Best SSDs for PS5 Storage Expansion
Running out of space on your PS5 is a frustrating rite of passage for every gamer today. With modern titles like Call of Duty or Jedi: Survivor hogging over 100GB each, that internal drive feels tiny. I’ve spent years benchmarking storage for high-end rigs, and I can tell you that the right M.2 SSD doesn’t just add space—it can actually outpace the stock drive. The Samsung 990 Pro is my current favorite, but several great alternatives exist.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best SSDs for PS5 Expansion: Detailed Reviews
Samsung 990 Pro View on Amazon
If you want the absolute pinnacle of Gen4 performance, the Samsung 990 Pro is it. Released as the successor to the legendary 980 Pro, this drive pushes the PCIe 4.0 interface to its absolute limit. In my testing, load times for heavy titles like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are virtually instantaneous. It features a slim, low-profile heatsink that fits perfectly within the PS5’s expansion slot without any clearance issues. While it carries a slight premium price, you’re paying for Samsung’s world-class reliability and some of the best thermal management in the business. The only real downside is that for casual gaming, the speed difference over cheaper drives is measurable in fractions of a second, which might not be noticeable to everyone. However, for those who want the best, this is the gold standard.
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WD_BLACK SN850X View on Amazon
The WD_BLACK SN850X is often the “smart” pick for most PS5 owners. It’s the successor to the original SN850—the drive famously recommended by PS5 architect Mark Cerny himself. This “X” variant bumps the read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, which is well above Sony’s 5,500 MB/s recommendation. What I love about Western Digital’s gaming line is the consistency; it handles sustained transfers beautifully, so if you’re moving 100GB of data from internal storage to the SSD, it won’t throttle. The version with the integrated heatsink is sleek and includes a subtle RGB light (though you won’t see it inside the console). It frequently goes on sale, making it much more affordable than the Samsung equivalent while offering nearly identical real-world performance. It’s a workhorse that simply doesn’t fail to impress.
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Corsair MP600 Pro LPX View on Amazon
You don’t need to break the bank to get great PS5 storage, and the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is living proof. Despite its lower price point, it still delivers a blistering 7,100 MB/s read speed. Corsair specifically designed the “LPX” version for the PS5, ensuring the aluminum heat spreader fits perfectly in the console’s tight M.2 bay. In my experience, Corsair’s drives are incredibly reliable, though the software interface (if you ever use it on a PC) isn’t as polished as Samsung’s. For the PS5, that doesn’t matter; you just plug it in, format it, and forget it. The limitations are minor—it might run slightly warmer than the premium drives under extreme long-term use, but within the PS5’s environment, it’s a non-issue. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” drive for the savvy shopper.
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Seagate FireCuda 530 View on Amazon
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is a beast of a drive that was among the first to be fully certified for the PS5. Its standout feature isn’t just the 7,300 MB/s speed, but its incredible endurance. With a rating of up to 2,550 TBW for the 2TB model, you could effectively fill and delete the entire drive every day for years without wearing it out. The heatsink is designed by EKWB, a legendary name in liquid cooling, and it looks absolutely premium. I’ve found that this drive stays remarkably cool even during 4-hour gaming sessions in a warm room. It’s usually more expensive than the Samsung or WD options, but for users who plan on keeping their PS5 for the entire console generation and constantly rotating their library, the peace of mind offered by Seagate’s endurance and Rescue Data Recovery services is worth the extra spend.
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Kingston FURY Renegade View on Amazon
The Kingston FURY Renegade is often the dark horse in these comparisons, but it’s a top-tier performer through and through. It matches the 7,300 MB/s speeds of the more famous brands and uses a very slim graphene aluminum heat spreader. This is particularly great if you are someone who likes to swap drives between a PS5 and a thin laptop, as it doesn’t have a bulky block of metal attached to it. However, for the PS5, I still recommend the version with the dedicated heatsink for better airflow management. In my testing, it actually beat the WD SN850X in some synthetic write tests, making it a powerhouse for those who download games frequently. It’s a rock-solid alternative that often hides in the shadow of Samsung, but you shouldn’t overlook it if you find it at a discount.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best PS5 SSD
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 Pro | Extreme Performance | ★★★★★ | Check |
| WD_BLACK SN850X | Balanced Choice | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Corsair MP600 Pro LPX | Budget Gamers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Seagate FireCuda 530 | Durability/Longevity | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Kingston FURY Renegade | Compatibility | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
Absolutely not. Sony designed the PS5 with a user-accessible M.2 expansion slot specifically so that players could upgrade their own storage. As long as you follow the official instructions and don’t damage other internal components with a screwdriver, your warranty remains fully intact. It is a supported hardware feature, much like changing the faceplates or cleaning out the dust traps, so you can upgrade with complete confidence.
Do I really need a heatsink for the PS5 SSD?
Yes, you definitely do. Sony’s official documentation states that a heatsink is required. Because the M.2 slot is in a confined space with limited airflow, these high-speed Gen4 drives can reach temperatures of over 70°C during intense gaming. Without a heatsink, the drive will “thermal throttle,” slowing down its speeds to protect itself from damage. This results in poor game performance and potentially longer load times than the internal drive.
Can I play PS5 games directly from the added SSD?
Yes, that is the primary benefit of the M.2 expansion. Unlike external USB drives, which can only store PS5 games or play older PS4 games, an internal M.2 NVMe SSD functions exactly like the console’s built-in storage. You can install, play, and update PS5 titles directly from the expansion drive. In many cases, if you pick a top-tier drive like the Samsung 990 Pro, the games may even load slightly faster.
Is 1TB enough, or should I go for 2TB?
While 1TB effectively doubles your usable space, I generally recommend 2TB if your budget allows. Games are only getting larger, with many AAA titles exceeding 150GB with updates and DLC. A 1TB drive fills up surprisingly fast—usually around 8 to 10 big games. A 2TB drive provides a much more comfortable “buffer,” allowing you to keep your favorite multiplayer games installed while still having plenty of room for new single-player adventures.
Is the installation process difficult for beginners?
Not at all! It is a very straightforward process that takes about five to ten minutes. You simply slide off the PS5’s side plate, unscrew one metal cover, and then insert the SSD into the slot at a slight angle. Secure it with the included screw, put the covers back on, and you’re done. When you turn on your PS5, it will automatically prompt you to format the drive, which takes only a few seconds.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right SSD depends on your library size and budget. If you want the absolute best and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Samsung 990 Pro is the clear winner for its sheer speed. However, for 90% of gamers, the WD _BLACK SN850X provides an identical experience for less money. If you are strictly looking to save cash but still want a high-quality drive that meets all of Sony’s specs, the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is your best bet.