Best 4TB M2 SSDs For PS5 And How To Install One
As modern PlayStation 5 games continue to grow in file size, expanding your console storage has become a necessity for active gamers. Opting for a massive 4TB M.2 NVMe SSD ensures that you can keep dozens of blockbusters installed simultaneously without having to constantly delete older favorites. This guide breaks down the top high-capacity drives currently available and provides a straightforward walkthrough to help you upgrade your storage with confidence.
Top 4TB SSD Recommendations for PlayStation 5
The Samsung 990 Pro stands out as a premier choice for high-capacity storage, delivering blazing read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s. It utilizes a highly efficient custom controller that maximizes the limits of the PCIe Gen4 interface. This premium drive ensures virtually instantaneous loading screens and offers an exceptionally long lifespan in terms of overall write endurance.
Another excellent option is the Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850X, which is widely celebrated for its robust performance and excellent thermal stability. For budget-conscious players looking for maximum value, the Lexar NM790 offers an impressive balance of high performance and competitive pricing. Both drives meet or exceed Sony's strict baseline specifications, making them incredibly safe investments for long-term storage enhancement.
If you prefer an alternate option that provides solid reliability, you can consider Kingston KC3000 or Fury X Renegade. These solid-state drives provide phenomenal random read performance, which translates directly into smoother open-world asset streaming. Choosing one of these premium models will keep your console feeling highly responsive even when the drive is nearly full.
Crucial Hardware and Heatsink Requirements
Sony officially mandates that any internal M.2 SSD installed in the PlayStation 5 must feature an effective cooling structure. Because high-performance PCIe Gen4 drives generate substantial heat under heavy load, operating without a heatsink can cause thermal throttling. Many top-tier 4TB models can be purchased with a pre-installed, low-profile heatsink designed to fit perfectly inside the console bay.
If you buy a bare drive without a cooling solution, you must purchase a compatible aftermarket heatsink separately. The combined dimensions of the drive and cooling structure must not exceed 11.25 millimeters in total thickness to allow the metal slot cover to close properly. Ensuring correct clearance prevents dangerous heat buildup inside the console chassis.
Step by Step Internal Installation Guide
Before beginning the physical installation process, ensure your PlayStation 5 is fully powered down, all cables are unplugged, and the console has cooled completely. Place the device flat on a soft, clean surface to protect the outer plastic shells from accidental scratches. Carefully lift the back corner of the top cover and slide it downward toward the base to expose the internal metal shield.
Next, use a standard cross-head screwdriver to remove the single screw holding the rectangular expansion slot cover in place. Inside the green expansion bay, remove the default screw and the small cylindrical metal spacer located at the far end. Move this spacer to the hole marked with the number 80, which corresponds to the length of standard M.2 2280 drives.
Hold your new 4TB SSD by its edges, line up the gold connection pins with the slot, and insert the drive at a 30-degree angle. Gently press the free end down flat against the metal spacer, and secure it using the internal screw you removed earlier. Finally, replace the metal expansion bay cover, slide the plastic outer panel back onto the console until it clicks, and reconnect your power cords.