Discover Top-Notch PS5 SSDs for Enhanced Gaming in 2025

Enhance Your PS5 Experience: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For several console generations, gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5 changed this with its M.2 PCIe slot, allowing for off-the-shelf SSD expansion. This is a welcome change, especially considering the PS5's limited base storage (825GB). Upgrading with a high-performance SSD, like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (our top pick), significantly improves loading times.

Top PS5 SSD Recommendations:

Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value, high read speeds. Available on Amazon.

Crucial T500: Best budget option, high speeds, included heatsink. Available on Amazon.

Samsung 990 Evo Plus: Excellent performance, fast load times. Available at Best Buy. Note: Requires a separate heatsink.

WD_Black P40: Best external option (PS4 games only). Available on Amazon.

PS5 SSD Considerations:

• Interface: Requires PCIe 4.0 or Gen 4 (or better). These offer speeds up to 7,500MB/s.
• Form Factor: M.2 is essential. While size variations exist, 2280 is the most common and recommended.
• Heatsink: Crucial due to PCIe 4.0's heat generation. The PS5's internal space limits airflow. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink (max height 11.25mm) or purchase one separately.
• Capacity: 1TB is a good balance of cost and capacity, effectively doubling your storage. 4TB options are available for larger libraries, but at a premium.
• Warranty and Endurance: Check the warranty period (typically 5 years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's lifespan. TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and durability for gaming.

Poll: What's Your PS5 SSD Priority?

• High storage capacity
• Fastest speeds
• PCIe 5.0 (future-proofing – not necessary for PS5)
• Built-in heatsink
• Low price

PS5 SSD FAQs:

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Absolutely, if you have multiple games or large game installations.
• Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed. 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer discounts.
• PCIe 5.0 necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0's full capabilities. Stick with PCIe 4.0 for better value.

Detailed SSD Reviews:

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Read speeds up to 7,100MB/s (PS5 tested around 6,500MB/s), pre-installed heatsink, excellent value (around $80 for 1TB), 700TBW rating.

2. Crucial T500: Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s, included heatsink, excellent value (around $100 for 1TB), 600TBW (1TB) rating. 2TB option available with higher speeds and TBW.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s (PS5 tested around 6,137MB/s), excellent performance, requires separate heatsink, various capacities (1TB-4TB) available, TBW varies by capacity.

4. WD_Black P40: External SSD, 2,000MB/s read/write speeds, 1TB capacity, not for PS5 game installation (PS4 games only).

Remember to consult our guide on PS5 storage upgrades for installation assistance. Upgrading your PS5 storage is a straightforward process, even for non-technical users.