The PS5 Pro ships with more usable space than the original console, but with modern games routinely eating 100GB or more, the internal drive still fills up fast. The good news is that the M.2 expansion slot works exactly like the standard PS5’s, so upgrading is straightforward once you know Sony’s requirements. Here is how to pick a drive that hits the speed target and stays cool.
Our Top Picks
Top 3 picks at a glance
Verdict at a glance
- Best overall: WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB. The officially licensed PS5 drive, with a heatsink designed for the console’s bay and 7,300MB/s reads.
- Best performance alternative: Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink 2TB or WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink 2TB, both well above Sony’s 5,500MB/s floor.
- Best value: Crucial P310, Crucial T500 or Lexar NM790, each with a heatsink. Gen4 speeds that clear the PS5 requirement at the budget-to-mid-range tier.
- Best for big libraries (premium): Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink 4TB or Kingston FURY Renegade 4TB with heatsink.
- Skip: Gen5 drives and any drive rated below 5,500MB/s read; see the notes below.
Sony’s requirements have not changed
The PS5 Pro uses the same M.2 slot rules as the base console: a PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, size 2230/2242/2260/2280/22110 (2280 is by far the most common), and a rated sequential read of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Sony also strongly recommends a heatsink because the enclosed slot traps heat.
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Why the heatsink is non-negotiable
Without cooling, a fast Gen4 drive can thermal throttle inside the console’s compartment, and in the worst case the system warns you or ejects the drive. Buy a model with a low-profile heatsink pre-installed, or add a single-sided heatsink that fits under the expansion cover. Avoid tall desktop heatsinks that will not clear the lid.
PS5 Models Compared: Storage, Expansion and Display Output
Every PS5 model shares the same M.2 expansion rules, so a drive that suits the PS5 Pro also works in the original console and the Slim. What differs is how much space you start with, which is why Pro owners can often wait longer before upgrading.
| Console | Internal storage (advertised) | M.2 expansion | Max expansion drive | HDMI 2.1 / 4K120 / VRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 (original, 2020) | 825GB | Yes, PCIe Gen4 x4 | 8TB | Yes / Yes / Yes (VRR added by system update) |
| PS5 Slim (2023) | 1TB | Yes, PCIe Gen4 x4 | 8TB | Yes / Yes / Yes |
| PS5 Pro (2024) | 2TB (about 1.89TB usable) | Yes, PCIe Gen4 x4 | 8TB | Yes / Yes / Yes, plus 8K output support |
Two practical points follow. First, the expansion drive does not affect display features: VRR, 4K at 120Hz and the PS5 Pro’s PSSR upscaling work the same whether a game runs from the internal SSD or the M.2 drive. To use 4K120 and VRR you need a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1 and the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable from the box. Second, the PS5 Pro’s larger internal drive means a 2TB expansion drive roughly doubles your space, while on an original PS5 the same drive more than triples it.
Heatsink Fit: The 11.25mm Rule
Sony’s limit for the drive plus heatsink is 110mm long, 25mm wide and 11.25mm tall in total, with no more than 8mm above the circuit board and 2.45mm below it. Most desktop heatsinks marketed for motherboards are taller than that and will stop the expansion cover from closing. Drives sold with a PS5-specific heatsink, such as the WD_BLACK SN850P, Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink and Crucial P310 with heatsink, are built to these dimensions. If you buy a bare drive, add a low-profile single-sided heatsink and measure it against the 8mm above-board limit before installing. Remove the drive’s label only if the heatsink instructions say so, as it often doubles as a thermal spreader.
What to buy by capacity
| Capacity | Best for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | Budget top-up, a few big games | Budget |
| 2TB | Sweet spot for most players | Mid-range |
| 4TB | Large libraries, avoid juggling | Premium |
2TB is the sweet spot
A 2TB drive roughly doubles the PS5 Pro’s storage without the price jump of 4TB. If you install a handful of large titles plus a live-service game or two, 2TB gives comfortable breathing room. Buy 4TB only if you refuse to ever uninstall anything.
Recommended PS5 Pro SSDs by Tier
Official Pick: Why the WD_BLACK SN850P Stands Out
The WD_BLACK SN850P listed at the top of this page is the drive to buy if you want zero guesswork. It is officially licensed by Sony for PS5 consoles, which means the heatsink was designed specifically for the console’s expansion bay and the drive was validated for PS5 storage expansion. It reads at up to 7,300MB/s, well above Sony’s 5,500MB/s requirement, and comes in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB versions. The trade-off is that it usually sits at a slightly higher tier than unlicensed drives with similar specs, such as the SN850X with Heatsink below. Performance in games is effectively identical; the licence buys peace of mind on fit and compatibility rather than extra speed.
WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink 2TB
Label: Best performance alternative. The SN850X is the retail sibling of the SN850P, using the same class of Gen4 controller and TLC NAND with a DRAM cache, rated for up to 7,300MB/s reads and 6,300MB/s writes. The heatsink version is designed to fit the PS5 bay within Sony’s dimensions, so it drops in without modification, and it is also a strong drive for a gaming PC if you later move it across.
