Is PS5 Storage Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! For most gamers, expanding your PS5 storage is a worthwhile investment. The console’s internal storage fills up quickly, especially with the ever-increasing size of modern games. Adding more storage provides the freedom to download and keep more games readily available, saving you the hassle of constantly deleting and reinstalling titles. But how do you decide what kind of storage to get, and is it really necessary? Let’s dive deep.
Why You Need More PS5 Storage
The PlayStation 5 comes with an advertised 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB is actually usable. This might seem like a lot at first, but AAA games regularly clock in at 50GB-100GB, meaning you can quickly fill up your drive with just a handful of titles.
The benefit of having additional storage on the PS5 extends beyond just convenience. Here’s a few things that might change your mind:
- Saves Time and Bandwidth: Constantly deleting and redownloading games is time-consuming and wastes internet bandwidth, which can be a problem for those with data caps.
- Enables Game Hopping: Expanding storage allows you to switch between various games without the delay of reinstallation.
- Future-Proofs Your Setup: Games are only getting bigger. Investing in more storage now prepares you for even larger titles in the future.
- Captures and Clips: Having enough storage allows you to easily store game captures and clips, making it easier to share your best gaming moments.
- Game Preservation: Store games on an external device and keep them playable even after they are delisted from the PS Store.
Choosing the Right Storage Solution
There are two main ways to expand your PS5 storage:
- Internal SSD Upgrade: This involves installing a compatible NVMe SSD inside the PS5’s expansion slot. This is the faster option, allowing you to play PS5 games directly from the expanded storage.
- External USB Drive: You can connect an external USB drive to your PS5, but there’s a catch. You can store PS5 games on it, but you can only play PS4 games directly from the external drive. PS5 games need to be transferred back to the internal SSD before you can play them.
Internal SSD: The Premium Option
If you want the best possible performance, an internal SSD upgrade is the way to go. Make sure the SSD meets Sony’s specifications:
- Type: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
- Read Speed: 5500MB/s or faster
- Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
- Heatsink: A heatsink is highly recommended to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance.
Popular and well-performing SSDs include the Western Digital Black SN850X, the Samsung 990 Pro, and the Seagate FireCuda 530.
External USB Drive: The Budget-Friendly Option
A USB external drive is a more affordable option, especially if you primarily want to store PS4 games or archive PS5 games that you’re not actively playing.
- Type: USB 3.0 or faster HDD or SSD
- Capacity: 250GB – 8TB
While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, it’s still useful for archiving and quickly transferring games to the internal SSD when you want to play them.
SSD or HDD?
If you’re going the external route, you might be wondering if you should opt for a cheaper HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a faster SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are significantly faster, resulting in quicker transfer times and potentially faster load times for PS4 games. However, they are more expensive. HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage for the money, but they are slower.
For PS4 games, an SSD can noticeably improve loading times. For PS5 games, where the drive is used just for storage, the difference between an HDD and SSD isn’t as critical.
How Much Storage Do You Need?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you only play a few games at a time, a 1TB SSD might be enough. However, if you have a large library or plan to download many games, a 2TB or even a 4TB SSD might be a better investment.
- 1TB: Good for moderate gamers.
- 2TB: Ideal for most gamers with a decent-sized library.
- 4TB: Best for hardcore gamers and those who want maximum storage.
The best choice depends on your budget and gaming needs.
Remember that the way games are being developed these days requires people to find the best ways to store their games and to keep up with the gaming world, it is worth checking out websites like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for the latest trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?
No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive. The data transfer rates are not fast enough to meet the minimum specifications for PS5 games. You can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them.
2. Can I play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive?
Yes, you can play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive connected to your PS5. This is a great way to free up space on your internal SSD for PS5 games.
3. What kind of SSD do I need for my PS5?
You need a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a read speed of at least 5500MB/s. A heatsink is highly recommended.
4. What is the maximum storage capacity I can add to my PS5?
You can add up to 4TB of internal SSD storage and up to 8TB of external USB storage.
5. Is it difficult to install an internal SSD in my PS5?
The installation process is relatively straightforward, but you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. There are many online tutorials and videos that can guide you through the process.
6. Do I need a heatsink for my PS5 SSD?
While not strictly required, a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat and prevent the SSD from throttling, ensuring optimal performance.
7. Will adding more storage make my PS5 run faster?
Adding an NVMe SSD can improve loading times and overall performance when playing games from that drive. Storing games on an external HDD, will load them slower in comparison to the SSD
8. Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?
Most external hard drives with a USB 3.0 or faster connection will work with the PS5.
9. How do I move games between the internal SSD and the external drive?
Go to Settings > Storage and select the drive you want to move games from. Select the games you want to move and choose the destination drive.
10. Is a 1TB SSD enough for my PS5?
This depends on your gaming habits. If you only play a few games at a time, a 1TB SSD might be sufficient. However, if you have a large library, a 2TB SSD or larger is recommended.
11. What’s the difference between an HDD and an SSD?
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster and more durable than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), but they are also more expensive. HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage for the money, but they are slower and more prone to failure.
12. Does extended storage slow down my PS5?
Playing PS5 games from an external HDD will result in significantly longer loading times compared to the internal SSD or an internal NVMe SSD. However, storing games on an external drive doesn’t inherently slow down the PS5’s overall performance.
13. Can I install PS4 games on the internal SSD?
Yes, you can install PS4 games on the internal SSD, but it’s generally recommended to install them on an external drive to save space for PS5 games.
14. How many games can a 2TB SSD hold?
This depends on the size of the games, but a 2TB SSD can typically hold between 30 and 50 games.
15. What if my PS5 storage is full?
You will need to delete some games or transfer them to an external drive to free up space. You can also upgrade to a larger internal SSD.
Final Verdict
Investing in additional storage for your PS5 is a smart move, especially given the increasing size of modern games. Whether you opt for an internal SSD upgrade or an external USB drive depends on your budget and performance needs. By understanding the options available and considering your gaming habits, you can choose the right storage solution to enhance your PS5 gaming experience. The ability to swap through games with minimal issues is a game changer. Happy gaming!