Is 600 GB Enough for PS5? A Deep Dive into Storage Needs
The short answer? No, 600 GB is generally not enough for most PlayStation 5 gamers. While the PS5 boasts an advertised 825 GB SSD, the reality is that a significant portion of that space is reserved for the system’s operating system and essential files, leaving you with approximately 667.2 GB of usable storage. And in today’s world of massive AAA game titles, that space vanishes remarkably quickly. Let’s break down why, and what your options are.
The Shrinking World of PlayStation 5 Storage
Think of it like buying a new house. The advertised square footage sounds great, but once you factor in hallways, closets, and structural elements, the actual livable space is less. The same principle applies to the PS5’s SSD.
The problem isn’t just the operating system overhead; it’s the ever-increasing size of modern games. Many AAA PS5 games clock in at 80 GB, 100 GB, or even larger. Games like Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077, and Horizon Forbidden West can single-handedly devour a substantial chunk of your available storage. Add a few more titles, and you’ll quickly find yourself juggling which games to keep installed and which to uninstall to make room for new ones.
The Impact on Your Gaming Experience
Constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games is not only inconvenient but also time-consuming. It requires a stable internet connection and can significantly impact your gaming flow. Imagine being ready to jump into your favorite game only to realize you need to download it first. That’s a frustration no gamer wants to experience regularly.
Moreover, many gamers subscribe to PlayStation Plus, gaining access to a library of downloadable games each month. With limited storage, you might miss out on trying new titles or find yourself constantly making tough choices about which games to keep.
Expanding Your PS5 Storage: Your Options
Fortunately, the PS5 offers ways to expand your storage capacity. You have two primary options:
1. Internal SSD Expansion
The PS5 features an internal expansion slot specifically designed for a compatible NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD. This is the preferred method for increasing storage because it offers speeds comparable to the built-in SSD, ensuring seamless game performance. Installing an internal SSD involves a bit of DIY, but it’s generally a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes with a screwdriver.
Key considerations for internal SSD expansion:
- Compatibility: The SSD must meet Sony’s specifications for read and write speeds. Look for drives that have a sequential read speed of at least 5500 MB/s.
- Heatsink: A heatsink is highly recommended, if not essential, to prevent the SSD from overheating and throttling performance. Some SSDs come with pre-installed heatsinks, while others require you to purchase and install one separately.
- Size: You can choose from various storage capacities, typically ranging from 500GB to 4TB.
2. External USB Storage
While you can connect an external hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) to your PS5 via USB, there are limitations. You can only play PS4 games directly from an external drive. PS5 games must be stored on the internal SSD or an internal expansion SSD to take advantage of the console’s lightning-fast loading times and performance.
External storage is still useful for:
- Storing PS4 games: Freeing up space on your internal SSD for PS5 titles.
- Backing up game saves and media: Providing an extra layer of security for your data.
- Transferring PS5 games: You can copy PS5 games to an external drive for archival purposes, but you’ll need to move them back to the internal SSD to play them.
The Ideal Storage Solution
The “ideal” storage solution depends on your individual gaming habits and budget. However, a good starting point is to add at least a 1TB internal SSD. This will significantly increase your storage capacity and allow you to keep a decent number of games installed without constantly uninstalling and reinstalling. A 2TB SSD offers even more breathing room, especially if you plan on downloading a large number of games or anticipate future game sizes continuing to increase.
Finding the Right Games for Education
Did you know the impact of digital game play on learning? Want to find out more about how games and play impact learning? Head over to the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for some information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much usable storage does the PS5 really have?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but only about 667.2GB is usable after accounting for the operating system and system files.
2. Is 500GB enough for a PS5 expansion?
Not really. While it will give you some extra space, given the size of modern games, you’ll likely fill it up quickly. A 1TB or 2TB SSD is a more practical choice.
3. Can I use any SSD for my PS5?
No. The SSD must be a NVMe PCIe Gen4 drive that meets Sony’s specifications for read and write speeds (at least 5500 MB/s sequential read speed). It also needs to physically fit in the expansion slot.
4. Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
Yes, a heatsink is highly recommended. The PS5’s SSD slot doesn’t have active cooling, so a heatsink is crucial to prevent overheating and performance throttling.
5. How do I install an internal SSD in my PS5?
The process is relatively simple. You’ll need a screwdriver and a compatible SSD. Sony has official guides and videos demonstrating the installation process. Be sure to power down your console and follow the instructions carefully.
6. Can I play PS5 games from an external hard drive?
No. PS5 games must be stored on the internal SSD or an internal expansion SSD to be played. You can, however, store and play PS4 games from an external drive.
7. What happens if my PS5 storage is full?
You’ll need to uninstall games or apps to free up space. Go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps, select the content you want to delete, and choose “Delete.”
8. Is 4TB overkill for a PS5?
For most users, yes. A 4TB SSD provides a massive amount of storage, but it might be more than you realistically need unless you have an exceptionally large game library. However, in terms of pricing, sometimes the larger SSD is cheaper overall.
9. Will adding an SSD make my PS5 faster?
Adding an SSD to the internal expansion slot won’t necessarily make your PS5 faster overall, but it will significantly increase your storage capacity and allow you to install and play more games without having to constantly uninstall and reinstall them.
10. Can I use an external HDD for PS5 game storage?
Yes, you can store PS5 games on an external HDD, but you cannot play them directly from the external drive. You’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play.
11. How many games can a 1TB PS5 hold?
Realistically, you can store 10-15 AAA PS5 games on a 1TB drive, depending on their individual file sizes. You can fit more smaller indie games and PS4 titles.
12. Is it better to get a 1TB or 2TB SSD for my PS5?
It depends on your budget and gaming habits. A 1TB SSD is a good starting point for most gamers, but a 2TB SSD offers more future-proofing and allows you to store a larger library of games.
13. Why is my PS5 only showing 667.2 GB of storage?
The remaining space is reserved for the PS5’s operating system and essential system files, which are necessary for the console to function correctly.
14. Can I upgrade the internal SSD that came with my PS5?
No, you cannot replace the internal SSD that came with your PS5. It is soldered to the motherboard. You can only add an additional SSD to the expansion slot.
15. What is the largest capacity SSD I can put in my PS5?
Currently, the PS5 supports SSDs up to 4TB in the internal expansion slot. Be sure that the heat sink does not hinder the closing of the storage bay!
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
While the PS5’s initial storage capacity is a limitation, the option to expand it gives you control over your gaming experience. Consider your gaming habits, budget, and future needs when deciding on a storage solution. Adding a 1TB or 2TB internal SSD is a worthwhile investment that will enhance your PS5 gaming experience for years to come. And remember, consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the educational aspects of gaming!