Table of Contents

How Many TB Can Your PlayStation 4 (PS4) Really Hold? The Ultimate Storage Guide

So, you’re running out of space on your trusty PlayStation 4? You’re seeing that dreaded “Not Enough Free Space” notification more often than you’d like? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into the world of PS4 storage and answer the burning question: How many TB can a PS4 hold?

The answer is a bit nuanced, but here’s the bottom line: The internal hard drive of a PS4 can be upgraded to a maximum of 2TB. However, you can also use an external hard drive of up to 8TB. This means you can potentially have a total of 10TB of storage across both internal and external drives!

Understanding Your PS4’s Storage Limitations

While the 10TB total may sound impressive, it’s essential to understand the different ways you can expand your PS4’s storage. The original PS4 models came with either a 500GB or 1TB hard drive. As games have become increasingly large (some exceeding 100GB!), these drives quickly fill up with games, updates, downloadable content (DLC), and saved game data.

Internal Hard Drive Upgrade

Replacing the internal hard drive is a straightforward and popular method to increase storage. The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive. Here’s what you need to know:

Maximum Capacity: 2TB. While technically larger capacity 2.5-inch drives exist, the PS4 firmware is only guaranteed to recognize up to 2TB.
Thickness: The drive must be 9.5mm or less in thickness to fit within the PS4’s drive bay.
Speed: A 7200RPM hard drive offers faster loading times compared to the standard 5400RPM drives that often come pre-installed in the PS4. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are even faster, dramatically improving load times and overall system performance.
Compatibility: Make sure the drive is formatted correctly. The PS4 uses a specific file system. You’ll need to download the PS4 system software to a USB drive to initialize the new internal hard drive.

External Hard Drive Expansion

Using an external hard drive is an even simpler method. Here’s what’s important:

Maximum Capacity: 8TB. The PS4 officially supports external hard drives up to 8TB.
Connection: The drive must connect via USB 3.0 or later for optimal performance.
Formatting: The drive needs to be formatted in exFAT format which the PS4 will prompt you to do when you connect it.
Game Storage: You can install games directly onto the external hard drive and play them from there. This is a great way to free up space on your internal drive.

Benefits of Upgrading Your PS4 Storage

Why bother upgrading your PS4’s storage in the first place? Here are a few compelling reasons:

More Games: Store more games without constantly deleting and re-downloading them. This is especially crucial for gamers who frequently play a variety of titles.
Faster Loading Times: Upgrading to a faster internal hard drive (especially an SSD) or using a fast external hard drive can significantly reduce game loading times.
Better Overall Performance: A full hard drive can sometimes slow down the PS4’s overall performance. Having more free space can help the system run smoother.
Digital Game Collection: For those who prefer to download games digitally, having ample storage space is essential to maintain a large and diverse game library.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify your understanding of PS4 storage:

Can I use any external hard drive with my PS4? No, the external hard drive must be USB 3.0 or later and have a capacity between 250GB and 8TB. It also must be formatted as exFAT.
Will upgrading the internal hard drive void my PS4 warranty? Officially, Sony states that performing your own upgrades can void the warranty if something goes wrong because of the upgrade. However, simply upgrading the hard drive itself is often not an issue as long as you follow instructions carefully and don’t damage any other components. It’s best to check Sony’s current warranty policy for clarification.
Can I move game saves from the internal hard drive to the external hard drive? Yes, you can move game saves to a USB storage device but you can’t play these saves from an external hard drive. They must be copied back to the internal drive to be used. You can also upload saved data to PlayStation Plus cloud storage if you have a subscription.
How do I format an external hard drive for use with the PS4? Connect the external hard drive to your PS4. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select the external hard drive and choose “Format as Extended Storage.” Follow the on-screen instructions.
What happens if my external hard drive disconnects while playing a game? The game will pause, and you’ll receive an error message. Reconnecting the drive should allow you to resume the game from where you left off (provided the data wasn’t corrupted during the disconnection).
Can I use the same external hard drive for both my PS4 and PC? No, because of the specific formatting requirements of the PlayStation 4, if you want to use a hard drive as extended storage for the PS4, you won’t be able to use that same hard drive for other purposes like saving files from your computer.
What is the best type of internal hard drive to upgrade to? A Solid State Drive (SSD) is generally considered the best option for faster loading times and improved overall performance. However, a 7200RPM hard drive is a more affordable alternative that still provides a noticeable improvement over the standard 5400RPM drive.
How do I transfer my PS4 data to a new internal hard drive? You can back up your data to an external hard drive and then restore it to the new internal hard drive after installation. You will need a USB drive with the latest version of the PS4 system software.
Can I run PS4 games directly from an external SSD? Yes! In fact, this is highly recommended, as it provides significantly faster loading times compared to a traditional hard drive.
What is the maximum file size that the exFAT file system supports? The exFAT file system supports individual files larger than 4GB, which is essential for modern games.
Will upgrading my storage improve my PS4’s graphics? No, upgrading your storage will not improve the PS4’s graphics capabilities. It only affects storage capacity and loading times.
How do I check how much storage space I have left on my PS4? Go to Settings > Storage to view the available storage space on your internal hard drive and any connected external hard drives.
If I upgrade my internal hard drive to a larger capacity, will I lose my PlayStation Plus games? No, your PlayStation Plus games are tied to your account, not your hard drive. You can re-download them after upgrading your hard drive.
Can I use multiple external hard drives with my PS4 simultaneously? No, the PS4 only supports one external hard drive for extended storage at a time.
How can gaming contribute to learning and skill development? Games can develop problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills, making them valuable tools in education and beyond. Explore the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.

Conclusion

Running out of storage on your PS4 can be a frustrating experience, especially with the increasing size of modern games. Fortunately, upgrading your PS4’s storage is a relatively simple and cost-effective solution. Whether you choose to upgrade the internal hard drive or use an external hard drive, you can significantly increase your storage capacity and enjoy a smoother gaming experience. Remember to consider your needs and budget when choosing the best storage solution for your PS4. Now go forth and conquer your gaming backlog, armed with the knowledge of maximizing your PS4’s storage potential!

How many TB can PS4 hold?