Best PS5-Compatible NVMe SSD With Heatsink | [2023]
As of Sept 15, 2021, Sony released the official support for M.2 SSD internal storage upgrade but with the requirement of a heatsink. Since then, PS5 users are able to increase the annoyingly limited small system storage space by simply adding an off-the-shelf M.2 module.
But, you can’t just go out and buy any M.2 SSD or use any heatsink you like for your PS5. In fact, there are a few conditions the M.2 SSD must meet in order to be compatible with PS5 as an expansion drive, otherwise, it won’t work.
Actually, finding an internal M.2 SSD that’s compatible with PS5 is somewhat tricky for a wide variety of users and it’s not something as easy as it might seem.
What makes this task difficult is the existence of many M.2 SSD brands that seem to meet the conditions but in the real world, they don’t fit for upgrading the internal storage of PS5.
Worse is when you discover that your PS5-compatible SSD upgrade also needs a heatsink to cool it down or else it might degrade so quickly and burn out and go on the fritz eventually.
This article covers this topic thoroughly and suggests 5 of the best internal SSD upgrades that are fully compatible with your PS5 and come with their own heatsinks.
PS5 SSD Compatibility Standards
Before buying an SSD for your PS5, you must make sure it is fully compatible. Here are the standards specified by Sony that any M.2 SSD must meet in order to be compatible with the PS5 internal storage upgrade:
- Type: Only NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD is allowed. Other M.2 SSDs such as PCIe 2.0 are not compatible with PS5.
- Speed: 5,500MB/sec or faster sequential read speed.
- Physical Size: Make sure that the M.2 SSD you choose will fit into the PS5’s expansion slot, especially because you’ll need, in many cases, a relatively large heatsink to keep temperatures under control.
- Supported By PS5 System Software: In some cases, an SSD might meet all the specifications above but it doesn’t work still inside the PS5. That’s because the PS5 system software version currently running on your console doesn’t still support that particular SSD because of missing driver files. All you can do here is wait for a newer PS5 system software update in hope that it includes
Only a few well-known companies (Lexar, Buffalo, Netac, Kingston, and Transcend) haven’t declared intentions to produce solid-state drives that can match the PlayStation 5’s required performance.
PS5 SSD Compatibility List
In our list below, we’ve gathered the best M.2 SSDs that are verified to be PS5-compatible as of Jan 2023, so you don’t have to check specs and measurements. Nothing is more frustrating than investing the money and time to install a drive only to have your PS5 throw an error warning at you.
1. Seagate FireCuda 530 SSD
This was technically the first SSD verified for PS5. The Seagate FireCuda 530 is without a doubt one of the greatest PS5 SSDs and the most popular.
This SSD internal option for the PS5 is rumored to feature lightning-fast speeds and is confirmed to have all next-generation technology.
The fact that it comes with its own heatsink is an added plus – no need for DIY with this drive. However, a version without a heatsink is also available if you choose to use your own.
| Compatible Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7,300 / 6,000 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | 800,000 / 1,000,000 IOPS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
2. ADATA XPG Gammix S70 Blade
Although the ADATA XPG SSD is not one of the most well-known companies on this list, the Gammix S70 Blade deserves recognition for its reasonable pricing, integrated heatsink, and outstanding sequential performance.
Note however that there are no instructions for installing the provided heatsink. However, scanning the QR code on the box will lead you to the FAQs and a guide (which opens in a new tab) explaining how to complete the task.
| Compatible Capacities | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7,400 / 6,800 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | up to 750,000 IOPS IOPS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
3. Samsung 980 Pro SSD With Heatsink
The Samsung 980 Pro remains one of the best PS5-compatible SSDs on the market, particularly now that the heatsink model is readily available and frequently inexpensive.
The addition of a dedicated, system-specific heatsink will be great for anyone who prefers a plug-and-play approach over having to do everything themselves.
| Compatible Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7000 / 5100 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | 1,000,000 IOPS / 1,000,000 IOPS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
4. WD Black SN850 SSD With Heatsink
The WD SN850 Black possesses all the characteristics of a premium PS5-compatible SSD. We’d say that the SN850 is now an even better value than it was before, and it may become more saleable as a result of the modest speed versus price.
The 500GB variant is frequently available at a great price, but you can go large with the 2TB option to ensure you’re covered for the foreseeable future of the PS5’s life. Given that this is the SSD of choice for PlayStation architect Mark Cerny, this is without a doubt one of the finest PS5 SSDs available.
| Compatible Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7000 / 5300 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | 1,000,000 MB/s / 750,000 MB/s |
| Warranty | 5 years |
5. Corsair MP600 Pro LPX SSD
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX is one of the better-designed PS5-compatible SSDs with an integrated heatsink that we’ve seen, and its performance speeds are commensurate with its design.
