Installing a Samsung 980 Pro SSD in Your PS5: A Veteran’s Guide

The Samsung 980 Pro is a powerhouse SSD, a speed demon perfectly suited to unleash the true potential of your PlayStation 5. Installing it is surprisingly straightforward, even for those with limited technical experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you up and running in no time:

How to install a Samsung 980 Pro SSD in a PS5?

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver (preferably size #1), a small table or clean surface, and potentially an anti-static wrist strap (though generally not crucial, it’s a good precaution).
2. Power down and unplug: Completely power off your PS5 and disconnect all cables, including the power cord. Let it sit for a few minutes to ensure it’s fully discharged.
3. Position the PS5: Place the PS5 on a flat, stable surface with the bottom facing up and the disc drive facing away from you.
4. Remove the cover: Gently lift the rear corners of the cover and slide it towards the back of the console. You should hear a slight click as it releases.
5. Locate the expansion slot: The SSD expansion slot is located under a metal cover secured by a single screw. It’s on the left side near the fan if the rear of the console is facing you.
6. Remove the screw and cover: Use your Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw securing the metal cover. Carefully lift the cover off.
7. Prepare the standoff: Inside the expansion slot, you’ll see a standoff (a small metal post). Move the standoff to the appropriate position for an 80mm SSD (the Samsung 980 Pro is 80mm). If it’s already there, you’re set.
8. Insert the SSD: Align the notch on the Samsung 980 Pro with the notch in the expansion slot. Gently insert the SSD at a slight upward angle (about 25 degrees).
9. Secure the SSD: Press the SSD down until it lies flat and then secure it with the screw you removed from the metal cover. Do not overtighten.
10. Reattach the expansion slot cover: Place the metal cover back over the SSD and secure it with the screw.
11. Reattach the PS5 cover: Slide the PS5 cover back into place, ensuring it clicks securely.
12. Reconnect and power on: Reconnect all the cables to your PS5. Power on the console.
13. Format the SSD: The PS5 will detect the new SSD and prompt you to format it. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your Samsung 980 Pro SSD in your PS5. Now you can enjoy faster loading times and more storage space for your games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about installing a Samsung 980 Pro in your PS5, along with expert insights to ensure a smooth experience:

1. What are the minimum specifications for an SSD to work in the PS5?

Sony has specific requirements. The SSD must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, with a capacity between 250GB and 4TB. Crucially, it needs a sequential read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. The Samsung 980 Pro comfortably exceeds these requirements. Pay special attention to the read speed; slower drives will not work reliably, or at all.

2. Do I need a heatsink for the Samsung 980 Pro in my PS5?

Yes, absolutely. The PS5’s internal environment can get quite warm. Without a heatsink, the Samsung 980 Pro could experience thermal throttling, reducing performance and potentially shortening its lifespan. Most 980 Pro models now come with a pre-installed heatsink. If yours doesn’t, buy and install one before putting it in your PS5. Consider reputable brands like EKWB, be quiet!, or even some of the options specifically designed for PS5 SSD upgrades.

3. What size heatsink is recommended for the PS5 SSD?

Sony specifies that the total height of the SSD and heatsink combined should be no more than 11.25mm. Exceeding this could damage the console. When purchasing a heatsink, double-check the dimensions to ensure compatibility. Low-profile heatsinks are usually the best choice.

4. How do I format the Samsung 980 Pro once it’s installed?

The PS5 will automatically detect the new SSD upon startup and prompt you to format it. Simply follow the on-screen instructions. The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Make sure you back up any important data before starting, although it will not affect the existing internal SSD data.

5. Can I use the Samsung 980 Pro as the primary storage for the PS5 operating system?

No. The internal SSD of the PS5 houses the operating system. The expanded storage is strictly for game installations, game saves, and media files. You cannot boot the PS5 from the expanded storage.

6. Will installing an SSD void my PS5 warranty?

No, installing an SSD in the designated expansion slot will not void your warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s guidelines and do not damage the console during the installation process. Tampering with other internal components could potentially void the warranty.

7. How much storage should I get for my PS5?

This depends on your gaming habits. If you primarily play a few large AAA titles, a 1TB SSD might suffice. However, if you download many games or plan on using the PS5 for the long haul, a 2TB SSD offers significantly more flexibility and prevents you from constantly deleting and re-downloading games.

8. How do I move games from the internal storage to the Samsung 980 Pro?

Go to Settings > Storage. You’ll see options for both the console storage and the expanded storage. Select “Console Storage,” then “Games and Apps.” From there, you can select the games you want to move and choose “Move to Expanded Storage.”

9. What if the PS5 doesn’t recognize the Samsung 980 Pro after installation?

First, double-check that the SSD is properly seated in the expansion slot and that the screw is secure. Ensure the standoff is in the correct position. If it still doesn’t work, verify that the Samsung 980 Pro meets the minimum specifications outlined by Sony. A faulty SSD is also a possibility, although rare.

10. Can I install a different brand SSD besides the Samsung 980 Pro?

Yes. Any PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD that meets Sony’s minimum specifications will work. Popular alternatives include the Western Digital SN850, the Seagate FireCuda 530, and the Corsair MP600 Pro. Always ensure the drive has a heatsink or that you purchase one separately.

11. How much faster will my games load with the Samsung 980 Pro?

You’ll notice a significant improvement in loading times compared to the PS4’s hard drive and a moderate improvement over the PS5’s internal SSD. The speed boost is most noticeable in large open-world games. Expect loading screens to be noticeably shorter and game installations to be much faster.

12. What if I accidentally damage something during the installation?

Take a deep breath. Minor scuffs are generally cosmetic. However, if you damage any internal components, such as the connector for the SSD, it’s best to contact Sony support or a qualified repair technician. Attempting further repairs yourself could worsen the damage and void your warranty. Prevention is key: take your time, be gentle, and follow the instructions carefully.