PlayStation has confirmed via their website that internal M.2 SSD support is coming to the PS5 in a future system update, with the feature currently only available to members of the PS5 system software beta program.
The web page provides a ton of handy information for users looking to upgrade their internal storage, such as what M.2 SSDs can be used, how to install/uninstall them, and how to add games to them. It’s worth reading through the information in full if you are thinking of updating your internal storage, however below you will find some key takeaways.
What M.2 SSDs can be used?
There are several criteria that PlayStation has outlined that M.2 SSDs must meet for them to be compatible with the PS5.
Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
Cooling structure: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format. There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in.
Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended
Module width: 22mm width (25mm width is not supported)
Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
These numbers can be found on retail listings for M.2 SSD devices. The first two digits refer to the width, the remaining digits to the length.
Socket type: Socket 3 (Key M)
Total size including cooling structure:
In millimeters: smaller than 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H).
In inches: smaller than 4.33in (L) x 0.984 in (W) x 0.442in (H).
See below for full requirements.
Length
The following M.2 SSD lengths are compatible with PS5 consoles:
30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, 110mm (corresponding to the form factor type, per above).
Width
A 22mm-wide M.2 SSD module is required.
The total structure (including an added cooling structure) cannot exceed 25mm (0.984in).
Height
The total height of the M.2 SSD and its cooling structure (such as a heatsink) – whether built-in or separate – must be less than 11.25mm (0.442in).
The height must also be in the right place, in relation to the M.2 SSD’s circuit board:
- The size below the board must be less than 2.45mm (0.096in).
- The total size above the board must be less than 8mm (0.314in).
(Note: millimeter measurements are the technical standard and are more precise than inches. We recommend double-checking that the total dimensions of M.2 SSD and heatsink products you’re considering meet the millimeter requirements before purchasing)
How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console
There is really only one tool that’s required when installing and that’s a number 1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver. It is recommended that you perform any installations in a well-lit room and on a table.
As mentioned, I recommend reading the article in full if you are looking to upgrade as part of the beta program or when the feature fully rolls out. But I must say, it’s exciting to know that we’ll be able to beef up our storage to fit more games on it. Who else is keen to expand their PS5 storage? Let is know in the comments or on social media.