Who it is for: PS5 Pro owners who want SN850P-class performance and may want to reuse the drive in a PC later. It is available in capacities from 1TB up to 8TB, matching the console’s maximum supported expansion size.
Strengths: very fast reads, a DRAM cache that keeps transfer speeds steady during large game moves, a long track record across PS5 and PC builds, and a heatsink that fits the console.
Drawbacks: not officially licensed, so you rely on WD’s own compatibility claims rather than Sony’s badge. Pricing on the SN850X family has fluctuated through 2026 as NAND costs rose; compare it with the SN850P on the day.
How it compares: functionally equal to the SN850P and the Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink in PS5 games. Pick whichever of the three is at the lowest tier when you buy.
Crucial T500 1TB with Heatsink
Label: Best value 1TB. Crucial markets the heatsink version of the T500 for PS5 use. It is a Gen4 NVMe drive with TLC NAND, rated at up to 7,300MB/s reads on the 1TB model, which comfortably clears Sony’s floor. It uses a DRAM-less controller with host memory buffer, which is a non-issue for a read-heavy console.
Who it is for: players who want a quick, inexpensive top-up for a handful of large games, or who plan to add a bigger drive later and move this one to a PC.
Strengths: very fast for its tier, low power and heat, a PS5-ready heatsink and Crucial’s five-year warranty.
Drawbacks: 1TB fills quickly when big releases exceed 100GB, so on a PS5 Pro the 2TB drives are better value per gigabyte over time. Sustained write speed drops once its cache is full during very large copies.
How it compares: faster on paper than the Crucial P310 1TB listed above, and a safer choice than any drive rated below Sony’s 5,500MB/s requirement.
Kingston FURY Renegade 2TB with Heatsink
Label: Best mid-range alternative. The heatsink version of Kingston’s FURY Renegade is sold as PS5 ready, with a low-profile graphene and aluminium heatsink designed for the console’s bay. It is rated for up to 7,300MB/s reads, uses TLC NAND with a DRAM cache and comes in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities.
Who it is for: PS5 Pro owners who want a high-end Gen4 drive from a brand other than Samsung or WD, especially when it sits at a lower tier during sales.
Strengths: fast reads and writes, high endurance ratings, DRAM cache for consistent transfers, and a heatsink that fits under the PS5 cover.
Drawbacks: availability of the heatsink version varies by capacity and region, and its pricing tends to swing more than the Samsung and WD drives. Make sure the listing says “with heat sink” rather than the bare drive.
How it compares: in the same performance class as the 990 PRO and SN850X. The 4TB version is a credible premium alternative to the 990 PRO 4TB above.
Corsair MP600 Elite 2TB (PS5 Edition)
Label: Best 2TB value with included heatsink. Corsair’s MP600 Elite is a Gen4 NVMe drive marketed as optimised for PS5, with a heatsink included and rated reads of up to 7,000MB/s. It is offered in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB versions.
Who it is for: buyers who want the 2TB sweet spot described above at a lower tier than the flagship drives, with a heatsink already in the box.
Strengths: more than enough speed for PS5 games, an included console-sized heatsink, and Corsair’s five-year warranty.
Drawbacks: slightly slower peak speeds than the flagship drives, which makes no difference in PS5 load times but matters a little for PC use.
How it compares: a cheaper route to 2TB than the 990 PRO or SN850P with no real-world difference in PS5 game loading.
GLOTRENDS Low-Profile M.2 Heatsink
Label: Best add-on heatsink for bare drives. If you already own a fast Gen4 drive without a heatsink, a thin aluminium heatsink like this GLOTRENDS model is the simplest fix. Its low-profile design is intended to stay within Sony’s 8mm above-board allowance, and it attaches with a thermal pad and clips; confirm the listed height before installing.
Who it is for: anyone reusing a bare 2280 drive from a PC, such as a WD_BLACK SN850X or Samsung 990 PRO without heatsink.
Strengths: very low profile, fits PS5 and PC slots, and costs a fraction of a heatsink-equipped drive.
Drawbacks: less cooling mass than purpose-built PS5 heatsinks, and the clips need care during fitting. It is not needed if your drive already has a heatsink.
How it compares: a budget accessory, not a drive; pair it with any Gen4 drive rated at 5,500MB/s or faster.
