PS5 SSD Storage Size: Everything You Need to Know
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerful console that offers a fast and smooth gaming experience thanks to its custom SSD (solid state drive). The SSD allows the PS5 to load games and data much faster than the previous generation of consoles, as well as enabling features like ray tracing, 4K resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the SSD also has some limitations and challenges that you should be aware of before buying or upgrading your PS5. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the PS5 SSD storage size, including:
- How much storage space does the PS5 have?
- How much storage space do you need for PS5 games?
- How can you expand your PS5 storage space?
- What are the best SSDs for PS5?
How much storage space does the PS5 have?
The PS5 has a standard SSD storage size of 825 GB which comes with the console. However, some of that is taken up by preinstalled apps and the user interface, so in actuality players have access to 667.2 GB of space. This is an unusual number, as the PS4 was primarily available in 500GB and 1TB configurations.
The reason for this odd number is that the PS5 uses a custom SSD that is designed to optimize performance and efficiency. The SSD has 12 memory channels that can access data simultaneously, which means it can achieve a blazing-fast speed of 5.5 GB/s. To achieve this speed, Sony had to use a specific amount of memory chips that resulted in the 825 GB capacity.
How much storage space do you need for PS5 games?
The amount of storage space you need for PS5 games depends on several factors, such as:
- The size of the game files
- The number of games you want to play or keep
- The type of games you play (PS5 or PS4)
- The quality settings you choose (resolution, frame rate, etc.)
The size of the game files can vary widely depending on the game. Some games can take up more than 100 GB of space, while others can be less than 10 GB. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War requires 133 GB of space on PS5, while Astro’s Playroom only needs 10.98 GB. You can check the size of any game on the PlayStation Store or on your console.
The number of games you want to play or keep also affects how much storage space you need. If you like to play a lot of different games at once, or if you don’t want to delete any games from your library, you will need more space than someone who only plays a few games at a time or who regularly deletes games they don’t play anymore.
The type of games you play also matters because PS5 games can only be played from the internal SSD, while PS4 games can be played from either the internal SSD or an external hard drive or SSD. This means that if you play a lot of PS4 games on your PS5, you can save some space on your internal SSD by storing them on an external device. However, if you play mostly PS5 games, you will need more space on your internal SSD.
The quality settings you choose also affect how much storage space you need. Some games allow you to choose between different modes that prioritize resolution, frame rate, or performance. For example, Spider-Man: Miles Morales has a Performance Mode that runs at 60 frames per second (fps) with dynamic 4K resolution and ray tracing off, and a Fidelity Mode that runs at 30 fps with native 4K resolution and ray tracing on. Depending on which mode you choose, the game may take up more or less space on your SSD.
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least 100 GB of free space on your internal SSD at all times. This will allow you to download updates and patches for your games without running into issues. You should also regularly check your storage space and delete any games or data that you don’t need anymore.
How can you expand your PS5 storage space?
If you find yourself running out of storage space on your internal SSD, there are two ways to expand your PS5 storage space:
- Use an external hard drive or SSD
- Use an internal SSD
Use an external hard drive or SSD
Using an external hard drive or SSD is the easiest and cheapest way to expand your PS5 storage space. You can connect any USB 3.0 or later device that supports at least SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps and has a minimum capacity of 250 GB or a maximum capacity of 8 TB. You can use the external device to store and play PS4 games, as well as to back up your PS5 games. However, you cannot play PS5 games from the external device, as they require the speed and performance of the internal SSD.
To use an external hard drive or SSD with your PS5, you need to format it first. This will erase any data on the device, so make sure you back up anything important before you do this. To format your external device, follow these steps:
- Connect your external device to one of the USB ports on your PS5.
- Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
- Select Format as Extended Storage and follow the instructions on screen.
Once your external device is formatted, you can use it to store and play PS4 games, as well as to back up your PS5 games. To move games between your internal and external storage, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage or Extended Storage.
- Select Games & Apps > Move Games & Apps.
- Select the games you want to move and press X.
- Select Move and confirm.
You can also set your external device as the default installation location for new games. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
- Select Always Install PS4 Games to Extended Storage.
Use an internal SSD
Using an internal SSD is the best way to expand your PS5 storage space if you want to play more PS5 games without compromising speed and performance. However, this option is more expensive and complicated than using an external device. You need to buy a compatible SSD that meets the PS5 requirements, as well as install it yourself by opening up your console.
