The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is Sony’s eighth-generation video game console that was released in 2013. Over the years, the PS4 has seen several iterations including the standard PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro models. All PS4 models come with a built-in hard drive for game storage and save data. The default hard drive capacity has ranged from 500GB to 1TB on different PS4 models. While this provides reasonable storage space out of the box, many gamers find they quickly run out of storage as modern games continue to grow in size.
Thankfully, the PS4 allows users to expand storage beyond the built-in hard drive in a few different ways. This includes using an external USB hard drive or solid state drive, replacing the internal hard drive, or installing an aftermarket hard drive caddy to use larger 3.5” desktop hard drives. With these various upgrade options, PS4 owners can expand storage from 500GB or 1TB to multiple terabytes based on their needs and budget.
PS4 Internal Hard Drive
The default hard drive that comes with the PS4 has a capacity of 500GB (1). This allows you to store around 10-15 average-sized games, along with saved game data and media files. While 500GB seems sufficient initially, gamers often find they run out of space quite quickly as their libraries grow over time. Modern games average around 30-50GB each, with some as large as 100GB or more.
Benefits of Larger Storage
One of the main benefits of upgrading the PS4’s internal hard drive to a larger capacity drive is the ability to store more games, apps, and media (Source). The standard PS4 comes with a 500GB hard drive, which can fill up quickly as many modern games are over 50GB. With a larger drive, you don’t have to worry as much about running out of space and having to delete games to make room for new ones.
For example, upgrading to a 2TB hard drive would quadruple the available storage from 500GB to 2,000GB. This allows you to have over 40 average-sized PS4 games installed at once instead of just 10. Especially for players with large game libraries, expanding the storage allows them to keep more of their owned games ready to play instantly, without needing to re-install them if they want to play again later.
More storage also means you can download and save more videos, screenshots, and other media from gameplay sessions. Overall, upgrading to a bigger hard drive enhances the overall experience by removing the need to micromanage the console’s limited default storage space.
3.5″ HDDs
3.5″ HDDs refer to hard disk drives with a physical size of 3.5 inches. These drives use standard mounting and cabling inside desktop computers and some storage enclosures. Some key details on 3.5″ HDDs include:
Physical size: 3.5″ HDDs have a width of 4 inches, a height of 5.75 inches, and a depth of 1 inch. This is significantly larger than laptop-style 2.5″ HDDs.
Typical capacities: 3.5″ HDDs range from 120GB to 14TB for consumer models. Enterprise and specialized drives can reach up to 18TB. The larger platters allow 3.5″ drives to offer much higher storage capacities than smaller form factors.
Common uses: Servers, desktop PCs, NAS devices, DAS devices, and external enclosures. 3.5″ is the most common HDD form factor for systems that do not prioritize small size.
Power and connections: 3.5″ HDDs require a standard SATA power connector and data cable. Most desktop PC power supplies have extra SATA power cables for multiple drives.
2.5″ HDDs
2.5-inch hard disk drives are smaller in physical size compared to 3.5-inch drives. The typical dimensions of a 2.5-inch HDD are about 2.75 inches wide and 3.96 inches long, with a height that ranges from 0.27 inches up to 0.55 inches depending on the drive capacity (source).
While 2.5-inch drives used to max out at 1 TB, capacities have expanded over the years. Today, 2.5-inch HDDs are commonly available with up to 5 TB of storage space. High performance models can provide up to 10 TB of capacity in the 2.5-inch form factor (source). The smaller physical size makes these drives well-suited for portable and slimline computing applications.
PS4 Storage Bay
The PS4 utilizes a removable HDD bay that houses the internal storage drive. This bay has specific physical dimensions that limit the size of compatible hard drives.
According to the PS4 Developer Wiki, the storage bay can accommodate 2.5″ drives with a maximum height of 9.5mm. The minimum storage capacity is 160GB [1]. This means that standard 3.5″ desktop hard drives will not physically fit into the PS4’s HDD bay due to their larger size.
