External SSDs are great for storing a backlog, but PS5 games only run at full speed from the console’s internal drive or an internal M.2 expansion slot — external USB storage is limited to PS4-era games and backups. If you’re running low on space and want to keep buying current-gen games without constant uninstall/reinstall cycles, an internal M.2 NVMe upgrade is the move.
Sony’s requirements are specific: you need a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD in M.2 2230 or 2280 form factor, with read speeds of 5,500 MB/s or faster, plus adequate heatsink cooling — either built into the drive or added separately. Skipping the heatsink requirement isn’t optional; without one, the drive will throttle heavily or the PS5 may refuse to use it reliably for game storage. Capacity-wise, 1TB to 2TB is the sweet spot for most libraries, though the expansion slot supports up to 8TB for very large collections.
Installation itself is simpler than most people expect, even though it involves opening the console. PS5’s expansion bay sits under a small removable cover and doesn’t require touching the power supply, fans, or any other internal component — it’s a genuinely user-serviceable slot that Sony designed for exactly this purpose, not a warranty-voiding modification.
WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD
This is the drive officially licensed by Sony for PS5 expansion, having gone through Sony’s own engineering validation process. If you want the lowest-risk, least-research option — something guaranteed to work without digging through compatibility threads — this is it.
WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink
Widely considered the best all-around pick for most PS5 owners: strong real-world console performance, a properly sized PS5-compatible heatsink, multiple capacity options, and competitive pricing relative to the officially licensed drive. It balances cost and performance better than most alternatives.
Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink
Frequently named the fastest option on paper, with sequential read speeds well above Sony’s 5,500 MB/s minimum requirement. It ships with a heatsink specifically shaped for the PS5’s M.2 expansion bay, so there’s no guesswork about fit or cooling clearance.
Lexar NM790 with Heatsink
The strongest budget pick in this category, hitting speeds around 7,400 MB/s — comfortably clearing Sony’s requirement — at roughly half the price of flagship drives from Samsung or WD. For players who just want more game storage without paying a premium brand tax, this is the value play.
Crucial T500 with Heatsink
Crucial T500 (heatsink version)
Another well-regarded PCIe Gen 4 option that clears Sony’s speed requirement with room to spare, giving PS5 owners a fourth reliable brand choice beyond WD_BLACK, Samsung, and Lexar. Crucial (Micron’s consumer brand) has a solid reliability track record in the broader SSD market, making this a safe pick if you simply want to compare pricing across more than the usual two or three names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need the heatsink, or can I buy a bare drive?
You need adequate cooling one way or another. Some drives include a heatsink in the box; others are sold bare and require buying a compatible heatsink separately. Running a bare drive without any heatsink in a PS5 risks heavy thermal throttling and isn’t recommended.
Will this void my PS5 warranty?
Installing storage in the official M.2 expansion slot is a Sony-supported, user-accessible feature covered in the console’s own documentation, so using a compatible drive through the proper slot does not void your warranty the way opening the main console chassis elsewhere might.
Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD
Seagate’s internal M.2 option rounds out the field alongside WD_BLACK, Samsung, and Lexar, giving PS5 owners a fifth reputable brand to compare on price. It meets Sony’s speed and form-factor requirements with a included heatsink sized for the console’s expansion bay, making it another low-risk choice if your preferred brand happens to be out of stock or priced high when you’re ready to buy.
How much performance difference is there between the fastest and slowest compatible drives?
In real-world PS5 use, the difference is smaller than the spec sheets suggest — Sony’s games are tuned around the console’s own baseline speed requirement, so a drive that barely clears 5,500 MB/s and one hitting 7,400 MB/s will feel very similar in actual load times for most titles.
Can I transfer my existing games to the new internal drive automatically?
Yes — once the new M.2 drive is installed and formatted through the PS5’s storage menu, you can move games between internal storage and extended storage without re-downloading, as long as both drives are connected or the content hasn’t been deleted first.
Can I still use an external USB drive after installing an internal M.2 SSD?
Yes, and many PS5 owners end up running both — the internal M.2 slot for current-gen games that need full performance, and an external USB drive for backups, PS4 titles, and media apps that don’t need the extra speed.
What tools do I need to install an M.2 SSD in a PS5?
Just a standard Phillips screwdriver in most cases — removing the console’s side cover and the expansion bay’s small access panel doesn’t require any specialized tools, which is part of why Sony markets this as a user-installable upgrade rather than a service-center job.
Final Thoughts
Want zero compatibility questions: the WD_BLACK SN850P is the officially licensed choice. Want the best balance of price and performance: the WD_BLACK SN850X or Samsung 990 PRO. On a budget: the Lexar NM790 gets you well past Sony’s speed requirement for noticeably less money.
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