Does the Samsung 990 EVO work in a PS5?
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Works, but below spec. It is a Gen4 NVMe drive, so the PS5 accepts it, but its 5,000 MB/s read speed is under Sony's 5,500 MB/s recommendation. Cheapest listing today: £351.23.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
How the Samsung 990 EVO measures up
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| PS5 compatible | Works, below spec |
| Interface | PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe, M.2 2280 |
| Sequential read (up to) | 5,000 MB/s |
| Sequential write (up to) | 4,200 MB/s |
| Sony's recommended read speed | 5,500 MB/s or faster |
| NAND type | TLC |
| DRAM cache | No (host memory buffer) |
| Controller | Samsung Piccolo |
| Endurance | About 600 TBW per TB (1,200 TBW at 2TB) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Capacities | 1TB, 2TB |
| Heatsink version | No, sold bare |
| Officially PlayStation-licensed | No |
| Launched | 2024 |
Figures are the maker's published "up to" ratings, checked October 2026 against the maker's sheet 1 and the maker's sheet 2.
Why the Samsung 990 EVO falls short
Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster (see Sony's M.2 SSD requirements). The Samsung 990 EVO is rated at 5,000 MB/s. Because it is a Gen4 NVMe drive the PS5 will format and use it, but it sits 500 MB/s under the recommendation.
It is usable rather than recommended. After its read test the PS5 may warn that the speed is under the recommended figure, and you can continue regardless. We keep drives like this out of the main ranking and list them as "below spec".
The 990 EVO Plus is the model that clears the recommendation at 7,250 MB/s. The plain 990 EVO tops out at 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write.
What to buy instead
The like-for-like swap is the Samsung 990 EVO Plus, rated at 7,250 MB/s. To shop on price alone among drives that pass, use the cheapest PS5 SSDs or the best value PS5 SSDs.
Already own the 990 EVO? There is no need to bin it. Install it, note the read speed the console reports, and judge by how your games behave.
Cooling the 990 EVO in a PS5
The Samsung 990 EVO is sold bare, with no factory heatsink version. Sony requires a heat dissipation structure, so add a low-profile M.2 heatsink that keeps the total under 11.25mm. For reference, Sony's M.2 SSD requirements allow a module up to 11.25mm thick and 25mm wide.
See standalone PS5 heatsinks for coolers that fit, or the 11.25mm height guide for the rule in full.
Where to go next
Every rule a drive has to meet is set out in PS5 SSD requirements; the short version is which SSD is compatible with the PS5. Look up another drive on the PS5 SSD model index or browse Samsung drives that pass. Fitted a drive that does not show up? Try PS5 SSD not detected.
Live listings of this model
| Product | Capacity | Price | Price per TB | Tech | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD 2 TB, PCIe 4.0 x4 / PCIe 5.0 x2, NVMe 2.0 (2280), read/write speeds up to 5,000/4,200 MB/s, Internal SSD (Solid State Drive), MZ-V9E2T0BW | 2 TB | £351.23 | £175.62 | NVMe | - | Buy on Amazon |
Related comparisons and guides
Other places to go from here: PS5 SSD requirements, Which SSD is compatible?, Cheapest PS5 SSD, Read speed too slow warning, All models, 2TB.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Samsung 990 EVO work in a PS5?
Yes, but below Sony's recommended speed. Works, but below spec. It is a Gen4 NVMe drive, so the PS5 accepts it, but its 5,000 MB/s read speed is under Sony's 5,500 MB/s recommendation.
What does the PS5 say when you fit a 990 EVO?
Quite possibly. The console measures read speed when it formats the drive and warns if the result is under what Sony recommends. The warning can be dismissed.
What should I buy instead of the 990 EVO?
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus, rated at 7,250 MB/s, is the nearest option that meets Sony's recommendation. Compare live prices on the cheapest PS5 SSD page.
Is the answer different on a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro?
No. All three consoles use the same slot and the same rules, so the verdict carries over, provided the heatsink fits.
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Last updated: 2026-10-20 18:05:21 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.