Best SSD for PS5 to fit GTA 6: requirements and picks

A PS5 takes any M.2 drive that meets Sony's spec, and games run from it at full speed. The spec, how much capacity makes sense for GTA 6, and drives sold with a heatsink that fits the PS5.

Check your console

What Sony requires

Interface
PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe (Gen5 drives work, at Gen4 speed)
Capacity
250 GB to 8 TB
Sequential read
5,500 MB/s or faster recommended
Size
22 mm wide; 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110 long
Heatsink
Required; total height 11.25 mm max (8 mm above the board, 2.45 mm below)

C source: the full requirements list and the installation steps.

Every drive below is PCIe Gen4, reads well above 5,500 MB/s and ships with a heatsink that fits the PS5 slot. A drive without a heatsink needs a low-profile one added before it goes in. Gen3 drives do not meet Sony's requirement.

How much capacity for GTA 6

GTA 6 needs about 275 GB free including its patch and a margin. A 1 TB drive holds it with room for several other large games, and a 2 TB drive holds a library. A drive's formatted capacity is a few percent below the number on the box, as on the console's own SSD.

Drives that meet the spec

All 6 drives meet Sony's spec in their heatsink versions, so the price per TB at the capacity you want decides. Read speeds are manufacturer ratings. We do not list prices because they change daily; the button opens the current Amazon listing.

Western Digital

WD_BLACK SN850X with heatsink

Western Digital sells it with a heatsink sized for the PS5 slot.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Read speed
7,300 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Samsung

Samsung 990 PRO with heatsink

Samsung sells it with a heatsink for PC and PS5.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Read speed
7,450 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Seagate

Seagate FireCuda 530R with heatsink

Seagate sells it with a heatsink for PC and PS5.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Read speed
7,400 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Lexar

Lexar NM790 with heatsink

Lexar sells it with a heatsink and lists the PS5 as a compatible console.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Read speed
7,400 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Corsair

Corsair MP600 PRO LPX

Corsair designed its low-profile heatsink for the PS5 slot. The only drive here sold in 8 TB.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 8 TB
Read speed
7,100 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Kingston

Kingston FURY Renegade with heatsink

Kingston sells it with and without a heatsink. A PS5 needs the heatsink version.

Capacities
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
Read speed
7,300 MB/s C
Install
Heatsink included
Check price

Installing it

  1. Power the console off fully (not rest mode) and unplug it. Wait a minute.
  2. Remove the side cover on the side without the disc drive, then the metal slot cover (one screw).
  3. Move the spacer to the length of your drive (usually 2280), insert the drive at an angle and screw it down.
  4. Replace the covers, power on, and format the drive when the console asks. It takes under a minute.
  5. Set the install location under Settings › Storage › Installation Location if you want new games to go to the M.2 drive by default.

Sony's support page linked above has photos for every step. The whole job takes about ten minutes and the only tool is a Phillips screwdriver.