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For PS5 storage expansion, choose a PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe SSD between 250 GB and 8 TB, with a recommended sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and a cooling structure that fits Sony’s size limits. Those are compatibility criteria, not a guarantee that every qualifying drive will work or match the console’s built-in SSD performance.
PS5 M.2 SSD requirements at a glance
| What to check | Sony’s requirement or guidance |
|---|---|
| Interface and key | PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 NVMe, Key M; M.2 SATA is not supported. |
| Capacity | 250 GB to 8 TB. |
| Supported form factors | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110. |
| Sequential read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster is recommended, not guaranteed as a performance threshold. |
| Maximum dimensions including cooling | 25 mm wide; length must fit the supported form factor; 11.25 mm total thickness maximum, with up to 8.0 mm above the board and 2.45 mm below it. |
| Heat dissipation | Effective cooling is required, for example a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet. |
These specifications are from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation Support guidance for Canada. The page does not state a publication year.
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How to choose between compatible drives
Compare the exact drive configuration, not just the SSD model name. A bare drive and the same drive sold with a heatsink may differ in thickness, and the cooling structure counts toward Sony’s maximum dimensions.
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- Capacity and cost per usable terabyte: Pick a capacity that suits your library and compare the actual cost per terabyte. Sony allows 250 GB to 8 TB; it does not mandate 2 TB or identify a best-value capacity.
- Read speed: Check the manufacturer’s stated sequential read speed against Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation. A higher number does not promise identical performance to the internal drive.
- Cooling included: Determine whether the exact configuration includes a heatsink or requires a separate cooling structure. Sony recommends against adding another heatsink to a drive that already has one, because doing so may reduce cooling effectiveness.
- Full installed dimensions: Verify width, length and total thickness with the cooling structure installed. Sony says a single-sided cooling structure is easier to fit.
- Exact configuration documentation: Use the manufacturer’s specifications for the model and heatsink version you intend to buy; do not assume a similarly named version has the same dimensions.
What an M.2 SSD can do that USB storage cannot
An installed M.2 SSD can store, download and run PS5 games. PS5 games kept on USB extended storage cannot be played from that drive; copy them back to the console’s storage or the installed M.2 SSD first. Sony describes these differences on its PS5 M.2 SSD support page.
#1 Best Overall
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0010BNC-WRSN
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Install and format the drive safely
- Before buying, confirm the SSD and its cooling structure meet Sony’s interface, capacity, form-factor and dimension requirements.
- Prepare a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver. Sony also advises touching a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity before handling the drive.
- Install the SSD and cooling structure according to Sony’s instructions for the console.
- On first use, format the M.2 drive when prompted. Formatting erases all data on that drive, so back up anything important before installation.
What Sony’s specifications do—and do not—promise
Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, but notes that some games may not perform exactly as they do on the built-in Ultra-High Speed SSD, even when the expansion drive exceeds that speed. Sony also states that it cannot guarantee every M.2 SSD meeting the listed specifications will work, and assumes no responsibility for third-party product selection, performance or use. Check the current support page and the precise drive configuration before purchase.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Crucial P310 2280 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming PS5 SSD with Heatsink, Up to 7,100MB/s, PlayStation5, Laptop & Desktop (PC) Compatible, Solid State Drive - CT1000P310SSD5-01
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Seamlessly works with desktops, laptops, and PlayStation 5. Also supports backward compatibility with Gen3 systems, making upgrades simple
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
Rank #4
Acer Predator GM7 2TB SSD: M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 - BL.9BWWR.119
- PCIe 4.0 Gen4: The high-performance Predator GM7 delivers uncompromising speeds up to 7400 MB/s read- and 6500 MB/s write-speeds using the PCIe 4.0 interface and NVMe 2.0. It is the ideal SSD for enthusiasts to ace their games, enabling content creation without any hassle.
- HMB+SLC Cache: Predator GM7 supports HMB (Host Memory Buffer) and is equipped with SLC Cache to provide next-level performance, enabling faster game loads and files transmission.
- Powerful controller and NAND Flash: Equipped with the latest PCIe controller technology and state-of-the-art flash, the Predator GM7 boasts an excellent performance at lower power consumption creating less heat.
- Excellent temperature control: Predator GM7 adopts Thermal Throttling, and Power Management to achieve automatic temperature control, overcoming heat issues even under heavy workload.
- Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Predator branded storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, drive cloning, and more.
Rank #3
SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0-1TB m.2 2280 ssd, Read UP to 7350MB/s 1TB for Gaming PS5 Memory Storage Expansion with Heatsink, Internal Solid State Hard Drive PCIe gen 4x4 Nvme for Laptop Desktop pc
- Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
- Work and Play - Whether you pursue science or culture, X7400 m.2 ssd 1TB accentuates ferocious performance for heavy computing and immersive gameplay. Get up to 40% fast performance for heavy-duty applications in data analytics, content creation, gaming and more.
- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
Rank #2
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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