Unlock the Ultimate Gaming Experience: The Top M2 Drives for PlayStation 5 (2023's Must-Have PS5 SSD)

Finding the ideal PS5 SSD can be challenging in today's market due to the plethora of options available. The situation is further complicated by websites like Amazon, which sometimes display sponsored ads alongside search results, allowing lesser-known manufacturers to secure top positions. Consequently, individuals seeking the finest M.2 drives for their PlayStation 5 will likely have to conduct thorough research to avoid any setbacks.

Officially, the PlayStation 5 can accommodate PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSDs with a maximum capacity of 8 TB. Although slower SSDs might still operate, Sony advises using drives with sequential read speeds of 5,500MB/s or higher. However, selecting the most suitable drive entails more than simply finding the cheapest option that fulfills these requirements. Prospective buyers must also consider variables like heat dissipation, reliability, and after-sales service before making a decision.

The Best PS5 SSD #1 - Samsung 990 Pro

SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD

The Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink is the top choice for those in search of the best PS5 SSD. With lightning-fast speeds and affordable prices, especially during sales, the 2TB model is a winner. It is highly-rated on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 2,400 user ratings. While the 980 Pro is also a good option, the 990 Pro stands out with its faster sequential reads and write speeds.

The Best PS5 SSD #2 - Corsair MP600 PRO LPX

Corsair MP600 PRO LPX

Corsair's MP600 PRO LPX falls slightly behind the 990 Pro in terms of random and sequential read and write speeds. However, it remains sufficiently fast for use in a PlayStation 5. Moreover, these drives have a high level of reliability, with only a small percentage of users experiencing post-purchase issues. Interestingly, the white heatsink model often has a lower price compared to the black one, making it a more favorable choice for individuals seeking a reliable PS5 SSD. The color has no impact as the drive is not visible once installed due to the console's outer casing.

The Best PS5 SSD #3 - WD Black SN850X

WD BLACK 2TB SN850X

Save $163 when you purchase the Western Digital WD Black SN850X. With a transfer rate of 7300 MB/S Read and 6350 MB/SMTBF, this SSD guarantees high performance. It is equipped with LPDDR4 DRAM and comes with a generous 5-year warranty. Get it now for just $147 on Amazon.

Brands to Avoid - Sabrent

It is unpleasant when a hard drive fails, especially shortly after purchasing it. Unfortunately, according to Amazon reviews of Sabrent's Rocket line of SSDs, this seems to occur quite often. Many PS5 owners have been disappointed by the reliability of these discounted drives. Adding to the frustration, international buyers who want to claim a warranty replacement would need to send their defective drives back to the US at their own expense.

This situation can easily negate any cost savings achieved by choosing a Sabrent drive over alternatives from Samsung, WD, or Corsair. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that Sabrent will actually honor the warranty after the drive has been returned. Numerous Amazon reviews state that the seller did everything possible to avoid issuing a refund or replacement. Given these circumstances, individuals in search of a budget-friendly PS5 SSD may be better off opting for a cheap Chinese brand, which typically offers greater savings.

When it comes to memory, it is usually advisable to invest a bit more and opt for a well-known brand. While money cannot prevent unexpected drive failures, consumers can find solace in the fact that reputable companies generally provide exceptional after-sales service. This ensures that if their drive fails prematurely, customers can quickly and easily obtain a replacement with minimal hassle. Although often overlooked, this is a crucial factor to consider when planning to expand the storage capacity of a PS5.