PlayStation 5 Storage Solutions: The Role of Heatsink SSDs

Are You a PlayStation 5™ (PS5) Owner?

If so, you’re likely aware that in September 2021, Sony enabled the installation of an internal SSD in the PS5 console to increase its storage capacity. This was fantastic news for PS5 users, as the console originally comes with only an 875GB SSD. After accounting for system software, this doesn’t leave much space for gamers, especially considering the large sizes of games in this generation. You certainly don’t want to invest in a PS5 only to face storage issues!

However, this opportunity to expand storage came with a catch: Sony imposed a strict set of requirements. You can’t just install any SSD into the PS5; it must be a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe drive with a minimum read speed of 5500MB/s. Additionally, one notable recommendation that sparked discussion in the gaming community was Sony’s advice that any internal SSD should have effective heat dissipation, which typically involves using a heatsink.

In this article, we’ll explore the role of heatsinks and whether they are truly necessary.

What is a Heatsink?

A heatsink is a cooling device that attaches to your SSD to help dissipate heat away from the component. Typically made from highly conductive materials, heatsinks can efficiently absorb excess heat generated during operation.

Do All SSDs Need a Heatsink?

While SSDs can operate without a heatsink, they are designed to specific standards. As SSD technology advances, drives become faster and smaller, resulting in increased heat generation. The process of reading or writing data requires electricity, which produces heat. To achieve optimal performance, it’s advisable to use a cooling structure like a heatsink to manage the drive's temperature. Although an SSD will function properly without a heatsink, for demanding PC usage, you may want to consider opting for a model that includes one.

Does My PS5 Really Need a Heatsink?

If you’re planning to add an internal SSD for extra storage in your PS5, Sony recommends using a heatsink or some form of cooling structure to prevent performance issues caused by overheating. You can purchase SSDs that come with a heatsink or buy a heatsink separately for installation. We suggest getting a PS5-compatible SSD with a built-in heatsink to avoid the hassle of disassembling your SSD. The Wallnut Renegade SSD with heatsink is ready for PS5 and will effectively cool your drive while maintaining optimal performance. For installation instructions, please refer to our guide on installing an M.2 SSD in a PlayStation 5.

Conclusion

Once you’ve installed an internal SSD with a heatsink in your PS5, you can utilize the additional storage for games, applications, and screenshots without the concern of overheating. Invest in a PS5-compatible SSD with a heatsink and watch your game library grow!