CollinsSony has begun beta testing the PS5’s initial software update, which includes support for M.2 SSD expanded storage. The long-awaited functionality is now being tested and will be released on all PS5 consoles later this year. With the PS5, we’ll need to test a range of SSDs, although Sony currently demands a PCIe Gen4 SSD with a minimum capacity of 250GB. Sony also recommends a 5,500MB/s drive, while slower Gen4 drives may still be used.
I used a Corsair Force MP600 (2TB) with the PS5, which has slower read rates (4,950MB/s) than Sony advises, and a colleague confirmed that a Sabrent Rocket (500GB, rated at 5,000MB/s) works perfectly as well. In less than two minutes, you can have everything up and running. This is how it works:
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1 To use the PS5’s extended storage, you’ll need to remove the console’s side panels. Make sure the power cord is removed before watching this helpful YouTube video on how to properly remove the side panels. It’s a little fiddly, but the PS5 is built to last, so don’t worry about snapping the panels.
2 After you’ve taken off both panels, look for the M.2 SSD slot. It’s on the fan’s left side, which is also where the PS5’s disc drive is located. To remove the lid on the M.2 SSD slot and a screw that holds your drive in place, you’ll need a screwdriver.
3 After removing the cover, look inside the slot for a black screw that Sony has provided at the very top. Remove the screw and use it to secure your SSD in place. Sony recommends using an M.2 SSD with a heatsink, so if you bought a Gen4 SSD without one, there are a variety of heatsinks available to attach to SSDs and help with cooling.
4 Put the cover back on the slot and carefully push the side panels back into place on either side now that the M.2 SSD is in place. Reconnect the power cord and turn on your PlayStation 5.
5 If your M.2 SSD isn’t compatible, your PS5 will notify you that you’ll require a Gen4 drive with at least 256GB of storage. Otherwise, you’ll have to format the hard disk for use on the PS5. If you’ve been using the drive in other systems, make sure you’ve backed up any data on it.
6 Formatting my Corsair Force MP600 (2TB) disk took less than 10 seconds. After formatting, the PS5 will run a fast speed test on the drive and advise you that if you’re having problems with a game installed on the M.2 SSD, try relocating it to internal storage.
7 You may then freely transfer installed games to the M.2 SSD storage or install new games directly from the PlayStation Store. Moving Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart from the internal storage to the Corsair Force MP600 Pro (2TB) disk took about 30 seconds while testing.
We’re still waiting to hear from SSD manufacturers about which drives are supported by Sony’s new PS5 M.2 SSD support, which is still in beta. Seagate was the first to certify that FireCuda 530 drives are compatible with the PlayStation 5, and we’ve tested both Corsair’s Force MP600 and this Sabrent Rocket on the PS5 (albeit without the heatsink attached). More information on supported drives will be available as soon as manufacturers confirm their list of SSDs.
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