Samsung 990 Pro for PS5: heatsink version or bare drive?
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Buy the Samsung 990 Pro with its heatsink unless the bare drive is cheaper by more than the cost of a decent slim heatsink, roughly £8 to £12. The factory heatsink is 8.2mm tall, is known to fit the PS5 bay, and saves a fiddly job with thermal pads. We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
990 Pro: heatsink version vs bare drive
| With heatsink | Bare drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Ready to install in a PS5 | Yes | No, add a heatsink first |
| Total height | 8.2mm (limit 11.25mm) | Depends on the heatsink you add |
| Performance in a PS5 | Identical | Identical once cooled |
| Reuse in a laptop later | No, too thick for most laptops | Yes |
| Cheapest 2TB today | £424.87 | None in stock |
The verdict
Buy the Samsung 990 Pro with its heatsink unless the bare drive is cheaper by more than the cost of a decent slim heatsink, roughly £8 to £12. The factory heatsink is 8.2mm tall, is known to fit the PS5 bay, and saves a fiddly job with thermal pads.
We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
If you buy the bare drive
Sony requires a heat dissipation structure on any M.2 SSD in the console (see Sony's M.2 SSD requirements). Choose a low-profile heatsink that keeps drive plus cooler under 11.25mm: standalone PS5 heatsinks lists ones sold for the job, and the 11.25mm height guide explains the measurement.
Background on the drive itself is on the Samsung 990 Pro page. To see every drive that ships ready to fit, go to PS5 SSDs with a heatsink; for bare drives only, PS5 SSDs without a heatsink. Whether a heatsink is needed at all is answered in does a PS5 SSD need a heatsink.
Compatible drives, live prices
Related comparisons and guides
Useful next steps: All models, 2TB, With heatsink, Cheapest PS5 SSD, PS5 SSD requirements, Best value PS5 SSD.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the Samsung 990 Pro with or without the heatsink for a PS5?
Buy the Samsung 990 Pro with its heatsink unless the bare drive is cheaper by more than the cost of a decent slim heatsink, roughly £8 to £12. The factory heatsink is 8.2mm tall, is known to fit the PS5 bay, and saves a fiddly job with thermal pads.
How much more is the 990 Pro heatsink version today?
We cannot compare the two today: only the heatsink version has a compatible new 2TB listing in stock as of 21 October 2026.
Is the 990 Pro heatsink version slower or faster?
Neither. It is the same drive with a cooler attached. The heatsink only stops the drive throttling under sustained load; it does not raise the speed.
Can I remove the 990 Pro heatsink later?
It is not designed to come off, and removing it risks damaging the drive and its warranty. If you might move the drive to a laptop one day, buy the bare version.
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Last updated: 2026-10-20 06:04:41 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.