That exciting “You’ve Got Mail!” feeling when a new game downloads for your PlayStation 5 is awesome, right? But then, a few weeks later, you see that dreaded message: “Storage Full.” It’s a frustrating roadblock when you want to jump into the next big adventure. Choosing the right internal storage for your PS5 feels like a maze. Do you need more space for those massive next-gen titles? Which SSD will actually make your games load faster without costing a fortune?
These decisions matter because modern games take up huge chunks of space, and nobody wants to constantly delete old favorites just to make room for a new release. Understanding the difference between internal and external options, and knowing what specifications truly matter, can save you time and money.
This post cuts through the confusing jargon. We will break down exactly what you need to know about PS5 internal storage. By the end, you will confidently select the perfect upgrade to expand your gaming library without compromise. Let’s dive into maximizing your PS5’s potential and finally wave goodbye to storage anxiety.
Top Ps5 Internal Storage Recommendations
No. 1
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
No. 2
Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 Internal Gaming SSD for PS5, Up to 4800 MB/s, 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops S690Q
- Efficient Performance: M.2 SSD 1TB adopts PCIe Gen4 x4 technology and is compatible with NVMe1.4 protocol, With speeds reaching 4800MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 1TB NVMe SSD is perfectly compatible with the PS5, ensuring swift game launches for an immersive gaming experience
- Ample Storage Expansion: The S690Q M.2 SSD offers storage capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, eliminating concerns about game storage. Effortlessly expand your gaming storage and indulge in a plethora of gaming delights
- Fast Heat Dissipation: The graphite heat dissipation sticker ensures NVMe 1TB SSD operates at low temperatures during prolonged and intensive usage, providing a reliable memory expansion for your PS5
- Wide Compatibility: The Internal SSD 1TB not only provides optimal storage expansion for PS5, but also can be used on various platforms including desktops and laptops. Excellent compatibility provides a versatile solution, providing strong support for various scenarios, ensuring work efficiency and gaming experience
- 3-Year Service: Our 1TB NVMe SSD come with a 3 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will sincerely and professionally solve the problem for you
No. 3
fanxiang 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 7100MB/s M.2 SSD PCIe Gen 4 SSD Storage Expansion Compatible with PS5, Internal Solid State Drive for Gamers, Professionals, Creators
- PCIe 4.0 SSD Extreme Performance: M.2 SSD 1TB adopts PCIe Gen 4 x 4 controller, supports NVMe 2.0 technology, featuring sequential read/write speeds of up to 7100/5300 MB/s, the PCIE 4.0 1TB SSD NVMe SSD is fit for most motherboards and Desktops, Laptops, All-in-one PCs, and etc, FANXIANG S880ER with Heatsink SSD for PS5 delivers incredible storage performance
- NVME SSD 1TB for Gaming: Designed for hardcore gamers, S880ER with Heatsink PCIe 4.0 SSD is compatible with PS5 and DirectStorage, enables faster loads for an extreme gaming experience, and it is your best partner for victory in Game. Upgrade your game console storage, enabling a extraordinary experience in game
- Professional Performance for Working: Built-in high-quality 3D NAND flash memory that delivers incredibly high transfer speeds for short boot time, fast application loading, and fast file processing. M.2 SSD 1TB is designed for high performance, and enabling a extraordinary experience in productivity for professionals, and videomakers even under heavy workloads
- Efficient Thermal Control: S880ER with Heatsink M.2 SSD for PS5 has unique heatsink design, which can effectively help reduce the temperature of the PCIe 4.0 SSD when it is working. Even during extended gaming sessions or intense data processing tasks, the SSD for PS5 remains cool, maintaining consistent high performance. This means no slowdowns, allowing you to enjoy peak speeds at all times
- 5-Year Service: Our 1TB NVMe SSD for PS5 come with a 5 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. FANXlANG is a trustworthy storage product brand with more than 20 years of manufacturing experience
No. 4
SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up To 7,450MB/s for High End Computing, Workstations, Compatible w/ PlayStation 5, MZ-V9P2T0CW
- BLAZING SPEED. COOL VICTORY: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen 4 with Heatsink SSD helps you reach near max performance* with lightning-fast speeds and Heatsink for improved temperature control
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND**: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s* you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0*** powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- MADE w/ PS5 IN MIND: Ultra-slim Integrated Heatsink is designed to dissipate heat from your device to stabilize its temperature and prevent performance issues; It’s compatible with PlayStation 5 and PCI-SIG D8 standard desktops and laptops****
No. 5
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0010BNC-WRSN
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
No. 6
BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 1TB SSD Gen4x4, Read Speed up to 7450MB/s, NVMe M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop/Desktop/PS5
- 【7450MB/s・Amazing Speed】Maximum read speed of 7450MB/s and maximum write speed of 6500MB/s (random read/ write speed of up to 1000K IOPS) realises the workflow of high-performance desktop PCs and notebook PCs. Ideal for power users who are looking for market-leading speeds.
