PS5 System Software Updates - SSD Info - Atmos, Discord And Streaming

Personally have no issues navigating the new UI and can find my way around pretty easily since launch.
 
Personally have no issues navigating the new UI and can find my way around pretty easily since launch.
I can find my way. But it's too cumbersome. PS4 UI was substantially better in that regard.
 
You may need to consider the cooling requirements for using an M.2 SSD in a PS5, though. “Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink,” explains Sony. “You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format.”

While Sony notes that read speeds on Gen4 drives of 5,500MB/s or faster are recommended, it “cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console.” Playing games from this expandable storage may not have the “exact same performance” provided by the PS5’s internal drive, even if read speeds exceed 5,500MB/s.
 
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1TB for $229.99 no Heat Sink
Samsung 980 Pro

1TB for $249.99 with Heat Sink
WD_BLACK™ SN850 NVMe
 
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The SSD tech they are using are still so new so prices are a barrier right now. Just further tells us what a good deal the PS5 is at the $399/$499 price.
It tells us that nobody should be surprised that the new SSDs on these consoles are expensive.
 
It tells us that nobody should be surprised that the new SSDs on these consoles are expensive.

Well yeah, like all new faster tech, they are expensive at and near launch. Will have to give it 1-2 years for me personally before I even think about upgrading. The current 825gb model is plenty for me as I delete games when I finish them. Only redownload if someone else wants to play something.
 
I paid a bit over $200 2 years ago for a Gen 3 970 Evo so considering how much faster these are, the pricing is fine.
 
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  • Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD
  • Capacity: 250GB – 4TB
  • Cooling structure: Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink. You can attach one to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format. There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in.
  • Sequential read speed: 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended
  • Module width: 22mm width (25mm width is not supported)
  • Form Factor: M.2 type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.
  • These numbers can be found on retail listings for M.2 SSD devices. The first two digits refer to the width, the remaining digits to the length.
  • Socket type: Socket 3 (Key M)
  • Total size including cooling structure:
  • In millimeters: smaller than 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H).
  • In inches: smaller than 4.33in (L) x 0.984 in (W) x 0.442in (H).
  • Length: 30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm, 110mm (corresponding to the form factor type, per above).
  • Width: A 22mm-wide M.2 SSD module is required.
  • The total structure (including an added cooling structure) cannot exceed 25mm (0.984in).
  • Height: The total height of the M.2 SSD and its cooling structure (such as a heatsink) – whether built-in or separate – must be less than 11.25mm (0.442in).
  • The height must also be in the right place, in relation to the M.2 SSD’s circuit board:
  • The size below the board must be less than 2.45mm (0.096in).
  • The total size above the board must be less than 8mm (0.314in).
  • (Note: millimeter measurements are the technical standard and are more precise than inches. We recommend double-checking that the total dimensions of M.2 SSD and heatsink products you’re considering meet the millimeter requirements before purchasing)
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Sh!t, it sounds like I have to be a hardware modder to be able to install an SSD to expand memory for the PS5.

Sony, please make it simple and release a list of supported drives or better yet make your own so I know it works.

Also, WTF is taking Sony so long to implement support for VRR. :smash:
 
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Oooo, looking forward to seeing the tests for those 7-7.3GB/s bad boys and potential improvements.
 
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The support page states: "Before you begin, you'll need:

  • A well-lit room with a table to work on
  • A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver
  • A small flashlight (optional)
There are also 12 steps for the installation itself.

Note: Don't power on or play on your console while the cover is off.
If it is the first time using your M.2 SSD with your PS5 console, you'll need to format your M.2 SSD after installing. When you format your M.2 SSD, any data saved on the drive is erased. Data erased this way can't be recovered, so be careful and make sure you don't erase important data.

Do not turn off the power while saving data or while your M.2 SSD is being formatted. Doing so may cause data loss, corruption, or damage to your M.2 SSD or PS5 console.
Do not use an M.2 SSD without a heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heat sink or heat transfer sheet. Your M.2 SSD may come with such parts or you may need to purchase them separately.
  1. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Console Information to check that the beta system version is installed.
  2. Press and hold the power button for three seconds to turn off your PS5 console, then remove all cables and devices from the console. Wait a while for the PS5 console to cool down.
  3. Place the console on a soft cloth on a flat surface and remove the base.
  4. Position the console so that the screw hole for the base is facing you, the PS logo is facedown and the power button is on your left side.
  5. Place your palms near the top corners and grip the edge of the cover. Gently pull the cover up and towards yourself. You may hear a click.

The cover lifts away. There is a long rectangular cover over the expansion slot, secured with one screw at the top.
  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover (A) and then remove the cover.

