If you own a Sony PlayStation 5, you’ll inevitably need more disk space to store your games. However, as the latest generation of games consoles relies on ultra-fast solid state memory, plugging in an external hard drive will only take you so far.
While you can copy and store games on external drives, data transfers are too slow for the PS5’s ultra-quick start-up times, in-game world loading and seamless play. This means that while you can store games on external drives, you can’t play them from there, as only internal storage is fast enough.
Until a recent software patch, there was no way to increase the PS5’s internal storage. Since then, you can add your own internal memory, but only the high-performance kind. For example, it will need to be an M.2 type Gen 4 NVMe solid state drive, but not all of these will work.
Here’s a handy table for the PlayStation 5’s memory upgrade requirements:
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Capacity | 250GB – 4TB |
| Cooling | Effective heatsink or other cooling structure needed |
| Read speed | Minimum 5,500MB/s |
| Module width | 22mm width (no support for 25mm) |
| Form factor | M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 |
| Socket type | Socket 3 (Key M) |
| Total size (including cooling structure) | 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H) or smaller |
PNY XLR8 CS3140 for PS5
PNY, a leading supplier of flash memory cards since 1985, has seen a large uptake in its XLR8 CS3140 memory upgrade solution. This is a M.2 NVMe Gen 4×4 solid state drive that ticks all the boxes for PS5 compatibility, and there’s also a matching XLR8 PS5 SSD heatsink to keep things cool.
The XLR8 CS3140 is designed for next generation gaming and positioned as an entry upgrade for those looking for high-performance memory at a reasonable price. And, as the XLR8 CS3140 supports the NVMe Gen 4.0 protocol, it can deliver outstanding performance on PCs too with sequential speeds up to 7,500MB/s Read and 6,850MB/s Write. (A NVMe PCIe Gen 4×4 host device is required to attain these speeds.)
Key features of the XLR8 CS3140 M.2 NVMe Gen4x4 Solid State Drive:
- Designed for gamers
- Comes in 1, 2 and 4 terabytes
- 13 times faster than SATA based SSDs
- Transfer speed up to 7,500 MB/s
- Faster boot-up and quicker application launch
- Better overall system performance, reliable storage
- Low power consumption, cool and quiet operation
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Looking good and staying cool
Sony requires that SSDs upgrades be kept cool with a heatsink. PNY has you covered with its specially matched XLR8 PS5 SSD heatsink. This is designed to integrate with the PS5’s cover and existing heatsink, and provides additional cooling to maximise performance. It also looks great with a striking striped design and is made from extruded aluminium.
Key features of PNY’s new XLR8 PS5 SSD heatsink:
- Design to integrate PS5 SSD cover and heatsink
- Integrated extruded aluminium heatsink offers improved thermal performance for PlayStation’s demanding applications and high-end games
- Includes spare screws and thermal pads
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
PNY’s XLR8 CS3140 M.2 NVMe Gen4x4 Solid State Drive and the new PNY XLR8 PS5 SSD heatsink are available from retailers across Australia and New Zealand.
