Why You Should Expand Your PS5 Storage with an Internal M.2 SSD
PlayStation® 5has an M.2 SSD expansion slot so you can add more storage to your console. Learn why M.2 SSDs — like the WD_BLACK SN850P SSD for PS5® — are the best choice for growing your game library.
Gamers have a lot of M.2 SSDs to choose from for their PS5® console.
Check out how the WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5® stacks up:
Add up to 8TB of storage to your PS5® console in a few simple steps. That’s space for 200 more PS5® and PS4® games with worry-free installation.
Take advantage of PCIe Gen4 NVMe read speeds up to 7300MB/s for a responsive and seamless gaming experience.
Designed specifically for PS5, the WD_BLACK SN850P transforms your gaming experience from the core of your console.
Officially licensed M.2 SSDs — like the WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD — deliver more space, consistent performance, and guaranteed compatibility to your PlayStation® 5 storage expansion. It doesn’t hurt that they’re easy to install, too.
Capacity
The PS5 M.2 expansion slot lets you add up to 8TB1 of additional storage. That’s more PS5® and PS4® titles and more in-game content.
More capacity means you can stop deleting existing games from your console’s existing storage to make space for new ones.
With the right kind of M.2 SSD for added system storage, you can help eliminate excessive lag and load times on your PS5®.
Officially Licensed
Performance
An M.2 SSD can play PS5® games directly from your system storage. With an external drive, you’d need to transfer it back to your console — and wait.
PlayStation® 5 consoles will recognize an M.2 SSD like the WD_BLACK SN850P immediately, so you can get back in the game right off the bat.
With an M.2 SSD built for the PS5® expansion slot, you’ll get more seamless performance without excessive lag or load times — as if it was your console’s own onboard storage.
An M.2 SSD can play PS5® games directly from your system storage. With an external drive, you’d need to transfer it back to your console — and wait.
PlayStation® 5 consoles will recognize an M.2 SSD like the WD_BLACK SN850P immediately, so you can get back in the game right off the bat.
With an M.2 SSD built for the PS5® expansion slot, you’ll get more seamless performance without excessive lag or load times — as if it was your console’s own onboard storage.
Performance
Compatibility
An officially licensed M.2 SSD for PS5® will meet Sony’s minimum speed requirements for your console, so you can game without limits4.
M.2 SSDs that are officially licensed are built with the same system software as PS5®, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues once you install the drive.
Your PS5® is powerful, and extended gameplay can get hot. Officially licensed M.2 SSDs will have a heatsink built for PS5’s unique airflow — like the WD_BLACK SN850P.
Endless Expansion
If you’re ready to add more storage to your PS5® with an officially licensed M.2 SSD, check out our official WD_BLACK SN850P installation video to see how easy it is to add a new drive.
Make sure your PS5® is updated with the latest system software before you turn off the console and unplug the power cable. Then, follow these steps to install your drive and give your console a capacity boost.
The PS5® SSD expansion slot is located beneath the side panels of the PlayStation® 5 console. To access it, carefully remove the side panel and locate the M.2 slot next to the cooling fan.
Detailed instructions are provided in the PlayStation® 5 user manual, or you can watch our installation video.
Infographic
AAA games, videos, and photos can take up a lot of space — thankfully, the WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe™ SSD for PS5® consoles emboldens gamers to capture every winning move and expand your games library.
Infographic
An external SSD can be great for firing up your favorite PS4® titles, but for PS5® games, you need an M.2 NVMe™ expansion SSD that works just like your console’s built-in SSD.
Infographic
One of the most powerful ways to upgrade your PlayStation®5 console storage is to install an internal M.2 SSD in the PS5® expansion slot. But with so many internal SSDs to choose from, you need one that's built specifically for PS5®.
Disclosures
Western Digital, the Western Digital design, the Western Digital logo, WD_BLACK, and the WD_BLACK logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Sony, Playstation®, the Playstation® logo, and PS5® are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Manufactured and distributed under license from Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. or its affiliates. NVMe is a trademark of NVM Express, Inc. PCIe® is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.©2024 Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
1. 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.
2. Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
3. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
4. For Playstation® 5 system software compatibility, please visit the WD_BLACK Product Page.
