Hardware PS5 M.2 support arrives

[subcon959]

For those lucky enough to get an invitation to try the latest beta firmware, You can now install and use a M.2 NVME stick in your PS5.

https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/hardware/ps5-install-m2-ssd/

It seems like it's not as straightforward as the Xbox option as there are a few physical size limitations to be able to fit it in the slot with a heatsink.
Sony does insist you need a heatsink to be able to use it. Thermal throttling may be a concern here unfortunately.

The only stipulation from Sony is that it's a Gen4 NVME with read speed in excess of 5500MB/s.

From what I can see, the best options are:

• Samsung 980 Pro
• WD Black SN850
• Corsair MP600 Pro
  
• Seagate Firecuda 530
  
• Gigabyte AORUS 7000s
  
• Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus

Under storage you will now get a new section for your M.2 module assuming it is recognised..

You can set the M.2 SSD as default for installing certain games and apps from now on..

You can also move games and apps to the M.2 SSD. It only takes seconds per game at these speeds..

The other main feature that is not related to storage is the option to now have 3D audio through speakers instead of just headphones..

 

[raging_chaos]

I like their instructions.

"How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console
Before you begin, you'll need:

• A well-lit room with a table to work on.
  
• A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver.
  
• A small torch (optional).

 

[tech3475]

Personally, I'd go for the Samsung in this case out of the three because of it's lower temperatures (compared to the SN850) and anecdotally my Sabrent Rocket 4 (non-plus) just died on me suddenly.

However, make sure to update the firmware on the Samsung since there's an issue with the Cache which a firmware update is supposed to have fixed.

 

[Xzi]

My internal SSD is a little over half full now, thanks to all the PS5 upgrades coming out lately. Would be nice to expand, but then again, that's perpetually true of my PC as well lol.

Personally, I'd go for the Samsung in this case out of the three because of it's lower temperatures (compared to the SN850) and anecdotally my Sabrent Rocket 4 (non-plus) just died on me suddenly.

However, make sure to update the firmware on the Samsung since there's an issue with the Cache which a firmware update is supposed to have fixed.

Is the on-board thermal solution of the 980 Pro enough without a larger heatsink?

 

[subcon959]

Is the on-board thermal solution of the 980 Pro enough without a larger heatsink?

I've been running a 1TB 980 Pro in my PC since the last Prime day sale. It's a great choice but I did get concerned enough with the temps that I remember putting a third party heatsink on it soon after installation. Unfortunately, it's too big to fit in the PS5 so I'll have to get a slimmer heatsink.

 

[tech3475]

Is the on-board thermal solution of the 980 Pro enough without a larger heatsink?

Can’t really say, especially since inside the PS5 the thermals may be affected.

Unless confirmed, I’d still put one on as a precaution.

I've been running a 1TB 980 Pro in my PC since the last Prime day sale. It's a great choice but I did get concerned enough with the temps that I remember putting a third party heatsink on it soon after installation. Unfortunately, it's too big to fit in the PS5 so I'll have to get a slimmer heatsink.

Off topic, but could you please tell me if have you been having any cache issues since the firmware update?

I’m currently deciding between the SN850 and 980 Pro for my desktop and I want to see if it was an actual fix and not a fluke.

 

[subcon959]

Off topic, but could you please tell me if have you been having any cache issues since the firmware update?

I’m currently deciding between the SN850 and 980 Pro for my desktop and I want to see if it was an actual fix and not a fluke.

I haven't had any issues with it but I'm also running it on a gen3 motherboard so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.

 

[Xzi]

Looks like most of these will run about $250 (including heatsink) for 1TB. Found the 500GB Western Digital drive with heatsink for $140 on Newegg.

 

[tech3475]

Looks like most of these will run about $250 (including heatsink) for 1TB. Found the 500GB Western Digital drive with heatsink for $140 on Newegg.

Make sure to check the spec, the different sizes can have differences between them within the same model.

 

[Cyan]

if it's too big to fit, can't it be externally installed ? like with an adapter/extension cable/longer connector ? would it influence the speed too much?
It would also help with the heat ?

 

[Bladexdsl]

an update for a console no one can get

 

[subcon959]

if it's too big to fit, can't it be externally installed ? like with an adapter/longer connector ? would it influence the speed too much?
It would also help with the heat ?

That's an interesting question. M.2 extension cables do exist so it's technically possible although would mean you can't close the PS5 again. I'm not sure if there would be any impact on performance as PCI Express extensions are common for graphics cards.

 

[Cyan]

I'm sure some people would cut their case without thinking and put an external connector so they can close the PS5, and easily swap their SSD when needed.

 

[gamesquest1]

cool, I have to say I'm happy that consoles are making a little bit of an effort towards end user upgradability without trying to lock down upgrades to overpriced "authorised" upgrades

That's an interesting question. M.2 extension cables do exist so it's technically possible although would mean you can't close the PS5 again. I'm not sure if there would be any impact on performance as PCI Express extensions are common for graphics cards.

yeah as far as I understand as long as you don't go absurd and chain 20 extenders together or use some dodgy tacky extension cable the extension cables have very minor impact on performance so I would imagine it should work ok

 

[subcon959]

I'm sure some people would cut their case without thinking and put an external connector so they can close the PS5, and easily swap their SSD when needed.

yeah as far as I understand as long as you don't go absurd and chain 20 extenders together or use some dodgy tacky extension cable the extension cables have very minor impact on performance so I would imagine it should work ok

Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing any extenders that can manage PCIE 4.0 yet so it wouldn't actually be possible.

The PS5 will do a read test to make sure your drive can achieve 5500MB/s.

 

[DaFixer]

Finally, I was waiting for this feature before I planning to buy a PS5.

 

[spotanjo3]

Nah... According to this:

Seagate has confirmed its first PS5-compatible internal SSD, which will cost $170 for 500GB, $275 for 1TB, $570 for 2TB and $1,050 for 4TB

Crazy and not worth. I am fine with my GB. I am stick with what I am doing.

 

[tech3475]

an update for a console no one can get

Funnily enough, where I work we’ve been regularly able to get them because of people breaching our ‘one per customer’ policy when ordering online.

Thank you scalpers.

Just yesterday we also had someone replace a ‘faulty’ one, but it turned out to just need a factory reset….so we may sell it discounted.

 

[ut2k4master]

an update for a console no one can get

an update for a console that already over 10million people got

 

[subcon959]

My 980 Pro is ready for action..