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The PlayStation 5 comes with a 825GB SSD built in. Yet, gamers looking to expand their game collection often find this space not enough. They can add an M.2 NVMe SSD to increase storage. Sony highlights the need for a PS5 SSD heatsink to keep performance high and control heat.
There’s debate among gamers about the necessity of a heatsink. While it’s possible to use the SSD without one, doing so could affect its performance and life. This is due to newer, faster SSDs generating more heat. A heatsink can greatly improve your gaming experience and ensure your device lasts longer12.
Key Takeaways
- PS5 SSD has a base capacity of 825GB, which can be expanded.
- Effective heat dissipation through a heatsink is recommended by Sony.
- NVMes require a minimum read speed of 5500MB/s to operate effectively.
- The optimal SSD capacity sweet spot for PS5 is 1TB.
- Operating an SSD without a heatsink may affect its performance under intense load.
- Installing a heatsink can prolong the lifespan and efficiency of the SSD.
Introduction to PS5 Storage Expansion
The PlayStation 5 offers various options to increase storage, important for gamers wanting to improve their experience. Game sizes are getting bigger, making extra storage crucial.
The Need for Additional Storage
The PS5 comes with 825 GB of internal storage, but only about 667 GB is usable for games and apps because of the system’s software3. Games now often need more than 100 GB, leaving players needing more space. To help, Sony introduced a update in September 2021. It lets players add M.2 SSDs to their PS5. This means more room for games and less trouble with space.
Understanding the PlayStation 5 Storage Limitations
PS5 storage expansion focuses on M.2 SSDs and portable SSDs. M.2 SSDs need to meet certain specs, offering between 250 GB to 4 TB of space3. They’re fast, which is great for gaming. But, portable SSDs can add up to 8 TB of storage. You can only play PS4 games on them with the PS53. For M.2 SSDs to work, they must be PCIe Gen4. Older Gen3 SSDs won’t work3. Knowing these details is key for players looking at expanding their PS5 storage.
Understanding Heatsinks and Their Purpose
In the electronics world, managing heat well is crucial. It ensures devices work better and last longer. Heatsinks are key in this process. Knowing how they work helps people choose the right cooling solutions for their electronics.
What is a Heatsink?
A heatsink is a device that deals with heat in electronic parts, like SSDs. It’s made from materials like aluminium or copper, which conduct heat well. This is very important for keeping temperatures down. It’s especially critical when using devices for things like gaming that make a lot of heat4.
How Heatsinks Function in Electronics
Heatsinks pull heat away from key parts and let it go into the air around them. When SSDs get too hot under heavy use, they can slow down. This not only affects their speed but can also shorten their life4. A good heatsink uses materials that conduct heat well and has enough weight to get rid of heat efficiently. The market offers various heatsinks to meet the needs of today’s technology, notably for gamers. As SSD technology advances, new heatsink solutions will come up. They will help devices perform their best even under a lot of stress4.
Does PS5 SSD Need Heatsink?
Upgrading your PlayStation 5’s storage often means getting a heatsink for the SSD. According to Sony, a heatsink is crucial for the SSD thermal management. It helps spread out the heat, keeping the SSD cool during long gaming sessions.
Sony’s Recommendations
Sony suggests all M.2 NVMe SSDs in a PS5 must have a heatsink. This ensures your play is smooth, even when things get intense. Since September last year, adding more storage to your PS5 got easier. Yet, adding a heatsink remains key to stop performance drops during heavy use5. Though SSDs without heatsinks cost less, they might not work as well under stress.
Choosing SSDs without a heatsink could lead to overheating. Overheating can slow down your SSD, affecting your gaming.
Performance Impact Without a Heatsink
Not using a heatsink can impact your games. Digital Foundry’s tests on a PS5 without an SSD heatsink showed no immediate problems. However, they only tested for a few weeks5. Following Sony’s advice on heatsinks helps ensure your games run smoothly. It stops your SSD from getting too hot, which could make your games lag during action-packed moments5.
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M.2 SSD Requirements for PS5
Choosing the right M.2 SSD for your PlayStation 5 is very important. It must meet the PS5’s NVMe SSD specifications. These criteria are set to ensure the best gaming experience.
Specifications for Compatible NVMe Drives
Your SSD should have a PCIe Gen 4×4 interface. Capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB are ideal. Choosing larger capacities usually means better performance. In the UK, these SSDs cost between £70 and £125. In the US, the prices are about the same, from $70 to $1256. The read speed also needs to be at least 5,500 MB/s for smooth play7.
Importance of Sequential Read Speed
The read speed of an SSD can greatly affect your gaming. It changes how quickly games load and react. The best SSDs for PS5 have read speeds from 350K IOPS to 1,200K IOPS6. Top choices like the WD Black SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro reach speeds up to 7,450 MBps. They’re perfect for gaming7.
| SSD Model | Capacity | Price (USD) | Read Speed (MB/s) | Heatsink Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD Black SN850X | 2TB | $132 | Up to 7,000 | Yes |
| Samsung 980 Pro | 1TB | $140 | Up to 7,000 | Yes |
| Silicon Power US75 | 2TB | $127 | Up to 5,000 | No |
| Acer Predator GM7000 | 4TB | $233 | Up to 7,000 | No |
Some models have their own heatsinks. Others need you to fit a heatsink. A good heatsink, along with meeting PS5’s SSD standards, makes games run smoothly6.
