As PlayStation 5 games continue to grow in size, gamers are finding that the console&rsquo;s internal SSD space quickly fills up. Managing your game library can become a hassle, with large AAA titles taking up significant storage. Fortunately, using an external SSD for your PS5 is an excellent solution for expanding storage and organizing games more efficiently. In this guide, we&rsquo;ll explain everything you need to know about using an external SSD for the PS5, from setting it up to choosing the best drive for your gaming needs.

One of the most common questions from gamers is whether PS5 games can be played directly from an external SSD. The short answer is no&mdash;PS5 games must be stored and played from the console&rsquo;s internal SSD. The reason for this restriction lies in the speed requirements of PS5 games.
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<h3><a name="_h6x9w9w9xqjx"></a>Speed Limitations</h3>
The PS5&rsquo;s internal SSD is designed with cutting-edge technology that delivers<a href="https://www.theverge.com/23803210/ps5-xbox-storage-drive-how-to" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ultra-fast read speeds</a> of up to 5.5 GB/s. This allows the console to load high-resolution assets, maintain seamless open-world environments, and enable near-instantaneous game transitions. External SSDs, even those using USB 3.2, do not meet the speed threshold required for these advanced capabilities. External SSDs typically offer speeds around<a href="https://www.easeus.com/partition-master/ps-5-ssd-speed-test.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 500MB/s to 1,000MB/s</a>, which, while fast, falls short of the PS5&rsquo;s internal SSD performance.

Can You Play PS5 Games on an External SSD?

Although PS5 games cannot run from an external SSD, PS4 games can. This leads to the question: Why is there a difference? The answer lies in the vastly different storage architectures of the two consoles.
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<h3><a name="_vy9tao769s73"></a>PS4 Games&rsquo; Lower Storage Demands</h3>
PS4 games were originally designed to work with traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which have read speeds of around 100MB/s. Since these games do not rely on ultra-fast data transfer speeds, they can be stored and played directly from an external SSD without any issues. Even a modest external SSD can significantly improve loading times for PS4 games, making it a popular option for those upgrading from slower, mechanical HDDs.
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<h3><a name="_uwvgmz9yaxwl"></a>PS5&rsquo;s Advanced Storage Requirements</h3>
On the other hand, PS5 games are optimized for the console&rsquo;s high-speed internal SSD, which allows developers to create more detailed environments, larger open worlds, and smoother gameplay. This reliance on fast data access makes it impossible for external SSDs to match the performance required for playing PS5 titles.

Why Can PS4 Games Run from an External SSD, but Not PS5 Games?

Even though you can&rsquo;t play PS5 games directly from an external SSD, there are still several compelling reasons why an external SSD is a valuable addition to your gaming setup.
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<h3><a name="_g3b3yf9y73st"></a>1. Unlock Limited Internal SSD Capacity</h3>
The PS5 comes with an internal SSD that offers about 667 GB of usable storage, and this can fill up quickly with large AAA games that often take up 50GB to 100GB each. Using an external SSD, you can store PS4 games or PS5 titles you&rsquo;re not actively playing, freeing up space on the internal SSD for the games you use most frequently.
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<h3><a name="_dqz2qv1n9bj6"></a>2. Avoiding Frequent Downloads</h3>
Instead of constantly deleting and re-downloading games to make room on your PS5&rsquo;s internal drive, you can store games on an external SSD and transfer them back to the internal SSD as needed. Transferring a game from an external SSD to an internal drive is much faster than downloading it again from the internet, saving both time and bandwidth.
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<h3><a name="_pcjsxaebkg9k"></a>3. Keeping Game Libraries Organized</h3>
An external SSD helps you manage your game library more effectively. By keeping PS4 games or less frequently played PS5 games on the external drive, you can ensure that your internal SSD remains uncluttered. This organization makes managing ongoing campaigns, multiplayer games, and new releases easier without overloading the internal storage.

