How To Install PS5 SSD: A Step-By-Step Guide

(Play Station)PS5 is one of the most powerful gaming devices one can buy off the market. However, one problem many people face is the size of the SSD that comes with it. Although PS5 has storage of 825 GB SSD, only 667GB of it is available to install games, which makes it difficult to install more than a few titles. Fortunately, the new PS5 has a dedicated M.2 SSD slot that is easily accessible. In this blog, we will tell you how to use that slot and how to install PS5 SSD. So, let’s get right into it. 

What Are SSDs?

Before knowing how to install PlayStation 5 SSD, you first need to know what it is. SSD stands for Solid State Drive, and the main difference between M.2 SSDs is that they are lightning fast. SSDs use circuits and diodes to transfer data, unlike traditional hard drives with compact discs. Other than being super fast, SSDs are not easily corrupted. While using hard drives, you have to be careful not to drop them, SSDs on the other hand, can take a little bit of punishment every now and then. The only caveat is that SSDs are much more expensive than hard drives, but if you ask us, it's worth it. any companies that offer robust and super fast SSDs like WD, Seagate, Samsung, Kingston, Corsair, Crucible and many more. 

Steps To Follow For Installing PS5 SSD

The process to how to install PS5 SSD is pretty simple and all you have to do is follow these simple steps mentioned below. 

Step 1

The first step towards how to install PS5 SSD is to choose the correct SSD for yourself. There are many SSDs on the market today, ranging from anywhere between 400 MB/s to 1200 MB/s. However, there are some basic specifications an SSD has to meet in order to be the answer to how to install PS5 SSD. Those basic requirements are:

• PCI-Express Gen4*4 NVMe M.2 SSD

• Storage From 250 GB to 4TB

• Upto 25mm wide

• 30,40,60,80 and 110mm long

• Less than 11.25mm thick

• Sequential read speed of more than 5500 Mbps

Step 2

Now the next step of how to install PS5 SSD is to get the tools ready. The process to how to install PS5 SSD starts with you collecting basic tools like a screwdriver and a pair of tweezers to place the SSD in the socket. 

Step 3

To Install PS5 SSD, put a heatsink on the SSD. Most of the SSDs in the market come pre-jacketed with the heatsink, so you won’t have to worry about it. However, if your SSD comes without a heatsink, buy one and attach it to your SSD by following the steps mentioned in the heatsink guide brochure. 

Step 4

Now, take your PS5 and make sure that it's not connected to a power socket. The key to understanding how to install PS5 SSD is to SWITCH OFF while operating the device. Merely pressing the power button will just put it to sleep. To properly turn it off, follow these steps. 

• Press the PlayStation button present on your PS controller. 

• Click on Power Off and wait for the light on the console to fully turn off

• Unplug the system and get ready to dissect it. 

Step 5

The next step towards how to install PS5 SSD is to place your PS5 console properly on a table or workstation. Make sure that the PS5 logo is facing down and the PlayStation I/O is facing towards you. Now, to install PS5 SSD you have to take out the side panel of the console. The console placement we mentioned will help you easily rip out the side panel. 

Step 6 

After taking out the side panel, to install PS5 SSD you have to remove the expansion slot cover, which looks SSD-shaped white cover. To remove it, you just have to unscrew it from the top. 

Step 7

Now you have to take the spacer screw from the far right hole; to the hole that aligns with your SSD length. The spacer is fixed on the 110mm slot, so if you already have a 110mm SSD, this step in how to install PS5 SSD is not for you. 

Step 8 

Now you have to place your heatsink jacketed SSD into the expansion slot. To do that, you have to make sure that when placing the SSD, the heatsink is facing upwards, towards you, and the M.2 interface is facing towards the left corner. 

Step 9

Secure the SSD by placing the spacer screw in the hole where SSD ends. That screw will keep the SSD in its place. 

Step 10

Now, hide the expansion slot with the cover you just took out and place the side panel properly. 

Step 11

Open your PS5, and launch it, it will automatically detect the SSD and will ask you if you want to. Don’t format the SSD or Format the SSD.  Choose the option to format the SSD to get it started finally. Now, your PS5 will reset. 

Step 12

After restarting, it will recognize the installed  SSD and tell you the read speed of the SSD on the screen. 

There you have it; this is the answer to your question about how to install PS5 SSD. Now, you can install as many as you want, and you can even change the background of PS5 and install as many backgrounds as you want. 

Our Take

PS5 is as good as it comes. The only problem with PS5 is that it has a relatively small SSD, but don’t worry, now you can sort that part too. We have listed the steps to your question about how to install PS5 SSD. We hope this blog was helpful. Just make sure you choose the best SSD in your budget.