Alright, so you’ve got a PS5, and you're pumped for the games—until you realize those games gobble up storage like there's no tomorrow! The PS5 comes with a decent amount of space, but let’s be real, it’s not enough for all the AAA titles, patches, and updates you’re throwing at it. Enter the external hard drives—the lifesavers for anyone looking to expand storage without deleting beloved games. Let's dive into the top options that'll give you more space to play.
Why You Need an External Hard Drive for PS5
The PS5's internal SSD offers incredible speed, but with only around 825 GB (and even less usable space after the OS), you're bound to run out fast. An external hard drive can store all your PS4 games and even save PS5 titles you’re not currently playing. However, keep in mind that due to the PS5's storage limitations, you can't play PS5 games directly from an external drive; it’s purely for storage management.
Key Features to Look for in an External Hard Drive
When picking out the best external hard drive, you’ll want to focus on:
- Storage Capacity: More space, fewer worries. Most players find 1TB-2TB sufficient, but for hardcore gamers, 4TB or more might be ideal.
- Speed: Go for SSD if you can; they're faster and more durable. HDDs are cheaper and come in higher capacities, but with slower speeds.
- Compatibility: Look for drives officially compatible with PS5 or at least plug-and-play.
- Durability: Gaming is an intense affair. A drive that can withstand a bit of a bump is a bonus.
Top External Hard Drives for PS5
1. Seagate Game Drive for PS4 (4TB)
Capacity: 4TB
Type: HDD
Price: $$
This one’s a classic. Although it’s a PS4 drive, it works seamlessly with PS5. You get a massive 4TB space—perfect for a huge PS4 library, especially if you're into replays. While it's an HDD, it delivers reliable performance, and the setup is literally plug-and-play.
2. WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD (1TB)
Capacity: 1TB
Type: SSD
Price: $$$
If speed is your thing, WD_Black P50 is the drive to go for. It’s pricey, but you’re paying for ultra-fast loading times and a slick design. With 2000 MB/s transfer speeds, it handles PS4 game transfers to the PS5 storage like a breeze.
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD (2TB)
Capacity: 2TB
Type: SSD
Price: $$
Lightweight, super-fast, and compact, the Samsung T7 has a reputation for high-speed transfers. It’s an SSD, which means faster loading times and fewer delays when copying PS4 games over. It's also durable, which is ideal if you plan on taking your drive on the go.
4. Toshiba Canvio Basics (1TB)
Capacity: 1TB
Type: HDD
Price: $
Budget-friendly and solid, Toshiba Canvio Basics is perfect if you’re looking to expand storage without spending too much. It’s straightforward, no-frills storage that does what it’s supposed to.
Best SSD vs. HDD: Which is Better for PS5?
For PS5 users, SSD is the way to go if you’re after speed and don’t mind paying a bit more. However, if you need a lot of storage space for less money, HDDs are ideal. Remember, you can’t play PS5 games directly from an external drive, but SSDs are useful for quicker transfers.
How to Set Up Your External Hard Drive for PS5
- Plug it in: Connect your drive via USB.
- Format the Drive: Go to
Settings>Storage>USB Extended Storage, and format it for use. - Transfer PS4 Games: Move games from the internal storage to free up space.
Final Thoughts
Getting an external hard drive for your PS5 is the smart way to store games, especially if you have a massive library of PS4 titles you still love. From high-capacity HDDs to ultra-fast SSDs, the options above are designed to give you more space without the headache of deleting your favorite games.
Happy gaming, and may your storage never run dry!
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