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PS5 SSD Upgrade Guide: Best NVMe Drives & Deals

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

PlayStation 5 console with NVMe SSD upgrade

As game install sizes continue to balloon, the PlayStation 5's internal 825GB drive—with only about 667GB of usable space—can fill up faster than ever. With behemoth titles like *Call of Duty*, *Alan Wake 2*, and *Baldur's Gate 3* easily consuming over 100-150GB each, a storage upgrade has shifted from a luxury to a near necessity for serious players.

Fortunately, expanding your console's storage is one of the most impactful and user-friendly upgrades you can perform. It eliminates the frustrating cycle of deleting old games to make room for new ones. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the right high-speed NVMe SSD and snag it at the best price during major sales events.

Why You Need a PS5 SSD Upgrade

The primary benefit of installing an internal M.2 NVMe SSD is simple: more space without compromise. Unlike using an external USB drive, which can only store PS5 games for later transfer, a compatible internal SSD allows you to both store and play PS5 titles directly from it. This means you experience the same lightning-fast loading speeds and seamless performance you get from the console's stock drive.

With an extra 1TB, 2TB, or even a massive 8TB of storage, you can keep your entire collection of favorites—from sprawling open-world RPGs to the latest multiplayer shooters—installed and ready to launch. No more waiting for lengthy downloads or shuffling games back and forth from a cold storage drive. It’s a seamless extension of your PS5's core power.

What to Look For in a PS5-Compatible SSD

Sony has specific requirements for SSDs to ensure they can keep up with the PS5's high-performance architecture. Buying an incompatible or under-specced drive can lead to performance issues or it simply won't work. Here are the key specifications you must follow:

  • Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Sequential Read Speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is the official recommendation.
  • Capacity: 250GB to 8TB. (A system software update increased the maximum supported size from 4TB to a massive 8TB, making the console even more future-proof). We strongly recommend at least 1TB to make a meaningful difference.
  • Heatsink: The drive MUST have a heatsink. These high-speed drives generate significant heat that must be dissipated to prevent performance throttling and ensure longevity. You can either buy an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink (the easiest option) or purchase and attach a compatible one yourself.
  • Form Factor: M.2 types 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110. (The 2280 size is the most common).

Top-tier brands like Western Digital, Samsung, Crucial, and Seagate all produce excellent, officially compatible models. The WD_BLACK SN850X, Samsung 990 Pro, and Crucial P5 Plus are consistently among the most popular and reliable choices that frequently see discounts during sales events.

Installation is Easier Than You Think

If the thought of opening your console is intimidating, rest assured that Sony designed the PS5 with easy SSD expansion in mind. The process is surprisingly straightforward and requires no technical expertise. All you need is a clean, well-lit space and a #1 Phillips head screwdriver.

  1. Power Down: Completely turn off your PS5 (don't just put it in Rest Mode) and unplug all cables.
  2. Remove the Stand: Take off the base stand.
  3. Open the PS5: Place the console on a soft surface with the logo facing down and the power button facing away from you. Gently lift and slide off the top white panel.
  4. Access the Slot: You will see a rectangular metal cover held in by a single screw. This is the expansion slot.
  5. Install the Drive: Unscrew the cover. You’ll see another screw inside; move it to the hole corresponding to your SSD's length (usually 80 for a 2280 drive). Insert your new M.2 SSD into the connector at an angle, then gently press it down and secure it with the screw.
  6. Close Up: Replace the expansion slot cover and slide the white PS5 panel back into place until it clicks. Reattach the stand and your cables.

Once you power the PS5 back on, it will automatically detect the new drive and prompt you to format it. The process takes only a few seconds, and then your new storage will be ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of SSD do I need for a PS5?You need a PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a recommended sequential read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster. Critically, the drive must also have a heatsink to manage heat and maintain performance.
  • Can I play PS5 games from an external USB SSD?No. While you can store PS5 games on an external USB drive to free up internal space, you cannot play them directly from it. They must be moved back to the internal console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD to be played. You can, however, play PS4 games directly from an external USB drive.
  • Is it difficult to install a new SSD in the PS5?Not at all. Sony designed the process to be user-friendly. It requires removing one of the side panels to access the dedicated expansion slot. The entire installation can typically be completed in under 15 minutes with just a Phillips head screwdriver.

Get Ready for the Best Deals

Major sales events like Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday are historically the best times of the year to invest in a storage upgrade. Prices on electronics, especially components like NVMe SSDs, often see their steepest drops during these periods. Start wish-listing compatible drives now and monitor their prices. By preparing ahead of time, you'll be ready to pull the trigger when the perfect deal on a 1TB or 2TB drive inevitably appears, ensuring your PS5 is ready for all the blockbuster games yet to come.