  1. Remove the screw (B) and spacer (C), and then adjust the spacer to the size of your M.2 SSD.

  1. Hold the edge of your M.2 SSD, align it with the notch on the expansion connector, and then starting from diagonally upward firmly insert it all the way in.


If you proceed to the next step while your M.2 SSD is incorrectly inserted or not firmly inserted all the way in, it may cause damage to the terminal and your PS5 console.

  1. Tilt your M.2 SSD down and fasten it with screws.

  1. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw.
  2. Replace the cover by positioning it slightly away (about 2 cm or 3/4 inch) from the top edge and sliding it back into place. You’ll hear a click when the cover is secured.

  1. Connect the AC power cord, cables, and base, and then turn on the power.
    When your PS5 console turns on, the formatting guide appears. Follow the on-screen instructions and format your M.2 SSD.
 

The support page states: "Before you begin, you'll need:

  • A well-lit room with a table to work on
  • A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver
  • A small flashlight (optional)
There are also 12 steps for the installation itself.

Note: Don't power on or play on your console while the cover is off.
If it is the first time using your M.2 SSD with your PS5 console, you'll need to format your M.2 SSD after installing. When you format your M.2 SSD, any data saved on the drive is erased. Data erased this way can't be recovered, so be careful and make sure you don't erase important data.

Do not turn off the power while saving data or while your M.2 SSD is being formatted. Doing so may cause data loss, corruption, or damage to your M.2 SSD or PS5 console.
Do not use an M.2 SSD without a heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heat sink or heat transfer sheet. Your M.2 SSD may come with such parts or you may need to purchase them separately.
  1. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Console Information to check that the beta system version is installed.
  2. Press and hold the power button for three seconds to turn off your PS5 console, then remove all cables and devices from the console. Wait a while for the PS5 console to cool down.
  3. Place the console on a soft cloth on a flat surface and remove the base.
  4. Position the console so that the screw hole for the base is facing you, the PS logo is facedown and the power button is on your left side.
  5. Place your palms near the top corners and grip the edge of the cover. Gently pull the cover up and towards yourself. You may hear a click.

The cover lifts away. There is a long rectangular cover over the expansion slot, secured with one screw at the top.
  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover (A) and then remove the cover.

  1. Remove the screw (B) and spacer (C), and then adjust the spacer to the size of your M.2 SSD.

  1. Hold the edge of your M.2 SSD, align it with the notch on the expansion connector, and then starting from diagonally upward firmly insert it all the way in.


If you proceed to the next step while your M.2 SSD is incorrectly inserted or not firmly inserted all the way in, it may cause damage to the terminal and your PS5 console.

  1. Tilt your M.2 SSD down and fasten it with screws.

  1. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw.
  2. Replace the cover by positioning it slightly away (about 2 cm or 3/4 inch) from the top edge and sliding it back into place. You’ll hear a click when the cover is secured.

  1. Connect the AC power cord, cables, and base, and then turn on the power.
    When your PS5 console turns on, the formatting guide appears. Follow the on-screen instructions and format your M.2 SSD.
Feels like this may scare some people away….we putting bets on when the first muck up happens, either damaging their ssd, their ps5 or both?
 
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Hell even as someone that builds their own computer I'd be nervous opening a console. Seems like the covers on the PS5 are easy to take off at least. Either way I only play a handful of games at a time (usually one story based, a couple sports, racing, etc so 1TB it comes with is more than enough. Plus fast Internet so doesn't take long to download something quick.
 
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The support page states: "Before you begin, you'll need:

  • A well-lit room with a table to work on
  • A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver
  • A small flashlight (optional)
There are also 12 steps for the installation itself.

Note: Don't power on or play on your console while the cover is off.
If it is the first time using your M.2 SSD with your PS5 console, you'll need to format your M.2 SSD after installing. When you format your M.2 SSD, any data saved on the drive is erased. Data erased this way can't be recovered, so be careful and make sure you don't erase important data.

Do not turn off the power while saving data or while your M.2 SSD is being formatted. Doing so may cause data loss, corruption, or damage to your M.2 SSD or PS5 console.
Do not use an M.2 SSD without a heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heat sink or heat transfer sheet. Your M.2 SSD may come with such parts or you may need to purchase them separately.
  1. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Console Information to check that the beta system version is installed.
  2. Press and hold the power button for three seconds to turn off your PS5 console, then remove all cables and devices from the console. Wait a while for the PS5 console to cool down.
  3. Place the console on a soft cloth on a flat surface and remove the base.
  4. Position the console so that the screw hole for the base is facing you, the PS logo is facedown and the power button is on your left side.
  5. Place your palms near the top corners and grip the edge of the cover. Gently pull the cover up and towards yourself. You may hear a click.

The cover lifts away. There is a long rectangular cover over the expansion slot, secured with one screw at the top.
  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover (A) and then remove the cover.

