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How Many Games Will 4TB Hold on PS5? The Ultimate Storage Guide

The burning question on every PlayStation 5 gamer’s mind when considering a storage upgrade is simple: How many games can I actually fit on a 4TB drive? The direct answer is: it depends, but realistically, you can expect to store between 50 and 125 PS5 games on a 4TB SSD or HDD. This range depends heavily on the size of individual games, which can vary dramatically from smaller indie titles to massive AAA open-world adventures. This article dives deep into the factors influencing game storage, provides a detailed explanation of storage solutions for your PS5, and answers all your burning questions.

Understanding Game Size Variability on PS5

Game sizes on the PS5 are anything but uniform. While some indie games might clock in at a modest 10-20GB, many AAA titles routinely exceed 80GB, and some behemoths even push past the 100GB mark. Games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are notorious storage hogs.

To illustrate the point, consider a scenario where you primarily play smaller indie titles averaging 30GB each. In this case, a 4TB drive could potentially house over 125 games. Conversely, if your library is dominated by massive AAA games averaging 80GB, you might only fit around 50 titles.

Therefore, assessing your gaming habits and the types of games you typically play is crucial in determining whether a 4TB storage upgrade is the right choice for you.

Internal vs. External Storage: Making the Right Choice

The PS5 offers two primary avenues for expanding storage: internal SSD upgrades and external HDD/SSD solutions. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that influence overall gaming experience.

Internal SSD Expansion: The Speed Champion

Adding an internal SSD to the PS5 is the preferred method for most gamers seeking optimal performance. The PS5’s internal SSD slot is designed to accommodate NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs, which offer blazing-fast read and write speeds that match the console’s native storage. This means games installed on an internal SSD will load just as quickly as those on the original drive, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.

However, internal SSDs tend to be more expensive than external HDDs, and installation requires a bit of technical know-how (although Sony has made the process relatively straightforward). Also, ensure you purchase an SSD with a heatsink or add one yourself, as the PS5’s internal storage bay requires proper thermal management.

External HDD/SSD: The Budget-Friendly Option

External HDDs are generally the more affordable option for expanding storage. They connect to the PS5 via USB and can store both PS4 and PS5 games. However, there’s a significant caveat: you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external HDD. You can only store them there and must transfer them to the internal SSD to play. This is due to the slower read and write speeds of HDDs, which cannot keep pace with the demands of next-gen games.

External SSDs, on the other hand, offer faster transfer speeds than HDDs and can store and play PS4 games directly. While they still don’t match the performance of an internal NVMe SSD, they offer a decent compromise between speed and cost. PS5 games still need to be transferred to the internal SSD to be played, but the transfer process will be much faster than with an HDD.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Needs

For gamers who prioritize performance and want the best possible gaming experience, an internal SSD upgrade is the way to go. A 4TB internal SSD will provide ample storage for a vast library of PS5 games and ensure that they load and run smoothly.

If budget is a major concern and you don’t mind the extra step of transferring games to the internal SSD to play, an external HDD can be a viable option for archiving games. An external SSD offers a balance of performance and affordability.

Maximizing Your PS5 Storage

Regardless of whether you choose an internal or external storage solution, there are several tips and tricks you can use to maximize your PS5 storage:

Regularly delete games you no longer play: This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget about games you haven’t touched in months. Take some time to review your library and uninstall any games you’re not actively playing.
Manage game data effectively: Some games allow you to delete specific components, such as single-player campaigns or multiplayer modes. If you only play one aspect of a game, consider deleting the parts you don’t use.
Take advantage of cloud storage: PlayStation Plus subscribers can upload save data to the cloud, freeing up space on their console’s storage. This is especially useful for games with large save files.
Consider an external HDD for PS4 games: Since you can play PS4 games directly from an external HDD, consider moving your PS4 library to an external drive to free up space on your internal SSD for PS5 games.
Clean up your media gallery: Videos and screenshots can quickly eat up storage space. Regularly review your media gallery and delete any unwanted files.

