Until recently, Sony has provoked consumers with an internal SSD slot in PlayStation 5 that did nothing for the end user. It wasn’t until the latest Beta 3.0 firmware update and the latest console update today that this expansion port was opened to the general public. The 825GB custom SSD built into the PlayStation 5, as gamers soon learned with massive titles like Call of Duty Black Ops War Cold, just wasn’t enough to keep up with the rapid release of new titles. With today’s latest firmware update for PlayStation 5, we wanted to show you how easy it is to set up and install some storage on your favorite console.
To get started, you’ll need a few things: a well-lit, flat surface to work with, a # 1 Phillips screwdriver (any smaller-sized jeweler, or a Phillips screwdriver that repairs glasses will do the trick), and of course an M SSD. 2 NVMe compatible not exceeding 22 mm wide. Sony has not yet released a full list of compatible discs, but we have personally tested the Seagate FireCuda 530 heat sink model ZP1000GM30023. Other NVMe drives that can reach at least 5,500 MB / s read speed can also function as expanded storage on PlayStation 5. To achieve these speeds, the drive must be PCIe Gen 4.
One important thing to keep in mind is that whatever your unit is, you will need an attached heat sink to help dissipate excess heat and keep the unit running at optimum performance during normal play. Seagate included a heat sink with the FireCuda 530 unit, but for those looking for other units, such as the Sabrent and Western Digital offerings, you’ll need a third-party heat sink if it didn’t fit in the box. Two great deals we can recommend are tranquility. MC1 heat sinks (not the MC1 Pro) and EKWB EK-M.2 heatsinks. Each of them matches the 22mm size requirements, as well as the limited height threshold for the PlayStation 5’s internal SSD slot. If you’re curious about installing the heatsink on your SSD, you can see a quick video tutorial by Keith May.
Now that you have all the hardware you need and have downloaded the latest firmware update for your PlayStation 5, you’re ready to follow the simple process of expanding this limited capacity with up to an additional 4 TB of storage capacity.
First of all, you’ll want to remove the vertical stand from the PlayStation 5 and set it aside and remove all the cords. If you have any metal on the ground available, touch it to disperse static electricity before handling the PlayStation 5. Once the PlayStation 5 is placed on a flat surface, start first by locating the side panel that does not contain the logo. PS5 (this will make it the board that covers the hard drive). Position the console so that the disk drive is pointed; the hard drive should be at the top left with the PlayStation 5’s rear ports facing you.
As you grasp the lower right corner of the dashboard where you exit the console, lift it slightly off the PlayStation 5 to separate the retaining hooks, and then push the board to the left (toward the hard drive). There is a small force required to separate the plate in the first place, but be careful not to break or break the side plate in doing so. Once the side plate is out of place, it should come off easily and expose both the side fan and the M.2 slot housing.
Once the side panel is removed, use the Phillips screwdriver no. 1 to remove the screw that holds the SSD cover and set it aside.
Then remove both the black screw and the SSD spacer cap. Set the screw aside and move the cap down into the 80mm hole. Discharge any static electricity to be safe, then grab the M.2 unit you want and plug it into the socket, then gently place it on the spacer plug you recently moved. Screw the M.2 drive into place. Then close the SSD panel once more and secure it back in place with the black screw you previously reserved.
Once the SSD is installed, you can replace the PS5 side plate by placing it in place so that the holes align with the side plate posts, and then gently push it with the palm of the hand. the hand. The side plate should be put back in place with minimal force. Then simply replace the PlayStation 5 base in your preferred orientation, reconnect all the cords, and then turn on the console as normal.
Once you have updated the latest firmware, you should receive a message stating that the M.2 drive needs to be formatted for regular use. If this is the first time you are using the drive out of the box, the formatting process only takes a moment or two.
After formatting and preparing the M.2 drive for first use, the PlayStation 5 will do a speed test to make sure the drive meets or exceeds the recommended speeds of 5,500 MB / s.
A completely optional step is to go to System Settings> Storage> Installation Location to choose whether to install PS4 and / or PS5 titles on console storage or M.2 storage (PS4 titles can be automatically install to any USB extended storage but PS5 titles will have to be moved manually).
Hopefully, this brief tutorial has helped you calm the fears you had of opening PlayStation 5 and installing your first M.2 SSD on the console now that the latest firmware update supports it. Did you pick up an SSD that was not on the compatibility list and wanted to share it with our readers? Let us know in the comments below.