NVMe Up: PS5 Storage Without Tears

You can add fast, internal storage to a PS5 in under 30 minutes. This guide picks the right drive and heatsink, shows each step of the install, and ends with formatting, a speed test, and a sensible game-move plan. No data loss, no mystery screws, no stress.

What You Need

Compatible SSD

PCIe Gen4 x4, M.2 2280 size (80 mm length).
Sequential read spec around 5500 MB/s or higher (PS5 checks this during format but it’s an indicator, not gospel).
Single-sided is easiest for cooling; double-sided works if the heatsink supports it.

Heatsink & Tools

Low-profile heatsink with thermal pad that fits the PS5 bay height. Many “PS5-ready” kits include pad + screws.
Small Phillips screwdriver, clean cloth, good lighting.

Don’t skip the heatsink. The bay has limited airflow; a bare drive will throttle under long installs and heat up your evening.

Backup & Prep (5 Minutes)

Sync saves to the cloud (PS Plus) or copy to USB if you prefer.
Shut down the PS5 completely (not Rest Mode). Unplug power and HDMI. Let it sit 60 seconds to discharge.
Clear a soft surface (towel) to avoid scratches when removing the cover.

Open Sesame: Removing the Cover

Lay the PS5 with the logo side down, power button facing away from you.
Grip the top right of the cover, gently lift the corner, and slide the panel toward the base. It pops off with little force.
You’ll see the M.2 bay with a small metal cover held by a single screw.

Install the SSD (10 Minutes)

Unscrew the bay cover and set the screw/spacer aside. The spacer sits in a groove labeled 30/42/60/80; you’ll use “80” for a 2280 drive.
Move the spacer nut to the “80” position.
Peel the thermal pad liners from your heatsink (both sides if required).
Insert the SSD at a shallow angle into the M.2 slot; it will spring up slightly.
Gently press the far end down to meet the spacer and secure with the small screw.
Attach the heatsink according to its instruction (some mount above, others replace the bay lid). Ensure nothing exceeds the bay height.
Reinstall the PS5’s metal bay cover if your heatsink design requires it. Some “integrated” heatsinks become the cover; that’s fine too.

Don’t overtighten. It’s easy to strip the tiny screw. Snug is perfect.

Reassemble & Format

Slide the outer cover back on (opposite of removal) until it clicks.
Reconnect power and HDMI, boot the PS5. It should detect the new M.2 drive and prompt for formatting.
Follow the on-screen format steps. The PS5 will run a quick read speed test and show a number; small variations are normal.

Move & Manage Games (Smart Strategy)

Best use of each drive

Internal M.2: PS5 games you play frequently, especially those with big texture streams.
Built-in console SSD: Your “active rotation”—the 2–3 titles you boot daily.
External USB SSD/HDD: PS4 games and cold storage. You can copy PS5 titles here to free space, then copy back later.

Move process

Go to Settings → Storage, select a game, choose Move and pick the target drive.
Large games move faster M.2 ⇄ internal than to USB. Queue overnight if needed.

Thermals & Health

Heatsink should be warm to the touch during long installs—this is good; it’s shedding heat.
If you see warnings or crashes, reseat the SSD, confirm pad contact, and make sure the heatsink doesn’t touch other components.
Dust the console every few months. A clogged intake makes the entire system run hotter.

Common Pitfalls (And Easy Fixes)

Drive not detected

Reinsert fully; the notch must align. Try again with the spacer in the “80” position.
Check that the heatsink isn’t preventing the drive from seating.

Format loop / errors

Power off completely, reseat, then reboot. If still failing, try another thermal pad thickness—too thick can lift the drive.

Overheating in long installs

Use a higher-quality low-profile heatsink; ensure pads contact the controller and NAND.
Give the console more breathing room; avoid closed cabinets.

FAQ

Do I void the warranty?

No—Sony designed the bay for user upgrades. Be gentle and don’t damage the seals elsewhere.

Is a super-high read speed mandatory?

The PS5’s internal I/O pipeline is excellent; drives with 5000–7000 MB/s spec all perform well. Game load time differences are usually small. Reliability and thermals matter more.

What about double-sided SSDs?

They work if the heatsink and pad thickness are designed for both sides. Ensure bay height clearance.