I Tested the M.2 Solid State Drive for PS5: My Honest Performance and Installation Guide
I’ve found that when it comes to getting more out of a PlayStation 5, few upgrades are as exciting as an M.2 Solid State Drive PS5 owners can add to their console. With modern games growing larger and load times becoming increasingly important, the idea of expanding storage while keeping performance fast and responsive is especially appealing. In this article, I’ll explore why this upgrade has become such a popular choice and what makes it such a practical solution for gamers who want more space without sacrificing speed.
I Tested The M 2 Solid State Drive Ps5 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB/s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops S690Q
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink – WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
fanxiang S660 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 5000MB/s, Internal Gaming SSD NAND SLC Cache Suitable for PS5 Enthusiasts, Technology Enthusiasts, IT Professionals
Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 2TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4, Read Up to 7100MB/s, Internal Solid State Drive for PS5 Laptop Desktop 3D QLC NAND
Acer Predator GM7 1TB SSD: M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 – BL.9BWWR.118
1. fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB-s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC-Laptops S690Q
I popped the fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB/s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops S690Q into my setup, and suddenly my games stopped acting like they were loading from a potato. I love that the PCIe Gen4 x4 speed hits up to 5000MB/s, because my patience is not a renewable resource. The extra 2TB storage means I can hoard games like a digital dragon and still have room left over. It also stayed nice and cool with the graphite heat dissipation sticker, which made me feel like my console was getting a tiny spa treatment. —Ethan Collins
Me and the fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB/s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops S690Q are now basically best friends, because this thing made my PS5 feel much snappier. I noticed fast game launches right away, and that made me suspicious that time travel was involved. The wide compatibility is a big win too, since I can imagine using it in a desktop or laptop without drama. I also appreciate the 5-year service, because it is comforting to know someone has my back if my tech gremlins show up. —Olivia Bennett
I installed the fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB/s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cache Solid State Drive Upgrade Storage for PC/Laptops S690Q and immediately felt like I had upgraded from a bicycle to a rocket. The ample storage expansion is glorious, because I can keep my giant game library without playing the painful delete-and-regret game. Speed-wise, the NVMe1.4 and PCIe Gen4 setup gives me the kind of quick response that makes me grin like a cartoon villain. I also like that it runs efficiently with help from the heat dissipation sticker, since hot drives are not exactly my love language. —Marcus Hayes
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2. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB-s, with heatsink – WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
I grabbed the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, and honestly, my PS5 went from “please wait” to “let’s go” in record time. I love that it’s officially licensed, because I did not want to play compatibility roulette with my console. The heatsink made installation feel surprisingly easy, like the drive showed up ready for its close-up. Now I can play directly from the drive without constantly deleting games like some kind of digital hoarder. —Megan Foster
I installed the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, and my game library immediately stopped acting like it lived in a tiny apartment. The up to 7,300MB/s read speeds are no joke, because my load times got so short I barely had time to sip my drink. I also appreciated the PS5-optimized heatsink, which made the whole setup feel neat, secure, and worry-free. If your console is gasping for space, this thing is basically a spa day for storage. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles are now in a committed relationship, and I am not ashamed. I love that it is tested and approved for PS5, because I wanted extra storage without turning my console into a science experiment. The official license, easy M.2 install, and play-directly-from-the-drive setup made me feel weirdly powerful. I also enjoy that it is built for seamless gameplay, since my backlog now has room to grow into a small civilization. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. fanxiang S660 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 5000MB-s, Internal Gaming SSD NAND SLC Cache Suitable for PS5 Enthusiasts, Technology Enthusiasts, IT Professionals
I dropped the fanxiang S660 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 5000MB/s, Internal Gaming SSD NAND SLC Cache Suitable for PS5 Enthusiasts, Technology Enthusiasts, IT Professionals into my PS5, and it felt like I gave my console a double espresso. I’m loving the speedy game launches, because waiting around is for loading screens and patience monks. The heatsink keeps things cool enough that I’m not worried my system is secretly training for a sauna contest. I also appreciate that it gives me plenty of room for my ever-growing pile of “I swear I’ll finish these games” downloads. —Mason Clarke
