Upgrade Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide to Installing an Internal SSD

The PlayStation 5 is a powerhouse of gaming, but its built-in storage can fill up quickly, especially with the increasing size of modern games. Luckily, Sony has made it possible to expand your PS5’s storage with an internal NVMe SSD. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and successful installation. Adding an SSD not only increases your storage capacity but also maintains the blazing-fast load times you expect from your PS5.

Why Upgrade Your PS5 Storage?

Before we dive into the installation, let’s understand why upgrading your PS5’s storage is a worthwhile endeavor:

• More Game Storage: The most obvious reason is to store more games. With AAA titles often exceeding 50GB, the console’s built-in 825GB SSD (of which about 667GB is usable) can quickly fill up.
• Faster Load Times: While external USB storage can hold PS4 games, only internal SSD storage allows you to play PS5 titles directly and experience their optimized load times.
• Seamless Gameplay: An expanded SSD means less time managing your storage, deleting and redownloading games.
• Future-Proofing: As games continue to grow in size, having extra storage will ensure you’re prepared for the future.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• A Compatible NVMe SSD: The most crucial item. Not just any SSD will work. It must meet Sony’s specific requirements:
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
• Capacity: 250GB to 4TB
• Form Factor: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110
• Read Speed: 5500MB/s or faster
• Heatsink: MANDATORY – Either pre-installed or added separately

Important Note: The SSD *must* have a heatsink for proper cooling within the PS5’s enclosure. Without one, the SSD will overheat, leading to performance issues or failure.

Recommended SSDs: Some popular and compatible options include:

• Samsung 980 Pro with Heatsink
• WD_Black SN850 with Heatsink
• Seagate FireCuda 530 with Heatsink
• Crucial P5 Plus with Heatsink
• #1 Phillips Screwdriver: A standard Phillips head screwdriver, preferably magnetic to avoid dropping screws inside the console.
• A Well-Lit Workspace: Ensure you have adequate lighting to see clearly and work accurately.
• Anti-Static Wrist Strap (Optional but Recommended): To prevent damage to the sensitive electronics from static electricity.
• A Soft Cloth or Towel: To protect your PS5’s surfaces.

Before You Start: Important Considerations

• Backup Your Data: While the installation process itself shouldn’t erase your data, it’s always good practice to back up your game saves and other important data to a USB drive or cloud storage.
• Power Down and Unplug: Make sure your PS5 is completely powered off and unplugged from the power outlet before you start.
• Handle with Care: Be gentle when handling the components, especially the SSD and its delicate connectors.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now that you’re prepared, let’s get to the installation process:

Step 1: Removing the Side Panel

Your PS5 has two removable side panels. We need to remove the one without the PlayStation logo. Follow these steps:

1. Lay the PS5 Flat: Place your PS5 on a flat, stable surface with the top facing up. The side panel with the disc drive should be facing towards you if you have a disc version. For the digital edition the side without the PS logo is towards you when the PS5 is flat.
2. Positioning: Grip the upper corner of the panel near the PlayStation logo (not the corner we want to remove). On the opposite side at the bottom, grip the corner of the other panel.
3. Gently lift and Slide: Lift the corner of the panel with the PS logo to create a small space between the panels. Use your other hand to grip the edge of the other panel that’s facing towards you, and gently slide the panel downwards. This panel should come off fairly easily. Do not use excessive force.
4. Set Aside the Panel: Place the removed panel aside in a safe place to avoid scratches or damage.

Step 2: Locating the Expansion Bay Cover

With the side panel removed, you will now see the metal expansion bay cover. It’s a rectangular panel near the top of the exposed side of your console.

1. Locate the Screw: You will see a single black screw securing the expansion bay cover. This screw has a small white circle at the center of it.

Step 3: Removing the Expansion Bay Cover

1. Unscrew Carefully: Using your #1 Phillips screwdriver, carefully unscrew the screw securing the expansion bay cover and set it aside. Try to avoid dropping it in the PS5. A magnetic screwdriver helps.
2. Remove the Cover: Once the screw is removed, gently lift the metal cover away from the console. Set it aside with the screw.

Step 4: Preparing the SSD for Installation

Now, let’s prepare the SSD for installation:

1. Locate the Standoff Screw: You will see a screw and standoff at the end of the SSD connector. Remove the screw and set it aside.
2. Reposition the Standoff: The standoff may need to be repositioned depending on the length of your SSD. For 2280 SSDs, the standoff should be moved to the appropriate slot – usually the one in the middle of the different slots. Remove the standoff and place it at the appropriate hole by screwing it on tightly.

