Head-to-head · Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Crucial T500 1TB vs Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about PS5 users who want top-of-spec performance and Samsung reliability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Crucial T500 1TB

4.6

$90

The T500 is the value pick. Same 7,300 MB/s spec sheet as the WD SN850X at meaningful savings. Trade-off is sourcing a separate heatsink. Best for budget-conscious PS5 upgraders willing to buy parts separately.

Strengths

— $90 (frequently on sale at $60) — cheapest pick in this lineup
— 7,300 MB/s sequential read matches the WD SN850X
— Available with optional heatsink for PS5 compliance

Watch-outs

— Heatsink is an extra ~$20 add-on
— Slightly higher operating temps under sustained load than the SN850X
— 5-year warranty matches SN850X but Crucial RMA process slower

$90 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best SSDs for PS5 Upgrade

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

4.7

$130

The 990 Pro with Heatsink is the fastest pick. 7,450 MB/s edges out the WD SN850X on raw spec. Best for users who want top-of-spec performance and don't mind paying Samsung's premium.

Strengths

— 7,450 MB/s sequential read — fastest in this lineup
— Heatsink with RGB lighting (visible through PS5 expansion slot)
— Samsung's class-leading endurance ratings

Watch-outs

— RGB lighting requires Samsung Magician software on PC to customize (one-time setup)
— Slightly higher price than WD SN850X with heatsink
— Samsung's premium tax — non-Pro SSDs hit similar real-world PS5 speeds

$130 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Crucial T500 1TB

Cheapest pick. Same read speed as SN850X. Heatsink sold separately. Slightly warmer operation.

Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink

Fastest spec. Most premium pick. RGB heatsink unique here. Samsung tax over WD SN850X.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Crucial T500 1TB	Samsung 990 Pro with Heatsink
Capacity	1TB	1TB
Read Speed	7,300 MB/s	7,450 MB/s
Heatsink	Optional add-on	Pre-installed RGB
Warranty	5-year	5-year

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