Buzz
After a long wait, Sony has enabled PlayStation 5 users to expand their internal storage, leaving many feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Although Sony has finally allowed PS5 storage upgrades, their communication has been less than clear. The feature is currently restricted to beta firmware, and the compatibility of drives remains ambiguous. Sony’s technical requirements are precise and challenging for those unfamiliar with SSD specifications.
Sony released a tutorial on installing M.2 SSDs in the PS5, but it doesn’t specify which SSDs to use. No need to stress—we’ve done the research. This guide outlines the advantages of upgrading your PS5 storage with an M.2 SSD, details the necessary requirements, and provides a curated list of compatible drives currently on the market.
What advantages does an internal expansion drive offer for the PS5?
The primary benefit is increased storage capacity. The PS5’s default 667.2 GB may seem generous compared to older consoles, but modern PS5 games often exceed 100 GB, and their sizes are only expected to grow as developers incorporate more content. Adding an internal SSD can provide up to 4 TB of additional space.
While an internal M.2 SSD is one option, it’s not the only way to expand your PS5’s storage. You can also connect an external USB hard drive to add extra storage without needing tools or navigating complex technical requirements. However, external USB drives can only store PS5 games—they can’t run them. They are ideal for storing and playing PS4 games, making them perfect for archiving older titles or games you’re not currently playing.
On the other hand, an internal M.2 SSD allows you to store, play, and update both PS5 and PS4 games. In many cases, these drives can deliver loading speeds comparable to the PS5’s built-in storage, though some performance differences may arise with highly demanding games.
While an external USB drive is great for storing older games or unused data, an M.2 SSD lets you expand your PS5 game library without compromise. You don’t have to choose between the two—using both an external USB drive and an internal M.2 SSD simultaneously is possible. The real challenge lies in identifying which SSDs are compatible with the PS5.
PS5 M.2 SSD Specifications
Before diving into the list of M.2 SSDs compatible with the PS5, let’s review Sony’s technical requirements. This information is essential if you plan to purchase a drive not featured in our recommendations.
The M.2 SSD must support PCIe Gen4 or later. Older PCIe Gen3 drives are incompatible.
Storage capacity should range from a minimum of 250 GB to a maximum of 4 TB.
A read speed of 5,500MB/s or higher is recommended for optimal performance.
M.2 SATA SSDs are not compatible with the PS5.
The PS5 does not support Host Memory Buffer (HMB), and Sony advises against using M.2 SSDs with HMB due to potential performance issues.
Both single-sided and double-sided M.2 SSDs are supported by the PS5.
A heatsink is mandatory for your M.2 SSD. Some drives come with pre-attached heatsinks, while others require manual installation. Double-sided SSDs need heatsinks on both sides. Avoid adding extra heatsinks to drives that already include them.
In addition to the hardware requirements, the PS5’s expansion slot has specific size limitations. Below are the size specifications for M.2 SSDs as outlined on the PlayStation support site:
Length:
Compatible M.2 SSD lengths for the PS5 include: 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, and 110mm (matching the form factor type mentioned above).
Width:
The M.2 SSD module must be 22mm wide. Including any cooling structure, the total width should not exceed 25mm (0.984in).
Height:
The combined height of the M.2 SSD and its cooling structure (whether integrated or separate) must be under 11.25mm (0.442in). Additionally, the height must be properly positioned relative to the SSD’s circuit board: the space below the board must be less than 2.45mm (0.096in), and the space above must not exceed 8mm (0.314in).
Sony has cautioned that certain games may not perform as well on third-party M.2 SSDs compared to the PS5’s internal SSD, even if the drive meets Sony’s specifications. Tests by The Verge indicate that even the least powerful supported drives function adequately for now. However, performance issues may arise as PS5 games grow larger and more complex over the console’s lifecycle.
M.2 SSDs Currently Compatible with PS5
As outlined earlier, selecting an M.2 SSD for your PS5 involves numerous considerations. Fortunately, you don’t need to manually evaluate every available drive. Many manufacturers have already tested their SSDs on the PS5, and we’ve compiled a list of all confirmed compatible drives.
While Sony hasn’t officially endorsed any of these SSDs, all the drives listed below meet Sony’s specifications and have been verified to work through testing by manufacturers or third-party publications.
We’ve organized the list into two categories: the first includes M.2 SSDs with pre-installed heatsinks, and the second features M.2 SSDs without heatsinks, along with a selection of compatible heatsinks that meet the PS5’s expansion slot requirements. Additionally, we’ve categorized single-sided and double-sided SSDs and heatsinks into separate subsections for clarity.
M.2 SSDs Featuring Built-in Heatsinks
Opting for one of these M.2 SSDs is the most straightforward choice, as they come pre-equipped with heatsinks and are ready for installation without any additional adjustments.
Currently, the Western Digital Black SN850 stands out as the top pick. Notably, Mark Cerny, the architect behind the PS5, has chosen this drive for both his and his wife’s consoles, offering a strong endorsement.
At the time of writing, there are at least three additional options worth considering:
Aorus Gen 4 7000
Patriot Viper VP4300
Seagate Firecuda 530
Be aware that some of these drives are available in versions without heatsinks. Ensure you purchase the models that include pre-attached heatsinks. While they may be slightly more expensive, the added convenience justifies the cost.
M.2 SSDs Without Pre-Installed Heatsinks
These SSDs meet Sony’s technical specifications and have been verified by manufacturers to work with the PS5. However, they do not come with heatsinks, so you’ll need to install one yourself before inserting the drive into the console. The installation process varies depending on the drive, whether it’s single- or double-sided, and the heatsink you choose. Some heatsinks may require additional materials like thermal paste, while others come with adhesives and detailed instructions.
While expanding your PS5’s storage this way involves extra effort, it could be worthwhile if you’re unable to find a heatsink-equipped SSD or prefer the specifications of one of these drives.
Single-sided M.2 SSDs:
Crucial P5 Plus
Patriot Viper Gaming VP4100
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus
Compatible Heatsinks:
EKWB EK-M.2 NVMe Heatsink
Eluteng M.2 Heatsink
Glotrends M.2 Heatsink
IcePC Copper Heatsink
IcePC M.2 Heatsink
Micro Connectors Low Profile Heatsink
Double-sided M.2 SSDs:
PNY XLR8 CS3040
Sabrent Rocket NVMe
Samsung 980 Pro
Compatible Double-sided Heatsinks:
Be Quiet! MC1 Heatsink
M.2 Copper Heatsinks
This is the complete list of M.2 SSDs currently confirmed to work with the PS5, but more drives will likely be added in the future. While many other SSDs meet Sony’s technical requirements on paper, they haven’t been tested yet. Sony cautions that even drives meeting the specs may not function properly, so it’s safest to choose SSDs that have been verified to work.
