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Level Up Your Storage: A Comprehensive Guide to Expanding Your PS5’s Capacity

So, your PS5 storage is groaning under the weight of all those AAA titles? Don’t fret, gamer! Expanding your storage is easier than defeating the final boss. Here’s the short answer: You can increase your PS5 storage in two primary ways: by installing an internal NVMe SSD into the designated slot or by using an external USB hard drive or SSD. The internal SSD is the preferred method for playing PS5 games, while the external drive is ideal for storing and playing PS4 games. Let’s dive into the details and get you back in the game with plenty of room to spare.

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

The first step is understanding your options and choosing the right one for your needs. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down.

Internal NVMe SSD Expansion

This is the recommended method for expanding your PS5’s storage, especially if you primarily play PS5 games. It involves installing a compatible NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSD into the designated slot inside your PS5.

Pros:
- Optimal Performance: This offers the best performance, allowing you to play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage with speeds nearly identical to the console’s internal drive.
- Seamless Integration: The expansion integrates directly into the PS5’s system, providing a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Cons:
- Technical Installation: Requires opening your PS5 and installing the SSD, which may be intimidating for some users.
- Cost: High-quality NVMe SSDs can be more expensive than external drives.

Finding a Compatible SSD

Not just any SSD will do! Your chosen SSD needs to meet specific requirements to work correctly with the PS5.

Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD
Capacity: 250GB minimum, 4TB maximum
Sequential Read Speed: 5500MB/s or faster (This is crucial!)
Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
Heatsink: Absolutely essential for preventing overheating and performance throttling. If your SSD doesn’t come with one, you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Popular and highly-recommended SSDs include the WD Black SN850 (famously used by the PS5 architect Mark Cerny) and the Samsung 980 Pro. Always double-check compatibility before purchasing!

Installing the Internal SSD

Before you start, ensure you have the necessary tools: a small Phillips head screwdriver, and a well-lit workspace.

Power Down and Disconnect: Turn off your PS5 completely and unplug all cables.
Ground Yourself: Touch a grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity.
Remove the Side Panel: Place the PS5 on a soft surface. Refer to Sony’s official instructions for removing the side panel (it involves a specific sliding motion).
Locate the SSD Expansion Slot: It’s covered by a metal plate secured with a screw.
Remove the Screw and Plate: Carefully unscrew the screw and remove the metal plate.
Adjust the Standoff: Inside the slot, you’ll see a standoff that needs to be adjusted to match the length of your SSD.
Insert the SSD: Gently insert the SSD into the slot at a slight angle and then press it down until it clicks into place.
Secure the SSD: Secure the SSD with the screw that was holding the metal plate.
Reattach the Metal Plate: Put the metal plate back on and secure it with the screw.
Reattach the Side Panel: Slide the side panel back into place until it clicks.
Power On: Reconnect the cables and power on your PS5.
Format the SSD: The PS5 will guide you through formatting the new SSD.

External USB Hard Drive/SSD Expansion

This option involves connecting an external hard drive or SSD to one of the PS5’s USB ports. This method is best suited for storing and playing PS4 games. You can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal storage to play them.

Pros:
- Easy Installation: Simply plug and play! No need to open your PS5.
- Cost-Effective: External drives, especially traditional HDDs, are generally cheaper than NVMe SSDs.
- PS4 Game Compatibility: You can play PS4 games directly from the external drive.
Cons:
- Slower Performance: Slower loading times compared to the internal SSD, especially for PS5 games (which cannot be played directly).
- PS5 Game Storage Only: You can only store PS5 games on an external drive; you can’t play them from it. You need to move them back to the internal drive to play them.

Choosing the Right External Drive

Interface: USB 3.0 or faster (USB 3.2 Gen 1 is ideal)
Capacity: 250GB minimum, 8TB maximum
SSD vs. HDD: An SSD will provide significantly faster transfer speeds than a traditional HDD. While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, faster transfer speeds are still beneficial.
Power: Some external drives require external power. Consider this when choosing a drive.

Connecting and Formatting the External Drive

Plug in the Drive: Connect the external drive to one of the PS5’s USB ports.
Format as Extended Storage: Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
Format the Drive: Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive as extended storage. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure to back up anything important.

Managing Your Storage

Once you’ve expanded your storage, you’ll need to manage your games and apps effectively.

Transferring Games: You can move games between the internal storage, the expanded internal SSD, and the external drive. Go to Settings > Storage, select the drive you want to transfer from, select “Games and Apps,” and then choose the games you want to move.
Setting the Installation Location: You can set the default installation location for new games in Settings > Storage > Installation Location.
Deleting Games: When you’re done with a game, delete it to free up space. Go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps, select the drive, select “Delete Content,” and then choose the games you want to delete.

Remember, expanding your PS5 storage is an investment in your gaming experience. Choose the solution that best fits your needs and budget, and enjoy the freedom to download and play all your favorite games!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about expanding your PS5 storage:

What is the max TB for PS5 external storage? The maximum capacity for an external USB drive used for extended storage on the PS5 is 8TB.
Can I use two external hard drives on my PS5 at the same time? No, the PS5 does not support connecting two or more USB extended storage drives at the same time. You can only use one external drive for extended storage.
Is upgrading PS5 storage worth it? Absolutely! If you frequently download and play multiple games, upgrading your PS5 storage is definitely worth it. It eliminates the hassle of constantly deleting and redownloading games.
How many games can a 2TB SSD hold on PS5? A 2TB SSD can hold approximately 50 or more PS5 games, depending on the size of each game. Some larger titles, like Call of Duty, can take up significantly more space.
Does having more storage make my PS5 faster? Increased storage capacity itself doesn’t directly make your PS5 faster. However, using a fast NVMe SSD for internal expansion allows you to play games directly from it with performance similar to the console’s internal drive.
Why is the PS5 only 825GB, with only 667.2GB usable? The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but a portion of that storage is reserved for the system’s operating system, firmware, and other essential files, leaving approximately 667.2GB of usable space for games and apps.
What happens if I use an SSD that doesn’t meet the minimum speed requirements? If you use an SSD that doesn’t meet the minimum sequential read speed of 5500MB/s, you may experience performance issues such as longer loading times, stuttering, and potential game crashes.
Do I need a heatsink for my internal PS5 SSD? Yes, a heatsink is essential for preventing overheating and performance throttling on your internal PS5 SSD. Most high-performance NVMe SSDs for the PS5 come with a pre-installed heatsink.
Can I use an external HDD to play PS5 games? No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external HDD. You can only store PS5 games on an external drive, and you must transfer them back to the internal storage to play them.
Will using an external HDD slow down my PS5? Using an external HDD can result in slower loading times and transfer speeds compared to the internal SSD. However, it’s still a viable option for storing and playing PS4 games.
What is the best type of external drive for PS4 games on PS5? An external SSD is the best option for playing PS4 games on the PS5, as it offers significantly faster loading times and improved performance compared to a traditional HDD.
How do I transfer my PS4 games to the extended storage? Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Select the games you want to move, and then choose “Move to Extended Storage.”
What if my PS5 doesn’t recognize the external drive I connected? Make sure the drive is formatted correctly (exFAT or FAT32), and that it meets the minimum requirements. Try a different USB port. If the issue persists, try a different drive.
Can I use a USB hub to connect multiple external drives to my PS5? No, it is not recommended to use a USB hub to connect external drives to your PS5. The console might not be able to provide enough power or bandwidth to support multiple drives simultaneously.
Where can I learn more about the intersection of gaming and education? For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used as powerful tools for learning and development.

Now go forth and conquer your storage woes! Happy gaming!

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