Overview
The Samsung 980 PRO (PS5) 1 TB is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD designed for high-speed storage. It features 1,000 GB of TLC NAND flash, a Samsung Elpis controller, and 1,024 MB of DRAM cache on the 1 TB model. Released in September 2020, it quickly became a go-to choice for PS5 storage expansion due to official Sony support. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 7,000 MB/s, this drive dramatically reduces game load times and system boot times on compatible platforms. It sits firmly in the high-end segment of the PCIe 4.0 SSD market, appealing to gamers and power users who demand top-tier performance.
Compatibility Guide
The drive uses the M.2 2280 form factor and requires a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface to achieve full speed. On a PS5, it fits into the internal M.2 expansion slot, but a separate heatsink is strongly recommended to prevent thermal throttling. In a PC, it works with Intel 11th-gen or newer, and AMD Ryzen 3000-series or newer chipsets (e.g., Z590, B550, X570). When installed in a PCIe 3.0 slot, the drive will operate at PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds (approximately 3,500 MB/s), which still offers good performance but negates the main advantage of this model. Power draw is modest and well within PS5 and standard PC motherboard specifications.
Product Info
Launched in September 2020, the Samsung 980 PRO (PS5) 1 TB is priced at ¥79,500 on Yahoo! Shopping as of September 4, 2026. It carries a standard 5-year manufacturer warranty. The drive is positioned as a high-end PCIe 4.0 SSD, distinguished by its official PS5 compatibility and Samsung's in-house controller and NAND design.
Best Use Cases
PS5 gamers needing extra storage: The PS5's internal SSD offers only about 667 GB usable space. Adding this drive lets you install multiple AAA titles without juggling deletions. However, you must budget for a compatible heatsink, as the drive does not include one. PC enthusiasts with PCIe 4.0 motherboards: Ideal for OS drives or game libraries where fast load times matter. Creative professionals handling large video or 3D files will also benefit from the high sequential throughput. * Users who want the fastest read speeds available: This drive delivers class-leading sequential reads. But if your workload is mostly random I/O or you are on a PCIe 3.0 platform, a cheaper PCIe 3.0 SSD may offer similar real-world performance.
Things to Consider
Without a bundled heatsink, PS5 users must purchase one separately to avoid thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The drive's full speed is only realized on PCIe 4.0 systems; on PCIe 3.0, it becomes a premium-priced mid-range performer. Competitors like the WD Black SN850 and Seagate FireCuda 530 offer similar specs and often include heatsinks in their PS5 editions, potentially lowering total cost. For pure PC use, the Samsung 990 PRO (PCIe 4.0) or 990 EVO (PCIe 5.0) may offer better value depending on your platform. ## FAQ
Q: Is a heatsink mandatory for PS5 installation? A: Not strictly mandatory, but strongly recommended. Without one, the drive can exceed 80°C in the PS5's confined M.2 area, causing performance throttling. Use a low-profile heatsink (under 1 mm thick) to stay within the PS5's clearance limits. Q: Can I use this SSD in a PC? A: Yes, any motherboard with an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 will work. For full speed, pair it with an Intel 11th-gen or AMD Ryzen 3000-series (or newer) CPU and compatible chipset. Q: How does the 1 TB model compare to the 2 TB version? A: The 2 TB model doubles the DRAM cache to 2 GB and offers more capacity, but the per-gigabyte cost is higher. For most gamers, the 1 TB model provides ample space and better value.
