If you’re fortunate to possess a PlayStation 5, chances are you’re equally unfortunate to encounter the primary challenge associated with the console – running out of storage capacity for your games. The trend in game distribution is steadily shifting towards digital downloads, with even physical discs necessitating substantial downloads before you can fully enjoy them. Consequently, upgrading your PS5 SSD becomes a necessity.
While the PlayStation 5’s SSD boasts impressively fast performance, as foreseen from an SSD, its storage capacity is somewhat limited. With solely 825GB available, and a mere 667GB allocated for game installations, it can be easy to exhaust the available space. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining. Thankfully, the PS5 is equipped with an expansion slot that supports M.2 NVMe SSDs, authorizing you to expand the storage capacity.
What does M.2 SSD mean?
M.2 is a compact form factor for solid-state drives (SSDs) that resembles a stick of bubble gum. Typically, these SSDs offer superior speed corresponded to traditional 2.5-inch SSDs, although they tend to be pricier. The prevalence of slim gaming laptops has ushered an upsurge in the adoption of M.2 SSDs, as they occupy less space compared to 2.5-inch SSDs or hard drives. Besides that, M.2 SSDs can be utilized by players to augment the storage capacity of their PS5 console or PS5 Digital Edition console.
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Is installing or adding an M.2 SSD to PS5 worth it?
Incorporating an M.2 SSD into your PS5 can yield consequential benefits, such as considerable lessenings in-game and application loading times. This enhancement paves the way for an additional seamless and immersive gaming experience.
Furthermore, depending on the capacity of your M.2 SSD, you have the prospect to expand the storage space available on your PS5 as mentioned before. This becomes quite advantageous if you possess a substantial array of games and additional content that you hope to store on your console.
Additionally, an M.2 SSD has the potential to enrich the widespread performance of your PS5 by accelerating data access and processing. As a consequence, you can foresee smoother gameplay with heightened responsiveness, elevating your gaming sessions to new levels of enjoyment.
But installing an M.2 SSD in your PS5 is not as simple as it sounds, but don’t worry we have got you covered. In this guide, we will guide you through step-by-step instructions on how you can easily and successfully install an M.2 SSD in your PS5.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Install an M.2 SSD in your PS5
Prior to commencing the storage upgrade process for your PS5, it is crucial to make a few required preparations:
- Firstly, you have to assure that your work area is adequately illuminated, enabling clear visibility during the procedure along with a torch light which you might need.
- Secondly, assure that your PS5’s System Software is up to date with the latest version.
- Lastly, you require to get your hand on a no.1 Phillips head screwdriver, which will be required for the installation of the SSD.
Step #1. Ensure that Your Suitable M.2 SSD
To commence with, it is crucial to verify that the M.2 SSD you intend to install in your PS5 is rigged with a cooling structure that meets the specific requirements established by PlayStation. You can access the fundamental specifications for M.2 SSD compatibility with PS5 consoles by pursuing the attached PlayStation Support link.
Step #2. Use an M.2 SSD with a heat-dissipation mechanism
It is imperative that you refrain from utilizing an M.2 SSD without a proper heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heat sink as well as a heat transfer sheet. It is conceivable that your M.2 SSD might come bundled with these components, or you may require to purchase them singly. In the occurrence that your SSD does not comprise a heat sink, it is essential to attain a compatible one that corresponds to the size of your SSD. Installation should be carried out in conformity with the instructions equipped with the drive and/or heat sink, noting that instructions may deviate negligibly between distinct models.
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Step #3. Shut Down your PS5 Console and Place it Upside Down
Next up, begin by completely shutting down your PS5 console, ensuring that it is powered off entirely, and furthermore avoid placing it in Rest Mode. Once powered down, confirm that no lights on the console are illuminated. Proceed by disconnecting all cables, including the HDMI cable, power cable, and Ethernet cable if applicable. Carefully position your PS5 on a level surface, horizontally, and invert it upside down, with the PlayStation logo facing downwards.
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Step #4. Remove Your PS5 Cover or Case
Now that you have positioned your PS5 upside down, assure that the disc drive side is facing upward. After that, with an average amount of pressure, grip the top corner of the cover and lift it upwards while simultaneously gliding it toward the base of the console. With this, you should be capable to separate the cover with a satisfying click. This will reveal the SSD slot, although it will still be concealed by a metal plate.
Step #5. Use the #1 Phillips screwdriver to Remove the Slot Cover and Insert an M.2 SSD
Once the SSD slot is visible, you require to gently wield a #1 Phillips screwdriver to meticulously loosen and extract the screw responsible for fastening the expansion cover firmly in its position, being watchful to preclude any accidental slippage of the screw into the depths of your PS5 once it is detached. Carefully place the removed cover aside, ensuring its safekeeping during the process.
As you continue, exercise caution when removing the screw positioned in the end slot, and be diligent in keeping it securely stored. Following the screw’s removal, proceed to relocate the spacer, which was formerly preserved in place by the screw. Now, position the spacer in the corresponding slot that checks the size of your M.2 SSD, ensuring an appropriate fit.
Next, the process concerns effortlessly securing the SSD into position using the provided screw and spacer. Begin by holding the edge of your M.2 SSD, ensuring it aligns with the notch on the expansion connector. Commencing from a diagonally upward angle, firmly insert the SSD all the way in until it clicks into its very place.
Assure the M.2 SSD circuit board is resting flush on the spacer, without a deterrent from your cooling structure. If you move on to the following step while your M.2 SSD is poorly inserted or not firmly inserted, it can even induce deterioration to the terminal and your PS5 console.
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Step #6. Securely Fasten the SSD Slot Cover
With great care tilt your M.2 SSD downwards and proceed to fasten it to the spacer utilizing the provided screw. Be cautious to assure that the cooling structure does not hinder the screw’s placement during the securing process. Once the SSD is securely fastened, attach the expansion slot cover and tighten the screw accordingly. If you encounter difficulty in closing the slot cover properly, it indicates that your cooling structure may exceed the size requirements.
Step #7. Reinstall Your PS5 Cover Back Into its Position
Now to reinstall the cover, commence by positioning it slightly away, approximately 2 cm, from the top edge of the PS5. Carefully slide the cover back into its foremost position, guaranteeing that it aligns precisely with the edges of the console. As you slide it into place, you should hear a satisfying click sound, implying that the cover is securely fastened.
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Step #8. Format Your M.2 SSD
Lastly, if all the steps have been executed correctly, powering on the PS5 will lead you to a formatting screen, simply, pursue the instructions displayed on the screen to commence the formatting process for your M.2 SSD. Once the formatting is concluded, you will have the privilege to relish your expanded storage capacity, bidding farewell to the days of constant game deletions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a M.2 SSD for PS5?
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, another considerable advantage of integrating an M.2 internal drive into your PS5 is the capability to both store and play PS5-native games straight from it. While standard external hard drives can serve as storage for PS5 games, they are unable to run them. Nonetheless, with an M.2 internal drive, you can relish the comfort of storing and playing PS5 games seamlessly. It’s worth citing that both storing and playing PS4 games is supported by both regular external hard drives and M.2 internal drives.
Do I really need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
The answer is Yes! Utilizing a heatsink for your M.2 SSD is highly urged, particularly when installing it on a gaming device such as the PS5. If you don’t know, a heatsink serves as a passive heat exchanger. It effectively transmits the heat generated by an electronic or mechanical device, such as an SSD, to a fluid medium. The heatsink then disperses the heat from the device, effectively regulating its temp. Besides that, this is compulsory for sustaining optimal performance and preventing overheating. Consequently, it is advisable to employ a suitable heatsink for your M.2 SSD.