Installing an SSD with or without a Heatsink
For gamers looking to boost their PlayStation 5, installing a PS5 SSD is a smart move. This guide helps you easily increase your console’s storage, whether you choose an SSD with a heatsink or not.
Step-by-step Installation Guide
The SSD installation can be broken down into easy steps:
- Make sure the console is off and unplugged before you start.
- Take off the PS5’s cover to see the SSD slot.
- Line up the M.2 SSD, put it in the slot, and secure it.
- Check that the SSD has a PCI-Express Gen4x4 interface and reads speeds of 5,500MB/s or more.
- If adding a heatsink, make sure it fits the PS5’s size limits.
Some SSDs might get as hot as 71°C without a heatsink. Adding one can drop the temperature by 10-15 degrees Celsius. This keeps the SSD working well for longer. It’s also good to keep your console in a spot with lots of air around it8.
Options for Buying SSDs with Heatsinks
Many shops sell NVMe SSDs with built-in heatsinks made for the PS5. This makes installing them easier and helps your console run better. They come in sizes from 250GB to 4TB, so finding one for your gaming needs is straightforward91.
By using this guide, you can upgrade your PS5 storage and make smart choices about SSDs. This will give you a better gaming experience.
Conclusion
Adding an M.2 SSD to your PS5 can greatly enhance your gaming. It allows for more space and better performance10. Sony suggests using a heatsink to avoid overheating and keep performance high. A heatsink can lower SSD temperatures a lot, by up to 16.9°C when it’s working hard11.
Heatsinks keep the SSD within a safe temperature range, usually 30°C to 65°C10. Without enough cooling, a PS5 SSD might get hotter than 71°C. This could slow down your game. Using a heatsink, based on research, helps your storage work better and keeps your games running smoothly10.
Choosing the right SSD and heatsink is crucial for the best PS5 gaming. It prevents slowdowns and keeps your system cool. With products from Elecgear and Sabrent, gamers have good options for managing heat and enhancing their systems11.
FAQ
Does a PS5 SSD require a heatsink for optimal performance?
Yes, using an SSD without a heatsink in the PS5 is possible. However, Sony advises using one. It helps with heat removal. This ensures better function and longer life during heavy gaming.
What storage expansion options are available for the PlayStation 5?
You can add more storage to your PlayStation 5 by installing an M.2 NVMe SSD. This lets you keep more big games, which can be over 100GB each.
How much usable storage is available on the PS5?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD. But only about 667GB is free for your games and apps. This is because the system’s software takes up some space. So, more storage solutions are important for serious gamers.
What is the function of a heatsink in SSDs?
A heatsink in SSDs works to remove extra heat. It absorbs and gets rid of the heat that SSDs make when they’re used. Keeping a cool temperature stops the SSD from slowing down. This ensures it works smoothly.
What are the specifications for an M.2 SSD to be compatible with a PS5?
For an M.2 SSD to work with a PS5, it needs a PCIe Gen 4×4 interface. It should have space between 250GB to 4TB. Also, a read speed of over 5,500MB/s is needed for good gaming.
How do I properly install an M.2 SSD in my PS5?
First, turn off and unplug your PS5. Then take off the console cover to find the SSD slot. Place the M.2 SSD in, secure it, and check the heatsink. It must fit the console’s size properly.
Where can I purchase M.2 SSDs suitable for PS5?
You can buy NVMe SSDs that fit the PS5 from many stores. They often come with heatsinks. This makes it easier for gamers to upgrade their storage.
Source Links
- https://www.tomshardware.com/features/ps5-ssd-upgrade-temperature-testing – PS5 SSD Upgrade Temperature Testing: Do You Even Need a Heatsink?
- https://www.kingston.com/en/blog/gaming/playstation-5-heatsink-ssd-explained – PlayStation 5 and Heatsink SSDs Explained
- https://www.teamgroupinc.com/community/en/blog-detail/ps5-storage-expansion/ – 3 Must-Know Basics for PS5 Storage Expansion!! Which One Should I Buy, the M2 SSD or the Portable SSD?
- https://blog.westerndigital.com/ssd-heatsink-hot-storage-cool-data-m2/ – SSD Heatsink: Hot Data, Cool Storage
- https://www.techradar.com/news/ps5-ssd-heatsink-explained-what-is-it-for-and-do-you-really-need-one – PS5 SSD heatsink explained: what is it for and do you really need one?
- https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-best-ssds-for-ps5 – Best SSD for PS5 2024: our recommended drives and heatsinks
- https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-ps5-ssds – The Best PS5 SSDs in 2024: Speedy NVMe storage for your console
- https://www.partitionwizard.com/news/ps5-ssd-temperature.html – PS5 SSD Temperature & Does It Need a Heatsink
- https://www.xda-developers.com/how-install-ssd-ps5/ – How to install an SSD in PlayStation 5
- https://www.easeus.com/partition-master/ps5-ssd-temperature.html – PS5 SSD Temperature Test: Do You Need A Heatsink?
- https://nascompares.com/review/elecgear-ps5-ssd-heatsink-hardware-review-game-changer-or-overkill/ – ElecGear PS5 SSD Heatsink Hardware Review – Game Changer or Overkill?
