With the recent update to a feature of the PlayStation 5, Sony has allowed it to support NVMe and SSD drives so you can upgrade the minimal storage it has.
After nearly two years since the launch of the PlayStation 5, Sony allowed M.2 SSD support, so you could increase the storage capacity and effortlessly move between the console’s storage and the M.2 SSD . Although it was unclear what specifications are required for the PlayStation 5, CGMagazine were able to experiment with the information that was given from the beta. We were able to test out the fastest consumer of NVMe and SSD drives currently available. This could possibly spark competition between the customizability of a PC and a PS5.
What is an M.2 SSD?
Short for Solid State Drive, SSD’s are basically the storage components of any hardware device. While the M.2 refers to the specifications of the SSD for easier compatibility identification.
Alternatively, you could use a NVMe for better results. NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express and it is far superior to a SSD when it comes to the speed and capacity of your storage.
After you have installed either the NVMe or SSD, you are ready to take full advantage of the expansive storage of your NVMe. All it takes is little to no time to increase your storage capacity and to freely move between your Playstation 5’s console storage and the added M.2 to maximize optimization.
Should you upgrade your storage?
Although, you may be asking yourself why you should upgrade the PS5 storage, “isn’t 1TB more than enough?” NAY, it is not enough nowadays, since the evolution of video games has increased the vast content a game could offer. I’m sure that at some point you have had to delete a game, so you could download the latest update to your favourite game, or maybe you wanted something different. There are even some games that are up to 100GB worth of storage. In an instant, 10% of your console’s pre-built storage is filled up with data.
It has been a while since the reveal of the NVMe expansion slot inside the Playstation5, many people were anticipating Sony to unlock the potential that lies within. For those who are unaware, the previous models of the Playstations included hard drive upgrades as part of the default state at launch. Sadly, it disabled by Sony before they finally launched the new firmware update that allowed compatibility; even inexperienced people are able to do it themselves with a bit of guidance that we’ll be giving.
But before you go any further, make sure that the NVMe or SSD you will be purchasing are under the requirements needed for the PlayStation 5. The one I’d recommend is the WD Black SN850 that we have recently reviewed on CGMagazine or we have a guide of the best SSD’s for the PS5 here.
There are also some side-notes provided by Sony which are the following
- Both single-sided and double-sided M.2 SSD are supported
- During the first installation process, you will need to format the drive, but doing that will erase all data on the Playstation 5 so you have to make sure you have nothing important left inside before doing this.
- When saving data onto the M.2 NVMe, do not turn off the Playstation 5 during the process. There is a potential risk of data being lost, or even corrupted and this could damage the NVMe or the Playstation 5.
How to install the M.2 SSD/NVMe
Before anything else, make sure that you unplugged your Playstation 5 and it’s at room temperature, safety comes first when it comes to any handling of electronics. You will also be needing a phillips screwdriver to remove the cover of the console