PS5 Gamers Are Raving About This $74.99 SSD — Is It the Best Budget Upgrade of 2025?

Is your PS5 storage filling up faster than you expected? Massive games like Call of Duty and Horizon Forbidden West can eat up space in no time—leaving you constantly deleting titles to make room. That’s why one $74.99 SSD upgrade is going viral across TikTok, Reddit, and gaming forums.

This compact, high-speed drive promises easy installation, smooth performance, and surprising value—and it’s quickly earning a reputation as the best budget PS5 SSD for 2025 among gamers who’ve tested it themselves.

But is it really that good, or just another overhyped trend?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from speed and thermal performance to install tips, real-world load time tests, and how it stacks up against more expensive SSDs. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to expand your PS5 storage, this could be your ideal solution.

Why This $74.99 SSD is a Top Pick for PS5 Storage Solutions

This $74.99 SSD is stealing the spotlight, with influencers and Reddit gamers calling it a must-have for PS5 storage upgrades. Priced at a 6% discount from $79.90, it packs 1TB of storage, perfect for holding massive titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (150GB+). Its blend of speed, capacity, and affordability makes it a go-to budget NVMe drive for casual players who want more PS5 game storage without spending big. Gamers on X have shared posts like, “This SSD saved my PS5 from constant game juggling!” fueling its viral fame.

Does This SSD Meet Sony’s PS5 Compatibility Standards?

Sony’s PS5 requires an M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 interface and at least 5,500 MB/s read speed. This mystery drive exceeds expectations with 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds, ensuring top-tier PS5 compatible SSD performance. As a single-sided M.2 2280 SSD, it fits snugly but needs a separate heatsink (like the $10 ELUTENG PS5 Heatsink) to stay cool during intense gaming.

With a 600TBW (terabytes written) rating for the 1TB model and a 5-year warranty, it’s reliable for casual use. It’s not Sony-licensed, but proper installation won’t void your warranty. Plus, it’s up to 100% more power-efficient than older models, reducing heat and energy costs for long gaming sessions.

Why SSDs Matter for PS5 Gaming

Upgrading your PS5 with an SSD isn’t just about space—it’s about speed and convenience. The PS5’s built-in 825GB SSD (667GB usable) fills up fast with games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (~100GB). An internal PS5 M.2 SSD lets you store and play PS5 games directly, unlike external drives, which only run PS4 titles. This SSD’s TLC 3D NAND ensures consistent fast game loading PS5 even when nearly full, unlike cheaper QLC NAND drives that slow down.

User Insight: Reddit gamers report, “I installed this SSD and loaded Elden Ring in under 10 seconds—game changer!” Its efficiency means less waiting and more playing, making it a top PS5 storage solution.

Real-World Performance: How It Boosts Your PS5

This SSD delivers PS5 SSD performance that rivals the console’s internal drive. In tests, Horizon Forbidden West (150GB) loads in ~8–10 seconds, nearly matching the stock SSD (7–9 seconds) and trailing premium drives like the Samsung 990 Pro by just 1–2 seconds. For Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (200GB+), transfers take ~2.5 minutes, and load times align with the PS5’s built-in SSD, ensuring smooth multiplayer jumps. Without a DRAM cache, it’s slightly slower for random writes, but most gamers won’t notice in everyday play.

Benchmark Bonus: Its 6,539 MB/s read speed in Sony’s PS5 benchmark tool puts it among the fastest for PS5 compatible SSDs.

How to Install PS5 SSD: Step-by-Step Guide

Adding this budget NVMe drive to your PS5 is easy, taking ~10 minutes. Follow this PS5 M.2 SSD installation guide:

1. Prep: Update your PS5 firmware (Settings > System > System Software).
2. Tools: Grab a small Phillips screwdriver and a soft surface.
3. Steps: Power off and unplug your PS5. Pop off the side panel. Unscrew the M.2 slot cover, align the SSD’s notch, insert at a slight angle, and secure with the screw. Attach a heatsink (e.g., ELUTENG, ~$10) to prevent overheating. Replace the cover and panel.
4. Format: Boot your PS5 and follow the prompt to format the SSD (erases all data).

Tips: Avoid overtightening screws. Discharge static by touching grounded metal. Ensure the SSD (with heatsink) fits within 110 x 25 x 11.25mm. New to upgrades? Check Sony’s official guide for visuals.

Pros and Cons: Is This $74.99 SSD Worth It?

This SSD shines for casual gamers seeking affordable PS5 storage, though enthusiasts might prefer pricier models for heavier workloads. Its durability and efficiency make it a standout PS5 upgrade deal.

Alternatives: Top PS5 SSDs to Consider

Here’s how this mystery SSD compares to other PS5 storage solutions:

• WD_Black SN850X (2TB, ~$179): Hits 7,300/6,600 MB/s with a 5-year warranty. Sony-licensed and ideal for hardcore gamers. Pricey but worth it for big libraries! Check it on Amazon.
• Samsung 980 Pro (1TB, ~$100): Delivers 7,000/5,000 MB/s and 600TBW. Needs a heatsink but excels in reliability. Great for balanced performance! Shop now on Amazon.
• Crucial T500 (2TB, ~$125): Matches the mystery SSD with 7,300/6,800 MB/s. Heatsink not included but budget-friendly. Perfect for cost-conscious gamers! Grab this deal.

For the best PS5 storage expansion, this $74.99 SSD offers unmatched value. Don’t miss out—click these Amazon links to upgrade your PS5 today and keep your games ready!

Also read Best SSD for Gaming in 2025

Final Verdict: Is This Budget PS5 SSD Worth It in 2025?

For under $75, this SSD delivers fast speeds, simple installation, and strong reliability—making it an excellent upgrade for most PS5 gamers. If your game collection is moderate and you just want smooth performance without overspending, it’s a no-brainer.

That said, players with larger libraries or performance-heavy needs might prefer premium options like the WD_Black SN850X or Samsung 990 Pro. But for everyday gaming, this drive offers impressive value and ease of use.

Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Pro Tip: Make sure your SSD has a heatsink—or add one for optimal cooling during long sessions.

Where to Buy the Best Budget PS5 SSD (2025 Deal)

Ready to upgrade your PS5 storage without breaking the bank? This highly-rated SSD, praised by gamers everywhere, is available now for just $74.99 on Amazon—complete with fast Prime shipping and free returns.

Quick Specs:

• Read Speed: Up to 7,250 MB/s
• Form Factor: M.2 2280 (PS5-compatible)
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 NVMe
• Power Efficiency: Up to 100% better than previous gen
• Warranty & Returns: FREE returns with Prime
• Style: New Generation, built for gaming consoles, laptops & desktops

⚠️Note: This version does not always include a heatsink. Check the listing details or add a PS5-compatible heatsink (~$10) if needed.

Check Price and Availability on Amazon

Stock tends to move fast—especially with current discounts—so lock in the deal while it lasts!

FAQ: Top Questions About the NVMe SSD for PS5