The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For extra space that can run PS5 games, install a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD in the console’s expansion slot. A USB extended-storage drive is the simpler option for playing PS4 games or archiving PS5 games, but PS5 games on USB must be copied back to console or M.2 storage before you can play them.
Choose the right kind of storage
| What you need | M.2 NVMe SSD | USB extended storage |
|---|---|---|
| Play PS5 games from added storage | Yes, if the SSD is compatible | No; copy the game to console or M.2 storage first |
| Play PS4 games from added storage | Yes | Yes |
| Sony’s capacity range | 250 GB–8 TB | 250 GB–8 TB |
| Main checks | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, supported M.2 size, total dimensions with cooling structure, and cooling | SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later; connect directly to the console, not through a hub |
| Setup | Install in the expansion slot, then format on first use | Connect and format as USB extended storage on first use |
These are Sony’s compatibility and usage specifications, not independent speed or price comparisons. Sony does not guarantee that every M.2 or USB device meeting the listed requirements will work. For M.2 drives, it also does not guarantee performance identical to the console’s internal SSD. See Sony’s M.2 SSD compatibility and installation guide and USB extended-storage guide.
Check an M.2 SSD before buying
The drive must be an M.2 NVMe SSD using PCIe Gen4 x4 and Key M. M.2 SATA drives are not supported. Sony’s supported capacity range is 250 GB–8 TB; compatible form factors are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110.
Measure the complete drive, including its cooling structure
Confirm the dimensions with the heatsink or other cooling structure attached. The complete assembly can be no more than 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick. Supported lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm. Thickness is limited to 8.0 mm above the SSD board and 2.45 mm below it. A drive’s bare-board dimensions alone are not enough to establish fit.
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#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.
Plan for heat dissipation and realistic speed expectations
Sony requires an effective heat-dissipation structure, such as a heatsink or heat-transfer sheet. Some drives include one; others may need a compatible cooling component. Sony advises against adding another heatsink over a built-in one. It recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, but that recommendation is not a promise of identical game performance. Sony states that some games may not perform exactly as they do on the internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even when an M.2 drive’s sequential read speed exceeds 5,500 MB/s.
Before purchase, check the SSD manufacturer’s current specifications for the combined dimensions and cooling arrangement. Sony’s requirements do not guarantee that every device matching them will work.
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).
Choose and use a USB extended-storage drive
Sony specifies a commercially available drive supporting SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later, with capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. Connect it directly to a supported USB port; do not use a USB hub. Only one USB extended-storage drive can be in use at a time. Sony does not guarantee compatibility with every drive.
- PS4 games can be installed on and played directly from USB extended storage.
- PS5 games can be moved to USB to free console space, but they cannot be played from there. Copy them back to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD before launching.
- When disconnecting a drive while the console is on, use the console’s safe-removal option in Settings. Disconnecting it improperly risks data loss or corruption.
Install and format an M.2 SSD
Update the PS5 system software before installation. Sony’s guide provides different access and installation steps for different console model groups, so follow the instructions for your exact model rather than assuming every PS5 has the same cover and slot layout. You will need a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver; a small flashlight is optional.
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.
- Prepare the console: Turn it off, disconnect the cables, and let it cool. Work on a well-lit surface. Sony advises touching a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity before handling the SSD.
- Open the expansion-slot area: Follow the model-specific instructions in Sony’s installation guide. Do not power on or play the console with its cover off.
- Fit the SSD and cooling structure: Secure the compatible drive in the expansion slot as directed for your model, ensuring the complete assembly meets Sony’s size limits.
- Close the console and start it: On first use, the PS5 displays a formatting guide. Follow its prompts to format the M.2 SSD.
Formatting erases all data on the selected SSD, and Sony says erased data cannot be recovered. Back up anything important before formatting. Do not interrupt the format or turn off the console while it is in progress.
Format USB extended storage and manage game locations
Formatting a USB drive as extended storage also erases its existing data. Back up anything important before selecting the format option in the PS5 settings. Game storage is separate from saved data and captures: PS5 saves use PlayStation Plus cloud storage; PS4 saves can use cloud storage or a regular USB drive. Screenshots and video clips can be copied to a USB drive, which is a different use from formatting it as USB extended storage. Sony explains these distinctions in its storage-management guide.
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).
After installing an M.2 SSD, set where new games are installed at Settings > Storage > Installation Location. To move existing games, open the Game Library, select a game, press Options, then choose Move Games and Apps. A single game’s data cannot be split between console storage and M.2 storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot an M.2 game that has problems
If a game stored on the M.2 SSD has issues, Sony recommends pausing ongoing downloads and allowing any disc-game installation to finish. If the problem remains, move the game to the console’s internal storage.
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.
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.