Comparison Table: New Picks at a Glance
| Drive | Label | Rated read | Heatsink | Capacities | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD_BLACK SN850P (above) | Best overall / official licence | Up to 7,300MB/s | PS5-specific | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Mid-range to premium |
| WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink | Performance alternative | Up to 7,300MB/s | Included, PS5 fit | 1TB to 8TB | Mid-range to premium |
| Kingston FURY Renegade with Heatsink | Mid-range alternative | Up to 7,300MB/s | Included, PS5 ready | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Mid-range |
| Corsair MP600 Elite | 2TB value | Up to 7,000MB/s | Included, PS5 optimised | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Mid-range |
| Crucial T500 with Heatsink | 1TB value | Up to 7,300MB/s (1TB) | Included, PS5 compatible | 1TB, 2TB | Budget |
| GLOTRENDS heatsink | Add-on for bare drives | Not applicable | Low-profile | Fits 2280 | Budget |
Specs that matter (and ones that do not)
Read speed and heatsink first
Confirm the rated read is at least 5,500 MB/s and that the drive has appropriate cooling. Nearly any current mainstream Gen4 drive from a known brand meets the speed bar; you do not need a flagship Gen5 SSD, and the PS5 Pro cannot use Gen5 speeds anyway.
DRAM vs DRAM-less
Both work, but a drive with its own DRAM cache tends to hold performance better under sustained installs and large copies. For a console that mostly reads game data, either is fine; DRAM is a nice-to-have rather than a must.
Endurance is rarely a concern
Console workloads are read-heavy, so the TBW rating on any reputable 1-4TB drive far exceeds what a gamer will ever write. Focus your money on capacity and cooling instead.
Installation walkthrough
Fitting the drive takes about ten minutes and no special tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver. Power the console down fully and unplug it, remove the expansion slot cover, and unscrew the spacer. Seat the M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the connector, press it flat, and secure it with the screw at the 2280 mounting point. Replace the cover, boot the console, and when prompted, let the system format the drive for game storage. Once formatted, you can move or install games to it from the storage menu.
After installation
The PS5 Pro will run a quick check and may prompt you to format the drive before first use, which erases anything on it, so start with an empty SSD. You can then choose whether new games install to internal or expansion storage by default. Moving large already-installed games across is much faster than re-downloading, so shift your biggest titles to the new drive first to free internal space.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- The console does not detect the drive. Power off fully, reseat the SSD at a slight angle until the gold contacts are fully inside the connector, and confirm the spacer sits at the 2280 position. Update the PS5 system software before installing.
- The console reports the drive is too slow. The PS5 runs a speed test after formatting. Drives rated below 5,500MB/s, or DRAM-less drives with weak sustained performance, may fail it or trigger a warning; such drives can still store PS5 games, but Sony does not guarantee performance.
- The cover will not close. The heatsink is too tall. Swap to a low-profile heatsink that stays within 8mm above the board.
- Temperatures warning. Make sure the console has space around its vents, the heatsink makes full contact with the drive and any protective film on the thermal pad has been removed.
- Moving games. Use Settings, Storage, Console Storage, Games and Apps, then choose items to move. PS4 games can also run from the M.2 drive.
How We Compared
We did not bench-test these drives in a PS5 Pro ourselves. Recommendations are based on Sony’s official M.2 requirements, manufacturer specifications and compatibility statements, independent SSD reviews and PS5 storage guides from publications such as Tom’s Hardware and Stevivor, and owner reports on fit, temperatures and the console’s built-in speed test. We weighted compliance with Sony’s 5,500MB/s and 11.25mm limits first, then capacity per tier, heatsink design, warranty and endurance. Models and availability reflect October 2026.
FAQ
What is the best SSD for the PS5 Pro?
The WD_BLACK SN850P 2TB is the safest choice because it is officially licensed for PS5 and ships with a console-specific heatsink. The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink and WD_BLACK SN850X with Heatsink perform the same in games and are excellent alternatives.
How much storage can I add to a PS5 Pro?
The M.2 slot supports drives from 250GB up to 8TB. Combined with the PS5 Pro’s 2TB internal drive, that allows close to 10TB of fast game storage.
Do I need an officially licensed SSD?
No. Any PCIe Gen4 NVMe drive that meets Sony’s speed, size and heatsink requirements works. The licence simply guarantees fit and compatibility.
Can I use the same SSD in a PS5 Slim or original PS5?
Yes. All PS5 models use the same M.2 slot requirements. You will need to reformat the drive if you move it to another console, which erases its contents.
Do I need a Gen5 SSD for the PS5 Pro?
No. The PS5 Pro’s slot runs at PCIe Gen4 speeds, so a Gen5 drive would only run at Gen4 rates and waste money. A Gen4 NVMe rated at 5,500 MB/s or higher with a heatsink is exactly what Sony specifies and all you need.
Will my games run just as fast from the add-in SSD?
Yes, provided the drive meets the 5,500 MB/s requirement. PS5 and PS5 Pro games run directly from a compliant expansion SSD with load times essentially identical to the internal drive, which is why Sony sets a minimum speed in the first place.
Bottom line: For a PS5 Pro upgrade, choose a PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 NVMe drive rated at 5,500 MB/s or faster with a low-profile heatsink. A 2TB model is the value sweet spot for most players, and skip Gen5 drives, the console cannot use the extra speed.
