How to install a second SSD in your PS5

As games balloon in size and our game library grows, it’s inevitable that we’ll eventually run out of space on our PS5. Sure, uninstalling games you don’t play very often is an option, but you could also just add an SSD to your PS5 and ignore storage issues altogether! 

Adding an SSD to a PS5 is a simple enough process, it’s picking the right SSD that can be a challenge. The PS5, unlike many PCs, uses a system that allows its SSD to send data directly to its GPU, tying SSD performance directly to gaming performance. In other words, a slower SSD will result in lower performance and poorer visuals. 

Requirements

You first need to find the right kind of SSD to use in a PS5 before you think of upgrading it. Sony specifies the following requirements for a PS5 SSD: 

1. Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 SSD

2. Form factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110

3. Storage: 250GB – 8TB

4. Speed: 5,500MB/s or faster

5. Max dimensions: 25x110x11.25 

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Not all SSDs are available with these specifications, and given how fast they need to be, these SSDs don’t come cheap either. Also note that if your SSD has some sort of heatsink for cooling, it might not fit inside the PS5. You’ll need to check with the manufacturer to confirm that such an SSD can fit inside a PS5. 

How to install a second SSD

For tools, you will need a #1 Philips head or cross-head screwdriver, and of course, a surface to work on as you will have to open the PS5. 

First, safely power off the PS5 and disconnect its power cord. It’s best if you ground yourself before proceeding further as there’s a chance you might induce a static charge and damage the console or SSD. 

Place the console with the PS logo face down. The rear I/O panel should be facing you. Grab the bottom right and top left corners of the cover and pop the right corner off. Then pull the cover off.  

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The SSD expansion slot should now be accessible. You’ll find it just beside the cooling fan, towards the front of the PS5 case. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the cover and remove it. 

You’ll see several labelled screw holes and a screw. The labels indicate different SSD dimensions. Remove the screw and spacer, and place the spacer on the appropriate screw hole for the SSD you’ve purchased.

Remove the SSD from its packaging and place it in the SSD slot. You’ll see that the SSD has a notched connector at one end, and a screw hole on the other. The notched connector will align perfectly with a notched receptacle in the SSD slot. 

Carefully insert the SSD into the slot and tilt it down so the screw notch aligns with the spacer. Then install the SSD screw and replace the SSD cover. Now install the PS5 cover. 

Once done, plug your PS5 into your display power, and boot up the system. The PS5 should automatically detect the SSD and present you with instructions on formatting the drive. Follow these instructions to wipe the drive and set it up properly for the PS5.

Congratulations, you have successfully upgraded the storage on your PS5! 

Hint: You can even move the SSD to a different PS5 and access your games without having to download them again. You will of course need to be signed into your PSN account to play the games.