If you’re serious about gaming, you’ll likely run into a bit of a barrier that we like to call “insufficient memory,” even if you’re using the largest MSI SSD available. In the gaming world, few things matter as much as storage space, especially with how we use and abuse our machines every day in hundreds of tasks and processes.
Unless you’ve built your own and spared no expense, daily use can quickly start to overtax your computer, directly affecting the quality and quantity of your gaming experience. Even if you’re careful with downloads and use physical copies (which will still require installation), the slow accumulation of memory-hungry files can increase download times and compromise game speed.
And aside from avoiding delays and saving your bank balance, the only real problem when it comes to downloading games to the PS5 is the size of the onboard storage. It’s not just about gaming: the latest generations of Sony’s best-selling console have become the media hub for videos, apps, social media and live streaming. That’s all great, but it’s sure to eat up valuable SSD space in just a few months.
Fortunately, there is a solution, and one that is useful for beginners. Here’s why (and how) you should upgrade your PS5 PC and SSD ASAP. It is easier than you think.
Why upgrade?
There are so many great games to play, but with better graphics every year and gamers demanding more and more content, PC game file sizes are becoming astronomical. Also, you have storefronts like Epic and Steam that regularly sell all the games in the world and offer a completely digital library solution. The more memory you fill, the slower these games will be.
Similarly, you don’t need us to tell you that ever since the PS5 launched, its roster has been packed with exciting, engrossing and incredible games, and the offering has only grown ever since. When it comes to choosing what to play next, the wish list grows as more and more must-play games are released each month.
Although the PS5 is a single unit, it can still be customized to suit your needs, just like a PC. Although we have come to the conclusion that PC cases are a bit more modular, it is now entirely possible for a newbie to install a new SSD in the PS5 as well.
And now the most enjoyable. In fact, the SSDs you use to upgrade your PC and your PS5 may be the same.
Which SSD to use?
Within reason, that’s entirely up to you, but the PS5 requires a PCIe gen4x4 NVMe M.2 SSD running at 5500MB/s or faster, with a capacity range of 250GB to 4TB. You can also take our word for it that MSI’s Spatium M480 Play is one of the easiest to use and install, and can be used on both PC and console.
The Spatium M480 Play series offers storage capacity ranging from 500GB to 4TB and features an integrated aluminum heatsink that will keep you cool no matter how hard you push. Oh, and it’s almost ready to connect to the PS5.
Fortunately, most PS5-compatible SSDs are labeled accordingly, making it easy to pick one off the digital shelf. Gaming PCs are a bit trickier, as you’ll need to check that the size and connectivity are correct (you don’t want to end up with SATA M.2 when you can have NVMe speed). It is also worth checking the generation. They’re backwards compatible, so you won’t have a problem plugging a PCIe 4.0 into a 3.0 slot, but again, it’s all about getting the fastest drive possible.
How to install on PC
Assuming you’ve read the warning above, installing an SSD in your PC shouldn’t be too difficult, especially with the Spatium M480 Play.
First, you need to download MSI Center and make sure your data is backed up. Once you’re sure nothing will be deleted, it’s time to turn it off and on. If your computer has a free slot, just open the case and slide the SSD into the slot; sometimes you will need to secure it with a screw.
In general, upgrading with an MSI product is a great option as they offer a 5 year warranty on their SSDs. The cards also support MSI Center, so you can prevent data loss and move files seamlessly with real-time immersion status checks and performance metrics.
How to install on ps5
After updating your PS5 and peripherals to the latest version, power off and unplug all cables. Put it with the logo facing down and use a screwdriver to pry up the back panel (the one without the logo). Remove the screws holding the expansion slot cover and spacer in place, then insert the spacer into the location marked “80” if you are using the MSI SpatiumM480 Play as it is a 2280mm long drive.
From there, simply insert the SSD with the heatsink facing up and secure with a screw. After reattaching and installing the back panel, you can boot up your PS5 and confirm your new hardware.
At this point, the PS5 should display on-screen instructions, and once the new SSD has been formatted, you can set it as the default drive and you’re good to go. Really is. Your updated PS5 should be ready for whatever game you play on it.
Whether you’re upgrading your gaming PC or just giving yourself more space on your PS5, you can’t go wrong with the MSI Spatium M480 Play. It’s easy to install, works well, and can store up to 4GB, which is sure to keep you from moving games off your hard drive for a long time. Take a look at the Spatium M480 Play today and see how much space it can add to your gaming system.
Source : PC Gamesn