  1. Remove the screw (B) and spacer (C), and then adjust the spacer to the size of your M.2 SSD.

  1. Hold the edge of your M.2 SSD, align it with the notch on the expansion connector, and then starting from diagonally upward firmly insert it all the way in.


If you proceed to the next step while your M.2 SSD is incorrectly inserted or not firmly inserted all the way in, it may cause damage to the terminal and your PS5 console.

  1. Tilt your M.2 SSD down and fasten it with screws.

  1. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw.
  2. Replace the cover by positioning it slightly away (about 2 cm or 3/4 inch) from the top edge and sliding it back into place. You’ll hear a click when the cover is secured.

  1. Connect the AC power cord, cables, and base, and then turn on the power.
    When your PS5 console turns on, the formatting guide appears. Follow the on-screen instructions and format your M.2 SSD.

For people who build their own PC's, sounds like an easy DIY. It just looks like a lot because of all the words but the actual doing it is probably quite simple. Like all DIY's the first time will take you some time as you read through the steps but once you've done it once, it will be a cinch for the next time. I pretty much read through it and it sounds just like a M.2 SSD swap for your own PC with all the removing side casing of your desktop case and putting it all back together. Doesn't sound too hard tbh.
 
It sure does look like a lot more work is involved in upgrading storage on the PS5 in comparison to XSX. But at least its something we will most likely have to do once so I think its worth the extra work so we don't have to delete games so often.

I'll wait until I read about drives that are sure to work and endorsed by Sony. I don't want to rush and purchase and install the wrong SSD.
 
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It sure does look like a lot more work is involved in upgrading storage on the PS5 in comparison to XSX. But at least its something we will most likely have to do once so I think its worth the extra work so we don't have to delete games so often.

I'll wait until I read about drives that are sure to work and endorsed by Sony. I don't want to rush and purchase and install the wrong SSD.

Just saw Tom Warren do it. Actually it looks pretty easy. Much easier seeing it than reading all that wall of text.

Easily worth the extra literal minute for the $/performance you could potentially get.

 
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Some good info here. More to come as DF tests these out.


For what it's worth, I installed a couple of drives to check they'd physically fit, and the process is very straightforward - take off the PS5's shell, unscrew the drive cover, remove the drive screw and spacer, put the spacer in the position marked 2280, insert the drive, screw it in through the spacer, then replace the drive cover and shell. All told, it'll probably take most newcomers only a few minutes to complete, so don't be too worried about it!

As you can see from the table above, there are quite a few requirements, particularly around the heatsink size, but there should be a good selection of compatible drives available very soon. We're still contacting drive makers to confirm which drives will 100% be compatible and we're looking forward to testing out the new functionality ourselves, but for now here are drives that meet Sony's listed requirements:

Seagate FireCuda 530 (heatsink version available) - $255/£200 for 1TB
Western Digital Black SN850 (heatsink version available) - $250/£218 for 1TB
Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen 4 7000S - $199/£188 for 1TB
Patriot Viper VP4300 - $225/£210 for 1TB
Samsung 980 Pro (requires additional heatsink) - $199/£178 for 1TB
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus (requires additional heatsink) - $199/£199 for 1TB
Corsair MP600 Pro (requires shorter heatsink) - $199/£185 for 1TB
Inland Performance Plus (requires different heatsink) - $189 for 1TB

Note that the Aorus NVMe drive is listed as being 11.4mm tall, just above the 11.25mm maximum height, but I tested the same heatsink with a drive inserted and it seems to fit OK, not preventing the drive cover from being installed. It's possible that Sony's threshold is a bit conservative, or that a small air buffer is needed for the drive to be cooled adequately. We're leaving it on our list of recommendations for now, and we aim to test this as soon as possible.

Similarly, the Corsair MP600 Pro is fast enough to work, but comes with a 15mm heatsink - thankfully, this is easily removable and can be replaced with a shorter alternative for a minimal expense (less than £10/$10).

Screenshot_20210729-182942.png
 
This is interesting.

Insomniac Games tested some drives that met the recommended specs that gave almost indistinguishable results from the internal default SSD.

Below-spec SSD's gave up to 15% slower loading in the most SSD stressed areas of the game.



 
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It makes xbox version of their memory a bargain bin

No, you are paying more for convenience.

Open market > proprietary always.

One benefit is you get to pick and choose what you want. You get to choose the quality rather than some generic drive and in this way, you will always get more bang for your buck on the open market.

Second is you also get the benefit of buying any of the compatible SSD's on big sale events like Black Friday, Boxing day etc so lower prices.

Third, prices will only get cheaper with time.
 
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Xbox owners can use what they want soon and will still just be a case of plugging it in.