Reasons for Using External SSDs for PS5

Setting up an external SSD for your PS5 is simple and can be completed in just a few steps. Here&rsquo;s how to do it:
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<h3><a name="_qz75bew4inl9"></a>1. Connect to PS5 with the Rear USB Port</h3>
Use a compatible USB 3.0 or higher cable to connect the SSD to one of the rear USB ports on the PS5 console. Using the rear ports for optimal performance is important, as the front ports may not support the full bandwidth required for fast data transfers.
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<h3><a name="_d4i6x7ox7mo8"></a>2. Navigate to the Storage Settings</h3>
<ul>
<li>Access Settings: Go to the top-right corner of the PS5 dashboard and select the gear icon to enter the Settings menu.</li>
<li>Find Storage Options: Within the Settings menu, navigate to &ldquo;Storage&rdquo; and select &ldquo;USB Extended Storage&rdquo; to manage external storage devices.</li>
</ul>
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<h3><a name="_yzcaqkp96xuy"></a>3. Format the SSD for PS5 Use</h3>
<ul>
<li>Select the SSD: Choose the SSD you&rsquo;ve connected to the PS5.</li>
<li>Format the SSD: The system will prompt you to format the drive for PS5 use. Keep in mind that formatting the drive will erase all data on the SSD, so ensure that you&rsquo;ve backed up any important files before proceeding.</li>
<li>Follow the Prompts: Confirm the formatting process, and the PS5 will configure the SSD for game and media storage. This process should only take a few moments.</li>
</ul>
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<h3><a name="_8ojv1kcvyk3y"></a>4. Verify the SSD is Set Up Properly</h3>
<ul>
<li>Check Storage Status: After formatting, the SSD should appear in the &ldquo;USB Extended Storage&rdquo; section under &ldquo;Storage.&rdquo; You can now view the available capacity and use the SSD to store PS4 games, media files, and other data.</li>
</ul>
<h2><a name="_ls96b3q3aj71"></a>&nbsp;</h2>

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an External SSD for PS5

When selecting an external SSD for your PS5, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure optimal performance and storage management.
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<h3><a name="_1osgrh4npfry"></a>1. Storage Capacity</h3>
The size of your game library will dictate how much storage you need. For gamers with smaller collections or those primarily playing PS4 games, a 1TB SSD should suffice. However, if you frequently download and store multiple large AAA titles, consider investing in a 2TB SSD or larger to accommodate your growing game library.
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<h3><a name="_ekh038pcmfzn"></a>2. High Read/Write Speeds</h3>
Look for SSDs with high read and write speeds to ensure quick data transfers when moving games between the internal SSD and external storage. While an external SSD won&rsquo;t match the speeds of the PS5&rsquo;s internal SSD, you should aim for an external drive with read speeds of at least 500MB/s for efficient transfers.
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<h3><a name="_v2ufv39t2zkt"></a>3. Compatibility</h3>
Ensure that the external SSD supports USB 3.0 or higher to guarantee compatibility with the PS5. Also, check that the SSD is compatible with the PS5&rsquo;s file system requirements, such as exFAT, to avoid setup issues.
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<h3><a name="_k243pitj6pvz"></a>4. Additional Features</h3>
If you plan to travel with your SSD or move it between different gaming setups, consider features like shockproof designs, heat resistance, and compact sizes for easy portability and durability. Some SSDs also come with additional features like water resistance, which can further protect your data.

Choosing the Right External SSD for PS5

When it comes to expanding storage for your PS5, ADATA offers a range of external SSDs optimized for gaming, delivering fast performance, durability, and efficient heat management.
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<ul>
<li>ADATA SC750 External SSD: Offering read/write speeds of 1,050/1,000 MB/s, this SSD is lightweight, designed for mobile use, and compatible with the latest gaming consoles like the PS5. It&rsquo;s an excellent choice for gamers looking to transfer and store large game files quickly and efficiently.</li>
<li>ADATA SE920 External SSD: With USB4 40Gbps Type-C connectivity and blazing read/write speeds of 3,800/3,700 MB/s, the SE920 is perfect for gamers who need high-speed performance. Its built-in micro fan enhances heat dissipation, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted gaming sessions even during long play periods.</li>
</ul>
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Explore the<a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/external-ssds-and-hard-drives/?brand=consumer&amp;type=External+SSD&amp;filterList=Application%3D%5B%22Game+Library%22%5D"> </a><a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/external-ssds-and-hard-drives/?brand=consumer&amp;type=External+SSD&amp;filterList=Application%3D%5B%22Game+Library%22%5D" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ADATA External SSD product line</a> to find the best SSD for your PS5 setup. Whether you&rsquo;re prioritizing speed, durability, or cooling features, ADATA has the perfect SSD to enhance your gaming experience.

Recommended External SSD Models for Gaming on PS5

Discover how an external SSD can unlock more space on your PS5 and provide faster game transfers for an optimal gaming experience