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What SSD Is Compatible With PS5? Sony’s M.2 Upgrade Specs Explained

A PS5 SSD must be more than M.2: check NVMe PCIe Gen4x4, capacity, form factor, assembled dimensions and heat dissipation against the guide for your exact console.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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“M.2” alone does not mean an SSD will work in a PS5. For the CFI-71XX model covered by Sony’s current safety guide, a compatible drive must use NVMe over PCIe Gen4x4, fit the supported capacity and physical dimensions, and have effective heat dissipation. Sony also cautions that meeting the listed specifications does not guarantee every third-party drive will work.

What SSD is compatible with PS5?

Sony’s undated CFI-71XX safety guide specifies an M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCI-Express Gen4x4 interface and an M key. M.2 SATA drives are not supported. The guide also does not support allocating host memory to HMB-compatible drives.

Use the exact model number and its complete specifications when checking a candidate SSD. A label such as “M.2” or “Gen4” by itself does not establish that the drive, including its cooling hardware, fits Sony’s requirements.

Supported specifications for CFI-71XX

Specification Sony’s requirement
Interface PCI-Express Gen4x4; NVMe; M key
Capacity 250 GB to 8 TB
Supported form factors 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
Maximum width 25 mm
Maximum length 30 mm for 2230; 42 mm for 2242; 60 mm for 2260; 80 mm for 2280; 110 mm for 22110
Maximum total thickness 11.25 mm, including heat-dissipation parts; up to 8.0 mm above the board and 2.45 mm below it
Device sides Single-sided and double-sided supported

These are the limits for the CFI-71XX guide, not a universal guarantee for every PS5 chassis. Check the safety guide and installation directions for your console’s model number before buying or opening it.

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#1 Best Overall
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0010BNC-WRSN
  • 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.

How much SSD storage can PS5 support?

The CFI-71XX guide lists M.2 drives from 250 GB through 8 TB. Sony raised the maximum from 4 TB to 8 TB in a 2023 announcement; 8 TB is the current maximum in the cited guide, while 4 TB is the earlier limit.

The storage is for games and media apps: Sony says M.2 expansion can store, download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games and media apps. Adding an M.2 drive expands console storage; it does not change the compatibility requirements above.

Rank #2
SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0-1TB m.2 2280 ssd, Read UP to 7350MB/s 1TB for Gaming PS5 Memory Storage Expansion with Heatsink, Internal Solid State Hard Drive PCIe gen 4x4 Nvme for Laptop Desktop pc
  • 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).

Does a PS5 SSD need a heatsink?

It needs effective heat dissipation. Sony warns that the SSD can reach high temperatures and says a drive without a heat-dissipation mechanism needs a heat conductor, heatsink, heat transfer sheet, or a combination. A drive with a built-in heatsink may simplify installation, but the complete assembly still has to meet the console’s dimensional limits.

Do not assume a generic heatsink fits every SSD or console. Check the exact drive’s dimensions with its cooling parts installed, including the maximum thickness above and below the board, and follow the drive and console manufacturers’ installation guidance.

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Rank #3
Sale
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
  • 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.

How to choose a candidate M.2 drive

Compare the exact model against the console guide rather than relying on a product category or retailer search phrase. Useful checks include:

  • Exact model number, NVMe protocol, PCIe Gen4x4 interface, and M key.
  • Capacity and supported form factor.
  • Dimensions of the assembled drive, including heatsink or other cooling parts.
  • Whether heat dissipation is built in or must be added separately.
  • The manufacturer’s stated sequential read rating against Sony’s published recommendation, plus warranty terms and local price.

Sony Direct US listings provide examples, not an exhaustive approval list: officially licensed SanDisk Optimus GX PRO SSDs are listed in 1 TB and 2 TB, and WD_BLACK SN850P SSDs in 2 TB and 8 TB. Sony describes their heatsinks as designed for PS5 installation. Listings and availability can change, and the examples do not guarantee that every third-party drive works. Sony explicitly warns that it cannot guarantee compatibility for every drive that meets the published requirements.

Rank #4
WD_Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,900 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices - WDS200T4X0E
  • 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).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can I add an SSD to my PS5?

Yes, the cited Sony guide describes installing an M.2 SSD in the console’s expansion slot. The broad sequence is to remove the relevant covers, position the spacer for the drive’s length, insert the SSD into the connector, fasten it, replace the covers, start the console, and follow the formatting prompt.

Cover removal and other chassis steps are model-specific. Sony’s CFI-20XX installation manual illustrates instructions for that model; do not assume its cover procedure applies unchanged to another PS5. Use the installation section for your console model, use a screwdriver that matches the screw, and follow the on-screen formatting instructions after installation.

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Best Value
Bestoss 2TB PCIe4.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD with Heatsink, PS5 Storage, 7350MB/s
  • 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.

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