Finest M.2 SSD for PS5 in 2023: High Storage for Your Console

Samsung’s high-end M.2 drive was a logical first alternative for lots of PS5 modders, however the authentic model did not embrace a built-in heatsink — which is required for operation. You may purchase a separate one and fasten it, however that is just a few further steps.

Conveniently, this wonderful Samsung 980 Professional SSD is now accessible with a heatsink, which makes it an all-in-one package deal. There are two present configurations, a 1TB mannequin and a 2TB mannequin, with the value roughly doubling for the bigger mannequin.

The large 4TB Seagate FireCuda 530 features a built-in heatsink, which is a requirement for an inner PS5 drive. There are 1TB, 2TB and 4TB fashions.

After I put in and arrange the drive, I attempted transferring just a few video games from the default drive to my new SSD. Name of Responsibility, which is almost 200GB, transferred in about 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Returnal — round 50GB — transferred in about 40 seconds.

Corsair’s PS5-compatible M.2 drive comes with a warmth sync. We examined the 2TB model, however there’s additionally a 1TB model.

Usually I would follow M.2 drives with built-in warmth sinks, so make all the improve course of simpler, however I will make an exception for this PNY XLR8 drive as a result of PNY additionally makes a separate PS5 SSD cowl panel for $20, full with a built-in warmth sink.

Simply slot the slim M.2 drive within the slot, screw the brand new cowl panel over it and also you’re all set. We have examined the drive and added its switch time scores to the chart under.

In addition to the Samsung and Seagate variations, this Western Digital drive might be the most well-liked M.2 alternative for the PS5. It additionally contains the wanted heatsink inbuilt, which I like to recommend as a a lot simpler strategy to get your console storage upgraded.

The WD Black is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB sizes, though I can not see going by way of all the hassle required to open the PS5 and set up these for a mere 500GB of additional area, particularly with some video games getting near 100GB in measurement. 1TB looks like the very best worth in your cash.

That is the unique Samsung 980 Professional 1TB drive that wants a separate heatsink. When you’ve obtained one and may connect it, it is a cheaper possibility and simple to seek out. The value of this mannequin has even dropped by just a few {dollars}.

The benefit of including an M.2 inner drive to your PS5 is that you would be able to each retailer and play PS5-native video games from it. Common exterior exhausting drives can retailer PS5 video games, however not play them. (Each retailer and play PS4 video games.)

When you’re taking place the add-your-own-heatsink route, this is without doubt one of the hottest elements for PS5 homeowners. Players have reported that it is an ideal match for the PS5’s M.2 slot, particularly when paired with the Samsung 980 SSD.

To connect a heatsink like this, you normally want some thermal tape to attach the heatsink to the drive. On this case, there’s an included thermal pad that sticks the 2 elements collectively. That is essential as a result of, with out the correct of thermal administration, the M.2 drive might get too scorching within the tightly constricted PS5 inner drive slot.