GoKawiilTom's Hardware publishes 2026 guide for installing M.2 SSDs in PS5 consoles
Tom's Hardware has released a step-by-step guide explaining how to install an M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD in a PlayStation 5 to expand storage capacity in 2026. The guide notes that such upgrades are now essential as AAA games grow larger and Sony moves away from physical discs, and confirms that installation with a compatible drive will not void the console's warranty. It also recommends drives like the WD Black SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro, both rated for sequential speeds above 5,500 MB/s.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
As Sony phases out disc-based consoles, players will increasingly rely on digital downloads that consume far more internal storage, making SSD upgrades a practical necessity rather than an optional extra. Clear guidance on safe installation helps consumers avoid warranty issues while managing the ballooning file sizes of modern games.
- M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs with 5,500+ MB/s speeds are recommended for PS5 storage expansion
- Installing a compatible SSD does not void Sony's PS5 warranty if done carefully
- Recommended drives include the WD Black SN850X 2TB and Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 — This is the officially licensed PS5 expansion drive, so it drops straight into the console's M.2 slot with its heatsink already attached—no thermal pad guesswork. It's a clean way to stop the endless uninstall-and-redownload cycle the article describes as modern AAA games balloon in size.
See WD_BLACK SN850P NVMe SSD for PS5 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Zhiye Liu, 2026-09-03
Published there as: “How to install a PS5 SSD in 2026”
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