I’m looking to upgrade my PS5 storage. Can I use any Gen 4 SSDs for it? Do I absolutely need a heatsink, or is it something I can skip? I’d appreciate advice on SSD compatibility and cooling requirements.
3 Answers
Yes, you should have some cooling for optimal performance, like a heatsink or similar solution. Here’s a list of some SSDs with built-in heatsinks that work well with the PS5: WD_Black SN850X, Samsung 990 PRO (might need a firmware update), Crucial T500, and Seagate FireCuda 530R. Even though some people run them without, these options ensure you get the best performance with less risk.
You can use Gen 4 SSDs with your PS5, but a heatsink, while commonly recommended, isn’t strictly necessary unless you’re doing heavy data writing. Most of the time, the SSD will be reading, which generates less heat. I’ve run mine without a heatsink for long gaming sessions and haven’t had a problem. However, if you want some extra peace of mind, a basic heatsink won’t break the bank.
While it’s not a requirement to have a heatsink, not having one can significantly impact performance, especially during intense gaming sessions. You don’t want your SSD throttling due to heat. It’s better to be safe with cooling, even if it’s not strictly needed, to avoid any potential issues down the line.