Sony's announced they'll soon be rolling out the ability for software beta testers to expand the PlayStation 5‘s internal SSD. While PS5 games can currently be stored on an external HDD, they aren't playable off them, so we've not been able to access PS5 games directly through expanded storage until now.
This can be achieved through a high-speed M.2 SSD, which gets attached to a currently inactive internal SSD mount within the PS5. Should you be invited to this beta test and choose to uograde, here's what you need to know.
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To meet the requirements, your M.2 SSD must use the "PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD" interface, having a minimum of 250GB memory and maximum of 4TB. It'll also require a read speed of 5,500MB/s or faster. As detailed on a new official support page, Sony also advise you'll need a cross-head screwdriver and recommend doing this in a "well-lit room with a table to work on".
However, Sony advise significant caution in undertaking this, confirming that they “cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products”. Even with that in mind, Sony also add not all games will automatically perform as well as they do on the PS5's internal SSD.
As for what SSD's are supported, Seagate has confirmed that their FireCuda 530 is PS5 ready, though we don't have a comprehensive list at this time. If you're after the full set of requirements for a compatible SSD, we've detailed them below.
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)
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