By using an m.2 SSD, PlayStation 5 owners have the option of increasing their storage capacity. Installing PS5 games, which can only be stored on the console’s internal storage, will now be possible on a system with two times the space (or more). The PS5’s m.2 slot isn’t difficult to access, but it does necessitate a small amount of disassembly on the part of the user.
Customers may be baffled by the PS5’s expansion storage options, which are more flexible than those available on the Xbox Series X|S. We’ll show you how to add more storage to your PS5 with an expansion SSD. In addition, we’ll talk about the kinds of drives that work with the console.
How to Install Expansion Hard Drive (SSD) in PS5
The PS5’s onboard storage, which is directly soldered to the console’s mainboard, is 825GB in both the digital and standard editions. Users are unable to remove or replace this storage. In spite of this, the console does have an m.2 slot for an external SSD.
A small Philips head screwdriver is required for the minor disassembly required to install a new hard drive in a PS5. The m.2 slot can be accessed by following these steps:
- First of all, remove the stand from the PS5 console.
- Next, turn the console upside down.
- Now with the front of the PS5 facing towards you, lift the back left corner and slide the plate to the right.
- There is a metal cover over the m.2 slot, which is held in place by a Phillips head screw. The m.2 slot can be accessed by removing this plate.
Once you are done with the removal, its time to install the m.2 drive into your PS5:
- Choose the right orientation for the m.2 drive.
- Now, gently insert the drive into the socket but make sure to apply some force otherwise it won’t get in.
- To secure the m.2 drive, use one hand to push the end of the drive into the mounting hole and the other hand to thread the retention screw in.
- It is time to tighten the retention screws to their full extent. Once the drive is firmly in place, the user does not need to torque the screw any further. Attempting to do so could result in damaging the drive.
What m.2 Form Factors and Speeds are Compatible with the PS5?
Almost any m.2 drive form factor can be used with the PS5. When it comes to choosing an expansion SSD, users are instead constrained by the speed of their current drive.
PS5 m.2 Compatible Form Factors
You can mount the following m.2 form factors into a PS5:
- 30
- 42
- 60
- 80
- 110
Although 80mm m.2 SSDs are the most popular, smaller drives are also available. Because the SSD bay on the PS5 is so large, it can accommodate both bare m.2 drives and those equipped with heatsinks. Although the PS5 channels some of the air coming from the fan to cool the SSD bay, users don’t need to purchase a drive with a heatsink.
PS5 SSD m.2 Speed Requirements
The PS5’s expansion SSD must meet the following requirements:
- m.2 form factor (30, 42, 60, or 80mm)
- Read speeds greater than or at least 5.5GB/s.
- Drive must be PCIe 4.0 compatible.
The first requirement is simple to meet, but the second and third are more difficult to accomplish. PCIe 4.0 drives aren’t widely available, and many of those that are don’t meet the 5.5GB/s read speed requirements.
Well, that’s all we have here about how you can install an expansion solid-state hard drive in PS5. We hope this guide helped you. If you liked this, make sure to check out our guide on how you can fix PS5 Error Code CE-107857-8?
