Sony’s PlayStation 5 comes stocked with an ultra fast internal solid state drive for next-gen gaming performance. But with massive install sizes for today’s most immersive titles, that 825GB can fill up faster than you might expect.
Thankfully, Sony engineered the PS5 console to allow owners to upgrade storage easily down the road. By installing an M.2 SSD in the system’s expansion slot, you can bolster capacity immensely while retaining those blazing fast transfer speeds.
But not just any SSD will do. You need a PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVME SSD with sufficient sustained performance ratings and an effective heat sink to work properly. We’ve tracked down the top drives that check every box to bring expanded lightning speed storage to your PlayStation 5.
Best Overall PS5 SSD
Boasting phenomenal rated speeds up to 7400MB/s read and 6500MB/s write, the Lexar NM790 SSD is primed to push the PS5’s performance to the limits. Real world tests confirm the drive delivers asset streaming speeds on par with the PS5’s internal drive.
Lexar designed the NM790 specifically to satisfy next-gen console requirements like the PS5. It meets Sony’s stringent performance demands, including demanding sustained transfer rates during long sessions. The highly efficient controller and optimized firmware keep the NM790 fast and cool at all times.
A slick integrated heat sink allows this SSD to thrive under load without thermal throttling. Lexar’s proprietary heat management ensure optimal temperatures for stability. Slim form-factor design lets the drive slot easily into the PS5’s M.2 expansion bay too.
With capacities ranging from 512GB to 2TB and excellent pricing per GB, theLexar NM790 brings elite performance, smart thermal design, and great value together in one essential PS5 upgrade.
Key Features:
- Lightning fast PCIe 4.0 performance
- Sustained transfer speeds up to 7400MB/s read
- Effective integrated heat sink
- Made for next-gen consoles like PS5
- 512GB to 2TB capacities
Fastest Gen4 SSD for PS5
While compact M.2 solid state drives now come in all shapes and sizes, few target the extreme bandwidth demands of cutting-edge platforms like the PS5. Engineered specifically to unlock the possibilities of PCIe Gen 4, the Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink combines bleeding edge speed with intelligent thermal control.
Utilizing Samsung’s latest V-NAND 3-bit MLC flash memory and a new slim heatsink, this SSD pushes performance boundaries while running cool and consistent. Blazing fast rated speeds up to 7,450MB/s sequential read and 6,900MB/s write leave stock PS5 storage in the dust.
Samsung implemented advanced predictive machine learning to tailor firmware perfectly for console duty. This allows stunning yet steady performance during intense gaming marathons.
With an integrated nickel heat dissipation layer and aluminum spreader, thermal throttling won’t impede this SSD’s monster throughput. Samsung tweaked layout and firmware to minimize latency spikes for smooth asset streaming.
While premium priced, the 990 Pro with Heatsink represents the pinnacle of PCIe 4.0 SSD tech today. For PS5 owners seeking no-compromise futureproof performance, this drive delivers enormously expanded capacity without sacrificing speed.
Key Features:
- Incredible speeds up to 7,450MB/s read
- Low latency for smooth gameplay
- Slim integrated nickel/aluminum heatsink
- Advanced predictive machine learning
- Top-tier performance for PCIe 4.0
Most Durable PS5 SSD
Seagate’s FireCuda 530 SSD combines extreme speed with battle-hardened durability to stand up to punishing console duty. Purpose built for cutting edge PCIe Gen4 devices like PS5, it brings best-in-class performance and resilience together in one compact package.
Rated for a phenomenal 7300MB/s sequential read and 6900MB/s write, the FireCuda 530 provides loads of room for today’s massive game installs without sacrificing responsiveness. Seagate optimized data path efficiencies to accelerate transfers and access for high FPS gameplay.
Meanwhile, the nickel alloy metal frame construction gives FireCuda 530 impressive toughness against drops, vibration, shock, weather effects, and more. Integrated thermal protection prevents overheating even under heavy loads.
With 1TB, 2TB and even massive 4TB PS5-compatible options on tap, you can futureproof your game storage for years to come. Yet the FireCuda 530 retains just a 2-sided slim form factor for an easy install.
Combining extreme speed, hardened durability, and ample capacity, the Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD keeps your PS5 library flying smoothly no matter what life throws your way.
Key Features:
- PCIe Gen4 performance over 7000MB/s
- Rugged nickel alloy metal frame
- Integrated aluminum heatsink
- Robust protection against shock
- Capacities up to 4TB
Best 1TB Value PS5 SSD
1TB or 2TB models provide most PS5 owners plenty of room to grow. And Samsung’s excellent 980 Pro delivers great PCIe 4.0 throughput in a value-focused package.
While not Samsung’s flagship SSD like the 990 Pro above, the 980 Pro still clocks lightning quick speeds up to 7000MB/s read and 5000MB/s write. That keeps game installs, patches, and DLC loading rapidly.
A compact integrated aluminum heatsink allows those speeds to sustain during intense gaming sessions without thermal issues. This version comes tailored for PS5 with everything you need preinstalled to slot directly into the M.2 expansion bay after a quick firmware update.
Solid value per gigabyte provides affordable headroom over the stock PS5 SSD. And you still enjoy excellent 4.0 bandwidth perfect for Microsoft Flight Sim and other massive titles.
If the premium flagship SSDs stretch your budget too far, the 980 Pro gives a lot of next-gen performance for the money. And built-in thermal management keeps this value pick running optimally.
Key Features:
- Fast PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD
- Up to 7000MB/s sequential read
- Integrated heatsink for cooling
- Excellent value per gigabyte
- PS5-compatible design
Any of these high performance PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD options will transform your PS5 storage capabilities for years to come. With massive expansions up to 4TB possible now, you can build a huge futureproof PlayStation game library without compromising speed or reliability.