While 3.5″ HDDs are commonly used in desktop PCs, the PS4 is designed for smaller form factor 2.5″ laptop hard drives. These 2.5″ drives max out at 9.5mm in height to fit the constraints of the PS4’s HDD bay.
So in summary, the PS4 is only compatible with 2.5″ laptop drives 9.5mm or slimmer. Standard 3.5″ desktop drives exceed the height and width limitations of the PS4’s storage bay.
Steps to Install 3.5″ HDD
Installing a 3.5″ HDD into a PS4 requires additional accessories like a mounting bracket and SATA adapter to make it fit properly. Here are the general steps involved:
1. Purchase a 3.5″ to 2.5″ drive bay adapter bracket. This allows you to mount the larger 3.5″ drive into the PS4’s 2.5″ drive bay space.
2. Buy a SATA adapter that converts the 3.5″ SATA connector to a 2.5″ SATA connector. The PS4 uses a slimmer 2.5″ SATA data connector cable so you need an adapter for the drive to interface properly.
3. Open the PS4 case and remove the existing hard drive.
4. Mount the 3.5″ HDD into the adapter bracket.
5. Connect the SATA adapter to the HDD.
6. Slide the drive with bracket into the PS4 and connect the SATA adapter to the PS4’s SATA cable.
7. Reassemble the PS4 case and power on the console. The 3.5″ HDD should now be working as the main system storage.
It’s a bit more involved than a regular 2.5″ HDD install but allows you to use a cheaper and higher capacity 3.5″ drive. Just make sure all the connectors and brackets are correct for the specific PS4 model.
Compatibility Concerns
One of the main issues with trying to install a 3.5″ HDD in a PS4 is power draw and cooling. The PS4’s power supply and cooling system were designed with the internal 2.5″ drive in mind. 3.5″ HDDs typically require more power and generate more heat than 2.5″ models.
The PS4 uses a built-in power supply designed to deliver ample power for the components it was engineered for, including a 2.5″ hard drive. But most 3.5″ HDDs need 12V power which exceeds the PS4’s power delivery capabilities. Without sufficient power, the 3.5″ drive may not spin up or function properly.
Larger 3.5″ drives also tend to run hotter than slim 2.5″ drives. The PS4’s cooling system is not designed to handle the excess heat from a bigger hard drive. Insufficient cooling could lead to crashes, damage or shortened lifespan.
Using a 3.5″ HDD risks pushing the PS4’s power supply and cooling capabilities beyond their limits. This could lead to hardware issues or instability. A 3.5″ drive may work but is not officially supported or recommended due to these compatibility concerns.
Recommended Drives
For those looking to upgrade their PS4 with a 3.5″ HDD, the Seagate BarraCuda 4TB Internal Hard Drive is a top choice. This 3.5″ HDD offers a sizeable 4TB of storage, providing ample space for dozens of games, videos, and media files. With high performance speeds up to 140MB/s, the BarraCuda loads games and apps quickly. Its reliability and 2 year warranty also make it a smart pick.
If preferring a 2.5″ form factor, the Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD is a recommended drive. This SSD delivers blazing fast speeds up to 560MB/s read and 530MB/s write. It provides 500GB of storage and fits directly into the PS4’s 2.5″ drive bay. With top-tier performance and Samsung reliability, it’s one of the best SSD upgrades compatible with the PS4.
Conclusion
To summarize, the PS4 has a 2.5″ storage bay that can only accommodate smaller form factor hard drives. While 3.5″ HDDs offer more storage for less money, they are too large to physically fit inside the PS4 without an adapter. Attempting to install a 3.5″ drive directly could damage the system.
For most PS4 owners, the best option is to use a 2.5″ HDD or SSD to upgrade their storage. Popular drives like the Samsung 870 EVO or WD Blue 3D NAND provide 500GB to 2TB of capacity while working seamlessly with the PS4. While not as cost effective per gigabyte, these 2.5″ drives plug directly into the PS4’s bay and will significantly expand your storage for games and media.
In conclusion, 3.5″ HDDs are incompatible with the PS4 unless using a special adapter. To directly increase PS4 storage, a 2.5″ HDD or SSD is recommended.