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How to Expand Your PS5 Storage: A Comprehensive Guide

Running out of space on your PlayStation 5? It’s a common issue, especially with today’s games demanding larger and larger installations. The good news is that you have a couple of excellent options to expand your storage and keep gaming without the constant need to delete and reinstall. You can increase your PS5’s storage capacity by using either an internal M.2 SSD or an external hard drive. Let’s dive into each method in detail.

Understanding Your Options: Internal vs. External

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each storage expansion method.

Internal M.2 SSD: This is the recommended method for expanding your PS5 storage. An M.2 SSD installs directly into a dedicated slot within the console, offering performance nearly identical to the internal drive. This means you can play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage without any noticeable performance degradation.
External Hard Drive: This is a more affordable option, but it comes with a significant limitation. You can store PS5 games on an external hard drive, but you cannot play them directly from it. You’ll need to transfer the games back to the internal SSD (or the internal M.2 SSD if you installed it) to play them. However, external hard drives are perfect for storing PS4 games and playing them directly from the drive.

Expanding Storage with an Internal M.2 SSD: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is the superior method for expanding your PS5’s storage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preparing Your PS5

Update Your System Software: Make sure your PS5 is running the latest system software.
Turn Off and Unplug Your PS5: Completely power down your console and disconnect all cables.
Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver (size 1) and a clean, well-lit workspace.

2. Selecting the Right M.2 SSD

Not just any SSD will work. You need one that meets Sony’s specifications:

Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD
Capacity: 250GB – 8TB. Note that originally the upper limit was 4TB but with system updates, 8TB drives are now supported.
Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
Socket Type: Socket 3 (Key M)
Sequential Read Speed: 5500MB/s or faster. This is crucial for PS5 compatibility.
Heatsink: Mandatory. The SSD must have a heatsink to dissipate heat and prevent performance throttling. You can either buy an SSD with a pre-installed heatsink or purchase a heatsink separately and install it yourself.

Popular and reliable M.2 SSD options include the Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink, WD Black SN850 with Heatsink, and the Seagate FireCuda 530 with Heatsink.

3. Installing the M.2 SSD

Remove the Side Panel: Place your PS5 on a flat surface with the PlayStation logo facing down and the power button facing away from you. Gently lift the back edge of the panel and slide it towards the bottom of the console.
Locate the Expansion Slot: You’ll see a metal cover secured with a single screw. Remove the screw.
Remove the Spacer: Inside the slot, you’ll find a small spacer. Remove the screw holding it in place and reposition the spacer to the correct position for your SSD’s length (2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110). Secure the spacer with the screw.
Insert the SSD: Carefully align the SSD with the slot and gently insert it at a slight angle. Then, press down on the other end of the SSD until it clicks into place.
Secure the SSD: Secure the SSD with the screw you removed from the spacer.
Replace the Cover: Reattach the metal cover and secure it with the screw.
Reattach the Side Panel: Slide the side panel back into place until it clicks.

4. Formatting the SSD

Reconnect and Power On: Plug your PS5 back in and turn it on.
Format the SSD: The PS5 will automatically detect the new SSD and prompt you to format it. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive.

Your new M.2 SSD is now ready to use! You can move games and apps to the expanded storage from the settings menu (Settings > Storage > Console Storage/Extended Storage > Games and Apps > Move).

Using an External Hard Drive for Storage

This is a simpler process, but remember that you can only store PS5 games on an external drive, not play them directly. You can play PS4 games directly from the external drive.

1. Selecting an External Hard Drive

Type: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). An SSD will offer faster transfer speeds, but an HDD is more affordable.
Capacity: 256GB to 8TB
Interface: USB 3.0 or later (USB 3.1, USB 3.2)

2. Formatting the Drive

Connect the Drive: Plug the external hard drive into one of the USB ports on the back of your PS5.
Format as Extended Storage: Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
Select Format as Extended Storage: Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive. Warning: This will erase all data on the drive, so back up any important files beforehand.

3. Moving Games and Apps

You can now move PS4 games and apps to the external hard drive from the settings menu (Settings > Storage > Console Storage/Extended Storage > Games and Apps > Move). To play PS5 games, you’ll need to move them back to the internal storage (or the internal M.2 SSD).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?

No. The drive must be between 256GB and 8TB in size and support 5Gbps transfer speeds or better (USB 3.0 or later). Older USB 2.0 drives will not work.

2. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?

No. PS5 games are designed to take advantage of the internal SSD’s high speeds. You can store them on an external drive, but you’ll need to move them back to the internal storage to play them.

3. Can I play PS4 games from an external hard drive on my PS5?

Yes! This is one of the main benefits of using an external hard drive.

4. How do I move games between the PS5’s internal storage and an external hard drive?

Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage/Extended Storage > Games and Apps > Move.

5. What is the best type of M.2 SSD to buy for my PS5?

Look for an NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD with a sequential read speed of 5500MB/s or faster and a heatsink. Reputable brands like Samsung, WD Black, and Seagate are good choices.

6. Does the M.2 SSD need a heatsink?

Yes, absolutely! The PS5 generates a lot of heat, and without a heatsink, the SSD can overheat and experience performance throttling or even failure.

7. How much does it cost to expand PS5 storage?

The cost depends on the capacity and brand of the SSD or hard drive. You can find 1TB SSDs for around $100, 2TB for around $180, and 4TB variants for $400-$500.

8. What sizes of M.2 SSDs are supported by the PS5?

The PS5 supports M.2 SSDs with capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and now, 8TB.

9. Can I have two internal M.2 SSDs in my PS5?

No, the PS5 only has one M.2 expansion slot.

10. Can I have two external hard drives connected to my PS5 at the same time?

Yes, but the PS5 can only read one external hard drive at a time. You’ll need to switch between them in the settings menu.

11. Is upgrading my PS5 storage worth it?

Absolutely! If you’re constantly running out of space, upgrading your storage is a worthwhile investment. An internal M.2 SSD will not only give you more space but also maintain the PS5’s fast loading times.

12. How many games can a 1TB SSD hold on the PS5?

It depends on the size of the games, but on average, a 1TB SSD can hold around 10-20 PS5 games. Some games are larger (60GB+), while others are smaller.

13. What happens if my PS5 storage is full?

You’ll need to delete games or apps to free up space. Go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps > Delete Content.

14. Why can’t I play PS5 games directly from an external drive?

PS5 games are designed to utilize the extremely fast internal SSD for optimal performance. External drives, even SSDs, cannot match those speeds over USB.

15. Where can I learn more about gaming and related topics?

Check out the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, resources, and community discussions about the educational and social aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org is a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of games and learning.

Expanding your PS5 storage is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose to install an internal M.2 SSD for seamless performance or use an external hard drive for more budget-friendly storage, you’ll be able to keep more of your favorite games readily available. Enjoy your expanded gaming library!

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