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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To set up a PS5, attach the stand or feet for your exact model, connect the console to a display and power, pair the DualSense controller, then follow the on-screen prompts to configure language, internet, display and power settings. After setup, update the system software and sign in. Sony’s setup guide says setup is complete when “Welcome to PlayStation 5” appears on screen.
Before you connect the console
Check the model number on your PS5 and use Sony’s instructions for that model. Stand and feet installation differs by model, so do not assume one model’s instructions apply to another. For the CFI-2000 model group, Sony directs users to place the console on a soft cloth over a flat surface and insert the horizontal feet into the grooves; attach the feet before use. See Sony’s PS5 setup instructions for model-specific details.
Have a display with an HDMI input, the DualSense controller and the cables supplied with your console. Package contents can vary by model and market, so check your box rather than assuming it contains a particular cable.
Connect the PS5 to your display and power
- Connect an HDMI cable from the console’s HDMI OUT port to an HDMI input on your TV or monitor.
- Connect the AC power cable to the console’s AC IN port and then to a power outlet.
- Turn on the display and select the HDMI input connected to the PS5.
- Turn on the PS5 using the power button.
Pair the DualSense controller and follow first-boot setup
- Connect the DualSense controller to the console with the USB cable.
- Press the PS button on the controller to pair it.
- Use the controller to follow the on-screen prompts. Sony’s first-boot setup includes language, internet connection, display settings, Rest Mode power options and acceptance of the user agreement. Prompts may differ depending on account and network circumstances.
- Once the controller has enough charge, disconnect it for wireless play if you prefer.
Sony’s PS5 quick-start guide says setup is complete when “Welcome to PlayStation 5” appears. You can revisit settings from the home screen.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Connect to the internet
On the console, open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, choose a network and enter its security information if prompted. Sony provides guidance for both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet; choose based on your router access and where the console will sit. Sony says PS5 supports IPv6 connections but not IPv6-only networks. See Sony’s internet connection instructions.
Update the system software
Open Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings and check for an update. Sony says “Update Available” appears when a newer version is available. If the console says an update is required, follow its prompt. For download problems, use Sony’s PS5 setup and update guidance.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
Sign in or create a PlayStation account
Sign in with an existing PlayStation account if you want to use its associated purchases and account information, or create a new account by following the console prompts. Sony says you can also sign in using the PlayStation App if it is already installed and set up. A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required just to complete initial console setup.
Choose whether to bring games and data from another console
If you have another PlayStation console, decide whether you want to move eligible games or data. Sony lists console data transfer, extended storage and PlayStation Plus cloud storage as possible routes. The suitable method depends on what you own and what you want to move; check Sony’s transfer instructions for the eligibility and requirements of each item before starting.
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Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
Set up family controls if a child will use the PS5
Create a family and add the child as a family member before configuring parental controls. On the console, go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management. Available controls include playtime, age levels, communications and spending limits. See Sony’s parental controls instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on an additional PS5
Sony says Console Sharing and Offline Play is automatically allowed on the first PS5 used to sign in. If this is another PS5, open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and choose Enable or Disable, as appropriate. See Sony’s Console Sharing and Offline Play guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
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