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One of the best SSDs for the PlayStation 5 I've tested works even better on a PC
Storage constraints putting a cramp on your PlayStation 5? Having to delete and redownload your games because you're crushed in space? Adding a higher-storage SSD may be exactly what you need to squeeze in up to 150 AAA titles. My recommendation is Lexar's Play 2280. Here's why.
View at AmazonLexar Play 2280 PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD tech specs
- Up to 7,400MB/s read, 6,500MB/s write (note these are capped in the PlayStation 5 to 6,500MB/s)
- Unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- HMB and SLC Dynamic cache support when fitted in a PC
- 6,400 TBW endurance rating
- M.2 2280 form factor
Also: The best M.2 SSDs you can buy: Expert tested
While the Play 2280 functions like a standard SSD when plugged into a PC, the drive has been designed and built specifically for the PS5. I'm a fan of how the heatsink complements the console's look while also making installation easier because the internal components are mostly covered and protected. Aside from the edge connector, there are no delicate circuit boards exposed, so it's a lot easier to grip.
No circuit boards on show to damage.
The heatsink itself is substantial and designed to move and dissipate hot air, so whether this is in the bowels of a PC or PS5, overheating shouldn't be an issue. Note, however, that a big heatsink might mean that you can't fit this SSD into some PCs or enclosures because it can get in the way of other components. On a PS5, you should have no problem finding room.
The Lexar PLAY 2280 has a very substantial heatsink designed to dissipate a lot of heat.
The Lexar Play 2280's speeds are very fast, especially when used in a PC, with reads topping out at 7,400MB/s. However, bear in mind that the PS5's hardware caps the performance to 6,500MB/s. I've tested these speeds on a couple of different motherboards and got results that were within 10 percent of the spec sheet, which I consider acceptable.
On the reliability front, Lexar rates this drive as good for 6,400 TBW (Terabytes Written), a measure of the total number of terabytes that can be written to the SSD over its lifetime. If something does go wrong, it is backed by a five-year limited warranty.
Also: This handy MagSafe SSD accessory should be in every content creator's arsenal
I find the TBW rating to be less useful than a long warranty since even a heavy user is unlikely to write anything close to 100TB to an SSD over a year, let alone the 1,200TB you'd need to write to this drive per year to exceed the TBW within the warranty period.
ZDNET's buying advice
The 4TB model of the Lexar Play 2280 is available now from Amazon for $380, while the 2TB and 8TB models will be available in the last quarter of 2024.
Based on my experience with the brand, Lexar products deliver, whether that be an SSD, RAM, flash drive, a memory card for a drone or camera, or a memory card reader. The company makes and sells some of the best storage products available, and the Play 2280 is no exception. This is a high-performance drive for those looking for speed and reliability from their storage.