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PS5 storage depends on the console model: Sony lists models with an 825 GB or 1 TB custom SSD, and some capacity is reserved for system use. You can expand storage with a compatible internal M.2 SSD, which can run PS5 games, or a USB extended-storage drive, which can run PS4 games and hold PS5 games for later transfer.
How much storage does a PS5 have?
Sony’s CFI-21XX instruction manual lists PS5 configurations with an 825 GB or 1 TB custom SSD. Those are the drives’ stated capacities, not the amount available for games: part of the SSD is reserved for console administration, maintenance, and additional options. The space available on your own console also depends on what is installed. Check it under Settings > Storage. Sony PS5 instruction manual · Sony storage management guide
Can you expand PS5 storage?
Yes. The two options serve different purposes:
| Expansion option | What you can do with games | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Internal M.2 SSD | Store and play PS5 and PS4 games directly | Adding capacity for games you want to play without moving them first |
| USB extended storage | Play PS4 games directly; store PS5 games, which must be copied back to console or M.2 storage before playing | Archiving PS5 games or playing PS4 games from an external drive |
Sony’s M.2 SSD guidance and USB extended-storage guide describe compatibility requirements. Check the live guidance for your console model before buying.
What to check before buying an M.2 SSD
An M.2 drive is the internal expansion option if you want to run PS5 games from added storage. Sony’s cited M.2 guidance specifies an NVMe SSD using PCIe Gen4 x4, with capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. It also sets supported drive sizes and maximum dimensions that include the heat-dissipation hardware; M.2 SATA drives are not supported. A drive without suitable heat dissipation needs a heat conductor, such as a heatsink, and the complete assembly must fit in the console.
#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.
Requirements can vary across console models and documentation. Check the current Sony M.2 installation page for your model and confirm the SSD-plus-heatsink dimensions before purchase. Sony documentation for a model family has listed a different maximum capacity, so do not assume one limit applies to every PS5.
What to know about USB extended storage
Sony lists compatible USB extended-storage drives with capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB and a SuperSpeed USB connection of 5 Gbps or faster. Compatibility is not guaranteed for every device. Sony also says not to use a USB hub and allows only one extended-storage drive at a time. See the USB extended-storage requirements.
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 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.
USB storage is not a way to play PS5 games directly. You can keep those games on the drive, but you must copy them to the console’s internal storage or an installed M.2 SSD before launching them. PS4 games can run from USB extended storage. For managing installed games and available space, use Sony’s storage management guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I add an SSD to a PS5?
Installing an M.2 SSD means fitting it in the console’s expansion slot; it is not simply plugged in externally like USB storage. Because the correct drive dimensions and installation details depend on the console model, follow Sony’s instructions for your model rather than relying on a generic fit or capacity claim. Start with the Sony M.2 SSD installation guidance, verify the drive and heat-dissipation assembly meet its requirements, then use Settings > Storage to check storage after installation.
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Best Value
- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX PRO 850X NVMe SSD
- TRANFORM YOUR PC: Insane speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB - 4TB models) deliver top-tier performance with ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation — for the elite experience you’ve been waiting for.
- MORE ROOM FOR MORE GAMES: Capacities up to 8TB built with SANDISK TLC 3D NAND, means you get to keep more games at the ready — and get into the action even faster.
- DO MORE WITH WD_BLACK DASHBOARD: The downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) monitors your drive’s health, lets you customize your RGB lighting, and, exclusively on the SN850X SSD, enables Game Mode 2.0 to transform your gaming experience.
- FUTURE FORWARD FREATURES: The WD_BLACK SN850X SSD boasts a powerful suite of features, including Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, and Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM).
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).
Rank #3
- 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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