- 【PCIe Gen4×4 for Superior Performance】Biwin NV7400 M.2 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 4x4 and 3D TLC NAND, choosing high-quality premium NAND flash chosen through our automated selection. Capacities of up to 4 TB are available, providing ample storage space and eliminating the anxiety of insufficient storage.
- 【PMIC Power Management & Graphite Heat Sink】NV7400 M.2 SSD adopts a composite power supply IC (PMIC), which improves power saving and energy saving performance by increasing the efficiency of power distribution, and effectively extends the durability of the SSD. Moreover, it is equipped with a 0.5mm graphene aluminium heat sink to prevent overheating with excellent heat dissipation performance and maintain stable top performance.
- 【Enhanced System Stability】The NV7400 delivers stable performance for demanding applications. Enhanced by Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, it ensures stable operation even under heavy workloads. The integration of Smart Cache optimizes data retrieval, while Zip data compression maximizes storage efficiency.
- 【Free Biwin Intelligence Software】Biwin Intelligence is multifunctional management software, designed to support Biwin consumer-brand storage products. For a more convenient and more secure storage experience, this software helps users manage their drives with features like performance test, data migration, firmware update, and more.
No. 7
Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4, Read Up to 7100MB/s, Internal Solid State Drive for PS5 Laptop Desktop 3D QLC NAND
- [Lightning-fast Top Performance]: Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 1TB adopts NVMe protocol and PCIe Gen 4x4 specifications, and the maximum read and write speed can easily reach 7100MB/s and 6100MB/s. With lightning-fast speeds, the FX991 NVMe SSD can make your computer's systems and applications respond quickly, improving work efficiency.
- [Excellent Thermal Management]: FX991 NVMe SSD 1TB is equipped with Auto-adaptive temperature adjustment and power efficiency management. It can intelligently adjust the NVMe SSD heating temperature and power consumption control, which can reduces the burden on the device and extends the battery life of laptops and other devices. We have equipped M2 SSD 1TB with high-conductivity graphite heatsink. Under high load conditions, the internal ssd reading speed can still be close to the peak.
- [HMB and SLC Cache]: With HMB and smart SLC cache, FX991 M.2 NVMe SSD can deliver outstanding performance. Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology enables NVMe SSD to use the DRAM of the host system for read and write caching and buffering, significantly improving the speed of computer startup, multitasking, and game resource transfer and reading. At the same time, FX991 M.2 SSD also supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T, AES-256 encryption and other technologies.
- [Excellent Compatibility]: Whether it is a laptop, desktop computer or game console such as PS5, FX991 1TB SSD M.2 is perfectly compatible to meet your storage needs on various devices. FX991 1TB NVMe SSD can be used as a PS5 storage expansion, and you can easily upgrade your gaming experience with it.
- [5-Year Service]: We are confident in the quality of our products, so we provide a limited service of up to 5 years or 600TBW for the FX991 M.2 1TB SSD, so that you can enjoy excellent performance and reliability with confidence. Choose the top-performance FX991 M.2 2280 internal solid state drives to make your computing experience smoother and more efficient!
No. 8
RONGSHU 1TB NVMe SSD M.2 PCIe4.0 Gen 4×4, M.2 2280 Internal Gaming SSD, Seq. Up to 5,100 MB/s, SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC Internal Solid State Drive Compatible with PS5, Laptop, PC Desktops
- Ultra-Fast Speed: The M.2 2280 NVMe SSD adopts PCIe Gen4x4 high-speed interface, providing up to 5100MB/s/4600 MB/s 4K sequential read/write speeds. This ensures high-performance bandwidth and ultra-low latency, significantly enhancing system boot-up, application launches, game loading, and file transfer speeds. (Test Environment: CPU: AMD Ryzen5 7600 DRAM: 32GB DDR4 Chipset: AMD B650 OS: Windows 10 x64 Test Tool: CrystalDiskMark 8.0.x)
- High Performance at Great Value：Equipped with intelligent SLC caching technology to boost read/write performance, this SSD delivers over twice the transfer speed of Gen3 NVMe SSDs. Built with high-quality good die-grade NAND TLC wafers, advanced cooling technology, and smart thermal throttling.
- Endurance: The RongShu M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD utilizes 3D NAND TLC flash technology, offering Higher endurance compared to QLC SSDs while ensuring superior data storage reliability and endurance. Its sustained read/write Performance also outperforms QLC SSDs, especially under heavy workloads.
