Looking to upgrade your PlayStation 5 storage in 2025? The built-in SSD on your PS5 fills up fast with today’s massive game files. Adding a new SSD gives you more space for your favorite games without deleting anything.
The Samsung 990 Pro stands out as the top SSD choice for PS5 in 2025, offering ultra-fast performance though at a premium price point. Other excellent options include the WD_Black SN850X, Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, and Crucial T500. These NVMe drives all meet Sony’s requirements for the PlayStation 5 and deliver the speed needed for smooth gaming.
SSD prices have been trending upward in recent months, but the investment is worthwhile for serious gamers. Installation is straightforward, and the performance boost is noticeable. With the right SSD, loading times decrease and your gaming experience improves significantly.
Best SSDs for PS5 (August 2025)
The PlayStation 5 supports M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs that meet Sony’s requirements:
- Read speed: 5,500 MB/s or faster
- Capacity: 250GB to 8TB
- Form factor: M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
- Cooling: Heatsink required (built-in or added separately)
1. WD Black SN850X
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Why It’s Great: Excellent performance, low latency, and comes in versions with or without a heatsink.
- Best For: Gamers who want top-tier speed and reliability.
- Price Range: Mid-to-high, but often discounted.
2. Samsung 990 Pro (with Heatsink)
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s
- Why It’s Great: Superb sustained performance and efficient power use.
- Best For: Heavy gamers and streamers who want consistent high speeds.
- Price Range: Premium.
3. Seagate FireCuda 530
- Capacity: 500GB to 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Why It’s Great: Exceptional endurance (up to 5,100 TBW on 4TB model).
- Best For: Users who want durability for long-term heavy use.
- Price Range: High, but worth it for longevity.
4. Crucial T500 (with Heatsink)
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,400 MB/s
- Why It’s Great: Affordable yet meets PS5’s highest performance needs.
- Best For: Budget-conscious gamers who still want top speeds.
- Price Range: Lower than Samsung/WD equivalents.
5. Corsair MP700 Pro SE
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,400 MB/s
- Why It’s Great: PCIe Gen5 drive with backward compatibility, future-proofing your storage.
- Best For: Gamers who want cutting-edge tech that will last.
- Price Range: Premium.
💡 Installation Tips
- Update PS5 firmware to the latest version before installing.
- Use a heatsink (built-in or third-party) to prevent thermal throttling.
- After installation, format the SSD in the PS5’s storage settings.
- Move games to the SSD via Settings → Storage → Installation Location.
Quick Comparison Table
| SSD Model | Max Read Speed | Capacities | Heatsink Option | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN850X | 7,300 MB/s | 1–4TB | Yes | Mid-High |
| Samsung 990 Pro | 7,450 MB/s | 1–4TB | Yes | Premium |
| Seagate FireCuda 530 | 7,300 MB/s | 500GB–4TB | Yes | High |
| Crucial T500 | 7,400 MB/s | 1–2TB | Yes | Budget-Friendly |
| Corsair MP700 Pro SE | 7,400 MB/s | 1–4TB | Yes | Premium |
Key Takeaways
- Samsung 990 Pro leads the pack as the best performing PS5-compatible SSD, though it comes at a higher price point.
- Several quality alternatives exist including WD_Black SN850X and Crucial T500 that meet all PlayStation 5 requirements.
- Installing an additional NVMe SSD is a simple way to expand your console’s storage capacity for today’s storage-hungry games.
Key Features to Consider for PS5 SSDs
When shopping for a PlayStation 5 SSD, several critical factors determine whether a drive will perform well in your console and provide good value for your gaming investment.
Compatibility with PlayStation 5
The PS5 has specific requirements for internal SSD upgrades. Only M.2 NVMe SSDs with PCIe 4.0 support will work properly. The most common form factor is M.2 2280, which offers the best balance of capacity, performance, and value.
Size constraints are important too. The SSD must fit in the PS5’s expansion slot, which accommodates drives between 22mm width and 30mm-110mm length. Most gamers opt for the standard 2280 size (22mm wide, 80mm long).
