Summary
- What are the prerequisites for installing an NVMe SSD to the PS5?
- Which NVMe SSDs are compatible with the PS5?
- How to install an SSD in your PS5
- Comments
The PS5 finally allows the addition of an M.2 NVMe SSD in order to increase its storage capacity. That said, some compatibility criteria should be taken into account. We invite you to review them first, then in the second part of this buying guide, to see which M.2 SSDs are compatible with the Sony console. Finally, we will explain in detail how to install NVMe SSD in your PS5.
If the PS5 officially supports M.2 SSD support since July 29, this new feature is currently being deployed through a beta version of the console firmware. Only certain users in the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany and our country can currently enjoy it.
What are the prerequisites for installing an NVMe SSD to the PS5?
Sony has already announced some compatibility criteria so that the M.2 type SSD is compatible with the PS5. Before proceeding with the purchase, here are the conditions required to be respected:
Interface : SSD M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4
Capacity : 250 Go à 4 To
Cooling structure : To use an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console, it must have an efficient heat dissipation system with a cooling structure, such as a heat sink. You can add one yourself to your M.2 SSD, whether it is single-sided or double-sided. There are also M.2 SSDs with built-in cooling structures (like heat sinks).
Sequential read speed : at least 5MB / s recommended
Module width : 22 mm (25 mm max with heatsink included)
Size : 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 (type M.2). The first two digits are for width, while the remaining digits are for length.
Type de socket : Socket 3 (M key)
Dimensions : The total dimensions with the cooling structure should not exceed 110mm (length) x 25mm (width) x 11,25mm (height). Regarding the length of the SSD, they can be according to the type of format: 80 mm, 42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or 110 mm. For width, a 2mm wide M.22 SSD is required and the total size including additional cooling structure should not exceed 25mm. Below, you can find the full specifications made available by Sony regarding the dimensions of M.2 SSDs.
Read also: Best SATA Internal SSDs, M.2 NVMe 2021: Which Model to Choose?
Which NVMe SSDs are compatible with the PS5?
M.2 SSDs officially compatible with the PS5
At the moment, only a few M.2 SSDs are officially compatible with the PS5. We have listed them below. In general, the performances they deliver are almost similar. The Seagate FireCuda 530 is a bit more efficient than the WD SN850 and the Gigabyte Aorus 7000s, since it offers a speed of 7300 MB / s against 7000 MB / s for the latter two.
Western Digital Black SN850
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE WD SN850
The 4th generation Western Digital Black SN850 SSD, whose compatibility has been confirmed by Mark Cerby, chief architect at Sony, offers a read speed of 7000 MB / s. With capacities ranging from 500 GB to 2 TB, this model is therefore perfectly suited to the Sony console. Here are the prices offered by Amazon according to the storage capacity:
- 500 Go à 185,02 €
- 1 To à 322,07 €
- 2 To à 559,69 €
In addition, it also includes a heat sink and meets the specification for the required dimensions so that it can be installed in the console.
Gigabyte Aorus 7000S
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE GIGABYTE AORUS 7000S
The manufacturer Gibabyte also offers an M.2 SSD solution compatible with the PS5. This is the Gigabyte Aorus 7000S PCI-Express 4.0 x4 interface model to which you will have to turn. Just like the WD Black SN850, it offers a read speed of 7000MB / s and 6850MB / s write (depending on models).
Its radiator is composed of nanocarbon and aluminum in order to offer improved heat dissipation for performance always at the top. The 1 TB version is available at € 242,85 on the Amazon side.
Seagate FireCuda 530
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530
The most powerful but also the first officially certified SSD compatible with the PS5, the Firecuda 530 from Seagate offers a reading speed of up to 7300 MB / s. Largely above the prerequisites of 5500 MB / s that Sony recommends.
Like the models presented above, it is equipped with a heat sink for optimal cooling. It is available in several storage capacities ranging from 500 GB to 4 TB and prices between 180 and 1180 €.
M.2 SSDs unofficially compatible with the PS5
Now that we have reviewed the SSDs officially compatible with the PS5, here are a few models that are also supported by the console from Sony. There is no need for an SSD to be certified as compatible with the PS5 in order for it to work properly with the latter. It just needs to meet the minimum specifications imposed by Sony.
