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Why an SSD for PS5?
Expanding your PS5’s storage with a compatible SSD is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. The PS5 ships with just 667 GB of usable storage, which fills up quickly as modern AAA game titles, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 or Horizon Forbidden West, can easily exceed 100-150 GB each.
Upgrading to a PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with a heatsink meets Sony’s minimum requirement of 5,500 MB/s read speed, unlocking significantly faster load times and smoother overall performance. Plus, with new firmware, PS5 now supports drives up to 8 TB making it easier than ever to keep your game library intact without constant deleting and redownloading.
What are the 5 Best SSDs for PS5?
1. WD Black SN850P (Heatsink)
The WD Black SN850P is WD’s officially licensed PS5 expansion drive. Built on Gen 4 PCIe NVMe, it includes a heatsink designed specifically to meet PS5 compatibility requirements.
Standout Features
- Official PlayStation branding and certification
- Blistering sequential speeds (up to 7,300 MB/s)
- Reliable WD quality and 5-year warranty
- Built-in heatsink optimized for PS5’s thermal needs
- Available in capacities up to 8 TB for serious storage expansion
User Review Highlights
- Positive: Users love the seamless compatibility and plug-and-play experience. Many praise WD’s reliability and peace of mind thanks to the PS5 branding.
- Critical: Some note higher price per GB compared to non-licensed alternatives.
2. Corsair MP600 PRO LPX (Heatsink)
A high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD with integrated heatsink, the Corsair MP600 PRO LPX is praised for its value-to-capacity ratio, especially in user communities.
Standout Features
- Excellent capacity-to-price ratio
- Trusted Corsair brand reputation
- Includes a low-profile heatsink for PS5 compatibility
- PCIe 4.0 speeds, great for fast load times
- Good for gamers prioritizing value without sacrificing performance
User Review Highlights
- Positive: Reddit users often recommend it as “the best price to capacity compatible drive” from a reputable brand.
- Critical: Full benchmark data may lag behind the absolute fastest drives; performance may dip under sustained load.
3. Seagate FireCuda 530 (Heatsink)
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is a legendary Gen 4 NVMe SSD tailored for gaming, offering both PS5 and PC users top-tier speeds and a heatsink option.
Standout Features
- Exceptional read/write speeds (up to 7,300 / 6,900 MB/s)
- High endurance (excellent write TBW rating)
- Integrated heatsink for thermal compatibility with PS5
- Long 5-year warranty
- Strong brand pedigree and trusted performance
User Review Highlights
- Positive: Commanded praise as “one of the best PS5 SSDs, and definitely one of the most popular,” delivering noticeable load time improvements.
- Critical: Often out of stock, and can be more expensive, hard to snag a deal.
4. Samsung 990 Pro (Heatsink option)
Samsung’s 990 Pro is a premium PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD with exceptionally high performance and single-sided M.2 form factor, making it ideal for PS5’s compact slot.
Standout Features
- Superb sequential speeds (around 7,450 / 6,900 MB/s)
- Single-sided design great for PS5’s space constraints
- Optional heatsink model available for easy installation
- Renowned Samsung reliability and support
- Available up to 4 TB for plenty of storage
User Review Highlights
- Positive: Highlighted as a “best alternate pick” for PS5: stable, fast, and consistently upgraded with firmware fixes for optimal performance.
- Critical: More expensive per GB, making it a premium choice.
5. Lexar NM790 (Heatsink)
The Lexar NM790 is a value-driven PCIe 4.0 SSD that delivers competitive performance with thermals in check, especially in its 4 TB heatsink-equipped varian.
Standout Features
- Excellent price-to-storage ratio, especially in 4 TB packs
- Integrated heatsink for PS5 compatibility
- Solid performance for the price
- Great option for gamers needing large capacity without breaking the bank
- Backed by good value-focused guidance from TechRadar
User Review Highlights
- Positive: Cited by TechRadar as “a superb value choice” for PS5, especially when capacity is a priority.
- Critical: Slightly slower than flagship options; best for value-conscious users.
Conclusion
Investing in an SSD upgrade for your PS5 is one of the most impactful enhancements you can make. Whether you’re looking for official branding and maximum peace of mind with the WD Black SN850P, seeking incredible value via Corsair MP600 PRO LPX or Lexar NM790, or going for pure performance with Seagate FireCuda 530 or Samsung 990 Pro, there’s a perfect fit for every gamer’s priorities.
Summary Table
| Priority | Recommended SSD |
|---|---|
| Official PS5 branding | WD Black SN850P |
| Best value | Corsair MP600 PRO LPX |
| Best performance | Seagate FireCuda 530 |
| Premium quality | Samsung 990 Pro |
| Large storage value | Lexar NM790 |
Make sure whichever SSD you choose meets the PS5’s requirements, PCIe 4.0, minimum 5,500 MB/s read, 22 mm width, and includes a heatsink (or you add one)
