Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The best way to add space depends on whether you want to play PS5 games from the added drive. Install a compatible internal M.2 NVMe SSD to download and play PS5 games directly; use a USB extended-storage drive for PS4 games and to store PS5 games until you copy them back; or delete or move content for a no-purchase fix.
Choose the right kind of PS5 storage
| Option | Play PS5 games from it? | Play PS4 games from it? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal M.2 NVMe SSD | Yes | Yes | Keeping more PS5 games ready to play |
| USB extended-storage drive | No. Store them, then copy them to console or M.2 storage to play. | Yes | Lower-cost storage, PS4 games, and archiving PS5 games |
| Delete or move existing content | Not an added drive; deleted games must be installed again to play. | Not an added drive; deleted games must be installed again to play. | Freeing space without buying hardware |
Sony says a compatible M.2 SSD can store, download, launch, and update PS5 and PS4 games. USB extended storage can store both generations, but only PS4 games play directly from it. A PS5 game must be kept in one storage location rather than split between console storage and M.2 storage. See Sony’s storage-solutions overview and M.2 SSD guidance.
Add an internal M.2 SSD
An internal M.2 SSD is the most convenient choice if you want more room for PS5 games without copying them back and forth. The whole drive is formatted for PS5 use, so back up anything on it first. Sony’s listed capacity range is 250 GB to 8 TB, but capacity does not guarantee value; compare current prices and choose based on the size of your library. A 1 TB drive offers a modest expansion, 2 TB is a useful middle ground for many players, and 4 TB or more suits larger libraries. Game sizes vary, and formatting and system overhead reduce usable space, so no fixed game count is reliable.
Check compatibility before buying
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, with an M Key. M.2 SATA drives are not supported.
- Capacity: 250 GB to 8 TB under Sony’s current published requirements.
- Speed: Sony recommends sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. That is a recommendation, not a promise of better game performance.
- Cooling: A heatsink or other effective heat-dissipation structure is required. If the SSD has a built-in heatsink, do not stack another one on top.
- Size: Supported lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm. Maximum width, including the cooling structure, is 25 mm; maximum total thickness is 11.25 mm. Supported form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110.
Do not buy based on the words “M.2” or “NVMe” alone: the protocol, speed, dimensions, key, and cooling all matter. Sony cautions that meeting the specifications does not guarantee every third-party drive will work identically or match the built-in SSD’s performance in every game. Check the exact model’s specifications and Sony’s compatibility requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Install the SSD
Use Sony’s instructions for your console’s model group—CFI-1000 original PS5, CFI-2000 slim, or CFI-7000 PS5 Pro—because cover removal differs. Do not follow a cover-removal sequence for a different model.
- Prepare a well-lit, flat workspace and a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver. Fully turn off the PS5, unplug its power cable and accessories, and let it cool. Ground yourself by touching a metal-grounded object before handling the SSD.
- Remove the outer cover using the instructions for your model, then remove the expansion-slot cover. Do not power on or play on the console with a cover removed.
- Move the spacer to the position that matches the SSD’s length. Insert the SSD diagonally into the expansion connector, press it down onto the spacer, and secure it with the screw.
- Replace the expansion-slot cover and console cover, reconnect the cables, and turn on the PS5.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to format the SSD. Formatting erases all data on it; do not interrupt the process.
For model-specific illustrations and installation details, use Sony’s M.2 SSD installation guide.
Rank #2
- 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.
Choose where games install and move existing games
After installation, check the drive at Settings → Storage → M.2 SSD Storage. To set a destination for new games, open Settings → Storage → Installation Location. To move an installed game, open Game Library, highlight the game or app, press Options, choose Move Games and Apps, select the destination, and choose Move. Sony’s M.2 guide has the current management instructions.
Use a USB extended-storage drive
USB storage is a practical lower-cost archive, especially if you mostly play PS4 games. Sony’s US storage guidance lists a capacity range of 250 GB to 8 TB. Connect the drive directly to the PS5: USB hubs cannot be used for extended storage, and two extended-storage drives cannot be active at once.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- 【NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface】MOVE SPEED 2tb SSD is supported by cutting-edge PCIe 4.0 technology, with a read and write speed of up to 7450MB/s and 6500MB/s, which reduce the delays of the games and operating system. The PCIe 4.0 interface is 2 times faster than the PCIe 3.0 and 13.5 times faster than the SATA SSD, ensuring lightning fast game loading and file transfer times. Nvme pcie 4.0 ssd use less power and get more performance, making it the best choice for upgrading.
- 【Compatible with PS5 & Large Capacity】MOVE SPEED M.2 2tb SSD perfectly compatible with PS5, laptop, PC. Featuring an M.2 2280 (80mm) form factor, it's compact and easy to install. M.2 ps5 ssd offers large storage capacity of 1TB/2TB, providing ample storage space for work, study or games. Unrivaled performance and large storage capacity make it easily upgradeable and be ready at all the time. With up to 2TB storage, your PS5 has extra room to store up to 50 games. Always ready for next games.
- 【Premium Quality】Our m.2 ssd for PS5 utilizes high-quality 3D Nand flash memory chips and cutting-edge Maxio MAP1602 controller technology. After 6 rounds of extreme tests(16 hours of high and low temperature aging test, 8 hours of 2000 times of dormancy test, 48 hours of continuous transmission test), almost 80-hour rigorous test prove its stability and long service life.
