Sony is progressively
allowing access to the PS5's vacant M.2 expansion port, as planned. Starting
today, a new system software update allows beta users in the United States,
Canada, and portions of Europe to use select SSD drives to increase local storage.
However, the procedure isn't as simple as prior reports stated.
We already knew that the needed read speeds would be at least
5,500MB/s, limiting you to PCIe Gen4 SSDs. Other drives, such as the Samsung
980 Pro, Western Digital SN850, Corsair Force MP600, Seagate Firecuda 530, and
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, can also do this.
To make matters even more confusing, Sony claims you'll also have
to consider the PS5's cooling system. That means you can either use a
single-sided or double-sided heatsink to attach a heatsink to your SSD or buy a
compatible SSD with the cooling structure built-in. Even so, the heatsink must
be the correct size and fit the required dimensions. The entire size, including
the cooling structure, must be less than 110mm (L) x 25mm (W) x 11.25mm (H) or
4.33in (L) x 0.984in (W) x 0.442in (H) in inches (H).
Basically, forget about popping the cover off and inserting any
Gen 4 SSD. The Corsair Force MP600, for example, has a heatsink that is too
high to fit (though you can purchase it without one and use your own thermal
solution). The WD Black SN850 heatsink, on the other hand, should be fine.
The PS5 beta software provides extra applications and upgrades in
addition to M.2 SSD capabilities. One of these is 3D audio support for built-in
TV speakers, which can improve the sound by utilizing the DualSense controller
to measure the acoustics of a room. The sound menu in the console's system
settings allows you to turn it on or off. Furthermore, the Control Centre
offers a variety of control modification choices. The Game Base also allows you
to communicate with friends and parties, as well as see how many of your pals
are online.
While PS4 and PS5 games will be labeled differently and appear on the home screen and in the game library separately. A trophy tracker in the Control Center allows rapid access to up to five trophies per game, as well as the option to switch between 720p and 1080p resolutions on PlayStation Now, and the ability to activate automated video clips in high-score challenges. Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are all getting the software update.