How to choose the best SSD for PS5

If you are looking for the best SSD for PS5 in 2023, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available on the market. However, not all SSDs are compatible with the PS5, and some might offer better performance, value, or features than others. Gad Insider will help you find the best SSD for PS5 based on your needs and budget.

The PS5 has a built-in SSD of 825GB, but only about 660GB is usable for storing games and apps. With the size of PS5 games increasing every year, you might soon run out of space and need to delete some of your favourite titles. To avoid this hassle, you can expand your PS5 storage by installing an additional SSD in the M.2 slot inside the console.

However, not any SSD will work with the PS5. Sony has some specific requirements for the SSDs that can be used with the PS5, such as:

Specific requirements for SSDs for PS5

The SSD must have a PCIe 4.0 interface, which is faster and more reliable than the older PCIe 3.0 interface.

1. The SSD must have a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, which is the minimum speed required to load PS5 games quickly and smoothly.
2. The SSD must have a capacity of at least 250GB and no more than 4TB, which is the maximum range supported by the PS5.
3. The SSD must have a built-in or a separate heatsink, which is a device that helps to cool down the SSD and prevent overheating or throttling.
4. The SSD must fit within the dimensions of the PS5’s M.2 slot, which are 110mm x 25mm x 11.25mm.

Based on these criteria, we have selected some of the best SSDs for PS5 that you can buy in 2023. These SSDs offer high performance, great value, or unique features that make them stand out from the rest. Here are our top picks:

WD Black SN850 – best PS5 SSD overall. This SSD offers blazing-fast read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,300 MB/s, making it one of the fastest SSDs on the market. It also comes with a sleek and effective heatsink that keeps it cool and stable. It is available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, and has a five-year warranty.

WD_BLACK SN850P – the official PS5 SSD. This SSD is the only one that is officially licensed by Sony for the PS5, meaning that it has been tested and verified to work flawlessly with the console. It has the same performance and features as the WD Black SN850 but with a different design and branding. It is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities and has a five-year warranty.

Seagate FireCuda 530 – fast PS5 SSD. This SSD is another top performer, with read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s. It also has a durable and stylish heatsink that ensures optimal cooling and performance. It is available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, and has a five-year warranty.

Samsung 980 Pro – best value PS5 SSD. This SSD offers excellent value for money, with read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. It does not come with a heatsink, but you can buy one separately or use the one included with the PS5. It is available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, and has a five-year warranty.

Lexar NM790 – competitively priced for high capacity. This SSD is a good choice if you want a lot of storage space for your PS5 games, as it offers a 4TB capacity at a reasonable price. It has read speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,400 MB/s and comes with a simple and effective heatsink. It also has a five-year warranty.