Sony has announced the date for the second major PS5 system software update: The new firmware will be shipped worldwide from tomorrow, September 15, 2021. With the new firmware it will be possible to save games directly to an NVMe SSD (M.2) previously installed in the console and to start them from there.
Sony sets minimum requirements
Sony sets known minimum requirements for compatible M.2 SSDs, there is no “whitelist” in the firmware. A strict requirement is PCI Express 4.0 x4 as the interface, whereas “5.500 MB/s reading” is only recommended for the data transfer rate.
Current PCIe 4.0 SSDs of the second generation easily achieve this performance. Most PCIe 4.0 SSDs of the first generation just fail at this brand, because the Guard equipped with Phison E16 controller achieves a maximum of 5,000 MB/s. Sony does not exclude them via software.
Up to 110 mm length and flat coolers are possible
The M.2 formats 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110 are supported, i.e. M.2 SSDs with a width of 22 mm and a maximum length of 110 mm. The connection must have the so-called M-Key, a precisely placed gap in the contacts, for PCIe-compatible M.2 SSDs. M.2 SSDs with SATA interface (B-Key) cannot be used, they would also be much too slow.
The M.2 SSD, including any cooler, can be up to 25 mm wide and has to undercut a height of 11.25 mm, although Gigabyte has already given the all-clear for the Aorus Gen4 7000s with a height of 11.4 mm. The Corsair MP600 Pro XT (test) is 19 mm high including cooler, but unsuitable. Modules equipped on both sides are also supported, but the height above the board must be less than 8 mm and below the board less than 2.45 mm. Sony recommends the use of an SSD including a cooler.
Do not use an M.2 SSD without a cooling mechanism, e.g. B. a heat sink or a heat dissipating film. Your M.2 SSD may come with these parts. Otherwise you have to purchase them separately
How to install a compatible M.2 SSD in the PlayStation 5, Sony explains on its own YouTube channel and alternatively on the PlayStation website.
Ultimately, Sony does not want a guarantee that every SSD that meets the requirements will work with the PlayStation 5 give – the requirements (interface, format) are not specific enough for that.
SIE cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices that meet the specifications described will work with your console , and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products.
The software update also offers, among other things, new UX functions and 3D audio for integrated TV speakers that Sony introduces on the blog.