PlayStation 5 users can finally rejoice as the console’s second major update which not only enables 3D Audio but also lets users upgrade their internal storage by making the M.2 drive bay accessible.
Once a compatible NVME M.2 Storage drive is installed, users can transfer and install PS4 and PS5 games directly onto their new drive.
PS5 M.2 SSD Requirements
According to Sony, M.2 drives with the following specifications can be installed into your PS5.
- Interface: PCI-Express Gen4x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M)
- Storage: 250 GB–4 TB
- Supported Sizes: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
- Physical Size, including heatsink:
- Width: up to 25 mm
- Length: 30/40/60/80/110 mm
- Thickness: up to 11.25 mm (up to 8.0 mm from above the board, up to 2.45 mm from below the board)
- Sequential read speed: 5500 MB/s or faster is recommended
- Socket: Socket 3 (Key M)
Sony also recommends that you pair a heatsink with your M.2 drive to prevent it from overheating during long gaming sessions.
PS5 Compatible SSD Drives
Samsung 980 Pro PS5 SSD
This upcoming drive was recently announced, built in mind for the PlayStation 5. It also comes with a heatsink which provides better cooling than the regular 980 Pro.
This NVME drive can deliver up to 7,000MB/s Sequential read and 5,100 MB/s write speeds and will come with a 5-year warranty. The 980 Pro PS5 SSD will release on October 29, 2021, and will come in 1TB ($249.99) and 2TB ($449.99) variants.
Samsung 980 Pro SSD
Not to be confused with the upcoming PS5-ready 980 Pro. Although it comes without a heatsink, it’s pretty much the same drive under the hood, featuring 7,000MB/s Sequential read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds and the same 3D TLC V-NAND.
Paired with an aftermarket heatsink, it’s a very viable option for PS5 owners.
The 980 Pro comes in multiple variants and starts from 250GB ($89.99) to 2TB ($379.99).
WD Black SN850
The WD Black is quite literally a ‘solid’, solid-state drive and features beastly speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s Sequential read speeds and 5,300 MB/s write speeds.
This PCIe 4.0 drive features 3D TLC NAND memory and comes with and without a heatsink, depending on your budget, and comes in three storage variants, 500GB ($149.99) – 2TB ($599.99), making it one of the priciest NVME drives on the market.
Seagate FireCuda 530
The FireCuda 530 is a great option for the PS5, as it not only comes with a custom design heatsink but also features up to 7,300MB/s Sequential read and 6,800 MB/s write speeds.
The drive also boasts a 3D TLC NAND memory, just like the SN850 and the 980 Pro, so it is right up there in the big leagues. You can also opt for a non-heatsink version if you’re feeling a bit frugal.
The FireCuda 530 starts at 500GB($149.99) and goes all the way up to 4TB ($899.99) of storage, making it a perfect option if you have a massive library of PS4 and PS5 games.
Crucial P5 Plus
While it is not the best drive on the list, the Crucial P5 checks all the boxes and is perfectly compatible with the PS5.
The P5 has Sequential read speeds of 6,600MB/s and write speeds of 5,000 MB/s but comes without a heatsink. On the bright side, it is the most affordable drive out of the bunch.
Crucial P5 Plus comes in 3 variants, 500GB ($110), 1TB ($159.99) and 2TB ($319.99).
