Can I Use a Regular Hard Drive for My PS5?
The short answer is: yes, but with limitations. While you can’t use just any old hard drive you have lying around, the PlayStation 5 does support external storage options to expand your game library. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of what kind of hard drives are compatible and what you can actually do with them. This article will delve deep into the topic, outlining your options and addressing the most common questions.
Understanding PS5 Storage Options
The PS5 comes with a built-in high-speed SSD (Solid State Drive). This internal SSD is blazing fast, contributing significantly to the console’s rapid load times and overall performance. However, its storage capacity can quickly fill up with modern, large-sized games. That’s where external storage solutions come in.
External Hard Drives: What You Can and Can’t Do
You can indeed use an external hard drive with your PS5, but it primarily functions as storage for PS4 games. You can play these games directly from the external drive, a huge convenience. Furthermore, you can store PS5 games on an external drive – a great option for keeping them archived – but they cannot be played directly from the external drive. To play a PS5 game stored on an external drive, you will first need to transfer it back to the internal SSD.
This means that an external hard drive can be a fantastic way to manage your game library, reducing the need to re-download games repeatedly. However, it doesn’t serve as a direct extension of the console’s playing space for PS5 titles.
Internal SSD Upgrades
For true expansion of your PS5’s playing space, you should consider adding an internal M.2 SSD. These high-speed storage devices are designed to seamlessly integrate with the console and allow you to store and play PS5 games directly. However, there are very specific requirements for these internal drives, including needing to be a PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe type. Be certain your drive meets this crucial spec prior to purchase.
Compatible External Hard Drives
While the PS5 is not as particular with external drives as it is with internal drives, it still has some limitations. Sony has designed the PS5 to support USB 3.0 or higher external hard drives, utilizing either USB-A or USB-C connections. It is important to note that the drive must use the exFAT or FAT32 file format for the PS5 to recognize it. Drives using the NTFS format, or others, will not be detected. Many external drives come pre-formatted to NTFS and will require reformatting via computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Hard Drives
To help you navigate the complexities of PS5 storage, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use any SSD for PS5?
No, you cannot use just any SSD. The PS5 supports M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSDs for internal expansion. M.2 SATA SSDs are not compatible. Also, be sure to check if the SSD has a heatsink, as this will help to keep it cool.
2. Can I use my old external hard drive on my PS5?
Yes, if it’s a USB drive that was previously used with your PlayStation 4, it should work with your PS5 for storing and playing PS4 games. It will need to be formatted to the correct file type if not already so.
3. Why can’t I play games on my external hard drive PS5?
You can play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive. However, PS5 games must be moved back to the internal SSD to play. This is due to the high read/write speeds required for PS5 games, which external drives typically cannot match.
4. Will a USB hard drive work on PS5?
Yes, USB hard drives will work on PS5, mainly for storing PS4 games and for archiving PS5 games. Just make sure the drive is formatted to the correct file type for the PS5 to recognize.
5. Why won’t my PS5 read my hard drive?
The most common reasons are:
- Incompatible file format: The drive must be formatted to exFAT or FAT32.
- Faulty drive: The external hard drive might be corrupted or damaged.
- USB port issues: Try a different USB port on your console.
6. Can you use any hard drive to store PS5 games?
You can store PS5 games on an applicable USB external hard drive. However, remember that you can’t play PS5 games directly from external storage.
7. How do I make my hard drive compatible with my PS5?
Format the external hard drive using your PS5 console. Go to “Settings,” then “Storage,” then “USB Extended Storage,” and select “Format as USB Extended Storage.”
8. How many games can a 1TB PS5 hold?
A 1TB PS5 SSD can typically hold around 10-15 PS5 games, depending on their size. Game file sizes can vary widely.
9. Will PS5 run slower with external hard drive?
No, the PS5 will not run slower when using a properly functioning external drive for storing PS4 games. However, using an external drive for playing PS5 games is not possible.
10. How many PS5 games can 2TB hold?
A 2TB storage drive can hold roughly 50 PS5 games on average, again depending on the size of the games.
11. How do I download PS5 games straight to external hard drive?
You can’t directly download PS5 games to the external drive. They will always download to the internal SSD, and you will need to manually move them afterwards if desired. Go to your Game Library, highlight the game, press the options button, and select “Move Games and Apps.”
12. Do Seagate hard drives go bad?
Yes, like any hard drive, Seagate hard drives can fail over time due to mechanical wear and other issues.
13. How do I get my Seagate external hard drive to work?
Connect the drive to your PS5 using the power adapter and a USB connection. Ensure it’s formatted to exFAT or FAT32. If the drive is not being recognized, you can try a different USB port or use a different cable.
14. Why can’t I use my USB drive on PS5?
The USB drive might not be formatted correctly or have a corrupted file system. The PS5 only supports exFAT or FAT32 formats.
15. Can you use 2 hard drives on PS5?
The PS5 can only use one external hard drive at a time. You can connect multiple drives, but you will have to swap between them as the console can only recognize one at any given time.
Conclusion
In summary, you can use regular hard drives with your PS5, mainly for storing and playing PS4 games and archiving PS5 games. However, to play PS5 games directly, you’ll need to utilize the internal SSD or an upgraded internal M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD. By understanding these distinctions, you can optimize your PS5 storage setup for the best possible gaming experience. Choosing the right storage solution helps maintain the speed and performance of your console while managing your growing game library. Always ensure your devices are properly formatted and compatible to prevent frustration.