The Future of PS5 Storage

As game sizes continue to grow and technology advances, the future of PS5 storage is likely to evolve. We may see the development of even faster and more affordable SSDs, as well as new storage solutions that are more tightly integrated with the PS5’s architecture. For example, the Games Learning Society is constantly researching and exploring emerging technologies that could revolutionize gaming experiences, including advances in storage and data management. Stay tuned for further advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum storage capacity the PS5 supports?

The PS5 supports internal SSDs with capacities ranging from 250GB to 8TB. For external storage, there is a limitation of only one external storage device at a time.

2. Can I use any SSD with my PS5?

No. For internal expansion, you need an NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD that meets Sony’s specifications, including size, speed, and cooling requirements (heatsink). For external storage, you can use an HDD or SSD that connects via USB.

3. How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?

Sony provides detailed instructions on their website. The process involves removing the PS5’s cover, locating the SSD slot, installing the SSD, and updating the system software. It is very easy and only takes minutes.

4. Will using an external HDD negatively impact game performance?

Yes, for PS5 games. You can store PS5 games on an external HDD, but you need to transfer them to the internal SSD to play them. PS4 games can be played directly from an external HDD, but loading times may be slightly longer.

5. What is the best type of external storage for my PS5?

If you want to play PS4 games directly from the external drive, an external SSD is the best option. If you only need to store PS5 games and don’t mind transferring them, an external HDD is a more budget-friendly choice.

6. How much faster is an internal SSD compared to an external HDD?

An internal SSD can be several times faster than an external HDD, especially in terms of loading times. In some cases, games may load in a matter of seconds on an internal SSD, whereas they could take a minute or more on an external HDD.

7. Does the PS5 support USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 for external storage?

The PS5 supports both USB 3.0 and USB 3.2. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is the minimum required version for external storage.

8. Can I use an external HDD to back up my PS5 game data?

Yes, you can use an external HDD to back up your PS5 game data, including save files and game installations. This is a good way to protect your data in case of console failure.

9. How do I transfer games from my PS5 internal storage to an external HDD?

Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the games you want to transfer, and choose “Move.”

10. Will adding more storage void my PS5 warranty?

No, adding storage to your PS5 will not void your warranty as long as you follow Sony’s instructions and use compatible devices.

11. Can I use a 4TB external hard drive on my PS5 for both PS4 and PS5 games?

Yes, you can use a 4TB external hard drive on your PS5 for both PS4 and PS5 games. However, remember that you can only play PS4 games directly from the external drive, while PS5 games need to be transferred to the internal SSD.

12. Is a 4TB SSD overkill for the average PS5 gamer?

It depends on your gaming habits. If you tend to play a wide variety of games and like to keep them installed for easy access, a 4TB SSD might be a good investment. However, if you only play a few games at a time and don’t mind uninstalling and reinstalling them as needed, a smaller SSD might be sufficient.

13. What are the best 4TB SSDs for PS5?

Some of the best 4TB SSDs for PS5 include the Crucial P5 Plus, Samsung 990 Pro, Seagate FireCuda 530, and WD Black SN850. Make sure to check compatibility and ensure that the SSD has a heatsink or that you purchase one separately.

14. How often should I clean up my PS5 storage?

It’s a good idea to clean up your PS5 storage every few months, or whenever you notice that you’re running low on space. Regularly deleting games you no longer play and managing your media gallery can help keep your storage organized and efficient.

15. Are there any upcoming advancements in PS5 storage technology?

Yes, storage technology is constantly evolving. We can expect to see faster and more affordable SSDs in the future, as well as new storage solutions that are more tightly integrated with the PS5’s architecture. As advancements come, The GamesLearningSociety.org will be sure to give you the details.

Expanding your PS5 storage is a worthwhile investment for any serious gamer, as it allows you to enjoy a larger library of games without constantly having to delete and reinstall titles. Whether you opt for an internal SSD upgrade or an external HDD solution, understanding your gaming habits and choosing the right storage option will help you get the most out of your PlayStation 5.

How many games will 4TB hold PS5?