If you're a PS5 owner, you're no stranger to the frustration of running out of storage space. With the increasing size of games. You might even find yourself having to uninstall games frequently to make room for new ones. This is where the right SSD (Solid State Drive) can make a world of difference.
By investing in a high-speed SSD, you can not only increase your storage capacity, but also improve your gaming experience with faster load times and smoother performance. In this article, we'll explore the best SSD options for your PS5, so you can spend more time playing and less time managing your storage.
With the latest system software updates, the PS5 now supports an impressive storage capacity of up to 8TB. This expansion means that, with the right SSD, players have the ability to store many more games and media on their console.
Furthermore, PS5 consoles are equipped with an M.2 slot. This specific slot allows for a high-speed SSD to be inserted, significantly enhancing the console's performance. The M.2 slot is easy to access and designed for user-friendly upgrades, making it simpler than ever to expand your PS5's storage capabilities. With these advancements, gamers can now embrace the substantial benefits of increased storage and high-speed performance.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of SSDs for PS5
- What to Look for in a Good PS5 SSD
- Samsung 990 Pro
- Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink
- Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 2TB
- WD Black SN850X
- Crucial P5 Plus
- Conclusion
Benefits of SSDs for PS5
The main benefit of a high-speed SSD is that it offers faster loading times due to its faster read/write speeds. This means games will start up more quickly and load levels faster, allowing you to jump right into the action with minimal waiting time. Additionally, SSDs use less power than traditional hard drives, which can help extend your console’s battery life.
What to Look for in a Good PS5 SSD
When buying an SSD for your PS5, you should look for one that fits the following criteria:
1. Storage capacity
Make sure the drive has enough storage capacity for your needs. The size of AAA games has been steadily increasing, so you may want to opt for more space than you initially think is necessary.
2. Read/write speeds
Look for read/write speeds that are at least three times faster than the PS5’s original hard drive (560 megabytes per second). You should also make sure the drive supports the PS5’s M.2 slot, as some SSDs may not be compatible with this new console.
3. Manufacturer
It is important to find a reliable and reputable manufacturer that offers quality products and customer support.
Top 5 PS5 SSDs in 2024
1. Samsung 990 Pro
The Samsung 990 Pro, a Gen 4 M.2 SSD, is a powerhouse in the realm of SSDs for both PS5 and PC. It was initially overlooked due to the higher cost associated with its newer model, which promised better sequential speeds. However, the tide of opinion has shifted as the 990 Pro is now being offered at increasingly competitive discounts.
The Samsung 990 Pro holds its own in the market, proving to be a formidable competitor to the likes of the SN850X. In our tests, the 2TB 990 Pro impressively clocked 7,462MB/s reads and 6,877MB/s writes. This is the highest performance level achievable for a Gen 4 drive, matching the top 3 PS5 SSDs in terms of peak sequential performance. The 990 Pro and other leading SSDs are pushing the limits of the PCIe Gen 4 interface, demonstrating Samsung's place at the top of the SSD market.
2. Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is another great option for PS5 owners looking for an SSD with high read/write speeds. The FireCuda 530 is a complete package not require any additional DIY jobs, as it comes with its own heatsink. However, for customization enthusiasts, a non-heatsink version is also available. Seagate claims that the transfer speeds of the FireCuda 530 surpass those of the SN850, exceeding the 7,000MB/s mark. The SSD also supports 3D TLC NAND memory and the latest PCIe 4.0 technology, ensuring top-notch performance for PS5 games.
One of its unique features is the recently launched Star Wars edition of the SSD, which comes with heatsinks that light up to resemble the iconic lightsabers of Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan, and Darth Vader. However, bear in mind that while visually appealing, these Star Wars edition heatsinks won't fit inside the PS5 with the faceplate back on.
3. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 2TB
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is a top-tier PS5 SSD that not only impresses with its design but also delivers high-speed performance. Though it falls slightly short of its predicted peak sequential read speed of 7,100MB/s, delivering a still remarkable speed of around 5,581.505MB/s, it stands as an excellent choice for daily PS5 usage.
Its prowess is particularly highlighted when transferring large files. For instance, the colossal 116.3GB game, Red Dead Redemption 2, was transferred to the NVMe drive in a mere 1 minute and 13 seconds. During test games under 100GB were transferred in less than a minute.
4. WD Black SN850X
Regarded as one of the most impressive external SSDs in the market, the WD Black P50 Game Drive is a superior choice for PS5 SSD in 2023. It offers an unmatched blend of an aesthetically pleasing design, robust construction, and outstanding speed benchmarks usually found in top-tier gaming PCs and best-in-class SSDs for gaming.
The WD Black P50 Game Drive showcases a military-styled, rectangular shape, adorned with sleek and durable molded metal along with the classic WD_Black branding. It's equipped with a USB-C port that can seamlessly you can connect with your devices.
In terms of performance, the P50 Game Drive lives up to its promised speeds, delivering a striking 'up to 2000MB/s', which we found to be accurate during our tests. Its real-world performance is truly impressive: games load quickly, file retrieval is nearly instantaneous, and the performance maintains consistency throughout. It's noteworthy that the P50 can get warm during use, so positioning it accordingly can be beneficial.
5. Crucial P5 Plus
The Crucial P5 Plus is a refreshing new addition from Crucial, renowned for its expertise in storage solutions. This PS5 SSD has been officially recognized as compatible with Sony's latest console. Leveraging Crucial's Micron Advanced 3D NAND technology, the P5 Plus offers speeds of up to 6,600MB/s, comfortably exceeding Sony's target speed, making it an efficient choice without reaching the extreme speeds of the SN850.
It is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. However, given its overall value for money and the storage space that each model offers, we recommend the 1TB model. A minor drawback is that you will need to install your own SSD heatsink before using it in your PS5. This might require some basic skills in electronic DIY and familiarity with PC components. Ensure that the heatsink you choose aligns with Sony's guidelines so as not to make your SSD oversized.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-speed SSD for your PS5 is a smart move that can significantly improve your gaming experience. By reducing load times and increasing storage capacity, you can spend more time playing your favorite games and less time managing your storage. The Samsung 990 Pro, Seagate FireCuda 530, Corsair MP600 Pro LPX, WD Black SN850X, and Crucial P5 Plus are all excellent options for PS5 owners looking to upgrade their storage. Consider your storage needs, read/write speeds, and manufacturer reputation when making your choice. With the right SSD, you can take your gaming to the next level.
