The Best PS5 SSDs You Can Buy in 2025: Speedy M.2 Drives for Your Console

Enhance Your PS5 Experience: A Guide to the Best SSDs

For generations, console gamers were limited by built-in storage. The PS5 changed that, offering an M.2 PCIe slot for expandable storage. This guide explores the best SSD options to significantly boost your PS5's performance and capacity, moving beyond the limited 825GB (or 1TB in the Slim model).

TL;DR: Top PS5 SSD Picks

Our Top Pick: Corsair MP600 Pro LPX (See it on Amazon!) Best Budget: Crucial T500 (See it on Amazon!) Best Without Heatsink: Samsung 990 Evo Plus (See it at Best Buy!) Best External: WD_Black P40 (See it on Amazon!)

PS5 SSD Essentials

Several factors are crucial when selecting a PS5 SSD:

• Interface: Requires PCIe 4.0 or higher (up to 7,500MB/s). Gen 3 drives are significantly slower.
• Form Factor: M.2 is essential. While the PS5 accommodates various sizes, the standard M.2 2280 is recommended.
• Heatsink: Crucial for PCIe 4.0 SSDs due to heat generation. The heatsink must be 11.25mm or less in height. Choose an SSD with a built-in heatsink or purchase one separately.
• Capacity: 1TB is a popular choice, effectively doubling the console's storage. Larger capacities (up to 4TB or even 8TB) are available but at a higher cost.
• Warranty & Endurance: Check the warranty period (typically 5 years) and TBW (Terabytes Written) rating, indicating the drive's lifespan.
• NAND Type: TLC NAND is a good balance of performance and affordability for gaming.

Top SSD Reviews

1. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX: Excellent value with read speeds up to 7,100MB/s and a pre-installed heatsink. A 1TB version is often available for under $80. 700TBW endurance rating.

   • Pros: Excellent value, high read speed.
   • Cons: Not the absolute fastest drive available.

2. Crucial T500: Best budget option, offering high speeds (7,300MB/s read) and a heatsink for around $100 (1TB). 600TBW endurance rating.

   • Pros: TLC 3D NAND, impressive speeds.
   • Cons: No 4TB option.

3. Samsung 990 Evo Plus: High performance without a premium price. Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s (PS5 test around 6,137MB/s). Does not include a heatsink. 600TBW (1TB), 1200TBW (2TB), 2400TBW (4TB) endurance ratings.

   • Pros: Excellent performance, fast load times.
   • Cons: Requires a separate heatsink.

4. WD_Black P40: Best external option, offering 1TB with 2,000MB/s read speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Cannot run PS5 games directly but is useful for PS4 games and data transfer. 600TBW endurance rating.

   • Pros: Faster than traditional hard drives, multiplatform support.
   • Cons: Cannot run PS5 games.

PS5 SSD FAQ

• Is an SSD worthwhile? Absolutely, if you have a large game library or play many large games.
• Required SSD speed? At least 5,500MB/s read speed (PCIe 4.0). 6,500MB/s or higher is ideal.
• Best time to buy? Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday often offer significant discounts.
• Are PCIe 5.0 SSDs necessary? No, the PS5 doesn't utilize PCIe 5.0 speeds. A PCIe 4.0 drive is sufficient.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you choose the perfect SSD to enhance your PS5 gaming experience. Remember to consult the PS5's compatibility list before purchasing.