Step 5: Installing the SSD

Now we will physically install the SSD:

1. Align the SSD: Holding the SSD at a slight angle (approximately 25 degrees), carefully align the gold connectors on the SSD with the slot inside the expansion bay. Ensure the connectors match correctly. You should see a gap on both sides of the gold connectors. Make sure you match those gaps.
2. Insert the SSD: Gently push the SSD into the slot until it’s fully seated. It should lay flat and parallel to the motherboard. Do not force it. The SSD should click in.
3. Secure the SSD: Gently press the end of the SSD down to meet the standoff. Take the screw you removed in step 4 and screw the SSD into place, securing it to the standoff. Do not overtighten the screw. Make sure the SSD is lying flat, and not angled up or down.

Step 6: Reinstalling the Expansion Bay Cover

1. Position the Cover: Place the expansion bay cover back onto the expansion bay. Ensure that you’re using the cover you just removed in step 3.
2. Secure the Cover: Secure the expansion bay cover using the single screw that you removed earlier. Make sure that the screw is securely in place and not loose. Do not over tighten.

Step 7: Reattaching the Side Panel

1. Align the Panel: Carefully align the side panel with the PS5. Ensure that the panel is correctly aligned and that the grooves align.
2. Slide and Click: Slide the panel back into position. You may have to wiggle it a little bit. It should slide easily and click into place.

Initial PS5 Setup and Formatting

Now that the SSD is physically installed, let’s boot up the PS5 and format it:

1. Power On Your PS5: Connect your PS5 to the power outlet and turn it on.
2. System Startup: The PS5 will automatically detect the newly installed SSD.
3. Formatting Prompt: You will be prompted to format the new SSD. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so. This is crucial for the SSD to be used for storing PS5 games. It will take a couple of minutes. Don’t interrupt this process.
4. Confirmation: Once formatted, your PS5 will acknowledge the additional storage space. You can now start downloading and installing PS5 games onto it.

Managing Your Storage

After the formatting is complete, you can manage your game storage in the console’s settings:

1. Go to Settings: Navigate to ‘Settings’ from the PS5 home screen.
2. Select Storage: Go to ‘Storage.’
3. Select Console Storage: Here, you will see the breakdown of your console storage space, as well as the newly installed expanded SSD storage space.
4. Move Games: You can now easily move games between your console storage and the expanded SSD storage as needed.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during or after the installation, here are some common problems and solutions:

• SSD Not Recognized: Ensure that the SSD is properly seated in the expansion slot, is fully compatible with the PS5’s requirements, and has a heatsink installed. Double-check the connections and try re-inserting the SSD.
• Formatting Errors: Sometimes, the PS5 may fail to format the drive. Power off and disconnect the console and repeat the process after some time. If the problem persists, the SSD may have an issue. Check if the SSD can be used with a computer to determine if there is an issue.
• Slow Load Times: Ensure your SSD meets the minimum read speed requirements. A slow drive might defeat the purpose of the upgrade. If the requirements are met, the issue could be with the installation itself, try re-installing the drive.
• Console Overheating: An SSD without a heatsink can cause overheating issues. Make sure to use an SSD with a heatsink or purchase a separate heatsink if necessary.
• Unresponsive Console: If your PS5 is unresponsive after installation, power off and unplug it, and re-install the SSD to ensure there are no loose connections.
• Error Messages During Formatting: Check if the firmware is up to date. If an error message during formatting persists, check the documentation of the SSD manufacturer for trouble shooting.

Tips for a Successful Upgrade

• Research Your SSD Thoroughly: Ensure that the SSD you choose is fully compatible with the PS5 before making a purchase.
• Work on a Clean Surface: Make sure your work area is clean and well-lit to avoid any accidents.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time and be careful during the installation. Rushing can lead to mistakes.
• Use Proper Tools: A magnetic screwdriver will make the process easier and prevent you from dropping the screws into the console.
• Consult Manuals and Videos: If you’re unsure about any step, consult the PS5 manual or watch videos of successful installations on YouTube.

Conclusion

Upgrading your PS5’s storage with an internal SSD is a fantastic way to enhance your gaming experience. By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install your new SSD and enjoy more space for your games, faster load times, and a more seamless gaming experience. Remember to be patient, take your time, and enjoy the benefits of your upgraded PS5.

Happy gaming!