Want to expand your storage space on PlayStation 5? Before purchasing any old NVMe drive, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your Sony console. We’ll explain how to determine this.
The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020 with some missing features, including the ability to expand storage space using an aftermarket SSD. With the September System Update released on September 15, 2021, all users have the ability, so make sure your system is up to date.
Make sure your SSD complies with Sony specifications
Sony has a set of requirements that must be met in order for your drive to match the specifications of the current SSD that came with the console. Unlike USB storage solutions Which can only be used for PS4 titles (backward compatibility), original PS5 games have much higher read and write speed requirements.
The drive must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a capacity between 250GB and 4TB. Older 3rd generation drives and anything that doesn’t reach Sony’s target 5.5GB/s sequential read speed aren’t up to par.
These drives must have an M.2 form factor type of 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 (information which must be included in the item description). The socket type used is socket 3 (M key). The physical dimensions of the drive are also important, as the PS5 only has room for drive modules that are 22mm wide (25mm modules won’t fit). The length must be 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, or 110mm.
In addition to the physical dimensions of the drive unit, Sony also recommends the use of a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. Some drives come with heatsinks already attached, while others come “bare” and require you to install one yourself. Without proper cooling, your drive may suffer a performance penalty under load.
When a heatsink is connected, the total size of the expansion drive must not exceed 110mm in length, 25mm in width, and 11.25mm in height. Note that although the maximum width is 25mm, the NVMe module must not exceed 22mm (25mm is the size quoted with the heatsink attached).
Which SSD drives work with PS5?
If you’ve read these specs and decided you’d rather go back to someone else and just buy a “good” NVMe drive, we don’t blame you. Sony’s solution offers more consumer freedom than Microsoft’s approach to storage cards for the Xbox Series
Here are some drives that include heatsinks that you can drop directly into your PS5:
NVMe drive with heatsink
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD with Heatsink – Works with PlayStation 5, Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, up to 7000MB/s – WDS100T1XHE
The WD_BLACK SN850 from Western Digital is fully compatible with the PlayStation 5 and comes with a heatsink ready to use.
Here are some drives that meet the specifications, but come with no heatsink or a very large heatsink:
NVMe drive without heatsink
SABRENT Rocket 4 Plus NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 Internal High Performance SSD (Latest Version) from SABRENT (SB-RKT4P-1TB)
Sabrent’s Rocket 4 Plus meets Sony’s NVMe specifications but requires you to purchase and attach an aftermarket heatsink.
You’ll need to make sure that any heatsink you buy doesn’t cause your SSD to exceed the 11.25mm height limit. Often times, item descriptions and user reviews will confirm or deny this, and some heatsinks like the MHQJRH M.2 2280 can be modified to fit.
Once you’ve chosen the right NVMe SSD, here’s how to install it on your PS5. The process requires opening your PS5 console, but it’s not too complicated if you follow the instructions.
Upgrading your PS5 storage will get easier
Sony’s approach requires console owners to pay close attention to the hardware they purchase to ensure compatibility. This means providing affordable upgrade paths to users provided they know what they are doing.
Expect manufacturers to put a “Fit PS5” sticker on the box and bundle their drives with an appropriately sized heatsink before too long, which should make upgrading your PS5’s internal storage much easier.
Get more from your Sony console with Review Geeks The best PlayStation 5 accessories.
(tags for translation) Video Games