PS5 Storage Full? How to Add an M.2 SSD Without Buying the Wrong One
Quick answer: The PS5 accepts an extra PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD between 250GB and 8TB. Sony recommends a read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster and a heatsink or heat spreader. You can play PS5 games directly from it, and installation takes about 15 minutes with a small screwdriver.
What the PS5 needs
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD.
- Capacity: 250GB to 8TB.
- Speed: 5,500MB/s sequential read or faster is recommended.
- Size: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110.
- Cooling: a heatsink or heat-spreading film is required by Sony; many drives come with one.
Install in short
- Update the PS5 system software first.
- Turn the console off completely and unplug it.
- Remove the cover (the method differs on original, Slim and Pro models — follow Sony’s guide for your model).
- Open the expansion slot cover, insert the SSD at an angle, push it flat and secure the screw.
- Close everything, turn on, and the PS5 will offer to format the drive.
M.2 SSD or USB external drive?
A USB external drive is cheaper and good for storing PS5 games and playing PS4 games, but PS5 games must run from internal storage or an M.2 SSD. If you want to play PS5 titles without moving them around, M.2 is the answer.
Other ways to save space
Delete game modes you do not play (some titles let you remove campaign or multiplayer data separately), and clear captured videos in Media Gallery. For more PS5 accessories that make your setup easier, browse our gaming section.
FAQ
Does an M.2 SSD make games load faster?
At or above the recommended speed it performs about the same as the internal drive.
Will adding an SSD void my warranty?
Sony supports user installation of compatible M.2 drives in the expansion slot.