Do Games Run Slower on an External Hard Drive on PS5? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is yes, games can run slower on an external hard drive connected to your PlayStation 5 (PS5) compared to the console’s internal Solid State Drive (SSD). However, the full picture is a bit more nuanced and depends on several factors. Let’s dive into the details to understand why this happens and what you can do about it.
Understanding the Speed Difference: Internal SSD vs. External HDD/SSD
The primary reason for the potential slowdown is the difference in data transfer speeds. The PS5’s internal SSD is a custom-engineered NVMe SSD that boasts incredibly fast read and write speeds, crucial for loading game assets, textures, and other data in real-time. This blazing-fast performance is a key component of the PS5’s overall gaming experience, minimizing loading times and ensuring smooth gameplay.
External hard drives, on the other hand, connect to the PS5 via USB ports. Even with USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB 3.2 (Gen 1 or Gen 2) connections, the bandwidth is significantly lower than the PS5’s internal SSD. This means that data can’t be transferred as quickly from the external drive to the console’s memory.
There are two main types of external drives you might consider:
- Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): These are the traditional mechanical drives that use spinning platters and a read/write head to access data. While they offer large storage capacities at relatively low prices, they are significantly slower than SSDs.
- Solid State Drives (SSDs): These use flash memory to store data, making them much faster and more responsive than HDDs. An external SSD will perform better than an external HDD, but it will still be slower than the internal PS5 SSD.
How Slower Transfer Speeds Impact Gaming Performance
When a game needs to access data quickly, such as loading a new level, displaying detailed textures, or handling complex in-game events, it relies on the storage device to provide that data rapidly. If the data transfer is bottlenecked by a slower external drive, you may experience:
- Longer loading times: This is the most noticeable effect. Games will take longer to start, load levels, and transition between different areas.
- Texture pop-in: This occurs when textures load slowly, resulting in blurry or low-resolution textures appearing briefly before snapping into focus.
- Stuttering and frame rate drops: When the game can’t access data fast enough, it can cause noticeable stuttering or dips in the frame rate, leading to a less smooth and enjoyable experience.
PS5 Limitations: What You Can and Can’t Do with External Storage
It’s important to understand the PS5’s limitations regarding external storage:
- PS5 Games Cannot Be Played Directly from an External Drive: This is a crucial point. Due to the speed requirements of PS5 games, they must be installed on the internal SSD or an internal NVMe SSD expansion drive to be playable. You can only store PS5 games on an external drive.
- PS4 Games Can Be Played from an External Drive: You can play PlayStation 4 games directly from an external hard drive connected to your PS5. This is a great way to free up space on your internal SSD for PS5 games.
- Storing and Transferring PS5 Games: You can use an external drive to store PS5 games you’re not currently playing. When you want to play them, you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD. This can be faster than redownloading the entire game.
The Importance of Balancing Capacity with Performance
When choosing an external drive, consider the trade-off between capacity and performance. A large HDD might offer ample storage for your PS4 library, but it will be the slowest option. An external SSD will be faster, but it will also be more expensive. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD?
No. The PS5’s architecture requires that PS5 games be played from the internal SSD or an internal NVMe SSD expansion drive. External drives, even SSDs, do not meet the minimum speed requirements.
2. Why can’t I play PS5 games from an external drive?
The data transfer rates of external drives, connected via USB, are not fast enough to support the demanding requirements of PS5 games.
3. Can I use an external HDD to store PS5 games?
Yes, you can use an external HDD or SSD to store PS5 games that you’re not currently playing. You’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them.
4. Will an external SSD improve PS4 game performance on my PS5?
Yes, using an external SSD for PS4 games will generally improve loading times and overall performance compared to using an external HDD.
5. How much storage do I need for my PS5?
This depends on how many games you plan to have installed at once. Many PS5 games require 50GB or more of storage, so the larger the drive, the better. 1TB or 2TB is a good starting point. The Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org) can provide more info on storage and gaming!
6. What type of external hard drive is best for PS5?
An external SSD is generally better than an external HDD due to its faster speeds. However, an HDD can be a more cost-effective option for storing a large library of PS4 games.
7. Does a full SSD slow down my PS5?
Modern SSDs generally don’t experience significant performance degradation when they are nearly full. However, it’s a good idea to keep some free space for optimal performance.
8. Can I use two external hard drives on my PS5 at the same time?
The PS5 can only actively read from one external hard drive at a time. You can connect multiple drives, but you’ll need to switch between them in the settings.
9. How do I transfer games between my PS5 internal storage and an external drive?
You can manage your storage and transfer games in the PS5’s settings menu under “Storage.”
10. Is it better to upgrade my PS5’s internal storage or use an external drive?
If you want to play more PS5 games simultaneously, upgrading the internal storage with an NVMe SSD is the best option. An external drive is a good solution for storing PS4 games and archiving PS5 games.
11. Will a faster USB connection on my external drive make a big difference?
Yes, using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection (if your external drive and PS5 support it) will provide faster transfer speeds than USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 Gen 1.
12. Why are PS5 games so large?
PS5 games often have higher resolution textures, more detailed models, and more complex game worlds, which contribute to larger file sizes.
13. Can an external hard drive cause lag or stuttering in my PS5 games?
Yes, if you’re playing PS4 games from an external HDD, the slower read/write speeds can sometimes cause lag or stuttering, especially in games that stream data frequently.
14. Is it worth buying a 4TB SSD for my PS5?
If you have a large game library and want to minimize the need to transfer games between storage devices, a 4TB SSD can be a worthwhile investment. However, consider the cost, as these drives can be expensive.
15. What is the fastest SSD for PS5 expansion?
While options vary based on individual preferences and budget, the Samsung 990 Pro is regarded as one of the fastest drives and is often recommended as a top-tier choice for your PS5.
Conclusion
While using an external hard drive on your PS5 might introduce some performance limitations, particularly with PS4 games or when transferring PS5 games, it’s still a valuable tool for managing your storage space. By understanding the factors that influence performance, you can make informed decisions about choosing the right external drive and optimizing your gaming experience. Remember, external drives are essential for backing up and storing your game library, expanding your storage capacity for PS4 titles, and archiving PS5 games when space is limited on the internal SSD. Keep in mind you can visit Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information and articles.