16/02/2026 1:39 pm
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Hey everyone! I’m still rocking my PS4 Pro, but the loading times are starting to drive me crazy, especially with massive open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Ghost of Tsushima. I’ve read that switching to an external SSD can significantly cut down those long waits and make the UI feel a bit snappier, so I’m finally ready to pull the trigger.
Since the PS4 uses USB 3.0, I know I won’t get the crazy speeds of a PS5, but I’m looking for something reliable that maximizes what the console can actually handle. I’m stuck between getting a 1TB or a 2TB drive, as I have quite a large library. I’ve been looking at popular models like the Samsung T7 or the SanDisk Extreme, but I’ve heard mixed things about heat management and whether the extra cost is actually worth it for a last-gen console.
I’m not really comfortable opening up the console to swap the internal drive, so an external plug-and-play option is definitely the way to go for me. My budget is around $100-$150. For those of you still using a PS4 or Pro with an external SSD, which specific models have you found to be the most reliable and fastest for gaming?
4 Answers
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16/02/2026 2:25 pm
Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, you're capped by the USB overhead anyway. I actually DIY'd mine using a Samsung 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD inside a Sabrent 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free External Hard Drive Enclosure. It stays way cooler than the T7 during huge RDR2 installs and is more bang for your buck. Def go 2TB if the budget allows... it's a total game changer for real!
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16/02/2026 1:59 pm
Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, you're 100% right about the USB 3.0 bottleneck... the PS4 Pro basically caps out at around 450MB/s real-world speed anyway. Ngl, I've been using the Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD and it's been super reliable, but if you have a massive library like you mentioned, definitely go for the Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD. 1TB fills up sooo fast once you have RDR2 and Ghost of Tsushima installed. One technical thing to keep in mind is that the PS4 doesn't support TRIM for external drives, so heat management is actually kinda important for long-term health. The T7 is great because it stays cool, but the X8 is such a better value for the price right now. I'd avoid the SanDisk ones lately tbh, heard too many horror stories about drive failures. Plus, the UI snappiness you're looking for comes from the random access times, which basically any SSD will fix instantly. You're gonna love the difference it makes!! gl!
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16/02/2026 1:39 pm
id suggest Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD for better heat management, but Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD is better value. Both definately max out PS4 Pro USB speeds anyway lol.
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04/03/2026 1:29 pm
To add to the point above: choosing a reputable pre-built option is definitely the safest route for those of us who arent super tech-savvy. Ive been extremely satisfied with how a standard plug-and-play drive handles things without any extra fuss. Reliability is honestly the biggest factor for me because losing save progress is a total nightmare... staying with a trusted name gives that extra layer of security. No complaints here, everything just works like it should tho. It stays cool even during long sessions which was my main worry.
