Announcing the Ultimate PS5 SSDs for Enhanced Gaming in 2025

Boost Your PS5's Storage: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5, however, offers a welcome change with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for easy SSD expansion. This is a significant improvement, especially considering the PS5's relatively small initial storage capacity (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), dramatically increases game load times.

TL;DR - Top PS5 SSD Recommendations:

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

Best Budget: Crucial T500 See it at Amazon

Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus See it at Best Buy

Best External: WD_Black P40 See it at Amazon

Key Considerations for PS5 SSD Selection:

• Interface: Requires PCIe 4.0 (or higher) for speeds up to 7,500MB/s. Gen 3 drives are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: M.2 is essential. While various sizes exist, 2280 is the most common and recommended.
• Heatsink: Crucial for PCIe 4.0 SSDs due to heat generation. The PS5's enclosure has limited airflow. Choose a drive with a built-in heatsink (max height 11.25mm) or purchase one separately.
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling storage. Larger capacities (e.g., 4TB) are available but more expensive.

PS5 SSD Essentials:

Numerous compatible SSDs are available at various price points. While high-capacity drives are more expensive, even budget options offer substantial performance improvements. Remember the PS5's size restrictions (110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm including heatsink) and the minimum read speed requirement (5500MB/s). The PS5's installation process includes a speed test to verify compatibility. Also consider warranty length and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating for longevity. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and cost for gaming.

Individual SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value, high read speeds (up to 7,100MB/s), pre-installed heatsink. 1TB version offers a good balance of price and performance. TBW rating of 700TB.

2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, high speeds (up to 7,300MB/s read), included heatsink. 1TB model offers excellent value. TBW rating of 600TB (1TB).

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance at a competitive price. Fast load times. Available in capacities up to 4TB. Does not include a heatsink. TBW varies by capacity (600TB for 1TB, 1200TB for 2TB, 2400TB for 4TB).

4. WD_Black P40: External SSD option, faster than traditional hard drives (2,000MB/s read). Can't run PS5 games directly but useful for PS4 games and data transfer. 1TB capacity. TBW rating of 600TB.

PS5 SSD FAQ:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Yes, if you play multiple games or live-service titles that require significant storage.
• Required SSD speed? Minimum 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds.

Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for detailed installation instructions. (link-to-installation-guide)