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Start at Settings > Storage to see what is using space. Delete games you have finished, remove supported add-ons, or move titles to another storage device. The key difference: a compatible M.2 SSD can store and launch PS5 games, while USB extended storage can archive PS5 games for later; PS4 games can launch directly from USB storage.
Check what is using space
Open Settings > Storage on the PS5. Review the console’s breakdown of games and apps, media, and saved data before deleting anything. Games you have finished or no longer play are often the easiest items to remove. Sony says purchased games and apps remain available to download again from your game library.
Delete games or apps you no longer need
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select the games or apps you want to remove.
- Choose Delete and confirm.
Deleting an installed game removes its local game data; it does not remove a digital purchase from your library. You can download the title again when you want to play it.
Remove only parts of a game when available
If Customize appears beside a game in Games and Apps, open it to check whether the game offers removable add-ons or portions. This can free space without deleting the entire title, but selective removal is not available for every game.
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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.
Choose storage based on how you play
Expansion options serve different purposes. Use an M.2 SSD when you want added storage from which to launch PS5 games. Use USB extended storage to keep PS5 games off the console until you want them again, or to play PS4 games directly from the drive.
| Option | Launch PS5 games from it? | Launch PS4 games from it? | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible M.2 NVMe SSD | Yes | Yes | Installed expansion for games you want to play without copying them back first. |
| USB extended storage | No. Copy the PS5 game to console storage or M.2 storage before playing. | Yes | Archiving PS5 games and installing or playing PS4 games directly. |
Use USB extended storage for games you are not playing
A USB extended storage drive can hold PS5 game data, but the PS5 cannot launch PS5 games directly from it. When you want to play one, copy it back to console storage or an M.2 SSD. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. Sony’s USB extended storage guide explains connection, formatting, and game transfer.
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).
Sony specifies a SuperSpeed USB connection of 5 Gbps or later and a capacity of 250 GB to 8 TB for USB extended storage. Not every device is guaranteed to work. Connect the drive directly rather than through a USB hub, and note that only one USB extended storage drive can be in use at a time.
Format and disconnect the drive safely
- Back up anything important on the drive before formatting: formatting it as USB extended storage erases its existing contents.
- Do not unplug the drive while the console is formatting it.
- Use the PS5’s safe-removal option before disconnecting it. Improper disconnection can cause data loss or corruption.
Add an M.2 SSD to play PS5 games from expanded storage
A compatible M.2 NVMe SSD is the expansion option if you want to store and launch PS5 games from additional storage. Sony’s M.2 SSD requirements and installation guide covers compatibility, installation, formatting, and moving games. Check the drive and heatsink dimensions against the current requirements before buying; a drive that fits the capacity alone may not fit the console.
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- 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.
Check every compatibility requirement
- Drive type: PCIe Gen4 x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD, Key M. M.2 SATA is unsupported.
- Capacity: 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Supported form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110.
- Maximum dimensions, including heat-dissipation structure: 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick, with up to 8.0 mm above and 2.45 mm below the board. Supported lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm.
- Speed: Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster.
- Cooling: Effective heat dissipation is required, such as a heatsink and heat transfer sheet. Do not use an M.2 SSD without heat dissipation.
Sony cautions that it cannot guarantee every drive meeting the listed specifications will work, and game performance may not exactly match the PS5’s internal SSD. Confirm the full dimensions of the SSD with its heatsink or other cooling structure attached.
Install and format the SSD
Installing an M.2 SSD is a physical task, separate from basic storage cleanup. Sony lists a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver for installation. Follow the console-specific steps in Sony’s guide, take precautions against static electricity, and work with adequate lighting. Do not power on or play the console while its cover is off.
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).
Manage saves and captures separately
In Settings > Storage, review saved data and media as separate categories from installed games. Sony lists PlayStation Plus cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saved data; cloud storage requires PlayStation Plus. For PS4 saved data, Sony also lists copying to a USB drive. Do not treat an ordinary USB stick as a way to offload PS5 saved data.
Sony also lists ordinary USB storage for screenshots and video clips, subject to the copying limitations shown in its PS5 storage management guide. Check the on-console options for the specific media item you want to copy.
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.