- 【Plug and Play & Strongly Cooling】The NVMe m.2 SSD has a built-in 1mm graphene composite heat sink, which can strongly cool down the chip by 10 degrees during works or games, avoiding high-temperature slowdown and jamming, and our package comes with an heat sink(not installed), screws and screwdriver. Easy installation, plug and play. Cools and maintains exceptional performance during overloaded. Notes:The heatsink install tutorial can be found on our details page, or ask our after-service team.
- 【What's in the Box】Package includes a 2TB solid state drive SSD, heatsink(not installed), screws, screwdriver, user manual. 7 x 24 friendly and efficient customer service, 30 days 100% return and refund if there're any problems with the ssd. With the strong R&D and production support of our own MOVE SPEED factories, we can provide consumers with the ultimate product experience and after-sales service.
Set up and move games
- Connect the USB drive directly to the PS5.
- Open storage settings, select the drive, and choose the option to format it as extended storage. Formatting erases its existing data, so back up anything important first.
- To move games, open Game Library, highlight a game or app, press Options, choose Move Games and Apps, select the USB-storage tab if needed, choose the content, and select Move.
PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. For a PS5 game stored there, open Game Library, highlight the game, press Options, and choose Copy (or the displayed move-back option) to return it to console or M.2 storage before launching. Sony’s PS5 support hub explains USB setup and management. A USB drive previously used as PS4 extended storage does not need reformatting when used compatibly with PS5, according to Sony.
Free space without buying a drive
- Delete games you are not playing. Digital purchases can be redownloaded from Game Library later. If you may want to play a game again soon, moving it to USB storage avoids downloading it again.
- Remove old captures and media. Review screenshots, video clips, and other files you no longer need.
- Manage console storage remotely. Sony says the PlayStation App can manage PS5 storage remotely when the console is in Rest Mode.
- Separate saves from game installs. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is for compatible saved data, not local space for installing games. Sony lists 100 GB of cloud storage for PlayStation Plus members; it does not replace an SSD or USB game drive.
See Sony’s storage-solutions page for its guidance on deleting, redownloading, and managing content.
Rank #4
- Unleash Upgraded power - Employing PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface, SIX X7400 nvme m.2 ssd confer it UP to 7350MB/s read speeds. With faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth and throughput.
- Work and Play - Whether you pursue science or culture, X7400 m.2 ssd 1TB accentuates ferocious performance for heavy computing and immersive gameplay. Get up to 40% fast performance for heavy-duty applications in data analytics, content creation, gaming and more.
- Match ur Next-level M.2 SSD - Compatibility ready for laptop, desktop or PS5 storage expansion, X7400 internal 1TB ssd is easy to install to extend lifecycle and storage. Speed up your bootups, file transfers, and game loads for tech-savvy users or hardcore gamer.
- Purpose Built - SIX X7400 m.2 nvme ssd ps5 is built for achieving immersive gameplay, experiencing uninterrupted gameplay and incredibly short load times. Breathe in. Focus. Breathe out, X7400 lightning-fast loading are ready for your final boss.
- 5 Years Limited Warranty & What u Get - Your X7400 nvme m.2 ssd is safeguarded for 5 years by SIX Limited Warranty Service. To improve your installation experience, X7400 provide all you need for installation(such as screw, screwdrivers, heatsink and so on).
Which option makes sense for your library?
- You regularly play several PS5 games: Choose a compatible internal M.2 SSD so those games can stay ready to launch.
- You mainly need inexpensive capacity: Choose a USB extended-storage drive. It can run PS4 games and hold PS5 games for later copying.
- You mostly play PS4 games: USB storage is enough to expand the playable library without opening the console.
- You only need room for one new game: Delete an unused title or media; redownload the title later if needed.
- You have a large active digital library: Compare the live cost of compatible 2 TB and 4 TB M.2 drives. A higher advertised speed alone does not establish better gameplay, and official licensing does not mean a product is the cheapest.
Troubleshoot storage problems
The M.2 SSD is not detected
Turn the PS5 fully off before opening it. Reseat the drive, confirm the spacer matches its length, and check that it is PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe rather than SATA. Verify that the heatsink is correctly fitted and within Sony’s dimensional limits; update system software and try again. If the drive remains undetected, check with its manufacturer or PlayStation Support.
The expansion-slot cover will not close
The SSD or cooling structure may exceed the permitted dimensions. Do not force the cover. Sony’s maximum width and thickness include the heatsink or other cooling structure; check the measurements against the published requirements.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
- 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 7000/3900 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
A game performs poorly from M.2 storage
Sony recommends pausing active downloads and uploads, and—if the game is on disc—waiting for its full installation to finish. If the issue persists, move the game from M.2 storage to the built-in console storage.
You want to partition the M.2 drive or move it to another PS5
Sony says the M.2 SSD cannot be partially formatted for PS5 storage. It can be moved to another PS5 without formatting; sign in with the same account on both consoles to access the data. Sony also advises removing the M.2 SSD before sending the console for repair. See the M.2 SSD FAQ and instructions.
You are concerned about warranty coverage
Sony says installing a compliant M.2 drive according to its instructions should not generally affect the manufacturer warranty, but damage from improper installation or unsuitable hardware may not be covered. Applicable terms and consumer protections vary by jurisdiction; check the warranty that applies to your console.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
