PS5 SSD read speed too slow: what the warning means
PS5 storage answers, checked against Sony's published requirements
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability come from Amazon.co.uk as of the last update and may change.
The warning appears when the read speed the PS5 measures is below what Sony recommends, 5,500 MB/s. The drive still works and you can continue, but some games may load slower or not run as they do from the built-in drive. The usual cause is simply a slower model of SSD. Best value today: BIWIN M350 2TB SSD at £199.99 (£100.00/TB), as of 21 October 2026. The lowest price outright is £75.99, for the Ediloca 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen 4x4.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
Common causes
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| The drive is rated under 5,500 MB/s | Nothing to fix; it is the drive's limit. Examples: WD SN770, Crucial P3 Plus, Kingston NV2 |
| The drive is not fully seated | Power off, reseat it firmly at an angle, screw it down |
| A different model arrived than you ordered | Check the label against the listing |
Can you ignore it?
Yes, if your games behave. The console lets you carry on. If you have not bought yet, pick a drive that states 5,500 MB/s or more: every drive in our main rankings does.
Compatible drives, live prices
Related comparisons and guides
Related on this site: What is a good speed test result?, PS5 SSD requirements, Cheapest PS5 SSD, All models.
More to read: All guides, 2TB, How to install, With heatsink.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use an SSD that triggers the warning?
Yes. It affects performance, not safety.
Will games crash on a slow SSD?
Sony's warning is that they may not perform as they do from the built-in drive. Many play normally.
Can a heatsink fix a slow read speed?
No. A heatsink prevents slowdowns from heat; it does not raise a drive's rated speed.
What is the cheapest drive that avoids the warning?
Best value today: BIWIN M350 2TB SSD at £199.99 (£100.00/TB), as of 21 October 2026. The lowest price outright is £75.99, for the Ediloca 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen 4x4.
Independent comparison site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation and PS5 are trademarks of Sony.
Last updated: 2026-10-21 06:04:07 UTC. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated on Amazon.co.uk and are subject to change. Any price displayed at the time of purchase will apply. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.