Does a PS5 SSD need to be Gen4?
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Yes. Sony specifies a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD. A Gen3 drive is not accepted, and neither is an M.2 SATA drive. A Gen5 drive is accepted because it is backward compatible, but it runs at Gen4 speed in the console.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
Which interfaces the PS5 accepts
| Drive type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe Gen5 NVMe | Yes | Runs at Gen4 speed: see is Gen5 worth it |
| PCIe Gen4 NVMe | Yes | The native standard; 5,500 MB/s or faster recommended |
| PCIe Gen3 NVMe | No | See can the PS5 use a Gen3 SSD |
| M.2 SATA | No | See can the PS5 use an M.2 SATA SSD |
Not every Gen4 drive is fast enough
Gen4 is necessary but not sufficient. Budget Gen4 drives rated at 3,500 to 5,000 MB/s are accepted yet fall under Sony's recommended speed. We rank only drives at 5,500 MB/s or more and list slower ones separately.
Compatible drives, live prices
Related comparisons and guides
Closely related pages: Can it use a Gen3 SSD?, Is Gen5 worth it?, PS5 SSD requirements, Which SSD is compatible?.
Useful next steps: The 11.25mm height rule, With heatsink, 2TB, All guides.
Frequently asked questions
Will a Gen3 SSD work in a PS5?
No. The console requires PCIe Gen4.
Will a Gen5 SSD work in a PS5?
Yes, at Gen4 speed.
How do I tell if an SSD is Gen4?
The listing will say PCIe 4.0 or Gen4. A rated read speed above about 4,000 MB/s also indicates Gen4 or newer, since Gen3 cannot go that fast.
Is every Gen4 SSD good for the PS5?
No. Check that the read speed is 5,500 MB/s or more and that the drive has, or can take, a low-profile heatsink.
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