,050 MB/s read speed and 1,000 MB/s write speed, so it has enough speed to run PS4 games and quickly store the games you download from PS5.
View price Samsung T7 SSD
