PS5 storage can be a daunting area to get your head around. But just like gaming PCs, the PS5 is compatible with some of the best SSDs, which can give your console a considerable storage, and performance boost. These drives need cooling of their own, which is where picking up one of the best PS5 heatsinks can come in handy to make sure your storage device doesn't overheat or get damaged.
These can be costly, but as your M.2 SSD slot in your console can house some of the best SSDs for gaming in the wider market, they're worthwhile to ensure your drives don't degrade from overheating. A decent PS5 heatsink will not only protect your SSD but can ensure that excess heat doesn't build up in your beloved PS5. If you've already set aside cash to pick up one of the best PS5 SSDs, adding a heatsink on top of that can help ensure your investment is kept safe and cool.
It's worth noting, however, that if you're getting a heatsink for the PS5 Pro or the PS5 Slim, you may need to think differently about what measurements you have to play with. Most heatsinks will fit underneath the console's faceplates just fine, but other bulky ones may struggle, so always check the model you have at hand. Of course, all this DIY and component talk isn't for everyone. If you're still on the fence about getting an internal SSD, you could always make your life a bit simpler and get one of the best PS5 external hard drives. While you won't be able to play PS5 games off an external SSD, you can store games, and capture video clips and screenshots on one, which makes life a bit easier.
Best PS5 heatsink
The Sabrent is probably our favorite PS5 heatsink and the one that we always recommend first when asked. We wouldn't be surprised if this design starts becoming the default during the PS5's lifespan - it replaces the entire SSD bay door and promotes heat dissipation by transferring SSD heat from the bay to the spacious PS5 interior. And, by the way, if you're interested in the Sabrent SSD itself, then buy one that comes with this heatsink.
SK Hynix's Haechi Heatsink is great to pair with any SSD for PS5. Just keep in mind that if you have a base PlayStation 5 model (the launch version), you're going to want to go for the "Haechi H01", and if you have a PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro, you'll want the "H02". The two versions have slightly different sizes which will make fitting your faceplates after installation a bit easier.
If you're looking for something to do a solid job and only spend a few beans then the ELUTENG PS5 Heatsink is as good as they get at the budget end of the spectrum. For less than $10 /£10, this is a reliable heatsink that you can put together and tuck away inside the PS5 bay. However, would 100% recommend putting this PS5 heatsink together using the screw-in method, rather than the banded-together approach.
Also rocking the budget-end of the spectrum, the QIVYNSRY PS5 heatsink is another solid sub-$10/£10 option. Cut from the same cloth as the ELUTENG it has a simple design that can be neatly constructed to form a double-sided heatsink that will wrap around your SSD. Overall, this is a simple solution but still a terrific budget PS5 heatsink. Once again, be sure to screw it together to ensure the best and most secure fit for your SSD.
Another PS5 heatsink that replaces the whole bay door, this ElecGear model's innovative form is very functional: Its wing-like structure, 5mm nickel-plated pipe, and thermal pads all combine to funnel heat directly from the SSD straight into the heatsink and out into the PS5's main chassis. Yes, you're spending a fair bit on a metal plate here, but given the desire to get it right and protect one's console and drive, this is an easy PS5 heatsink to recommend.
This is an ingenious PS5 heatsink solution from GrauGear (also called Ineo). The heatsink embraces a wrap-around design, removes the need for any bay door, and throws in a copper pipe extension for good measure. The latter takes heat away from directly around the SSD, and 'deposits' it at the console's fan so it can be dispatched.
The Glotrends PS5 heatsink is very much in the 'anything is better than nothing' category. It really is as simple as strapping the heatsink to your drive and plugging it in. The metal clips and rubber band combo will be solid enough for holding it in place, and it's well-reviewed on Amazon which offers confidence too. If you need a quick fix before working up to one of the more substantial items on this list then this is it.
One of its best features of the PS5 is just how easy it is to upgrade its storage with one of the best SSDs. PS5 storage can be initially confusing to get your head around, especially when heatsinks are added into the mix, but ensuring you have one at hand can prevent a lot of despair (and overheating) down the line. To make navigating your new storage easier, I'm using my years of experience as a writer and PS5 owner to give you the low-down on PS5 heatsinks and what's worth adding to your beloved Sony console.
Recent updates
January 28 - For this update, I changed the author section to reflect that I've taken over as the new curator of this guide. Most importantly, I've given this PS5 heatsink guide an overhaul, and cut down the quick-link section to make it more digestible at a quick glance. I also updated the FAQ section by re-ordering images and moving all of them into its own designated area at the bottom of the guide so it was easier to find, especially when using the navigation links.
Best PS5 Heatsink: FAQs
What is a PS5 SSD heatsink?
A heatsink is, in essence, a structure that attaches to your SSD and keeps it cool by taking away the heat made by the drive. One of the few downsides to Gen 4 NVMe SSDs is that they produce a lot of heat, so heatsinks are vital to giving them a long life. They can come in many forms from simple single-sided sheets that just cover the top of an SSD, to double-sided wrap-around units that house the whole stick.
Is a heatsink necessary for PS5?
If you plan on adding an additional SSD to your PS5 console then you absolutely need a heatsink. It is a crucial accompaniment to any SSD you slot in for extra storage and Sony only recommends having an SSD if you also combine it with a heatsink. Heatsinks aren't nearly as expensive as the SSD they'll protect, and there are frequent PS5 deals where you can get them on the cheap.
Of course, if you're adding SSD storage in an external capacity then no heatsink will be required!
Will any heatsink work with PS5?
The key thing to address here is to make sure that the total (SSD + heatsink) size doesn't exceed Sony's recommendations, and indeed the actual SSD bay's dimensions. For the launch model, these are as follows (all maximums): a width of up to 25mm; a length of up to 110mm; and a thickness of up to 11.25mm.
However, you shouldn't have to worry too much about this now as all the best PS5 heatsinks that are geared directly toward the console will have been designed with the size requirements factored in already. If you're buying for the PS5 Pro or PS5 Slim however, these measurements may vary.
If you're on the look out for some larger PlayStation 5 accessories, then check out the best TVs for PS5, best projectors for PS5, and the best PS5 monitors that are available right now.
