Good information for avid gamers who’re reaching the storage limits of their PlayStation 5 — it is now simpler so as to add some additional storage. That’s proper, the PS5’s additional inside M.2 solid-state drive slot is now open for enterprise. Previously, this SSD possibility was solely accessible to these with the beta model of Sony’s PlayStation OS. That’s now not the case, as long as you’ve a appropriate drive.
Before this, and earlier than the beta, you possibly can nonetheless add an exterior drive for PS4 video games, however solely play PS4 video games from it. PS5 video games may very well be saved on an exterior drive, however not performed.
Read extra: PS5 overview: Exclusive video games energy Sony’s sky-high space-age console
However, it is fairly exhausting to seek out tremendous quick M.2 drives proper now, particularly ones with a built-in heatsink. That’s required to stop overheating, so in case your drive does not have one, you will have so as to add it manually, and we have made some options under.
Sony has listed some particular tips as to what forms of drives the PS5 will assist, however not particular mannequin suggestions. Based on the revealed specs, nonetheless, the SSD drive choices listed under ought to all work. We’re within the means of testing a few of them, together with the 4TB Seagate FireCuda 530, which we put in on this how-to characteristic. So, as you seek for the very best M.2 SSD in your PS5, maintain these in thoughts.
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Samsung’s high-end M.2 drive was a logical first alternative for lots of PS5 modders… however the authentic model did not embrace a built-in heatsink, required for operation. Sure, you possibly can purchase a separate one and connect it, however that is a couple of additional steps.
Fortunately, the wonderful 980 Pro is now accessible with a heatsink inbuilt, which makes it an all-in-one package deal. There are two present configurations, a 1TB mannequin and a 2TB mannequin, with the value roughly doubling for the bigger mannequin.
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I not too long ago received my arms on an enormous 4TB Seagate FireCuda 530, which features a built-in heatsink, a requirement for an inside PS5 drive. The 1TB model is often round $250, whereas this 4TB model is upward of $900. Note that on account of its recognition, this specific Seagate FireCuda drive has incessantly been out of inventory, so seize one when you’ll be able to.
After I put in and arrange the drive, I attempted transferring a couple of video games from the default drive to my new SSD. Call of Duty, which is almost 200GB, transferred in about 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Returnal, round 50GB, transferred in about 40 seconds.
Samsung
This is the unique model of the Samsung 980 Pro 1TB drive that wants a separate heatsink. If you’ve got received one and may connect it, it is a inexpensive possibility, and straightforward to seek out. In reality, the value on this mannequin has even dropped by a couple of {dollars} not too long ago.
The benefit of including an M.2 inside drive to your PS5 is that you would be able to each retailer and play PS5-native video games from it. Regular exterior exhausting drives can retailer PS5 video games, however not play them (however can each retailer and play PS4 video games).
Amazon
Besides the Samsung and Seagate variations, that is in all probability the preferred M.2 alternative for the PS5. It additionally contains the wanted heatsink inbuilt, which I frankly advocate as a a lot simpler strategy to get your console storage upgraded.
The WD Black is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB sizes, though I can not see going by means of all the hassle required to open the PS5 and case set up these for a mere 500GB of additional area, particularly with some video games getting near 100GB in measurement. 1TB looks like the very best bang in your buck, because the 2TB drive prices greater than the PS5 itself.
Amazon
If you are happening the add-your-own-heatsink route, this is likely one of the hottest components for PS5 house owners. Gamers have reported that it is an ideal match for the PS5’s M.2 slot, particularly when paired with the Samsung 980 SSD.
To connect a heatsink like this, you often want some thermal tape to attach the heatsink to the drive. In this case, there’s an included thermal pad that sticks the 2 components collectively. That’s essential as a result of with out the correct of thermal administration, the M.2 drive might get too scorching within the tightly constricted PS5 inside drive slot.
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Install an M.2 SSD in your PS5 with a heatsink improve
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