Since its launch, the Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) has been renowned for its exceptional gaming performance and rapid loading times. However, as games continue to increase in scale and detail, the capacity of the standard built-in SSD may soon become insufficient. This is why many PS5 users are considering expanding their storage capacity by installing an additional PS5 SSD.
Reasons for Installing an Additional PS5 SSD:
Expanding Storage Space for More Games:
The original SSD capacity of the PS5 is 825GB, of which only about 667GB is available to users. This space can quickly be exhausted in today’s rapidly evolving gaming market. Many modern games, especially triple-A titles, may require 40GB of storage space or more. Upgrading to a larger capacity SSD allows users to install more games without the need to delete old ones to free up space.
Enhancing Read/Write Speeds to Reduce Waiting Times:
While the PS5’s built-in SSD is already quite fast, the latest SSDs on the market may offer even better read/write speeds, further reducing game load times and enhancing the gaming experience. A faster SSD can reduce the waiting time for data loading, especially in open-world games that need to load large amounts of data.
Considerations When Choosing an SSD for Expansion:
Compatibility Check:
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Interface Specification:
Ensure the SSD supports the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface (M key), which is necessary for the PS5 to achieve maximum transfer speed and performance. -
Size Limitations:
Make sure the chosen SSD physically fits within the PS5’s slot restrictions. The PS5 has specific requirements for the thickness, length, and width of the SSD, compatible with the most common 2280 size.
Performance Specifications:
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Read/Write Speed:
The read/write speed should be at least 5500MB/s or higher. -
Durability and Reliability:
Look at the SSD’s TBW (Total Bytes Written) rating and MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) to understand the durability and expected lifespan of the SSD.
Heat Dissipation Needs:
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Cooling Solutions:
Since the SSD may generate considerable heat when operating at high speeds in the PS5, it’s necessary to install cooling structures such as heat sinks and thermal pads for SSD cooling. Choosing an SSD with a built-in cooling solution (like a heat sink or thermal pad) is preferable as custom cooling kits typically offer better heat dissipation. -
Space Considerations:
Ensure the SSD, along with its cooling device, fits without hindering installation in the PS5.- Width: Up to 25 mm
- Length: 30/40/60/80/110 mm
- Thickness: Up to 11.25 mm (up to 8.0 mm extending above the board, up to 2.45 mm below)
User Reviews and Professional Evaluations:
Checking other users’ reviews and professional product evaluations before purchasing can provide insight into potential issues and real-world performance, helping you make a more informed buying decision.
By upgrading the SSD, PS5 users not only enjoy increased storage space but also experience faster loading speeds and improved system performance. This upgrade is particularly significant for players keen on the latest and largest games.