Will Gen 3 SSD work on PS5?

Will Gen 3 SSD work on PS5?

In recent years, PlayStation 5 (PS5) users have been eager to explore the possibility of utilizing Gen 3 Solid-State Drive (SSD) on their gaming console. Before diving into the answers, it is crucial to understand the technical differences between Gen 3 and Gen 4 NVMe drives.

Gen 3 SSD vs Gen 4 SSD: The Key Differences

Given the differences in bandwidth and capacity, a Gen 3 SSD may not offer the same level of performance as a Gen 4 SSD. However, to answer the main question, Will Gen 3 SSD work on PS5?

Initial Findings from Tests

Early tests conducted by renowned tech channels, such as Linus from YouTube, have revealed that PS5 rejects Gen 3 PCIe NVMe SSDs. This decision is influenced by the console’s architecture, designed to take full advantage of faster Gen 4 drives. Any Gen 3 SSD inserted into the PS5’s M.2 port will likely be ignored or return an "unsupported device" error message.

However, There is an Exception…

While Gen 3 SSDs are not natively compatible with PS5, there is a specific scenario where Gen 3 drives could work. PCIe is backwards compatible, meaning Gen 3 SSDs can be installed and function at reduced speeds on a Gen 4 host, such as PS5. This concept is often referred to as "backward compatibility."

• Gen 3 in a Gen 4 slot: A Gen 3 PCIe x4 SSD, for example, can be inserted into a Gen 4 PCIe x4 slot and operate at Gen 3 x4 speeds (~4GB/s).

PS5’s Support for Legacy SSDs: Gen 1 and Gen 2

PS5 does support SSDs running at Gen 1 (PCIe 2.0 x4) and Gen 2 (PCIe 3.0 x4) speeds, provided they meet other compatibility requirements. However, these older SSD generations are naturally slower than Gen 3 and certainly Gen 4. For more demanding applications like gaming, Gen 4 is the sweet spot for optimal performance and compatibility on PS5.

Conclusion: To Gen 3 or Gen 4…

While PS5 refuses to acknowledge Gen 3 NVMe SSDs directly, older Gen 1 and Gen 2 drives can still be utilized albeit at a slightly slower pace. The take-home lesson is that for peak performance and forward compatibility, Gen 4 NVMe SSDs are the optimal choice for any PS5 user.

Keep in mind that PS5’s operating system architecture is designed to cater to more advanced storage options, making them more future-proof for emerging hardware trends. So, do you really need to bother with an older Gen 3 SSD? Think twice before opting for a Gen 3 drive, as Gen 4 offers undeniable advantages on the PS5 console.