Guide

How to easily install an SSD and drive in your PS5 Pro

8/11/2024

Translation: Megan Cornish

If two terabytes of built-in storage aren’t enough for you, you can easily upgrade the PS5 Pro. And installing the Blu-Ray drive is fast. Here’s how.

Like the PS5 launch model and the PS5 Slim, the PS5 Pro has an additional M.2 SSD slot. This allows you to expand your storage by up to eight terabytes. What’s missing, however, is a Blu-Ray drive. You have to buy that separately. You can install both in a few minutes and – as with the normal PS5 (article in German) – you don’t have to be an expert.

What you need for the SSD

If you already have a PS5 with an additional SSD, you can use it with the PS5 Pro without any preparation. All installed games will be retained and available to you immediately after installation. If you’ve already installed the same games on the PS5 Pro, the system will ask you when you start up whether you want to delete duplicate games on the SSD.

If you don’t have a suitable SSD yet, the requirements are as follows:

Port	M.2 NVMe
Form factor	2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
Storage space	250 GB to 8 Terabyte
Size, cooling tech included	Width: up to 25 mm Length: 30/40/60/80/110 mm Height: up to 11.25 mm

The figures above apply to the standard PS5, but should also be accurate for the Pro model. You can find further details on the PlayStation website.

For this guide, I’m using the same WD Black SN850 I had with the PS5. You can find other models here.

SSD

WD Black SN850 with heatsink

1000 GB, M.2 2280

Installing the SSD: remove the top cover, insert the SSD, done

All you need for installation is your hands and a small Phillips screwdriver.

First, unplug your PS5 Pro from the power supply. Then lay it on its front so the PlayStation logo isn’t visible. The console consists of four separate side elements. Remove the smaller one above the black ribbed detail when looking at it vertically. To do this, pull it upwards as you’re looking from the front of the console. The plates are plugged in, so it takes a bit of force. But you don’t have to pull really hard.

Once you’ve removed the side panel, you’ll see the SSD cover. Loosen the screw and remove the cover, you’ll see the SSD slot underneath. Depending on the size of your SSD, you may need to reposition the silver spacer for the screw.

Once the cover’s off, you can insert the SSD.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Insert the SSD into the slot until it’s firmly in place – you’ll hear it click. You’ll then be able to see where the spacer needs to go.

SSDs can be different sizes.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Screw in the SSD tight, put the cover back on and screw that back on too.

Now you can reattach the white plate. Firstly, hang it on the side where the SSD is. The cover has three white wings that fit into three slots. Then you can fold the cover down and click it into place on the other side. You’ll hear a loud click when it’s properly in place.

Place the cover on the side with the three wings, then push it in on the other side.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

That’s it. Now you can start up the PS5 Pro and fill the new storage space with games. You also have the option of using the system settings to determine which media should be installed on which hard drive by default.

You can determine where games are stored by default in the settings under Storage.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Installing the drive: remove the bottom cover, insert the drive, done

You don’t need any tools, install the optional Blu-Ray drive on the same side as the SSD slot. This time, however, you’ll remove the larger side panel below the black rib detail when looking at it vertically. You release it by pulling it upwards from the side where the power button is.

Once you lift the plate on the front…
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Then you’ll see the port.

…you’ll see the port at the top right.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Hang the drive on the two small wings, then press the plug on the opposite side into the port on the console.

Firstly, mount the drive on one side, then press it down on the other.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Then all you have to do is attach the new cover that comes with the drive. Hang it on the two white wings on the side where the drive’s port is. Then, press it down on the other side until it clicks into place.

The new cover is also placed over the wings and pressed down on the other side.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

If you want to set up the console horizontally, you have to insert the two feet provided into the black rib details so the deeper parts point inwards.

To use it horizontally, you’ll need the feet provided.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Now you can turn on the PS5 Pro. The last step is to pair the drive with the console, you need an internet connection for this. After starting it up, the system will automatically ask if you want to do this. All it takes is two clicks, and the drive’s ready for your discs.

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Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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