The storage expansion feature in PS5 has stretched the door of gamers wide enough to significantly boost the performance of their console, funding it alongside an extra storage capacity. A gamer is just a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD away from installing more games, experiencing faster load times, and seamless performance – all without a frustrating rearrangement between internal and external drives.
This adaptability has made the SSD upgrades more popular among PS5 users. Since the game sizes are significantly growing in size, some games even bigger than 100 GB, many gamers have shifted their needs to a performance-oriented high-speed SSD to future-proof their setup.
However, there is one major problem, and it is an ongoing debate in the PS5 user community. Does your PS5 SSD need a Heatsink?
While the brand recommends one, opinions vary when we take different models into consideration, and also the gaming habits of particular users. In this article, we will help you decide whether, as a PS5 user, you need a heatsink or not.
What is a Heatsink and How Does it work?6
A heatsink is a cooling device that is designed to absorb and remove heat from the electronic components, helping the user to operate the setup within a safe temperature threshold. It typically is made of metal, usually aluminium or copper, due to its super thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, with fins and ridges designed to increase the surface area for heat to spread out and cool more efficiently.
SSDs – especially the NVMe models – contain memory chips and a controller that performs the file transfer at incredibly high speeds. As a result, they generate quite a lot of heat, particularly during heavy read/write operations such as game installation, 3d rendering, or running open-world games that demand huge texture rendering.
Besides, the expansion SSD slot in the PS5 is enclosed in a tight space, with less direct airflow – an obvious condition that is likely to clog the heat inside. A well-fitted heatsink draws the excess amount of heat right at its dissipation from the SSD.
Understanding the PS5 SSD Expansion Slot
Before diving straight into whether you need a heatsink or not, let’s go through a few configuration things. It is important to know what type of SSD the PS5 supports.
The PS5 supports M.2 NVMe SSDs that use the PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface, to be precise. This generation is truly ultra-fast, with blazing, eye-blinking read/write speeds that meet the expectations of PS5’s internal storage.
Sony’s Official Requirements
- Interface: PCI-Express Gen4x4 NVMe
- Capacity: 250GB to 4TB
- Sequential Read Speed: Minimum 5,500 MB/s
- Form Factor: 2230 / 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 (all supported as long as they fit the space)
- Socket type: M-key
Physical Specification
The PS5 has a tight expansion bay, so it is very important to know if, with heatsink included, the SSD fits within or not.
- Width: Up to 25 mm
- Length: 30 / 42 / 60 / 80 / 110 mm
- Height (with heatsink included): Up to 11.25 mm total
(5.45 mm from the drive upward, 2.45 mm from the drive downward)
Risks of Not Using a Heatsink
Although a PS5 doesn’t require a heatsink to work perfectly, skipping using one can lead to some noticeable downsides, especially during long gaming sessions or when engaged in high-performance titles. Here’s what can go wrong without a heatsink. This also depends on the drive that you are using. Some drives essentially generate more heat than others. Check for your drive’s reviews and the maximum heat it generates under heavy load. However, PS5 generally doesn’t put a heavy load on the storage drive for long periods of time.
Potential overheating during heavy gaming
M.2 NVMe SSDs – particularly the 4th and 5th generation models – run hot, especially when installed in a suffocated space, one like PS5’s SSD bay, that lacks active airflow. With no heatsink, the drive can surge to a terribly high temperature, especially during prolonged gameplay.
With such an amount of heat generation, it will try to protect itself by throttling its performance. That means it will slow down the performance (read/write speed) to reduce the heat output. In gaming terms, it can result in longer load times, visible frame drops, stuttering, or lag during gameplay.
Long-term Wear
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of NAND cells. SSDs running consistently in high temperatures without a heatsink can lead to degradation of NAND cells and a fall in endurance.
Why should you use a heatsink?
A very smart move if you are concerned about uninterrupted and reliable gaming is adding a heatsink to your PS5 SSD.
The key reasons are:
Stable Performance during extended gaming
One of the biggest benefits of using a heatsink is the consistency. With proper heat dissipation, every minute, your SSD tends to maintain its top read/write speed even during long gaming sessions. This means no stuttering, no performance drops, no hiccups, or no slowdown in the middle of your gaming journey.
Enhanced lifespan of the SSD
By keeping your SSD temperature within a safe threshold, a heatsink tends to reduce heat strain on the memory chip and its controller. As discussed in the risk above, higher temperatures wear out the NAND cell, which directly impacts the longevity of the drive. The users who are looking for longevity from their investment, it’s a key thing to consider.
Conclusion
Final verdict: Do you need a heatsink?
Yes – it’s strongly recommended with special attention by those gamers who do hardcore gaming. Without it, the SSD may run hotter than ideal due to the compact console’s space, eventually leading to thermal throttling and reduced lifespan. But, if you are spending a good amount for a drive that runs generally cooler, you can be good without any heatsink at all.
Summary of benefits and potential issues
- Maintains high speed consistently
- Prevents throttling during long gaming sessions
- Helps extend the lifespan of your SSD
- Enhances overall system stability
Suggestions for gamers upgrading their PS5 storage
- Choose a PS5-compatible SSD (M.2 NVMe Gen 4, 250GB–4TB, with 5,500 MB/s or faster read/write speed)
- Use a low-profile or officially supported heatsink that fits the requirement
- Install carefully. Make sure thermal pads are aligned correctly.
Ultimately, a good heatsink is a clever investment that saves you a lot of money in the long run.