Games take up a lot of storage space, which could be bad news for PlayStation 5 owners. Fortunately, it’s possible to upgrade the storage in Sony’s latest console by installing an M.2 SSD. The catch is that the drive must be fast enough, small enough, and stay cool enough to keep up with the rest of the hardware. Cooling is of particular importance due to the speed these drives run, but the added cost can be a nuisance. Is it safe to save a few bucks and skip the heatsink?
Do PS5 SSDs need a heatsink?
You will need a heatsink if you decide to upgrade the SSD in your PS5. Sony’s instructions specifically state that a heatsink is required for any SSD installed within the PlayStation 5. You’ll also need to make sure the overall size of the drive fits within the console’s M.2 housing.
Thankfully, there are plenty of different PS5-compatible SSDs that either come with a heatsink installed, or offer one as an optional extra. It’s even possible to use aftermarket or third-party heatsinks not factory-matched to your SSD, so long as they fit within Sony’s specifications for size. You may even be able to use an SSD you already own. For more information on the exact specifications, check out more details over on Sony’s website.
Otherwise, the news is good: There are already several low-cost SSD upgrades available, and more are surely on the way. At the time of writing, a 1TB SSD with heatsink runs around $250. From there, cost basically doubles alongside capacity, reaching up to $1,000. Prices are also expected to fall over time both as the technology grows cheaper and as more manufacturers start to produce compatible drives.
Sony says that PS5 SSD upgrades require a heatsink. It would be wise to consider the cost and size of the drive including the heatsink before making your purchase. Otherwise, you risk bricking a console that countless gamers are still struggling to find in stock, let alone purchase.
