PS5 external hard drive: These memories are recommended for the console

storage media
Playstation 5: Five external SSDs for the console in comparison

If the Playstation 5 memory is full, an external hard drive can help to clean up the console. The comparison clarifies what you have to consider with the external storage media.

The integrated SSD of the Playstation 5 offers 825 gigabytes of storage space, of which 667 gigabytes can be used. With the size of current Playstation 5 games, the disk is quickly full. Then it’s time for gamblers to muck out. That’s actually not too bad, the titles can be downloaded again. However, if you have a slow Internet connection, you are well advised to save the games on an external storage medium.

One thing in advance: Unfortunately, the Playstation 5 titles cannot be started from the external hard drive or SSD. To do this, they must first be dragged back onto the console. However, this does not apply to Playstation 4 games. Gamers can easily play them from the external memory. Ideally, you should use the USB ports on the back of the PlayStation 5 to connect external storage media. They offer faster data transfer.

Also important: Invest your money in an external SSD. Although the terms SSD and hard disk are often used simultaneously, they mean something different. Hard drives read and write data mechanically and with the help of a magnetic head. SSDs are flash memory and offer direct access to the data. SSDs are correspondingly faster, saving time and nerves.

1. Western Digital P50 Game Drive SSD 500GB

the Western Digital P50 Game Drive is by far the fastest, but also the smallest external SSD for the Playstation 5 in comparison. Its reading speed is very fast at 2000 megabytes per second (MB/s) and of course the hard drive is also compatible with Xbox and PC. The manufacturer relies on its internal tests for the reading speed.

Of course, this can vary or not be called up if you connect the disk to a USB 2.0 port, for example. Every external SSD can read and write as fast as it wants, only 480 megabits per second (MBit/s) come through, i.e. 60 megabytes per second. Therefore, the external SSD also works with the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 protocol. This offers a maximum data throughput of 20 gigabits per second (GBit/s) and thus 2500 megabytes per second.

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19.11.2021

However, it is questionable whether it makes a noticeable difference for gamers whether an external device reads and writes with 1000 or 2000 MB/s. In the real world, it should only be a few seconds that a game then moves faster from the disk to the PS5. It is therefore advisable to invest the money in a little more memory than speed.

And the P50 Game Drive is significantly more expensive than the competition. Buyers shell out around 100 euros for just 500 gigabytes (GB) of storage space. Slower SSDs with twice the storage cost a lot. The Game Drive is therefore particularly suitable for gamers who always want the best of the best. According to the manufacturer, the case is shockproof. The external memory measures 6.19 centimeters (cm) wide and 11.81 cm long.

2. SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD

PS5 players, known for their talent for constantly dropping things, check out the SanDisk ExtremePortable more closely. According to the manufacturer, the case protects the internal SSD against impact. It is also protected against dust and water according to the IP55 protection standard. Danger: However, the external SSD cannot withstand diving under water!

The reading speed of the SanDisk Extreme Portable is 1050 MB/s. In addition, the Extreme Portable from SanDisk is smaller than the WD P50. It measures a cute 3.97 cm in length and 2.07 cm in width. It fits perfectly in your pocket. It connects to the console and PC via a USB-C port. A plug for USB-A is included.

3.Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD

It’s even better protected Samsung T7 Shield. According to the manufacturer, it even offers IP65 certification and is therefore protected against dust and water jets from all directions. Again, this SSD should not be submerged. According to the manufacturer, it is not only compatible with the Playstation 5, but also with PC, Mac and Xbox if it is formatted accordingly. Its dimensions are 5.9 cm wide and 8.8 cm long. According to the manufacturer, the plate survives falls from a height of up to three meters. Like the external SanDisk SSD, the T7 Shield also works with the USB 3.2 protocol and of course it can be connected to a console or computer via USB-C or USB-A.

4. Western Digital Black D30 Game Drive SSD 1TB

With a read speed of up to 900 MB/s, the WD Black D30 Game Drive to the slightly slower ones in this comparison. Its look is reminiscent of the P50 from the same manufacturer, but the D30 comes with a practical stand. Ideal for buyers who intend to give the external SSD a permanent place next to the Playstation 5. Unfortunately, the SSD only comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable. If you want to connect the hard drive to a laptop or computer via USB-C, you have to buy the appropriate cable. It measures 2.38 cm in width and 5.57 cm in length.

5. Crucial CT1000X6SSD9 X6

The cheapest and slowest external SSD for the Playstation 5 is the Crucial CT1000X6SSD9 X6. Its read speed is 540 MB/s, which is about the same as normal SATA SSD in computers. Unfortunately, the Crucial SSD only connects to the console and other equipment via USB-C. If you use USB-A, you have to buy a converter separately. What makes the Crucial CT1000X6SSD9 X6 special is undoubtedly its design. With a width of 6.9 cm and a length of 6.4, it is almost rectangular and fits in any trouser pocket. Beautiful: According to the manufacturer, it survives falls from a height of up to two meters.

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