The PS5 supports PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSDs with a capacity of 250 GB to 4 TB. The SSD must also have a cooling structure (such as a heatsink) attached to it, as well as a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster. You can check the full specifications and requirements for compatible SSDs on the PlayStation website.
To use an internal SSD with your PS5, you need to install it first. This will require some tools and skills, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully and watch the installation video on the PlayStation website. To install your internal SSD, follow these steps:
- Turn off your PS5 and unplug the power cord.
- Remove the base from your console and place it horizontally.
- Remove the side panel by sliding it off gently.
- Locate the expansion slot cover and unscrew it with a cross-head screwdriver.
- Remove the cover and set it aside.
- Locate the screw hole that matches the size of your SSD (30 mm, 42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or 110 mm).
- Unscrew the screw from that hole and set it aside.
- Insert your SSD into the expansion slot at a 45-degree angle until it clicks into place.
- Secure your SSD with the screw you removed earlier.
- Replace the expansion slot cover and screw it back in place.
- Replace the side panel by sliding it back on gently.
- Replace the base on your console and place it vertically or horizontally as you prefer.
- Plug in the power cord and turn on your PS5.
Once your internal SSD is installed, you need to format it before you can use it. This will erase any data on the SSD, so make sure you back up anything important before you do this. To format your internal SSD, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > Console Information > M.2 Internal Storage Status.
- Select Format M.2 Internal Storage and follow the instructions on screen.
Once your internal SSD is formatted, you can use it to store and play PS5 games, as well as to back up your PS4 games. To move games between your internal storage (console storage) and your internal SSD (M.2 storage), follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage or M.2 Storage.
- Select Games & Apps > Move Games & Apps.
- Select the games you want to move and press X.
- Select Move and confirm.
You can also set your internal SSD as the default installation location for new games. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Storage > M.2 Storage.
- Select Always Install PS5 Games to M.2 Storage.
What are the best SSDs for PS5?
There are many SSDs available on the market that are compatible with PS5, but some are better than others in terms of performance, price, and reliability. Here are some of the best SSDs for PS5 that we recommend based on our research and testing:
| Model | Capacity | Sequential Read Speed | Sequential Write Speed | Endurance Rating | Heatsink Included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN850 | 500 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 5,300 MB/s | Up to 1,200 TBW | Yes | $149 / $229 / $449 |
| Seagate FireCuda 530 | 500 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB / 4 TB | Up to 7,300 MB/s | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 2,550 TBW | Yes | $169 / $259 / $519 / $999 |
| Kingston Fury Renegade | 500 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 6,000 MB/s | Up to 1,180 TBW | Yes | $119 / $199 / $399 |
| Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade | 1 TB / 2 TB | Up to 7,400 MB/s | Up to 6,400 MB/s | Up to 1,480 TBW | Yes | $179 / $359 |
| Samsung 980 Pro | 250 GB / 500 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | Up to 7,000 MB/s | Up to 5,000 MB/s | Up to 1,200 TBW | $79.99 / $99.99 / $159.99 / $174.99 |
Conclusion
The PS5 SSD storage size is an important factor that affects your gaming experience on the console. The PS5 comes with a custom SSD that offers fast and smooth performance, but it also has some limitations and challenges that you should be aware of.
The PS5 has a standard SSD storage size of 825 GB, but only about 667 GB of that is usable for your games. The PS5 games can take up a lot of space on your SSD, and you may need more storage space depending on how many games you play or keep.
The PS5 has an M.2 expansion slot where you can add a second SSD with up to 4 TB of capacity. You can also use an external hard drive or SSD with up to 8 TB of capacity to store and play PS4 games on your PS5. There are many SSDs available on the market that are compatible with PS5, but some are better than others in terms of performance, price, and reliability.
We recommend the Western Digital Black SN850 as the best all-round PS5 SSD that offers a high price-to-performance ratio and is officially certified for the PS5. We also recommend the Seagate FireCuda 530 as the best PS5 SSD for outright speed that can reach up to 7,300 MB/s of sequential read speed and 6,900 MB/s of sequential write speed. Other SSDs that are also suitable for the PS5 include the Kingston Fury Renegade, the Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade, and the Samsung 980 Pro.
We hope this article has helped you understand everything you need to know about the PS5 SSD storage size and how to expand it. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. Happy gaming!