If you have a significant back catalog of lesser games that you wish to store on your PS5, this particular drive excels at dealing with smaller file sizes.
| Compatible Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7100 / 6800 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | up to 1,000,000 IOPS / 1,200,000 IOPS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
6. Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
Powered by a Phison E18 controller, the Kingston Fury Renegade is one of the fastest and most consistent Gen 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
Despite being a bit on the expensive side, especially in the 2TB option, the performance demonstrated justifies the asking price.
In addition, this PS5 SSD comes with its own graphene heatsink, eliminating the need for a cumbersome DIY solution.
| Compatible Capacities | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe 1.4 |
| Read/write speed | 7,300 / 7,000 MB/s |
| Random read/write speed | up to 1,000,000 IOPS / 1,000,000 IOPS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Additional PS5-Compatible Internal SSD Brands
If you want to learn more about what SSD brands are compatible with PS5, here are additional 6 brands that will fit perfectly inside your PS5. Also, the good news is that most of them come with a heatsink.
- PNY XLR8 SSD Gaming Kit
- Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Heatsink
- Crucial P5 Plus
- Addlink AddGame A95
- Patriot Viper VP4300
- Gigabyte AORUS Gen4
All these SSDs are compatible with PS5, so don’t be concerned about investigating any of these listed brands, as we assure you they’re compatible.
PS5-Compatible SSD Heatsinks
Some SSDs manufactured expressly for the PS5 include an integrated cooling featured by a heatsink, but others do not. Plus, you may purchase them separately from a variety of suppliers. They are incredibly simple to install and will protect your new SSD from overheating and resulting damage.
But, how can you know if an SSD has a heatsink or not?
Well, if a solid-state drive (SSD) does not already have a heatsink, it will be extremely thin and will likely expose components of the circuit board. Products with a heatsink attached are typically labeled as such on the product page and are typically thicker, with vent-like components on one or both sides.
See the two images below of the SAME SSD, one without a heatsink and the other with it:
A bare PS5 SSD without heatsink. It looks too thin just like a memory chip.
The same PS5 SSD but with a heatsink this time. It looks apparently thicker and heavier.
Occasionally, built-in heatsinks significantly increase the price, so purchasing your own can save you a substantial amount of money. Listed below are some of our favorite alternatives.
- PNY XLR8 SSD cover
- Sabrent PS5 heatsink
- QIVYNSRY heatsink
- SGTKJSJS heatsink
- MHQJRH heatsink
- Eluteng heatsink
Conclusion
If you’re going to expand the internal storage capacity of your PS5, you surely need a compatible SSD for its goal. Not all NVMe SSDs are compatible with the PS5, so you must be careful about what brand to pick. Moreover, a heatsink is essential here as well. An internal SSD for PS5 won’t live long without a good heatsink that perfectly dissipates the generated heat and keeps your SSD cool.
PS5 Compatible SSD FAQ
Which PS5 SSD size is best for me?
We believe that a 1TB PS5 SSD will be appropriate for the majority of gamers because it hits the right mix between price and performance. A 1TB Gen 4.0 NVMe drive is typically available for $150 or less and can more than double the PS5's default internal storage capacity. Nevertheless, SSD prices have been falling throughout 2022, so it is possible that you may discover more reasonable 2TB alternatives than in the past. If you desire further future-proofing, a 2TB disk may be more practical. The PS5 M.2 port supports a maximum of 4TB, so if you want to go all out with terabytes of extra space, you have plenty of options.
What is the best internal SSD brand for PS5?
The M.2 port on the PS5 may accommodate any NVMe SSD that is compliant with Gen 4.0 and has a maximum width of 22mm. We would say that the best PS5 SSD brands are those that come with heatsinks already connected. This saves you time and effort. Therefore, you should seek out models that have been created with PS5 in mind. Any SSD brand you pick from this list is a good choice to go for.
Is it worth upgrading the PS5 internal storage?
As games continue to demand higher install sizes, with the average triple-A title on the platform running anywhere from 25 to 60GB, you'll quickly exhaust that 667.2GB of accessible storage space with just a few of heavy hitters. Fortunately, this is where the best PS5 SSDs come in handy, since they allow you to store many more games. Depending on the console type and manufacturer, an additional SSD at the absolute least matches the console's internal capacity, and in rare circumstances can even exceed it. Especially if you have a sluggish internet connection and struggle to download games quickly, an SSD extension for PS5 might make your life much easier.
