One of the coolest things about the Sony PlayStation 5 is that you can add your own SSD. Not only does it give the console a clear advantage over its rivals, but bolstering the console’s internal storage means you have more room for your ever-growing catalogue of PS5 and PS4 games as well as for media and apps. Once you do upgrade, you can freely move games between the console’s storage and the added M.2 SSD.
There are minimum specifications that your SSD of choice needs to adhere to, but don’t worry, CORSAIR produces SSDs specifically designed for PS5. You can either use the CORSAIR MP600 PRO LPX or MP600 ELITE for PS5 to augment your console’s storage. CORSAIR manufacturers plenty of SSDs, for a variety of platforms, but these are the best SSDs for the PS5.
Here are the all-important specifications for the PS5 storage and how the MP600 PRO LPX and MP600 ELITE for PS5 compare:
| PS5 SSD Requirements | CORSAIR MP600 PRO LPX | CORSAIR MP600 ELITE for PS5 | |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Storage Space | 250 GB – 8 TB | 512 GB – 8 TB | 1 TB – 2 TB |
| Form Factor | 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 | 2280 | 2280 |
| Size (including Heatsink) | up to 25 x 110 x 11.25 mm | 23 x 80 x 11 mm | 24 x 80 x 11 mm |
| Sequential Read Speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster | Up to 7,100 MB/s | Up to 7,000 MB/s |
| Socket Type | Socket 3 (Key M) | Socket 3 (Key M) | Socket 3 (Key M) |
The MP600 ELITE is the more recent SSD family and is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, with the 4TB model due shortly.
The MP600 PRO LPX has been around for a little longer, but still meets all of those specifications above and the 4TB version is already available, as is the simply humongous 8TB model. If you’re looking for a serious large upgrade to your PS5, then this is the drive to get.
Adding your own SSD to the PS5 is a straightforward affair, as we show in the video below using the MP600 PRO LPX on the original PS5. If you have the newer PS5 Slim, then check out this post on how to upgrade the PS5 Slim with the MP600 ELITE.
Start by making sure you have updated your PlayStation 5 to the latest system software version.
Then once you’re happy, turn it off, disconnect the cables and lay the machine on a hard surface, with a towel or something similar underneath it to protect the case. Ensure the blu-ray drive is facing upwards.
Gently lift and slide the side panel off to remove it. This will reveal the cover for the M.2 expansion bay.
Remove plate that covers the M.2 drive bay by removing the screw using a Philips head screwdriver.
Inside the M.2 drive bay you’ll find a standoff next to the mounting point labelled 110. Unscrew the screw holding it in place and set it to one side. Then take the standoff and pop it into the whole where you see 80 written.
Firmly insert your MP600 PRO LPX or MP600 ELITE for PS5 SSD into the connector and ease the drive down so that the other end lines up with the stand off you put into the hole marked 80 in the previous step. Hold the drive in place and tighten the screw into the standoff.
Reattach the cover to the M.2 expansion bay and screw it in place. Slide the side panel and you’re ready to turn your PS5 back on again. All being well, you should be presented with the PS5’s M.2 SSD Storage utility. Select the option to Format M.2 SSD and you’re good to go.
What if your PS5 can’t detect your M.2 SSD?
Make sure you have updated the PS5 software to the latest version. This improves compatibility and makes sure that you have the best chance of making it work. This is particularly important for larger capacities.
I've updated the PS5 software, but it still can't see my M.2 SSD. Why?
Turn the machine off and take the side panel off again. Remove the protective plate of the M.2 expansion bay and make sure that the drive is properly seated in the slot.
Still no luck? Unscrew the retaining screw, taking the drive out and make sure there's nothing on the contacts. Once you're happy, firmly push it into place again and hold it down while you secure it in place with the screw.
How should I insert the drive into the slot?
As with all M.2 drives, you insert the SSD into the connector at a slight angle of around 30° and then push it down so that it's level. Holding it in place with the space and screw. Don't try and insert it parallel to the board.
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