What’s the Biggest Hard Drive for PS5? A Comprehensive Guide
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) offers a significant leap in gaming performance and visuals. However, its internal storage can quickly fill up with demanding next-gen games. So, what’s the biggest hard drive (more accurately, SSD) you can install in your PS5 to alleviate storage woes? The answer is technically 8TB, but with some very important caveats.
Understanding PS5 Storage Expansion
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand how the PS5 handles storage expansion. Unlike the PS4, the PS5 requires a specific type of SSD to meet its demanding speed requirements. This means you can’t just plug in any old SSD you have lying around. Sony requires that compatible M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs meet certain performance specifications to ensure seamless gameplay and system stability.
The 8TB Limit: Real and Perceived
While the PS5’s technical specifications allow for an 8TB M.2 NVMe SSD, finding and affording such a drive can be challenging. Currently, 8TB NVMe Gen4 SSDs are among the most expensive storage solutions on the market. They’re also relatively rare compared to smaller capacity drives.
Why the Focus on NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs?
The PS5’s internal storage utilizes a custom 825GB NVMe SSD, enabling lightning-fast loading times and enhancing the overall gaming experience. Sony mandates that any expansion SSD must match or exceed the performance of the internal drive. That’s why only NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs with a sustained read speed of at least 5500MB/s are officially supported. This ensures that games installed on the expansion drive load just as quickly as those on the internal storage.
Installing an SSD in Your PS5: A Step-by-Step Overview
While this article focuses on storage capacity, it’s helpful to briefly outline the installation process:
- Power Down and Unplug: Always turn off your PS5 completely and disconnect all cables before opening it.
- Remove the Cover: Follow Sony’s official instructions to safely remove the PS5’s side cover.
- Locate the Expansion Slot: The M.2 SSD expansion slot is located under a metal cover, secured with a screw.
- Install the SSD: Carefully insert the SSD into the slot at an angle, then secure it with the screw.
- Reinstall the Cover: Put the metal cover and PS5 side cover back in place.
- Power On and Format: Power on your PS5 and follow the on-screen prompts to format the new SSD.
It is recommended to use an SSD with a heatsink to regulate the drive’s temperature and maintain its performance.
The Best SSD Size for You: Balancing Cost and Capacity
While 8TB is the theoretical maximum, it’s not the most practical choice for many gamers due to cost. Here’s a breakdown of common SSD sizes and their suitability:
- 1TB SSD: A solid starting point for expanding your storage without breaking the bank. Provides ample space for several AAA titles.
- 2TB SSD: Offers a significant storage boost and is a great option for gamers with a larger game library. Strikes a good balance between capacity and price.
- 4TB SSD: Ideal for avid gamers who want to install a vast collection of games and media without constantly deleting and reinstalling content.
- 8TB SSD: The ultimate storage solution for those who demand the absolute maximum capacity and are willing to pay the premium.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Budget: SSD prices vary greatly depending on capacity and performance.
- Game Library Size: How many games do you typically have installed simultaneously?
- Future-Proofing: Consider your long-term storage needs and choose a size that will accommodate future games.
- Heatsink Requirement: An SSD with a pre-installed heatsink is highly recommended for optimal performance and longevity.
- Read Speed: Ensure the SSD meets the minimum 5500MB/s sustained read speed requirement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying an Incompatible SSD: Double-check that the SSD is an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with the required read speed.
- Forgetting the Heatsink: A heatsink is crucial for preventing overheating and maintaining performance.
- Improper Installation: Follow Sony’s official instructions carefully to avoid damaging your PS5 or the SSD.
- Ignoring Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of the SSD’s performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use an external hard drive with my PS5 for game storage?
Yes, but with limitations. You can store and play PS4 games directly from an external hard drive connected via USB. However, you can only store PS5 games on an external drive; you cannot play them from there. They must be transferred to the internal or expansion SSD to be played.
2. What type of external hard drive is recommended for PS4 games on the PS5?
A USB 3.0 or faster external hard drive is recommended for optimal performance when playing PS4 games on the PS5.
3. How do I format an external hard drive for use with my PS5?
Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage and select “Format as Extended Storage.” This will erase all data on the drive, so back up anything important beforehand.
4. Does the PS5 support USB hubs for connecting multiple external drives?
While it may be technically possible, it’s not officially supported and may lead to performance issues. It’s best to connect external drives directly to the PS5’s USB ports.
5. Can I use an SSD as an external storage device for PS5 games?
Yes, you can use an external SSD connected via USB to store PS5 games. This will offer faster transfer speeds compared to a traditional external hard drive. However, you still can’t play PS5 games directly from the external SSD.
6. What is the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?
NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA SSDs because they utilize the PCIe interface, which offers much higher bandwidth. The PS5 requires an NVMe SSD for its internal expansion slot.
7. What does PCIe Gen4 mean?
PCIe Gen4 refers to the fourth generation of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface. It offers double the bandwidth of PCIe Gen3, resulting in faster data transfer speeds.
8. How important is the heatsink for the PS5 SSD?
A heatsink is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and preventing thermal throttling, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. It helps dissipate heat generated by the SSD, ensuring consistent speeds and preventing potential damage.
9. How can I check the speed of my installed SSD on the PS5?
The PS5 will automatically test the SSD’s speed during the formatting process. However, you can’t manually re-run the test. You’ll have to rely on the initial test results.
10. Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
No, installing an SSD in the designated expansion slot will not void your warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s official instructions carefully.
11. What happens if my SSD doesn’t meet the minimum speed requirements?
The PS5 may not recognize the SSD, or you may experience performance issues such as longer loading times, stuttering, or even game crashes.
12. Can I move games between the internal storage and the expansion SSD?
Yes, you can easily move games between the internal storage and the expansion SSD through the PS5’s Storage settings.
13. How much space does the PS5 operating system take up?
The PS5 operating system typically takes up around 150-175GB of the internal storage.
14. Are there any specific brands of SSDs that are recommended for the PS5?
Several brands offer compatible SSDs, including Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate, Crucial, and Sabrent. Always check reviews and specifications to ensure compatibility and performance.
15. Where can I find the official instructions for installing an SSD in my PS5?
You can find the official instructions on the PlayStation support website or in the PS5’s user manual. These instructions include detailed steps and diagrams for safely installing the SSD.
Ultimately, choosing the right SSD for your PS5 depends on your budget, storage needs, and gaming habits. While an 8TB SSD is the theoretical maximum, a smaller, more affordable drive may be a more practical choice for many gamers. Just remember to prioritize performance, compatibility, and a proper heatsink to ensure a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.