The best PS5 heatsink is one that fits your exact console and M.2 SSD while staying within Sony’s size limits. Sony requires an effective heat-dissipation structure for an internal M.2 SSD, but the available product information does not establish that a particular separate heatsink delivers better temperatures or faster gaming. Prioritize verified fit and safe installation over claims of “maximum cooling.”
What makes a heatsink compatible with PS5?
Compatibility depends on the complete installed assembly: the M.2 SSD plus its heatsink or other cooling structure. Sony’s requirements apply to the drive and cooling structure together, not to the bare SSD alone. Its PS5 M.2 SSD support guide specifies:
- A PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with Key M; M.2 SATA SSDs are unsupported.
- Capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, in supported sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110.
- Maximum assembled dimensions of 25 mm wide, 110 mm long and 11.25 mm thick, including the cooling structure. Within that thickness, Sony allows up to 8.0 mm above the SSD board and 2.45 mm below it.
- An effective heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heatsink and heat transfer sheet. Sony advises against using an M.2 SSD without one.
- A recommended sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s. This is Sony’s recommendation, not a promise that every game will perform exactly as it does on the console’s internal storage.
Measure or confirm the drive-and-heatsink assembly, including any parts extending below the board. Sony notes that heatsink dimensions vary and advises choosing another product or contacting its vendor if fit is uncertain. It also says it cannot guarantee that every third-party SSD meeting the listed specifications will work.
Which PS5 heatsink options are worth considering?
The examples below differ in how they attach and in the console-fit information reported by the cited sources. They are not a cooling-performance ranking: comparable controlled temperature measurements for these separate heatsinks are not available in the sources cited here.
#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 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.
| Option | Design and reported fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Sabrent M.2 NVMe PS5 heatsink | TechRadar identifies it as a port-shield replacement. | Confirm the current version’s dimensions and fit for your exact console and SSD. See TechRadar’s PS5 SSD guide. |
| ElecGear PS5 NVMe SSD Heatsink | TechRadar describes an aluminum shield-replacement design and says it fits the original PS5 but not PS5 Slim. | Do not choose it for PS5 Slim. For an original PS5, verify the current model’s fit and dimensions against your console and SSD. See TechRadar’s PS5 SSD guide. |
| icepc M.2 Heatsink for PS5 | TechRadar describes a copper heatsink mounted to the SSD and secured with included rubber bands. | Check that it is compatible with your particular SSD and console revision, and that the assembled dimensions meet Sony’s limits. See TechRadar’s PS5 SSD guide. |
| WD_BLACK SN850 with heatsink | This is an SSD with an integrated heatsink, rather than a separate heatsink to add. WD’s sheet lists PCIe Gen4 x4, dimensions of 80 × 23.4 × 8.8 mm for the heatsink, and up to 7,000 MB/s sequential read speed for the 1 TB and 2 TB variants. WD describes it as officially licensed for PS5 and suitable for storing and playing compatible PS5 games. | Treat the speed as the manufacturer’s specification, not a guaranteed game-performance gain. Do not add another heatsink. See WD_BLACK’s product sheet. |
| KIOXIA EXCERIA with Heatsink | KIOXIA lists desktop PCs and PS5 as target applications. Its brief says compatibility was confirmed in testing against PS5 technical requirements on system software version 23.02-08.40.00.05-00.00.00.0.1, as of 2024-04-26. | That is manufacturer testing tied to the stated software version and date, not a current independent test. Check the drive’s present specifications and fit. See KIOXIA’s product brief. |
Should you buy a separate heatsink or an SSD with one built in?
Choose a separate heatsink if your SSD needs one
A separate heatsink can provide the required cooling structure when the SSD does not already have one. Check whether it attaches directly to the SSD or replaces the console’s M.2 port shield; the installation approach and console fit can differ. Confirm the exact SSD model, side coverage and assembled measurements before purchase.
Do not stack heatsinks
If your SSD already has an integrated heatsink, do not add another. Sony warns that an additional heatsink may reduce the effectiveness of the built-in one. Its guidance supports both single-sided and double-sided SSDs, while noting that single-sided cooling structures are easier to fit.
Rank #2
- 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).
Do not infer gaming gains from cooling claims
A heatsink is for thermal management, not a frame-rate upgrade. The cited product information does not provide comparable controlled temperature tests for the named separate heatsinks, so it cannot establish which one cools best. Sony also cautions that even an expansion SSD exceeding its recommended read speed may not perform exactly like the internal SSD in every game.
How to check fit before buying
- Identify the exact console model: original PS5 or PS5 Slim, and the relevant revision. Do not assume a shield-replacement heatsink for the original model fits Slim.
- Check the SSD’s interface, supported M.2 length, capacity and whether it already includes a cooling structure. Sony does not support M.2 SATA drives.
- Confirm the complete assembly’s width, length and thickness, including clearance above and below the board. Stay within Sony’s 25 mm width, 110 mm length and 11.25 mm total thickness limits.
- Verify that the heatsink’s mounting method works with the SSD and console. If a product’s listing does not establish exact fit, ask the manufacturer or seller rather than guessing.
- After installation, check that the SSD lies flush on its spacer and that the M.2 slot cover closes properly. If it does not, the cooling structure may exceed Sony’s size limits.
Install the SSD and heatsink safely
Follow Sony’s guide for the exact console model. Have a #1 Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver ready, and do not power on or play on the console while its cover is off. The SSD must be firmly inserted and rest flush on its spacer; its cooling structure must not obstruct installation. If the expansion-slot cover will not close, stop and recheck the assembly dimensions rather than forcing it.
Rank #3
- 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.
Once installed, M.2 storage can be used to download, update and play PS5 games. This differs from USB extended storage, where games must be copied back to the console before play. See Sony’s installation and storage guidance for the complete procedure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cheetah-like explosive speed: The 2tb PS5 Storage Expansion boasts the racing performance of a cheetah, mainly used to accelerate program processing. With the explosive acceleration of 7350MB/s, it achieves a powerful speed and eliminates compatibility issues. Additionally, this 2tb nvme m.2 ssd supports real-time saving during 3D rendering and enables fast 4K game loading. The ps5 ssd with heatsink is also compatible with the PS5 game console, making it easy and worry-free to install and play.
- Stable and outstanding performance: The ps5 internal storage expansion ssd features HMB + dynamic SLC cache, achieving a synergy between software and hardware. The 2tb ps5 hard drive ssd has a read/write speed of up to 7350/6600MB/s, providing ultimate burst power for efficient, stable, and smooth loading - an excellent choice for professionals.
- Multi-layer heat dissipation structure design: The 2tb nvme m.2 ssd adopts unique dual-surface heat dissipation technology. Its innovative multi-layer internal design effectively increases the heat dissipation area compared to the standard single-layer heat sink. This structural advantage ensures excellent heat transfer and rapid heat dissipation. Additionally, it is equipped with a metal heat dissipation shell. The multi-layer structure heat dissipation design guarantees a stable and long-lasting operation at ultra-high speeds.
- PCIe 4.0 interface compatibility: The 2tb ps5 memory storage SSD can achieve the maximum speed only through PCIe 4.0. For external hard drive enclosures, USB usually limits the speed.
- Versatile applications for demanding users: Designed for gamers, video editors, and AI creators who require blazing-fast storage speeds for intensive workloads including 3D rendering, 4K gaming, and content creation tasks.
Rank #4
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
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