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Freedom251 › Blog › M.2 SSD

How to Install a Samsung 990 PRO in a PS5 and Check Heatsink Clearance

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink fits within Sony’s published PS5 M.2 size limits: Samsung lists maximum dimensions of 80.15 × 25 × 8.88 mm, while Sony allows up to 110 mm long, 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick overall. Install it in the console’s M.2 expansion slot, set the spacer to 2280, and make sure the slot cover closes normally—never force it.

Check that you have the right 990 PRO variant

Samsung sells the 990 PRO both with and without an integrated heatsink. This installation guide is for the 990 PRO with Heatsink; its integrated cooling structure means you do not add another heatsink over it. Check the capacity and exact regional SKU on the package or product listing before opening the console. Samsung identifies the heatsink model as PCIe 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0 and M.2 2280, lists PlayStation 5 among its applications, and rates sequential reads at up to 7,450 MB/s (Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink specifications).

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The bare 990 PRO does not include that integrated cooling structure. If using one, it still needs a compatible heatsink and heat-transfer solution within Sony’s size limits; an aftermarket cooler is not guaranteed to fit. Do not stack a separate cooler over the heatsink variant.

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Compare the heatsink dimensions with Sony’s limits

Sony’s requirements apply to the complete SSD and cooling structure, not just the bare drive. The 990 PRO with Heatsink is an M.2 2280 drive, so its 80.15 mm maximum length is within Sony’s 110 mm limit. Its maximum width is 25 mm, exactly Sony’s width limit; its maximum 8.88 mm height is within Sony’s 11.25 mm total-thickness limit. Samsung Canada lists 80 × 24.3 × 8.2 mm for its 2TB model, but dimensions vary by listing, so the table uses the more conservative maximum dimensions from Samsung’s datasheet. Confirm the exact SKU you own.

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Measurement 990 PRO with Heatsink, maximum Sony PS5 limit Clearance
Length 80.15 mm (Samsung datasheet) 110 mm Within limit
Width 25 mm (Samsung datasheet) 25 mm At the limit
Total thickness 8.88 mm (Samsung datasheet) 11.25 mm overall Within limit

Sony also specifies up to 8.0 mm above the SSD board and 2.45 mm below it. Its full compatibility requirements include PCIe Gen4x4, NVMe, M Key, capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB, and supported sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110. Single- and double-sided drives are supported; M.2 SATA is not. Sony recommends sequential read speeds of at least 5,500 MB/s. Samsung’s up-to-7,450 MB/s figure is a manufacturer rating, not a PS5 test or a promise that every game will perform like it does on the console’s internal SSD. See Sony’s M.2 SSD compatibility and installation guidance and Samsung’s 990 PRO with Heatsink datasheet.

Install the 990 PRO in the PS5

Outer-cover removal differs by PS5 chassis and model. Use Sony’s instructions for your exact model rather than assuming the cover comes off the same way on every console. Before starting, update the PS5 system software, shut the console down completely, unplug it and let it cool.

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  1. Open the console and reach the M.2 slot. Follow the cover-removal instructions for your PS5 model, then remove the expansion-slot cover.
  2. Set the spacer to 2280. Remove the slot screw and spacer, then place the spacer in the hole marked 2280.
  3. Insert the SSD. Hold the drive by its edges, align its connector notch with the slot, and insert it firmly at an upward angle until fully seated.
  4. Lower and secure the drive. Lower the SSD onto the 2280 spacer and fasten it with the screw. The board should rest level, and the heatsink must not obstruct the screw.
  5. Close the console. Refit the expansion-slot cover and its screw, then put the console cover back on and reconnect the PS5.
  6. Format the drive when prompted. At startup, follow the on-screen M.2 format guide. Formatting erases the drive’s contents, so use a new or backed-up SSD. Do not turn off the console while it is formatting or saving data.

For model-specific instructions, use PlayStation’s official M.2 SSD installation guide and the PS5 user guide.

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Check the heatsink and expansion-slot cover

After securing the SSD, check that it lies flat on the spacer and the screw is unobstructed. Refit the expansion-slot cover without pressure. PlayStation Support says, “If the expansion slot cover doesn’t close properly, your cooling structure probably exceeds the size requirements.” A cover that will not close normally can indicate excess size, incorrect orientation or another installation problem. Stop and recheck the exact drive dimensions and seating; do not press or force the cover into place.

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  • BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
  • REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
  • THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
  • PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
  • MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****

Sony requires an effective heat-dissipation structure, such as a heatsink and heat-transfer sheet, and warns that an M.2 SSD without cooling may overheat and continued use may cause operational failure. The heatsink version has its cooling structure integrated; a bare 990 PRO needs a separately selected compatible solution that fits within the same limits.

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What to expect after installation

Once formatting completes, the console can use the M.2 SSD for supported game and app storage. Meeting Sony’s published specifications does not guarantee that every third-party drive will work, and the drive’s rated sequential speed does not guarantee performance identical to the built-in SSD. If the PS5 reports a problem, power down safely and recheck seating, spacer position, screw clearance and cover fit against Sony’s model-specific instructions.

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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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M.2 SSDPlayStation 5PS5Samsung 990 PROSSD installation

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