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

In the past, gamers were often limited by the fixed storage capacity of their consoles. However, Sony's PlayStation 5 (PS5) introduced a game-changing feature with its internal M.2 PCIe slot, allowing users to expand storage using off-the-shelf SSDs. This move was a significant shift from Sony's previous strategy with the PS Vita and PSP, which relied on costly proprietary memory cards. With only 825GB of internal storage on the PS5, the ability to add high-performance SSDs like the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is a welcome upgrade, enabling gamers to store and load more games at speeds comparable to the console's built-in drive.

TL;DR - These Are the Best SSDs for PS5:

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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

To expand your PS5's storage, you need a PCIe 4.0 or better M.2 SSD. These drives can reach speeds up to 7,500MB/s, significantly faster than the 3,500MB/s of Gen 3 M.2 SSDs. The PS5 supports M.2 drives of various sizes, but the most common and recommended are the 2280 form factor. Additionally, choosing an SSD with a built-in heatsink is crucial due to the potential for overheating in the PS5's compact SSD slot. The heatsink must not exceed 11.25mm in height to fit properly. Whether you opt for an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately, ensuring proper cooling is essential to maintain performance.

When selecting a capacity, consider your gaming needs. A 1TB SSD is often sufficient, effectively doubling your available storage and accommodating a substantial game library. For those with extensive collections, larger drives up to 4TB are available, though at a higher cost.

For Xbox owners, our guide on the best SSDs for Xbox Series X offers tailored recommendations.

The market for PS5-compatible SSDs has grown, offering a variety of high-speed, cost-effective options. While a 1TB SSD can be found for under $100, larger capacities like the upcoming 8TB from Western Digital can cost over $500. When installing an SSD, ensure it meets the PS5's size requirements of 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm, including the heatsink. Most drives come with an optional heatsink, but if you need to buy one separately, ensure it fits within the height limits.

The PS5 requires a PCIe 4.0 SSD with sequential read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s. The console performs a speed test upon installation to confirm compatibility. While drives rated above 7,000MB/s are common, speeds beyond 6,500MB/s are unnecessary for PS5 games. Additionally, consider the drive's warranty and endurance rating, measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), which indicates the drive's lifespan. The type of NAND memory—QLC, TLC, or MLC—affects durability and cost, with TLC being a balanced choice for gamers.

Given the PS5's limited internal storage, upgrading with an M.2 SSD is highly beneficial, especially with games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Baldur's Gate 3 requiring over 100GB each. The M.2 slot supports SSDs from 250GB to 8TB, with 1TB being a popular choice for its balance of capacity and price. For those needing more space, 4TB options are available.

While internal SSDs are ideal, external SSDs can also be used for storage, though they cannot run PS5 games. They are useful for storing PS4 games and avoiding the need to redownload large files. For guidance on installing a PS5 SSD, refer to our comprehensive upgrade guide.

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

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Best PS5 SSD

Our Top Pick### Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

9With its impressive read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s and a preinstalled heatsink, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is ready to load your games quickly. 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 was one of the first SSDs marketed specifically for the PS5 and remains a top choice. Although it may not match the speed of newer PCIe 5.0 SSDs, the PS5 cannot fully utilize faster drives anyway. At around $80 for a 1TB version, it offers great value. With sequential read speeds of 7,100MB/s and write speeds up to 5,800MB/s, it meets PS5 compatibility requirements, although actual speeds on the console are around 6,500MB/s. The durability rating of 700TBW is more than sufficient for most gamers, ensuring long-term reliability.

2. Crucial T500

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Best Budget PS5 SSD

### Crucial T500

0The Crucial T500 offers 1TB of storage with high speeds and a heatsink, all for an affordable price. 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 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. Priced just over $100, it includes a heatsink and doubles the PS5's storage. Its Micron TLC 3D NAND memory ensures fast read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800MB/s, making it ideal for quick game loading and data transfers. While it lacks a 4TB option, the 2TB model offers increased storage and speed with a 1,200TBW rating.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus

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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 excellent performance at a competitive price. While it has a lower endurance rating than the more expensive 990 Pro, its 1,200TBW rating for the 2TB model is more than adequate for console use. It achieves read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, with the PS5 rating it at 6,137MB/s, ensuring fast game loading. Note that it lacks a built-in heatsink, so you'll need to purchase one separately. Despite being a DRAM-less SSD, its performance is more than sufficient for the PS5.

4. WD_Black P40

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Best External PS5 SSD

### WD_Black P40

1This 1TB external SSD offers read and write speeds of 2,000MB/s, making it a versatile option for PS5, Xbox, and PC. 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 drive
- Multiplatform support

CONS

- Can't run PS5 games

The WD_Black P40 is an external SSD that connects via USB, offering a convenient alternative to internal storage upgrades. While it cannot run PS5 games directly, it's perfect for storing large files and PS4 games. With speeds up to 2,000MB/s, it's significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making it ideal for data transfers between consoles.

PS5 SSD FAQ

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Is an SSD worth it for PS5?

Absolutely. With a significant portion of the PS5's 825GB internal SSD reserved for system files, upgrading with an SSD is crucial for gamers with large libraries or those who enjoy live service games that frequently expand in size. It's one of the best PS5 accessories you can invest in.

What speed SSD should I get for PS5?

You need an SSD with a read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most PCIe 4.0 drives meet this requirement, and speeds above 6,500MB/s are more than sufficient for PS5 games.

When is the best time to buy a PS5 SSD?

PS5 SSDs can be a significant investment, but prices have decreased over time. The best times to buy are during sales events like Amazon Prime Day in July, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, where you can find substantial discounts.

Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs worth it for the PS5?

No, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are not worth the extra cost for the PS5. The console supports PCIe 4.0 and cannot fully utilize the higher speeds of PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer the best value and performance for PS5 users.