- Wide Compatibility: The M.2 2280 form factor is compatible with desktops, laptops, and PS5 (Note: Not supported on PS4).
- Professional Service Support: The M.2 NVMe SSD comes with 3 years of technical support and customer service from a team of professionals
The Ultimate Buying Guide for PS5 Internal Storage Expansion
Your PlayStation 5 is amazing, but those game files take up space fast! Adding internal storage is the best way to keep all your favorite games ready to play. This guide helps you pick the perfect upgrade.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a PS5 internal SSD (Solid State Drive), you need to focus on speed and size. These features make sure your games load quickly, just like they do on the original console drive.
Speed Matters: PCIe Gen4 Interface
- Requirement: The drive MUST use a PCIe Gen4 interface. Older Gen3 drives will not work correctly or fast enough for PS5 games.
- Why it’s important: This high-speed connection lets the PS5 read data instantly. Slow drives cause stuttering or won’t be recognized by the console.
Heat Management: Heatsink Included or Required
- Heatsink: Fast SSDs get hot. A heatsink cools the drive down. This prevents the drive from slowing down when you play demanding games.
- Two Options: You can buy an SSD that already has a heatsink attached, or you can buy a bare SSD and attach a separate heatsink. Pre-attached is usually easier for beginners.
Capacity (Size)
- Decide how much space you need. 1TB is a good starting point. 2TB is better if you download many large games (like *Call of Duty*).
Important Materials and Components
The quality of the components inside the SSD determines how long it lasts and how reliably it performs.
NAND Flash Type
SSDs use different types of memory chips, called NAND. TLC (Triple-Level Cell) is standard and offers a good balance of speed, endurance, and cost. Avoid older QLC drives for primary PS5 storage if possible, as they can slow down more significantly over time.
Controller Chip
The controller is the brain of the SSD. Top brands use controllers that manage data flow efficiently. A high-quality controller ensures you hit the advertised top speeds consistently.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all Gen4 SSDs perform the same. Pay attention to these details:
Improving Quality (What to look for):
- Sequential Read Speed: Sony recommends speeds of 5,500 MB/s or higher. Faster speeds mean quicker loading screens.
- Endurance Rating (TBW): This number shows how much data you can write to the drive before it might wear out. Higher TBW means the drive lasts longer under heavy use.
Reducing Quality (What to avoid):
- DRAM Cache: Some budget drives skip the DRAM cache. Drives with DRAM generally maintain better performance, especially when the drive is nearly full.
- No Heatsink: Installing a fast SSD without a proper heatsink will cause overheating. The PS5 will likely display an error message, or the drive performance will drop significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Upgrading your storage transforms how you use your PS5.
Installation Simplicity
The installation process involves removing the PS5 faceplate and unscrewing a small cover inside the console. If you choose a drive with a pre-installed heatsink, the installation is very straightforward. It takes most users about 15 to 20 minutes.
Use Cases
- The Power Gamer: If you constantly switch between massive open-world games, aim for 2TB or more. You want every game installed and ready to go instantly.
- The Casual Player: If you only play a few large games at a time, a 1TB drive offers great value and expansion space.
- Storage Management: Once installed, the PS5 treats the new drive just like its internal drive. You can move PS5 games directly to it for playing, and store PS4 games on it for archival.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PS5 Internal Storage
Q: Can I use any M.2 SSD?
A: No. You must use a specific type called an M.2 NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s strict speed and physical size requirements.
Q: Does the drive need a heatsink?
A: Yes. Sony requires a heatsink for proper cooling. You must have one installed before you put the drive into the PS5.
Q: Will adding storage slow down my console?
A: If you buy a drive that meets the 5,500 MB/s requirement, the performance will be nearly identical to the internal drive. Slower drives will be rejected by the console.
Q: How much storage should I buy?
A: 1TB is the minimum recommended upgrade. Many large PS5 games are over 100GB, so 2TB gives you much more breathing room.
Q: Do I need to format the drive before installing it?
A: Yes. After you install the physical drive, the PS5 automatically guides you through the process of formatting the new SSD for use.
Q: Can I store PS4 games on the new internal SSD?
A: You can store PS4 games on the new internal SSD, but you must move them back to the main console storage or an external USB drive to play them.
Q: What happens if my drive is too slow?
A: The PS5 will display an error message during setup and will not allow you to use the drive until it is removed.
Q: Is it hard to install the SSD?
A: No. It is quite easy. You just need a small Phillips head screwdriver and a little patience to remove the side panel.
Q: Do I lose my warranty by installing an SSD?
A: No. Sony confirmed that installing an approved internal SSD does not void your warranty.
Q: Are SSDs with DRAM better than those without?
A: Drives with DRAM usually offer better, more consistent performance, especially when the drive is heavily used or filling up.