PS5 is the first one that uses NVMe solid-state hard drives as internal storage

As the next-generation game console, PS5 has a significant performance improvement comparing with the previous generation PS4. Because it adds functions like ray tracing and new handle interaction etc.,. These functions enrich the image quality of games and the way to play games. In addition, NVMe SSD PS5 is also the first one that uses NVMe solid-state hard drives as internal storage. It greatly improves game loading speed and game smoothness.

（picture from SONY）

The advantage of NVMe SSD PS5

With the improvement of image quality, you can experience the richness of gameplay and the increase of next-generation game content. Moreover, the space for loading games is also increasing. The installation space of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has reached 135GB, NBA 2K21 takes 114GB. Even the most ordinary game occupies at least 40GB, so the built-in 825GB of PS5 seems to be not enough.

Fortunately, a M.2 NVMe solid-state drive slot is inserting into the PS5 body. It allows players to expand the capacity of the PS5. When PS5 test system launches at the end of July, this expansion slot has started to function as an expanding hard drive.

(picture from pcgalaxy)

How is the compatibility of bulk NVMe SSD?

The present M.2 NVMe SSD slot in PS5 is compatible with PCIe 4.0×4 SSD. Meanwhile, it has the best performance in the consumer market. In terms of size specifications, it is compatible with various lengths. Such as M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110, etc. In terms of height, the total thickness of the solid state drive plus the heat sink should be less than 11.25mm. In this way, it means that PS5 is highly compatible with M.2 solid state drive. It can be easily installed, even if the M.2 solid state drive has its own thick heat sink.

Size specification compatibility does not mean that all M.2 NVMe SSD can be used on the PS5. Take factors such as file size and smoothness of the game when running into consideration, SONY recommends that the reading speed of SSD needs to be 5,500MB/s or above. At present, the only SSD that can achieve such performance is the PCIe 4.0×4 specification SSD.

SM2264 main control chip

The Chip Types

As the leader of solid-state hard disk master chips, Silicon Motion has launched a variety of master chips and supporting solutions for PCIe 4.0 technology, including the flagship level SM2264, mainstream level SM2267 and SM2267XT.

Among them, the SM2264 main control chip is working with a 4-core ARM Cortex-R8 CPU. It contains 4 16Gb/s PCIe data buses, and supports 8 NAND channels. The continuous reading and writing speed can reach up to 7,400MB/S and 6,800MB/s respectively, and the random reading and writing speed can reach up to 1,000K IOPS, which greatly exceeds the 5,500MB/s recommended level given by the PS5, and will bring smoother gaming experience to PS5 users.

SM2264 is equipped with the latest 7th generation NANDXtend technology developed by Silicon Motion, and used the latest high-performance 4KB LDPC Error Correcting Code (ECC) engine and RAID function patented by Silicon Motion as well, providing excellent error correction function for the latest generation 3DTLC and QLC NAND .

With the PS5, Xbox Series X, and other higher-configuration CPUs and GPUs coming to the market, the high-speed transmission brought by PCIe 4.0 will bring more exquisite images and game content to next-generation game masterpieces. The PCIe 4.0 master chips such as SM2264/SM2267 and SM2267XT launched by Silicon Motion are all provided with complete solutions, so customers can quickly implement product, reduce production costs, and jointly create a high-speed storage ecosystem, bringing players brand new gaming experience.