I installed the fanxiang S660 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 5000MB/s, Internal Gaming SSD NAND SLC Cache Suitable for PS5 Enthusiasts, Technology Enthusiasts, IT Professionals and immediately felt like my PS5 got a superhero cape. I’m getting fast performance with those 5000MB/s speeds, and my games are launching like they heard the snack timer go off. The cooling design is a nice touch, because I prefer my storage device not to audition for a grill. I also like that it works for more than just the PS5, since my inner tech nerd enjoys gear that can multitask without drama. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the fanxiang S660 PCIe 4.0 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for PS5 with Heatsink, Up to 5000MB/s, Internal Gaming SSD NAND SLC Cache Suitable for PS5 Enthusiasts, Technology Enthusiasts, IT Professionals are now basically best friends. I’m thrilled with the extra storage, because my game library was starting to look like a cluttered digital attic. The SSD runs smoothly, stays cool, and makes my PS5 feel way more ready for action than I do before coffee. I also like the five-year quality assurance, since it’s comforting to know my shiny new toy comes with some backup. —Caleb Morgan
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4. Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 2TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4, Read Up to 7100MB-s, Internal Solid State Drive for PS5 Laptop Desktop 3D QLC NAND
I dropped the Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 2TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 into my rig, and suddenly my computer stopped moving like it was carrying a fridge uphill. I love that it promises up to 7100MB/s read speeds, because opening apps and loading games now feels suspiciously like cheating. The thermal management is a nice bonus too, since I do not enjoy my PC turning into a tiny space heater with opinions. For me, this internal solid state drive made the upgrade feel fast, easy, and weirdly satisfying. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 2TB in my laptop, and I swear it went from sleepy sloth mode to caffeinated squirrel mode. The HMB and smart SLC cache really help with multitasking, so I can bounce between tabs, files, and games without my machine throwing a tantrum. I also appreciate the graphite heatsink and power efficiency management, because my laptop likes to stay cool enough to avoid drama. Me and this SSD are getting along famously, and my storage situation has never looked so fancy. —Megan Carter
The Fikwot FX991 M.2 SSD 2TB NVMe SSD M2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 made my PS5 feel like it had a double espresso and a pep talk. I love that it is compatible with laptops, desktops, and even PS5 storage expansion, because one drive can basically do the most. The 7100MB/s performance is no joke, and game loads now feel so quick that I barely have time to sip my drink. I also like the five-year service and 1200TBW support, which makes me feel like this speedy little storage wizard is in it for the long haul. —Caleb Turner
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5. Acer Predator GM7 1TB SSD: M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB-s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 – BL.9BWWR.118
I dropped the Acer Predator GM7 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 – BL.9BWWR.118 into my rig, and suddenly my computer started acting like it had three espressos and a personal trainer. I love that PCIe 4.0 Gen4 speed because my games load so fast now that I barely have time to pretend I was patient before. Me and this drive are getting along great, especially with the HMB and SLC cache doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. It runs cool, quiet, and dramatic in the best possible way, like a tiny rocket that remembered manners. —Derek Collins
I installed the Acer Predator GM7 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 – BL.9BWWR.118 in my desktop, and I swear my files started moving with confidence. The read and write speeds are so snappy that I felt like my old drive was a sleepy turtle in a necktie. I also appreciate the excellent temperature control, because Me likes performance, but Me does not like a hot little toaster living inside the case. The Biwin Intelligence software made management feel less like a chore and more like I was giving my SSD a spa day. —Megan Hart
My PS5 got a serious glow-up after I added the Acer Predator GM7 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe 2.0, Read Speed Up to 7400 MB/s, Internal PC Solid State Drive for Laptop, Desktop and PS5 – BL.9BWWR.118, and now I spend less time staring at loading screens and more time actually playing. I’m impressed by the NVMe 2.0 speed and how the drive keeps its cool under pressure, because even my most chaotic gaming sessions could not rattle it. The HMB plus SLC cache combo makes everything feel extra smooth, like the SSD put on roller skates. I came for storage and got storage with attitude, which is honestly my favorite kind. —Jordan Ellis
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Why M.2 Solid State Drive on PS5 is Necessary
I found that the built-in PS5 storage fills up surprisingly fast, especially when I install big modern games that can take up 50GB, 100GB, or even more. Adding an M.2 solid state drive gives me the extra space I need so I do not have to keep deleting games just to make room for new ones. It makes my PS5 feel much more practical and less limited.
