Expanding your PlayStation 5 console storage with an aftermarket M.2 form factor NVMe SSD is now an option, great news for those whose game libraries are already pushing the pre-installed limits.
It's all fairly good news too, Sony PlayStation 5 have a dedicated slot for adding the new SSD, and it's not a replacement, so you won't have to download everything all over again.
You can shop all PS5 compatible SSD with Heatsink included options in the PlayStation Store at PB Tech.
Installation is as easy as opening up the console with a small philips screwdriver and slotting the new SSD into place. The slot itself supports a range of sizes, both in terms of storage capacity and the physical size of the M.2 SSD which must have an attached heatsink. Once installed the PlayStation will run a quick format that will make it ready for the console operating system to use.
VIA SONY: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink and a heat transfer sheet. You can attach these to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format (single-sided cooling structures are an easier fit). There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built-in. For information on how to attach the heat dissipation mechanism, check the instructions that come with it.
This slot has been in the console since first released, but only recently had its functionality activated in a Sony PlayStation update, so make sure you've done all your software updates ahead of installation.
Speed of the SSD is another factor that you'll need to consider, and it's really important, luckily there are some very fast new options which combine the performance needed with heatsinks to make it all super easy.
If you want to DIY fit a heatsink onto a normal M.2 SSD for example, M2 heatsinks are sometimes available, but always check the measurements to ensure they'll fit the 25mm max space limit within the PS5 SSD bay!
VIA SONY: You should carefully review drive specifications prior to purchase and contact the vendor or manufacturer if you need further information. SIE (Sony Interactive Entertainment) cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products.
There are some important specifications from PlayStation to check out too, so let's take a look at the essential information from the official Sony M.2 SSD PS5 Installation Guide.
Requirements:
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
- Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended
- Storage Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Cooling: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink.
- Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
- Max Height: 25mm is the max height of the M.2 SSD with heatsink attached.
You won't have to dive into the specifications to get a compatible SSD though, many now include a heatsink which fits into the space.
PS5 Ready SSD with Heatsinks
Once you have installed and the PlayStation has formatted the SSD for use, you can download games from PlayStation Store directly to your new M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD. To do this go to the home screen and select Settings > Storage > Installation Location to complete the setup.
Keen for more PlayStation 5 storage? Check out the PlayStation Store at PB Tech for SSD with heatsinks included which are PS5 Ready, and watch the YouTube video below for a step-by-step install guide from the Sony PlayStation team.
