Elevate Your PS5 Experience with Top-notch SSD Upgrades. The top-rated SSDs for the PS5 offer an excellent solution for those looking to enhance their gaming experience by upgrading their console’s storage capacity. If you’ve been grappling with the frustration of limited storage space for your expanding game library, the inclusion of an M.2 port in Sony’s flagship console is a game-changer. This M.2 port allows you to seamlessly integrate an NVMe drive, unlocking faster load times and providing additional storage space.
The best PS5 SSDs featured in the following list conveniently fit into the internal M.2 port, accessible by removing the console’s rear faceplate. Despite initial concerns about the complexity of installation, particularly for those unfamiliar with PC building, the process is surprisingly straightforward. Modern SSDs designed for gaming easily slide and click into place, eliminating the need for dealing with cumbersome SATA cables or any unnecessary complications.
Currently, SSDs are remarkably affordable, making it an opportune time to explore the market for the ideal upgrade. Whether you choose to extend your PS5 storage internally or externally using one of the best PS5 external hard drives, be aware that playing PS5 games directly from an external drive is not supported. However, storing PS5 games on an external SSD is now possible, with the caveat that transferring them to an internal drive is necessary for actual gameplay.
An important consideration when opting for an internal PS5 SSD is the need to pair it with one of the best PS5 heatsinks. While modern SSDs deliver exceptional speed, they generate a considerable amount of heat during intensive tasks. Failing to provide proper cooling, such as a heatsink, may lead to potential damage to the drive. Fortunately, many SSDs cater to PlayStation users by incorporating integrated heatsinks into their designs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink
The Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB Heatsink stands out as the top choice for a PS5 SSD, delivering exceptional performance with capacities up to 4TB. With a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 interface, it boasts impressive read/write speeds of 7,300/6,900 MB/s and random read/write speeds of 800,000/1,000,000 IOPS, backed by a 5-year warranty.
Recognized as the first confirmed PS5 SSD, it offers excellent speeds and the option of a heatsink model. Despite occasional stock availability challenges, it remains a popular market choice. The sleek design features a black body with subtle orange branding, and the understated heatsink adds sophistication. Available in sizes from 500GB to 4TB, users can opt for the heatsink.
Quoted speeds align with real-world performance, utilizing the Phison E18 controller, 3D TLC NAND memory, and next-gen PCIe 4.0 technology. The slimline M.2 design incorporates top-notch Gen 4 features. In performance tests, the Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB consistently matches advertised speeds, providing a significant boost for gaming PC builds. Noteworthy for its affordability, especially if priced under $70, it stands out as the best all-around SSD on the list, ensuring a considerable enhancement in PS5 storage and performance.
Patriot Viper VP4300 1TB
The Patriot Viper VP4300 1TB stands out as a budget-friendly gem in the PS5 SSD category, offering impressive performance at a compelling value. With capacities up to 2TB and a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 interface, it delivers fast read/write speeds of 7,400/5,500 MB/s and random read/write speeds of up to 800,000 IOPS. The drive comes with a 5-year warranty and is equipped with two heatsinks— a thin graphene layer and a ‘full-size’ aluminum one, providing flexibility for user preferences or system requirements.
Although a hands-on test is pending, the Patriot Viper VP4300 is positioned as a promising budget alternative, potentially delivering top-tier speeds at a more affordable price compared to its competitors. Its claimed speeds rival those of more expensive options like the Samsung 990 Pro.
Available in 1TB and 2TB models, the Viper offers fewer options for those seeking a smaller 500GB drive. Despite a lack of firsthand experience, positive user reviews and assessments suggest the Patriot Viper VP4300 is a reliable choice, complemented by a solid 5-year warranty. Updates will be provided following a hands-on test, but the quoted read and write speeds indicate commendable performance at a budget-friendly price point.
Samsung 980 Pro 1TB Heatsink
The Samsung 980 Pro 1TB Heatsink is the top-value Samsung PS5 SSD, delivering exceptional performance with a dedicated heatsink for effective cooling. With capacities up to 4TB and a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface, it achieves impressive read/write speeds of 7000/5100 MB/s and random read/write speeds of 1,000,000 IOPS, featuring a substantial 2GB LPDDR4 DRAM cache. The drive comes with a 5-year warranty, solidifying its market position.
While not the absolute fastest Gen 4.0 unit, the 980 Pro’s outstanding sequential rates of up to 7,000 MB/s read make it a formidable choice for PS5 users. The inclusion of a tailored heatsink designed for the system adds appeal, catering to those who prefer a hassle-free plug-and-play experience.
Available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB models, users can opt for the heatsink variant based on their preferences. Despite newer drives with the Phison E18 controller offering more consistent and faster random performance, the 980 Pro remains competitive, especially with frequent discounts.
In terms of performance, while slightly edged by the 990 Pro, the 980 Pro still ranks among the fastest drives, delivering speeds of 6.7GB/s read and 4.9GB/s in review tests. The compelling value for money, especially during discounted periods, positions the Samsung 980 Pro as a strong contender for users seeking a high-performing PS5 SSD.