With the PlayStation 5, as well as the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, you can use up to three different storage types. So, what are the differences between the Console Storage, M.2 SSD Storage and USB Extended Storage?
You can find out in this comparison guide from Seeking Tech.
What is the Console Storage on PS5?
The Console Storage refers to the built-in solid state drive of the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
What is the M.2 SSD Storage on PS5?
The M.2 SSD Storage refers to the solid state drive that is currently installed on the M.2 slot of the PlayStation 5 system.
What is the USB Extended Storage on PS5?
The USB Extended Storage refers to the external hard disk drive or external solid state drive that is connected to the USB Type-A port or USB Type-C port of the PlayStation 5 system.
Requirements
When it comes to requirements, the Console Storage is built right into the PS5. Thus, it doesn’t have any requirements.
The M.2 SSD Storage has the most complicated requirements as the PlayStation 5 only supports the PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with a maximum sequential reading speed of at least 5500 MB per second as well as a socket type of Socket 3 (Key M). Furthermore, a single-sided or double-sided heatsink is also recommended.
The overall size of the M.2 should be no more than 110 mm (or 4.33 in) in length and 25 mm (or 0.984 in) in width. Moreover, the SSD should be not taller than 11.25 mm (or 0.442 in) with 2.45 mm (0.096 in) of clearance below the SSD as well as 8 mm (0.314 in) clearance above the SSD.
For the USB Extended Storage, you need either a USB Type-A connector or USB Type-C connector with the SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps) or later.
Capacity
The Console Storage of the PlayStation 5 has a capacity of 825 GB. However, a good chunk of the free space is reserved for the system files. Therefore, you have a very limited amount of space available.
With the M.2 SSD Storage, the capacity ranges from a required minimum of 250 GB to a maximum of 4 TB.
The USB Extended Storage offers the biggest capacities with a maximum of 8 TB. It also has a minimum capacity requirement of 250 GB.
Installation
The Console Storage doesn’t require any installation as the SSD is already soldered onto the motherboard of the PlayStation 5.
The M.2 SSD Storage easily has the most complicated process as it requires you to remove the outer case of the system. To find out how you can install the FireCuda 530, WD_BLACK SN850 and AORUS 7000S to your PS5, you can check out this tutorial.
The installation process for the USB Extended Storage is simpler although you do need to format the drive. To see how you can format the Samsung T5 and Samsung T7 for the PS5, you can check out this guide.
File Types
The Console Storage offers the best compatibility when it comes to storing different file types. With the internal solid state drive of the PlayStation 5, you can store PS5 games, PS4 games, saved data, screen shots and video clips.
With the M.2 SSD Storage and USB Extended Storage, you can only store PS5 and PS4 games.
Speed
The Console Storage and M.2 SSD Storage should be much faster than the USB Extended Storage when it comes to reading and writing speeds.
Playing Games
You can play both PS5 games as well as backwards compatible PS4 games directly on the Console Storage and M.2 SSD Storage.
With the USB Extended Storage, you can only play backwards compatible PS4 games.
Where to find the Console Storage, M.2 SSD Storage and USB Extended Storage?
To find the location of your Console Storage, M.2 SSD Storage and USB Extended Storage in the PlayStation 5 menus, you need to take the following steps:
1. You should be in the Home Screen on the PlayStation 5. This is the main system menu where you can go to the PlayStation Store, select which videogame to play and more.
If you are playing a game or using an application on the PS5, you can press and hold the PS button on your DualSense controller to bright up the Home Screen.
2. From the Home Screen, you need to get to Settings.
You can do so by selecting the “Settings” option, which has the gear icon, located on the top right corner of the Home Screen.
3. Inside the “Settings” menu, you need to select the “Storage” option.
4. Inside the “Storage” menu, you will find the Console Storage, M.2 SSD Storage and USB Extended Storage.
You can use this menu to reformat a drive, delete files and move files between the three storage types.