Among the models that are suitable, we find the Samsung 980 Pro, the PNY XLR8 CS3140 or even the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus (delivered without heat sink). Finally, note that SSDs in M.2 SATA format are not compatible with the PS5.
Samsung 980 Pro
CLICK HERE TO BUY SAMSUNG 980 PRO
The Samsung 980 Pro SSD is in 2280 format and offers read speeds of 7000 MB / s. It is therefore compatible without any problem with the Sony console. Just like the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, it will be necessary to equip yourself separately with a technical heatsink since Samsung does not offer one with its SSD. This SSD is offered in the following storage capacities: 250 GB, 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. The price ranges are between 80 and 450 € approximately.
PNY XLR8 CS3140
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE PNY XLR8 CS3140
Another M.2 SSD model unofficially compatible with the PS5, the PNY XLR8 CS3140. The latter has been available since early 2021 and is proving to be one of the fastest and most efficient on the market. The latter is therefore logically compatible with the PS5. Pay attention to the heatsink supplied since, depending on the model, it is not suitable for the Sony console. It can be found in storage capacities of 1, 2 and 4 TB at prices between 230 and 690 €.
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SABRENT ROCKET 4 PLUS
If you do not yet know Sabrent, know that it is a manufacturer that offers SSDs at very aggressive prices, but still very high quality. The Rocket 4 Plus model is an M.2 SSD that offers read speeds capable of theoretically reaching 7000 MB / s, guaranteeing compatibility with the PS5.
Just like the Samsung 980 Pro, it comes without a heat sink and will therefore need to be equipped separately. Even if the brand offers one, it seems that it is too large to be installed in the PS5. Pricing level, the 1 TB model is at € 219,99, the 2 TB model at € 469,99 and finally, the 4 TB model at € 999,00.
How to install an SSD in your PS5
The prerequisites before starting
Before installing an SSD in your PS5, you must make sure you have all the necessary equipment in your possession, but also know some essential elements for the successful completion of this task.
- Make sure you have the latest PS5 system software update (obligatory).
- Have a size 1 Phillips screwdriver (obligatory).
- A single or double-sided M.2 SSD that meets Sony criteria (obligatory).
- From a place with a sufficient source of light.
- A flat surface such as a table or desk with a protective coating.
If you are used to changing computer parts, you should probably know that it is necessary to touching a metallic object that is grounded. This in order to discharge your body of any static electricity. Needless to say, you should never turn on or play your PS5 when its cover is removed.
Where can I find the SSD expansion bay on the PS5?
The slot or expansion bay, as you prefer, is located under the cover opposite the PlayStation logo. It is the white cover which under which is the bay intended for the disks, on the top of the console (side opposite to that of the power button). Here is the location in picture.
How to add an SSD in the expansion bay of the PS5?
In order to access the SSD expansion bay of your PS5, you must place it on a flat surface, preferably on a suitable coating that will not damage it. Then, it must be de-energized, have removed the base and the attached cables, then reach for it to cool. As stated previously, then touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity from your body. You can then begin.
- First, place the PS5 with the PS logo facing down and the power button opposite you.
- Next, grab the end of the lower right corner of the console with your right hand and hold the upper left corner of the cover with your left hand.
- Gently lift the cover with your right hand.
- Remove the cover dragging it with your left thumb.
- You should then see the location of the expansion slot.
- Using the size 1 screwdriver, unscrew the two screws and then remove the expansion bay cover. Be careful, so as not to drop the screws in the fan.
- All that remains is to remove the screw closest to the fan and the spacer that goes with it.
- Move the spacer into the groove corresponding to the size of your M.2 SSD.
- Holding the edge of your M.2 solid-state drive, align it with the notch on the expansion slot, and then firmly insert it diagonally until it clicks into place.
- Make sure it is properly attached then secure NVMe M.2 SSD to the spacer using the screw.
- Finally, once the SSD is in place, all you have to do is reassemble the expansion bay cover and the PS5 plate by following the same steps, but in reverse.
Your new SSD will be detected the next time you boot your PS5. The latter will offer to format it. You have to agree in and choose the option Format M.2 SSD. Follow the steps that appear on the screen.
In case you want to remove an M.2 SSD from your PS5, just follow the same steps, but in reverse order. Finally, to help you install an SSD in your PS5, nothing like a small video. Sony has posted one online for this purpose.
Read also: PS5 test: crazy loading times, unprecedented gaming performance, Sony is a game-changer
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