The next-generation consoles, the Xbox Series X|S and the PlayStation 5, came with a significant leap in hardware in terms of power and architecture. However, another key point that has been greatly improved over the previous generation is its storage. All these devices decided to install an internal SSD, which of course significantly reduces the download and installation time of video games.
Although the quality of this storage is unquestionable, it must be taken into account that, as with any device, it is limited. The original Xbox Series S only has 500GB, while the Xbox Series X and the new Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5 use 1TB (although in practice these numbers are reduced). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to increase the capacity of these consoles.
In the case of Microsoft consoles, very specific expansion cards must be used. There are only two officially licensed cards, and to use them, you simply insert them into the appropriate slot, as we would do with a microSD. Things are a little different on the PlayStation 5since we can use NVMe SSD to expand its capacity.
This opens us up to a huge range, from which we have many models to choose from, since in order to use them on the PS5, it is enough that they meet a number of requirements. It is for this reason that in this article we are going to see everything we need to know before choosing a particular model, in addition to, of course, seeing the most recommended models that we can buy right now. Let’s go there!
What to consider when buying an NVMe SSD for PS5?
As we said above, the first thing we need to know before expanding the storage of our console is that we should look at NVMe solid state drives. This excludes, of course, those that are SATA and mechanical hard drives. Now the types of NVMe we have on the market are different and unfortunately not all of them work. Below we take a step-by-step look at all the points and details that need to be taken into account.
Install NMVe SSD on PlayStation 5, is it easy?
The first thing we need to know before anything else is the process of installing an NVMe SSD into the console. We already explained above that in the case of Microsoft consoles, it is enough to insert the expansion card into its slot to avoid the need to disassemble any part of the console. That doesn’t happen with the PS5but the process is so quick and easy that anyone can do it at home.
First of all, we have to remove the cables from the console, and when it cools down, put it on the table in a horizontal position without the stand and with the PS logo facing down. The case that will be in front of us slides and is removed with little effort, and this will leave us in sight with the socket where the SSD will be installed. Simply remove the cover by unscrewing the screw first and place the component in the M.2 port. We will only have to perform the same actions in reverse order.
The selected SSD can only be PCIe 4.0
Today, solid-state drives (and especially NVMe) have overtaken other types of gaming drives. It is logical, because They offer speeds that their “competitors” cannot achieve., and that’s not to mention that we can increasingly find quality devices with good power at prices that were previously unimaginable. So, is it enough to look for any NVMe SSD for our PS5? The answer is negative.
It is very important that we filter and only search for devices that have PCIe 4.0, as this is the standard supported by Sony’s console. This standard offers twice the speed of the previous one, so it is the only compatible one. In fact, as Sony itself explains, it is necessary that the solid-state drive that we install in our console reaches at least with a sequential read speed of 5500 MB/s.
The PS5’s M.2 port supports several different sizes
Another thing to take into consideration is the size of the NVMe SSD we want to mount. wards at first glance If we look for solid state drives of this type, we will see that they are all there a 4-digit numberand thanks to this we can easily find out which one suits us and which one does not.
These four numbers tell us the width (the first two numbers) and the length (the remaining two) of the unit. All those compatible with the Sony console must be 22 millimeters wide, although it supports different formats in terms of length. These are: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110. Be careful, because the thickness is also important, and it cannot exceed 11.25 millimeters.
Be careful with the capacity: not everyone is worth it
The extra capacity that a solid state drive will give us is key, as it’s the main reason we’re going to be looking for one. As a rule, the more powerful the device, the more expensive it will cost. What is recommended invest as much as possible and acquire good powerbecause although smaller capacity SSDs are cheaper, we may not get one sooner rather than later.
Of course, not every container is worth it. The only ones compatible with the PlayStation 5 are the ones that are out there from 250 GB to 4 TB.
Heat sink, necessary
Finally, we should mention that it is important that the SSD we choose comes with a heatsink as standard. It is also possible to buy a solid state drive that does not have one and buy a compatible heatsink, although if we do not have much technical knowledge, it is much more appropriate to go directly to the first option. As it also happens in gaming PCs, These devices heat upand this can compromise both its integrity and the integrity of the rest of the console’s components.
Which NVMe SSD for PS5 to buy
Corsair MP600 PRO LPX 1TB
One of the most popular and sought-after options is this MP600 PRO LPX from Corsair. It is one of the most important brands in gaming, and of course its storage option for the Sony console cannot be missing. This drive has a capacity of 1 TB and can offer different speeds up to 7100 MB/s Reading and write up to 6800MB/s, more than enough. It comes standard with a low-profile aluminum heatsink to help maintain temperatures, and we can find it right now on Amazon for €78.80 (also at PcComponentes).
Corsair SSD MP600 PRO LPX M.2 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 1TB PS5 Optimized Black 1 Drive
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
The Korean giant Samsung has very useful data storage solutions in both microSD and solid state drives. This NVMe model, the 980 Pro, is perfect if we want to install it on the PlayStation 5. Although it has a version without a radiator, this model comes with it in addition to 1 TB of capacity. In terms of speed, it is very much on par with the previous Corsair, although it remains in the The reading speed is 7000 MB/s. It is available from MediaMarkt for €92.99.
Samsung 980 PRO SSD with Heatsink 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2 Internal Solid State Hard Drive Temperature Control Maximum Speed PS5 Compatible MZ-V8P1T0CW
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB
Another of the most highly recommended SSD drives for the PlayStation 5 comes from another storage titan, Seagate. This FireCuda 530 is a great option that, like the others, offers a nice low-profile heatsink as standard, and this particular model has 1TB of storage. In terms of speed, it is slightly more efficient than the two above, as it is capable of reaching 7300 MB/s. Of course, to get it, we will have to pay a little more: 117.77 euros.
Seagate FireCuda 530, 1TB, Internal Solid State Drive – M.2 PCIe Gen4 ×4 NVMe 1.4, Transfer Speed up to 7300MB/s, 3D TLC NAND, 1275TBW, Heatsink, 3 Year Salvage Service (ZP1000GM3A023)
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
WD Black SN850X with 2 TB
If our budget doesn’t allow for them and we want a good dose of extra capacity, go for it a 2TB model like this one from Western Digital This is a great option. SSD SN850X is another of the optimal models for the PlayStation 5, a device capable of providing up to 7300 MB/s, which will give us excellent performance as well as durability. It comes with a heatsink as standard to keep the temperature of its components from soaring, and is available from PcComponentes for €176.99.
WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB M.2 2280 Gaming Drive with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe up to 7300MB/s
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
ADATA XPG GAMIX S70 Blade from 1 TB
Unlike the previous case, when our budget is small, but we want to continue to expand the storage, choosing the ADATA brand is a good option. He doesn’t have as many names as the rest of the manufacturers on this list, but his products are of very good quality. This particular solid state drive is ideal for the PlayStation 5 due to its high read speed up to 7400 MB/s, also having 1 TB capacity. It costs €76.62 on Amazon.
Solid-state drive ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1TB PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 High-End-Gaming, black
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
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Images | Samsung Memory on Unsplash and Unsplash, Kerde Severin on Pexels, Corsair, Samsung, Seagate, Western Digital, ADATA
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