Sony recommends SSDs with read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s, though many compatible drives exceed this requirement. Popular options like the Samsung 980 Pro and Corsair MP600 Pro LPX meet or exceed these specifications.
Make sure any SSD you purchase explicitly mentions PS5 compatibility on the packaging or in product descriptions.
Performance Metrics
Speed is crucial for PS5 SSDs. Look for sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s, though many top drives reach 7,000 MB/s or higher.
Key performance metrics:
- Sequential read speed: Affects game loading times
- Sequential write speed: Impacts installation and update times
- Random read/write performance: Influences in-game texture loading
- DRAM cache: Improves overall responsiveness
The presence of DRAM cache can significantly enhance performance for frequently accessed game files. High-end drives from manufacturers like Samsung, Seagate, and WD Black typically include this feature.
Real-world performance often differs from advertised specs. Reading user reviews about actual PS5 gaming experiences with specific SSDs can provide valuable insights beyond benchmark numbers.
Heat Management Solutions
Effective cooling is essential for PS5 SSDs. These high-performance drives generate significant heat during intensive gaming sessions, which can lead to thermal throttling and reduced performance.
Sony recommends using SSDs with heatsinks. Many manufacturers now offer PS5-specific models with pre-installed heatsinks that fit perfectly in the console’s expansion bay. The Seagate FireCuda 530 and WD Black SN850 both come in heatsink variants designed for PS5.
If purchasing an SSD without a heatsink, you’ll need to add one separately. Aftermarket options are available, but ensure they meet the PS5’s size constraints:
- Maximum height: 11.25mm from above the board
- Maximum overall thickness: 8mm below the board
Proper heat dissipation extends your drive’s lifespan and maintains consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
Warranty and Reliability
Durability matters for gaming SSDs due to the heavy read/write cycles of modern games. Look for drives with high TBW (Terabytes Written) ratings, which indicate how much data can be written before potential failure.
Most quality PS5-compatible SSDs offer warranties between 3-5 years. Premium options from established brands typically provide 5-year coverage. The warranty period often correlates with the drive’s expected lifespan and build quality.
Reliability factors to consider:
- TBW rating: Higher is better (1000+ TBW for 1TB drives)
- Warranty length: 5 years is ideal
- Brand reputation: Established manufacturers typically offer better support
- Endurance ratings: Often measured in DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day)
Paying slightly more for a drive from a reputable manufacturer with better warranty terms is usually worth the investment for long-term peace of mind.
Top Recommendations for PS5-Compatible SSDs
PlayStation 5 users looking to expand their storage have several excellent options that meet Sony’s strict requirements for speed and compatibility.
High-End NVMe SSDs
The Samsung 990 Pro stands as a premium choice for PS5 owners seeking maximum performance. This PCIe Gen4 powerhouse delivers read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, ensuring games load almost instantly. It runs cool even during extended gaming sessions and comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities.
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX represents another exceptional option, specifically designed with PS5 compatibility in mind. Its integrated low-profile heatsink fits perfectly in the console’s expansion slot without modifications. With speeds reaching 7,100 MB/s and reliable thermal management, it’s frequently cited as the top recommendation by gaming experts.
For those wanting absolute top-tier performance, the Patriot Viper VP4300 delivers blazing speeds up to 7,400 MB/s. It includes a sleek aluminum heatsink and offers excellent durability with high TBW (terabytes written) ratings.
Value Picks with Solid Performance
The Crucial P3 represents an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice necessary performance. While not the absolute fastest with speeds around 5,000 MB/s, it easily exceeds Sony’s minimum requirements and costs significantly less than premium alternatives.
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus offers an outstanding middle ground between price and performance. With read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s, it handles large game installations efficiently and won’t break the bank.
When shopping for value SSDs, look for:
- At least 5,500 MB/s read speed
- 256GB minimum capacity (1TB recommended)
- PCIe Gen4 interface compatibility
- Reputable manufacturer warranty
These drives provide 90-95% of flagship performance at sometimes half the cost, making them practical choices for most gamers.