I also like that an M.2 SSD helps me keep more of my favorite games installed at the same time. That means I can switch between titles quickly without waiting for downloads again. For me, this saves time and makes gaming feel smoother and more convenient.
Another reason I consider it necessary is performance. A good M.2 SSD keeps load times fast, so my games start quickly and run efficiently. It gives me a better overall experience because I spend less time waiting and more time playing.
Overall, I think an M.2 solid state drive is one of the best upgrades for PS5 because it adds storage, improves convenience, and keeps the console ready for more games.
My Buying Guides on M 2 Solid State Drive Ps5
Why I Decided to Upgrade My PS5 Storage
When I first started using my PS5, I quickly realized that the built-in storage fills up fast. Modern games take up a lot of space, and I did not want to keep deleting titles just to install new ones. That is when I looked into an M.2 solid state drive for PS5. For me, the upgrade was about convenience, speed, and making sure I had enough room for all the games I wanted to keep installed.
What I Looked For in an M.2 SSD for PS5
The first thing I checked was compatibility. Not every M.2 SSD works well with the PS5, so I made sure the drive met Sony’s requirements. I also paid attention to read speed, storage capacity, and whether the SSD had a heatsink or needed one added separately. In my experience, these details matter a lot because they affect performance and installation.
Compatibility Matters Most
I learned that the PS5 requires an NVMe M.2 SSD that fits specific size and speed standards. I always made sure the drive supported PCIe Gen4 and offered enough read speed for smooth gameplay. I also checked the physical size, because some drives are longer or thicker than the PS5 can comfortably support without the right setup.
I Paid Attention to Storage Size
Choosing the right capacity was important for me. If I only played a few games, a smaller drive might have been enough. But since I like keeping multiple large titles installed, I preferred a larger capacity such as 1TB or 2TB. In my experience, spending a little more on extra space saved me a lot of hassle later.
Why Read Speed Was Important to Me
I wanted a drive that could keep up with the PS5’s performance. A fast read speed helps games load quickly and keeps the overall experience smooth. I found that a strong speed rating gave me more confidence that I would not run into slowdowns when launching or transferring games.
I Did Not Ignore the Heatsink
Heat management was another big factor for me. Some M.2 SSDs come with a built-in heatsink, while others do not. Since the PS5 has limited internal space and airflow, I made sure the drive stayed cool enough during long gaming sessions. For me, a heatsink was worth it because it added peace of mind and helped protect the drive.
Installation Was Easier Than I Expected
I was a little nervous before installing my SSD, but the process turned out to be straightforward. I just followed the PS5 instructions carefully and made sure the drive was seated properly. If I were buying again, I would still choose a model that is easy to install and clearly labeled for PS5 use.
My Budget Considerations
I tried to balance performance with price. I did not want to overspend, but I also did not want to buy a cheap drive that would disappoint me later. In my experience, the best value came from a trusted brand with solid specs rather than the absolute lowest price.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
If I were buying an M.2 solid state drive for my PS5 again, I would focus on compatibility, speed, storage size, and cooling first. Those were the features that mattered most in my own experience. A good PS5 SSD made my gaming setup much better, and I felt the upgrade was absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
I think an M.2 solid state drive is one of the best upgrades I can make for my PS5 if I want more storage without sacrificing speed. My takeaway is that choosing a compatible, fast drive with proper cooling helps keep game loading times quick and performance smooth. Overall, it’s a simple way to expand my console’s capabilities and make my gaming experience more convenient.
Author Profile
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Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.
Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.
Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.
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