Top PS5 SSDs of 2025: Fast M.2 Drives for Your Console

In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, with the PlayStation 5, Sony introduced a significant upgrade by including an internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to expand their storage with off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a refreshing change, especially given Sony's history with the PS Vita and PSP, where memory cards were notoriously expensive. The PS5's built-in storage is 825GB, which can quickly become insufficient for avid gamers. Fortunately, you can enhance your console's capabilities by installing high-end PC SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, our top pick, which can load games nearly as fast as the console's internal drive.

Best SSDs for PS5:

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9See it at Amazon### Crucial T500

0See it at Amazon### Samsung 990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy### WD_Black P40

1See it at Amazon

When choosing an SSD for your PS5, there are a few key considerations. First, you'll need a PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 drive, which can offer speeds up to 7,500MB/s—a significant leap from the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports any size of M.2 drive, but the M.2 2280 format is the most common and recommended choice.

It's also crucial to opt for an SSD with a built-in heatsink, as the PS5's slot area can become quite warm, potentially causing the drive to overheat and throttle performance. The heatsink should not exceed 11.25mm in height, which is generally not an issue with most SSDs. You can either purchase an SSD with an integrated heatsink or a separate one that fits the PS5's specifications.

For capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB drive is often sufficient to double your storage and accommodate numerous games, including heavy titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For those with a larger gaming library, 4TB options are available, though they come at a higher cost.

PS5 SSD Basics

The market for PS5-compatible SSDs has expanded significantly, offering a variety of high-speed, cost-effective options. While smaller drives can be found for under $100, larger capacities, such as the upcoming 8TB SSD from Western Digital, can exceed $500.

When selecting an SSD, ensure it is an NVMe PCIe 4.0 model with dimensions no larger than 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. The PS5's tight space necessitates a heatsink to manage heat and prevent performance issues. Most SSDs come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to purchase one separately, ensure it fits within the height limit of 8mm above the SSD or 2.45mm below.

In addition to size, the SSD should have sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives exceed this threshold, typically ranging from 7,000 to 7,500MB/s. The PS5 will run a speed test upon installation to confirm the drive's suitability for PS5 games, capping at around 6,500MB/s.

Consider the warranty and endurance rating of the SSD, often measured in TBW (Terabytes Written), which indicates how much data can be written before potential failure. Most SSDs offer a five-year warranty and use different types of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, and MLC—with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited base storage and the large size of modern games, additional storage is almost a necessity. The M.2 expansion slot supports drives from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for balancing capacity and cost. For even more space, options up to 4TB are available.

While an internal SSD is ideal, external hard drives can also be used for storage, though they cannot run PS5 games directly. They are useful for storing PS5 game data and playing PS4 titles without the need for redownloading.

For installation guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to upgrade your PS5 storage, which is user-friendly even for those without extensive hardware experience.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, this SSD is perfect for quickly loading games on the PS5. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,100MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 5,800MB/s
• NAND type: 3D TLC
• TBW: 700TB

Pros:

• Excellent value
• High read speed

Cons:

• Not the fastest drive around

The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX remains a top choice for PS5 users due to its performance and affordability. While newer PCIe 5.0 drives may offer higher speeds, the PS5 can't fully utilize them, making the MP600 Pro LPX a practical and cost-effective solution.

2. Crucial T500

Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0A 1TB drive with high speeds and an included heatsink, perfect for PS5 users on a budget. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,300MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6,800MB/s
• NAND type: Micron TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros:

• TLC 3D NAND flash memory
• Impressive speeds

Cons:

• No 4TB option

The Crucial T500 offers excellent value with its performance and included heatsink, making it an ideal choice for those looking to expand their PS5 storage without breaking the bank.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

Best PS5 SSD Without Heatsink

### Samsung 990 Evo Plus

0See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB – 4TB
• Sequential read speed: 7,250MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 6,300MB/s
• NAND type: Samsung V-NAND TLC
• TBW: 600TB (1TB), 1200TB (2TB), 2400TB (4TB)

Pros:

• Excellent performance for the money
• Extremely fast load times

Cons:

• Doesn't come with a heatsink

The Samsung 990 Evo Plus offers great performance at a reasonable price, though it requires a separate heatsink purchase. Its speed and endurance make it a solid choice for PS5 users who don't mind adding a heatsink.

4. WD_Black P40

Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

11TB of storage with 2,000MB/s read speeds and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection make this an excellent external SSD option. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Capacity: 1TB
• Sequential read speed: 2,000MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 2,000MB/s
• NAND type: WD TLC
• TBW: 600TB

Pros:

• Faster than traditional hard drives
• Multiplatform support

Cons:

• Can't run PS5 games

The WD_Black P40 is an ideal external SSD for storing PS5 game data and playing PS4 titles directly, offering faster speeds than traditional hard drives and compatibility with multiple platforms.

PS5 SSD FAQ

Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Yes, an SSD is highly beneficial for PS5 users. With only about 650GB of usable space from the internal 825GB SSD, additional storage becomes essential for gamers with multiple titles or those playing large games. An SSD is one of the best accessories you can invest in for your PS5.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You should opt for an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. PCIe 4.0 drives typically meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are more than sufficient for most users.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

The best times to purchase a PS5 SSD are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when discounts are often significant.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth it for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0 and cannot fully utilize the speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives, making PCIe 4.0 SSDs a more cost-effective choice.