Is SSD Better Than HDD for PS5 External Hard Drive? The Definitive Answer

Yes, an SSD (Solid State Drive) is definitively better than an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as an external storage device for your PlayStation 5, but with significant caveats. While you can’t directly play PS5 games from an external drive (of either type), the superior speed and durability of an SSD offer significant advantages when it comes to storing and transferring your games. However, the higher cost per gigabyte of SSDs means you need to carefully weigh your priorities of speed versus affordability and storage capacity.

The Need for Speed (and Storage) on the PS5

The PS5’s internal storage is limited, and modern games are massive. This creates the need for expanded storage options. Both SSDs and HDDs can be used as external storage for PS5, but their performance characteristics differ drastically.

Why You Can’t Play PS5 Games Directly From an External Drive

The PS5 is designed around the blazing-fast speeds of its internal NVMe SSD. This drive delivers the sequential read and write speeds necessary for the console’s advanced features, such as instant loading and seamless gameplay. External HDDs and most external SSDs simply cannot keep up with these demands, and that is why PS5 games can only be played from the internal SSD or from an installed NVMe SSD in the M.2 slot.

The Advantage of External Storage: Game Archiving

While you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, you can store them there. This offers a crucial advantage: archiving. Instead of deleting and re-downloading games (which can be time-consuming and bandwidth-intensive), you can quickly transfer them between the internal SSD and the external drive. This is where the SSD vs. HDD debate becomes significant.

SSD vs. HDD: A Detailed Comparison for PS5 Users

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between SSDs and HDDs when used as external storage for your PS5:

Speed

• SSD: Offers significantly faster read/write speeds than HDDs. This translates to much quicker transfer times when moving games between the internal and external storage. It can reduce the time waiting for game transfers significantly. Think of it as minutes vs. potentially hours.
• HDD: Considerably slower read/write speeds compared to SSDs. Moving games will take a significantly longer time.

Durability

• SSD: More robust and shock-resistant because they have no moving parts. This makes them ideal for portable external drives.
• HDD: More susceptible to damage from physical shock due to their spinning platters and moving read/write heads.

Power Consumption and Heat

• SSD: Consumes less power and generates less heat than HDDs.
• HDD: Consumes more power and generates more heat, which can be a concern in enclosed spaces.

Cost

• SSD: More expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.
• HDD: Offers much larger storage capacity at a lower cost.

Practical Implications for PS5

• SSDs are Ideal for frequent game transfers and prioritizing speed.
• HDDs are Suitable for long-term game archiving, particularly if you have a large game library and are less concerned about transfer times.

Which Should You Choose? Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal gaming habits and budget.

• Budget: If price is your primary concern, an HDD is the more economical choice.
• Game Library Size: If you have a vast library of PS5 and PS4 games, a larger HDD might be preferable.
• Frequency of Transfer: If you frequently move games between the internal and external drive, an SSD is a worthwhile investment due to its faster transfer speeds.
• Portability: If you plan to transport your external drive frequently, an SSD’s durability is a significant advantage.
• Prioritizing PS4 Games: Remember, you can play PS4 games directly from an external drive. So, if you plan to play PS4 games often from the external drive, an SSD is very beneficial because it will reduce the loading times.

Format Considerations for PS5 External Drives

The PS5 supports external hard drives formatted to exFAT and FAT32. It is highly recommended to use the exFAT file system, as exFAT doesn’t have the file size limitations of FAT32, which cannot handle single files larger than 4GB.

Making the Decision

In conclusion, while both SSDs and HDDs can expand your PS5’s storage capabilities, SSDs offer a superior experience due to their speed and durability. However, the higher cost of SSDs means that HDDs remain a viable option for budget-conscious gamers, especially those primarily using external storage for long-term game archiving. If you are looking for a device for your PS5, consider supporting GamesLearningSociety.org through a donation. Visit the Games Learning Society to learn more about how gaming is shaping education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external SSD or HDD?

No. PS5 games can only be played from the internal SSD or from a compatible NVMe SSD installed in the PS5’s internal expansion slot. External drives can only be used to store PS5 games, requiring you to transfer them back to the internal SSD before playing.

2. What is the best format for a PS5 external hard drive?

The exFAT file system is recommended for PS5 external hard drives, as it does not have the file size limitations of FAT32.

3. How much storage should I get for my PS5 external drive?

It depends on your needs. If you have a large game library, a 2TB or 4TB drive might be necessary. If you only need to store a few games, a 1TB drive might suffice.

4. Is an external SSD worth it for PS5, even if I can’t play games directly from it?

Yes, because they have the advantage of speed! An external SSD greatly reduces the time it takes to transfer games between the external drive and the PS5’s internal SSD. This allows you to manage your storage more efficiently and avoid long re-download times.

5. What are the drawbacks of using an external SSD with my PS5?

The main drawback is cost. SSDs are more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.

6. Can I use my old PS4 external hard drive with my PS5?

Yes, you can use an external HDD or SSD that connects via USB 3.0 with your PS5. You can even play PS4 games directly from the external drive.

7. How many PS5 games can a 1TB external drive hold?

It depends on the size of the games. Modern PS5 games can range from 50GB to over 100GB. A 1TB drive will likely hold between 10-20 PS5 games.

8. Will an external SSD improve the performance of my PS4 games on PS5?

Yes, loading times for PS4 games will be significantly faster when played from an external SSD compared to an external HDD.

9. Is there a specific type of external SSD I should look for?

Look for an external SSD with a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 connection for optimal transfer speeds. An USB 3.2 Gen 2 port provides the fastest speeds available for external SSDs.

10. Will using an external drive void my PS5 warranty?

No, using an external drive will not void your PS5 warranty, as it is an officially supported feature.

11. Is an external HDD still a viable option for PS5, given its slower speeds?

Yes, an external HDD remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers, particularly for long-term game archiving.

12. How fast is the internal SSD on the PS5?

The internal SSD on the PS5 has a read speed of 5500 MB/s.

13. Is it easy to transfer games between the internal SSD and an external drive on PS5?

Yes, the PS5 has a user-friendly interface for transferring games between storage locations.

14. Will an external drive help with the PS5’s performance in any other way besides storage?

No. An external drive’s only purpose is to expand the storage. It does not affect the PS5’s general performance, graphics, or processing power.

15. Is it safe to leave my external hard drive connected to my PS5 all the time?

Yes, it is generally safe to leave your external hard drive connected to your PS5 all the time. The PS5 is designed to manage external storage devices safely. However, it’s always good practice to properly eject the drive before physically disconnecting it to prevent potential data corruption.