SSDs with Pre-Installed Heatsinks
The Seagate FireCuda 530 comes with a pre-installed heatsink specifically designed for PS5 compatibility. As an officially licensed PlayStation accessory, it guarantees perfect fit and thermal performance. Its impressive 7,300 MB/s read speeds make it one of the fastest options available.
WD_BLACK SN850X with heatsink simplifies installation with its ready-to-use design. The custom heatsink maintains optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions without requiring additional components or modifications.
Another excellent choice is the Gigabyte Aorus Gen4 7000s, which features an elegant copper heatsink that dissipates heat efficiently while maintaining a low profile. This ensures it fits perfectly in the PS5’s expansion bay without clearance issues.
Pre-installed heatsinks eliminate the worry about thermal throttling and save buyers the hassle of purchasing and installing separate cooling solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
PS5 storage upgrades require specific SSDs that meet Sony’s compatibility standards. The market offers various options in 2025, with differences in speed, design, and price points.
What are the top-rated SSDs for expanding PS5 storage in 2025?
Several SSDs stand out as top choices for PS5 in 2025. The Seagate officially-licensed PS5 SSD leads as the best overall option for most players, offering excellent speeds and PlayStation certification.
The Samsung 980 Pro remains highly recommended, especially the heatsink model which has become widely available. The WD Black SN850X also ranks among the best performers.
SK hynix Platinum P41 and Samsung 990 Pro complete the list of top contenders based on current market evaluations. These drives balance speed, reliability, and value.
Which SSDs with heatsinks are officially supported by PS5?
All compatible M.2 NVMe SSDs must have adequate cooling to work properly with PS5. The Seagate officially-licensed PS5 SSD comes with a PS5-optimized heatsink design.
Samsung 980 Pro with heatsink and WD Black SN850X with heatsink are fully supported options. The heatsink is crucial as it prevents thermal throttling during intense gaming sessions.
Some drives like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX come with pre-installed heatsinks specifically designed to fit within the PS5’s M.2 slot dimensions.
How do the latest SSD options for PS5 compare in terms of speed and reliability?
The latest PS5-compatible SSDs generally offer similar real-world performance despite technical differences. Most users won’t notice significant speed variations between top models during actual gameplay.
Reliability depends on the manufacturer’s track record and warranty offerings. Samsung and Western Digital have established reputations for durability, while newer brands may offer competitive prices but less proven longevity.
All PS5-compatible drives exceed Sony’s minimum speed requirements, with sequential read speeds typically ranging from 5,500 to 7,300 MB/s.
What are the minimum requirements for an SSD to be compatible with the PS5?
PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4) with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. SATA SSDs are not supported at all, as confirmed by PlayStation’s official documentation.
Size requirements include drives between 250GB and 4TB. The physical dimensions must also fit the console’s M.2 slot, with specific width and height limitations.
A heatsink is mandatory, either built-in or added separately. The total height with heatsink must not exceed the space available in the PS5’s expansion bay.
Are there significant performance differences between internal and external SSDs for PS5?
Internal M.2 NVMe SSDs offer substantially better performance than external drives. Only internal SSDs can run PS5 games directly, making them the preferred option for serious gamers.
External SSDs connect via USB and are limited to storing and playing PS4 games or storing (but not playing) PS5 games. They serve as convenient additional storage but cannot replace the functionality of internal expansion.
The speed difference is dramatic – internal SSDs operate at 5,500+ MB/s while external USB drives typically max out around 1,000 MB/s.
Can you use any third-party SSDs for PS5, or do they need to be officially endorsed?
Third-party SSDs don’t need official PlayStation endorsement, but they must meet Sony’s technical requirements. Any SSD that satisfies the speed, size, and cooling specifications will work.
The Seagate officially-licensed drive offers peace of mind but comes at a premium price. Many other compatible drives from reputable manufacturers like Samsung, WD, and Corsair perform equally well.
The key factor is ensuring the drive meets all specifications rather than seeking an official PlayStation logo or endorsement.
