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Is PS5 500GB or 1TB? Unpacking the PlayStation 5 Storage Mystery

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The question of whether the PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a 500GB or 1TB console can be surprisingly confusing. The short answer is: neither. The original PS5 console comes with an 825GB Solid State Drive (SSD). However, due to system files and other necessary data, the usable storage space for games and other content is actually only 667.2GB. There are newer versions of the PS5 that do have 1TB of storage, but let’s break down the nuances of PS5 storage to fully clarify this.

Understanding the PS5 Storage Landscape

The confusion stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, the advertised storage of the original PS5 model is indeed 825GB. However, a portion of this is dedicated to the console’s operating system, firmware, and essential system files, which are crucial for the PS5 to function correctly. This is why you don’t get access to the full 825GB – roughly 158GB is reserved for system use.

It’s also worth noting that older PS4 consoles did offer 500GB hard drives in some models, which might have contributed to the 500GB number appearing in conversations about PS5. However, the PS5’s SSD is significantly faster and performs better than any HDD, including those found in the PS4. Additionally, some players have looked to the storage requirements of PS5 games and estimated that they could only hold 10-15 games, which can feel similar to the storage of an old 500GB console, but this isn’t an accurate method of calculating storage.

Finally, there are now newer versions of the PS5 that boast a 1TB SSD, thus addressing the initial storage limitations. The difference between these models will be discussed in more detail below.

The 825GB SSD: Why Not 1TB?

You might wonder why Sony didn’t just include a full 1TB drive. The reason behind the 825GB SSD is that it’s custom-designed for the PS5’s architecture. It’s specifically optimized to work with the console’s 12-channel flash interface, enabling the incredibly fast data processing that the PS5 is known for. Simply using a standard 1TB SSD might not deliver the same performance. Sony decided to prioritize performance with a customized storage solution over reaching that round 1TB number.

The Rise of the 1TB PS5

Recognizing the need for more storage space, especially given the increasing size of modern games, Sony has introduced updated PS5 models that feature 1TB of storage. While this increase is significant and gives players more room for games and other content, it’s important to note that even the 1TB models will have slightly less usable space due to system files, albeit a smaller percentage of the total drive.

This 1TB upgrade has been a welcome change for gamers and directly addresses the limitations of the original model. However, these models are newer and it is important to double check when buying new PS5 that the console you are buying is in fact the 1TB version.

What About Expanding Storage?

Using M.2 SSDs

The good news is, if you own the original 825GB PS5 or are looking to expand the newer 1TB versions, you are not stuck with the base storage. The PS5 supports M.2 NVMe SSDs, allowing you to increase your console’s storage capacity. This means you can add a compatible high-speed SSD internally into the PS5, further expanding available space for games and content. There are a few requirements for the drive, so it’s essential to ensure the SSD you purchase meets the standards specified by Sony. These requirements will be covered in the FAQ section below.

USB Extended Storage

Additionally, the PS5 also supports USB extended storage, albeit with certain limitations. This allows you to connect an external USB drive for storing PS4 games. While PS5 games cannot be directly played from an external USB drive, you can use it to archive games and later transfer them back onto the internal SSD.

Is 825GB/1TB Storage Enough?

For the average gamer, 667.2GB of usable storage on the original model might have felt restrictive, especially if you play many large, graphically demanding games. With newer 1TB PS5 models, the situation is better but as games are getting larger and more downloads are preferred over hard copies, even 1TB might be restrictive for serious gamers. The average PS5 game is roughly between 40GB and 60GB, therefore you can see that this space gets eaten up quickly. It is always worth considering investing in an additional SSD if you are an avid gamer, and if you are unsure then it’s worth factoring in storage requirements as an important part of your decision-making process before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about PS5 storage, designed to give you further clarity:

How much usable storage does the original PS5 actually have?
- The original PS5 has 667.2GB of usable storage after accounting for system files.
Why is some storage space reserved?
- A portion of the SSD is reserved for the console’s operating system, firmware, and other mandatory system files.
Does the PS5 have a 500GB version?
- No, the PS5 does not come in a 500GB version. Older PS4 models did come with 500GB of storage, but they are separate consoles.
Why didn’t Sony use a 1TB SSD in the original PS5?
- The 825GB SSD was custom-designed to match the PS5’s 12-channel flash interface for optimal performance.
Do newer PS5 models have more storage?
- Yes, newer PS5 models come with a 1TB SSD.
Can I expand my PS5 storage?
- Yes, you can expand your storage with a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD or a USB extended storage drive.
What are the requirements for an M.2 SSD for PS5?
- It must be a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a read speed of at least 5500MB/s. It also needs to meet specific size requirements. Sony has a comprehensive list of compatible and recommended SSDs on their website.
Can I play PS5 games from a USB external drive?
- No, you can only play PS4 games from a USB external drive. PS5 games must be stored on the internal SSD or an M.2 expansion drive.
What is the minimum capacity for USB extended storage?
- The minimum capacity for USB extended storage is 250GB.
What is the maximum capacity for USB extended storage?
- The maximum capacity for USB extended storage is 8TB.
How many games can I store on the original PS5 drive?
- The original PS5 can realistically hold between 10 to 15 games on the 667.2GB storage. The exact number varies greatly due to the differing sizes of game files.
How many games can a 1TB PS5 hold?
- A 1TB PS5 can realistically hold between 15 and 25 games, again, depending on the size of the games.
Is 825GB a lot of storage?
- 825GB was enough at launch, but the reality of usable storage and the large file sizes of modern games meant that many gamers ran out of space quickly on the original PS5 model.
What are the disadvantages of using a USB drive for extended storage?
- You cannot play PS5 games directly from a USB drive. USB drives have slower read/write speeds compared to the internal SSD, so game load times are slower.
What do I do if my PS5 storage is full?
- You can either delete content, or expand your storage using M.2 SSD or a USB extended drive.

Conclusion

While the original PlayStation 5 comes with an 825GB SSD, the usable storage space is 667.2GB. Thankfully, newer models are now shipping with 1TB of storage, and both models support expansion via M.2 SSDs and USB extended storage. Understanding these nuances is key to managing your game library and enjoying your PS5 experience to the fullest. Whether you’re considering buying a PS5 or are looking to expand your current setup, remember to account for both the advertised and usable storage capacities.