Level Up Your PS5 Storage: A Comprehensive Guide to SSD Installation

So, you’re staring at your PlayStation 5, realizing that the digital battlefield, filled with sprawling open worlds and graphically intense experiences, is rapidly devouring your available storage space. Fear not, fellow gamer! Adding an SSD is the perfect solution to expand your digital horizons and keep your gaming library readily accessible. Here’s a detailed guide on how to mount an SSD to your PS5:

The Step-by-Step SSD Installation Process

Installing an SSD into your PS5 is a relatively straightforward process, but following each step carefully is crucial. Let’s dive in:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Before you even touch your console, make sure you have everything you need:

   • A compatible NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD (250GB – 8TB capacity). Note that it should be an M.2 form factor and be either single-sided or double-sided.
   • A heatsink (if your SSD doesn’t have one pre-installed). This is highly recommended to prevent overheating and performance throttling. The total height of the SSD including the heatsink cannot exceed 11.25mm.
   • A small Phillips head screwdriver.
   • A well-lit workspace.

2. Power Down and Disconnect: Turn off your PS5 completely. Do not put it in rest mode. Disconnect all cables, including the power cord, HDMI cable, and any USB devices. This is an essential safety precaution.

3. Ground Yourself: Static electricity can damage sensitive components. Ground yourself by touching a metal object before touching any parts inside the PS5.

4. Position the PS5: Place your PS5 on a soft surface, like a towel or blanket, to prevent scratches. The logo side should be facing down, and the power button should be on your left.

5. Remove the Side Panel: Grip the bottom-right corner of the side panel and gently lift upwards. Simultaneously, slide the panel towards the bottom of the console. It should pop off with a little bit of force.

6. Locate the Expansion Slot: Inside, you’ll see the SSD expansion slot covered by a metal plate. Remove the screw holding the plate in place using your Phillips head screwdriver. Set the screw and the metal plate aside in a safe place.

7. Remove the Spacer Screw: You’ll see a screw and a small spacer (a metallic standoff) within the SSD bay. Remove this screw. This screw will be used to secure the new SSD. The spacer can be moved to different positions to accommodate different SSD sizes.

8. Install the SSD: Gently insert the SSD into the slot at a slight angle (about 30 degrees). Push it in firmly until it’s fully seated.

9. Secure the SSD: Press the SSD down gently until it lies flat. Align the notch on the SSD with the spacer on the motherboard. Use the screw you removed earlier to secure the SSD in place. Make sure it’s snug but not overly tightened.

10. Install the Heatsink (If Necessary): If your SSD didn’t come with a pre-installed heatsink, now’s the time to install it. Follow the instructions that came with your heatsink. Typically, this involves removing any protective film from the thermal pads on the heatsink and carefully attaching it to the SSD.

11. Reattach the Expansion Slot Cover: Place the metal cover back over the SSD slot and secure it with the screw you removed earlier.

12. Reattach the Side Panel: Align the side panel with the hooks on the console and slide it upwards until it clicks into place.

13. Reconnect and Power On: Reconnect all the cables you disconnected earlier. Power on your PS5.

14. 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 SSD for use with the PS5. This process will erase all data on the SSD, so make sure it’s new or that you’ve backed up any important data.

15. Enjoy Your Expanded Storage: Once the formatting is complete, you’re ready to move games and apps to the new SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of PS5 SSD upgrades:

1. Does the PS5 have an SSD screw?

Yes, there is a screw holding down the slot for your drive and heatsink on a PS5. This screw is used to secure the metal cover over the SSD expansion slot and another one to secure the SSD to the standoff in the slot.

2. Can you put an SSD in a PS5 disc edition?

Yes, you can add an internal SSD to your PS5 disc edition using the built-in and empty SSD slot. This is the recommended method for expanding storage without performance bottlenecks. You can also add external storage via a USB port, but it’s primarily for storing PS4 games as PS5 games cannot be played directly from external storage.

3. How many PS5 games will 2TB SSD hold?

A 2TB SSD can hold up to 50 games, depending on the game size. However, the actual number can vary. Some modern AAA games can be 100GB or more, while smaller indie titles might only be a few gigabytes. Consider an average of around 40-60GB per game for a more accurate estimate.

4. Does PS5 have 2 SSD slots?

No, the PS5 only has one internal SSD expansion slot. However, you can also use external storage connected via USB ports, although PS5 games can only be stored and not played directly from these external drives.

5. Do you need a heatsink for PS5 SSD?

Yes, Sony strongly recommends using an SSD with a heatsink or installing one separately. The PS5’s internal temperature can rise significantly during gameplay, and a heatsink helps dissipate heat, preventing performance throttling and potential damage to the SSD.

6. Does PS5 support 8tb SSD?

Yes, the PS5 supports M.2 SSDs with a capacity of up to 8TB. Just ensure that the SSD meets the speed and physical size requirements specified by Sony.

7. What screw holds in SSD?

The screw that holds in the SSD is typically a small M2x3mm screw, designed specifically for M.2 SSD drives. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as it can damage the SSD or the motherboard.

8. Can you play PS5 games directly from external SSD?

No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external SSD connected via USB. You can store them on the external drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them. This is because the PS5’s games are designed to take advantage of the ultra-fast speeds of the internal SSD, and external drives, even fast ones, are not fast enough over USB to match those speeds.

9. Is a PS5 SSD upgrade worth it?

Absolutely! If you frequently download games or plan to have a large digital library, an SSD upgrade is highly recommended. It provides significantly more storage space and reduces the need to constantly delete and redownload games.

10. Is it OK to leave SSD without heatsink?

While an SSD might function without a heatsink, it is not recommended for the PS5. Without a heatsink, the SSD is likely to overheat during demanding tasks like gaming, which can lead to performance throttling (slower speeds) and potentially shorten the lifespan of the drive.

11. Why can’t you play PS5 games from external hard drive?

PS5 games are designed to leverage the extreme speed of the internal SSD for loading times, streaming assets, and overall performance. External hard drives, including external SSDs, are limited by the speed of the USB interface, which is not fast enough to meet the demands of PS5 games.

12. How big SSD can PS5 handle?

The PS5 can handle M.2 SSDs with a capacity of up to 8TB.

13. How many games can PS5 SSD hold?

This depends entirely on the size of the games you play. A 1TB SSD could reasonably hold between 15-25 PS5 games, while a 2TB SSD could hold around 30-50. Larger AAA titles will take up more space, reducing the number of games you can store.

14. What is the maximum SSD height for PS5?

The total height of the SSD, including any heatsink attached, cannot exceed 11.25mm. This is crucial to ensure the SSD fits properly within the expansion slot and doesn’t interfere with the console’s cooling system.

15. Will there be a PS5 slim?

Yes, Sony has released a new PS5 model that is smaller and lighter than the original. This model is often referred to as the “PS5 Slim” and includes a slightly larger internal SSD (1TB vs 825GB) and maintains the ability to add another internal SSD via the expansion slot.

By following these steps and considering these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your PS5 storage and enjoying a seamless gaming experience. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult official documentation or videos if you’re unsure about any part of the process. Happy gaming!

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