Since 15 September, the current firmware for the PS5 is available, you can finally expand the internal memory using a NVME SSD. Prerequisite is a PCI Express connection of the fourth generation. The Western Digital Sn850 gets as compatible SSD prominent Schützenhilfe, Mark Cerny, conductive architect of the PS5, recommended on Twitter. It is available in six different versions: 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB, each with and without cooling element.
List of all PS5 SSDs: In our large SSDs overview, we show all SSDs supported by the PS5.
Instructions for SSD installation: How exactly your SSD your PS5 changes to you in this SSDs Guide.
As expected high data throughput
Sony s Recommendation is a minimal reading speed of 5.5 GB / s, Western Digital indicates a theoretical maximum of 7 GB / s for the SN850. The benchmark of the PS5 consists of the SSD with Bravour, our testemployment reached a value of about 6.5 GB / s.
While it is also possible to use a NVME SSD with a lower read speed as 5.5 GB / s, but Sony does not guarantee a hundred percent stability in PS5 titles that require rapidly fast load times.
Comparison to internal SSD
Compared to the internal SSD, the SN850 has a protrusion of about a GB / s at the read speed. This manifests itself in a low level of measurements. However, this was said that we are now talking about a few seconds or even milliseconds.
Especially with PS5 titles whose data streaming is optimized for the new generation, the measured values are therefore more likely to evaluate the specified compatibility.
Significant lead in writing processes: The SN850 overtakes the internal SSD with a view to the write speed. So far, unknown was how quickly the memory controller on the PS5 board can write data.
The internal SSD needed for writing full 7 minutes and 13 seconds, which corresponds to a rate of about 230 MB per second. With a time of 68 seconds, however, the SN850 comes to a 1.47 GB per second. Fill the SN850 to the edge with games, the waiting time is extended to a minute and 48 seconds, ie 0.93 GB / s. This is due to how to manage with NVME SSDs free space. So that load times remain low, the occupancy of the individual blocks is optimized. If there are already data on the best possible block, they must only be assigned to another place.
In the internal SSD, the block assignment does not matter. On the disk always remains a large area for temporary files, which is why you can never be completely filled in practice. However, the low write speed of the internal SSD shows well that compromise Sony had to go in to keep the price of each component as low as possible. For most users, the writing speed will probably never come to wear.
It does not necessarily have to be with Heatsink
Since we were able to resort to a test pattern with preinstalled heat sink, the installation of the NVME SSD was particularly easy. With the help of Sonys official instructions, we had to invest just under ten minutes.
also expects the following screw connections:
Slotted screw 7 or 8 on the stand
Cross screw 0 or 1 for all other brackets
For the futuristic heatsink design of the Primer Studios you have to overgrow about 80 euros extra. The heat sink handles the heat transfer reliably, but it achieves similar results with favorable third-party heatsinks. Alternatives like the Be Quiet! MC1 can be bought for about 15 euros, then additional work is charged by placing the heat-conducting pads as well as screwing.
Pay attention to the dimensions of the cooling element: A too high heat link can collide with the thin aluminum flap over the SSD holder. However, they can omit in theory, but then have to expect suboptimal cooling performance or even possible overheating.
61 3
more on the subject
Install PS5 SSD: That s how it works, you have to pay attention
Tests show that a complex heat sink with two heatpipes, which protrudes out of the bay, only a few degrees Celsius can get out compared to a much smaller specimen, if the flap is closed. The difference is easily explained – the fan of the PS5 generates a negative pressure within the chamber in which the SSD is sitting, which ensures that air can circulate in the smallest space. Without the thin aluminum plate, however, hardly pressure builds up.
Sustainability stays on the track
In the variant with Heatsink we must criticize the holder of the heat sink. This can only be solved under great effort. Damage to the heatsink or SSD would probably be in this case, which is why we urgently advise against such experiments. Since it is not a wearing part, but a change is as good as excluded. Unfortunately, the design closes a further use, the SSD should have a defect after a few years. This is not only due to the high surcharge s pity, but also with a view to the environment.