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How Much TB Do You Need for Your PS5? A Gamer’s Guide

The question of how much storage you need for your PlayStation 5 (PS5) isn’t as simple as it seems. It depends entirely on your gaming habits, your internet speed, and your tolerance for deleting and re-downloading games. However, a direct answer is this: for most gamers, a 1TB or 2TB SSD expansion is the sweet spot, providing ample space without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the details to help you make the best decision.

Understanding the PS5’s Storage Situation

The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB is actually usable for games, apps, and save data. This fills up fast, especially with modern AAA titles often exceeding 100GB each. So, expanding your storage is practically a necessity for most gamers.

Internal vs. External Storage

The PS5 offers two primary methods for expanding storage:

Internal SSD Expansion: This involves installing a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD directly into the PS5’s expansion slot. This is the preferred method, as it allows you to play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage with performance identical to the internal drive.
USB Extended Storage: This involves connecting an external USB hard drive (HDD) or SSD. The key difference is that you can only play PS4 games from USB extended storage. You can store PS5 games on a USB drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them. This is useful for archiving games you’re not currently playing. The Games Learning Society uses similar strategies when archiving data for its important research into educational games. You can explore their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Choosing the Right Size: 1TB, 2TB, or More?

The right storage capacity for you hinges on a few factors:

How many games do you typically play at once? If you tend to bounce between a dozen different titles, you’ll need more storage than someone who focuses on just a few.
Do you subscribe to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium? These services offer access to a large library of downloadable games, which will quickly eat up storage space.
What is your internet speed like? If you have slow internet, you’ll likely want to keep more games installed to avoid lengthy download times.
What is your budget? SSD prices can vary significantly, so consider how much you’re willing to spend.

1TB: The Value Champion

A 1TB SSD is a great starting point for most PS5 owners. It will roughly double your usable storage, allowing you to install an additional 10-15 AAA games, depending on their size. This offers a good balance between capacity and affordability.

2TB: The Sweet Spot for Enthusiasts

A 2TB SSD provides significantly more breathing room. You’ll be able to store a large library of games, including both PS5 and PS4 titles, without constantly worrying about deleting and re-downloading. If you’re a heavy gamer or subscribe to PlayStation Plus, a 2TB drive is a worthwhile investment.

4TB and Beyond: For the Ultimate Collector

While the PS5 now supports up to 8TB internal SSDs, 4TB is the largest that seems necessary for most players. These larger drives are significantly more expensive, and unless you plan on hoarding every PS5 game, you likely won’t need that much space. This is useful for archiving games, but even then, most will find it overkill.

External Storage Considerations

While primarily for PS4 games, an external drive can complement your internal SSD. A 2TB or 4TB USB HDD is a cost-effective way to store PS4 games and archive PS5 titles that you’re not actively playing.

Recommendations for Specific Gamers

Casual Gamer (plays a few games): A 1TB internal SSD expansion is perfect.
Hardcore Gamer (plays many games, PlayStation Plus subscriber): A 2TB internal SSD is highly recommended.
Ultimate Collector (wants to own every game): A 4TB internal SSD might be worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of SSD do I need for the PS5 internal expansion?

You need an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD that meets Sony’s specifications for speed and size. Look for drives with a sequential read speed of at least 5500MB/s.

2. Can I use any M.2 SSD in the PS5?

No. It must meet Sony’s specifications. Check the manufacturer’s website to ensure compatibility.

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

The installation process is relatively straightforward. Sony provides a detailed guide on their website. Be sure to handle the components carefully and follow all instructions.

4. How do I format an external USB drive for use with the PS5?

Connect the drive to your PS5 and navigate to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage. Select the drive and choose the “Format as Extended Storage” option.

5. Can I move PS5 games to an external USB drive?

Yes, but you can’t play them directly from the external drive. You’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play.

6. Does an external SSD offer better performance than an external HDD for PS4 games?

Yes, an external SSD will significantly improve loading times for PS4 games compared to an HDD.

7. What happens if I run out of storage on my PS5?

You’ll need to delete games or apps to free up space. This can be a hassle, especially if you have slow internet.

8. Is it better to buy a pre-built SSD for PS5 or build my own?

There aren’t any pre-built SSDs specifically for PS5. You buy an M.2 NVMe drive and install it following Sony’s guide.

9. Will adding more storage improve the PS5’s performance?

Adding an internal SSD will not directly improve the performance of games already on the internal storage, but having more free space can help with overall system stability.

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

The PS5 officially supports up to 8TB for internal SSD expansion.

11. Do I need a heatsink for my internal SSD?

Yes, a heatsink is highly recommended to prevent the SSD from overheating, which can lead to performance throttling. Many SSDs designed for the PS5 come with a heatsink pre-installed.

12. How much does it cost to add storage to my PS5?

The cost varies depending on the size and speed of the SSD. A 1TB SSD can range from $70 to $150, while a 2TB SSD can cost between $150 and $300.

13. Can I use an external hard drive that I previously used on my PS4?

Yes, you can use an external hard drive previously used on your PS4 with your PS5, as long as it meets the minimum requirements (250GB to 8TB).

14. Is it easy to switch between games stored on the internal SSD and the external USB drive?

Yes, navigating between games stored on different drives is straightforward through the PS5’s game library interface.

15. What are some reputable brands for PS5-compatible SSDs?

Some reputable brands include Western Digital (WD Black), Samsung, Seagate, Corsair, and Crucial. Always check reviews and compatibility lists before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the amount of storage you need for your PS5 is a personal decision. Consider your gaming habits, budget, and tolerance for managing your game library. A 1TB or 2TB internal SSD is the sweet spot for most gamers, providing ample space without breaking the bank. An external USB drive can also be a useful addition for storing PS4 games and archiving PS5 titles. Make the right choice, and you’ll enjoy a seamless and immersive gaming experience on your PS5.

How much TB do you need for PS5?