How to Upgrade the Xbox Series S SSD: A Simple Guide
The Xbox Series S ships with a 512 GB NVMe SSD, great for quick load times but limited if you want to keep a large library of games or store media locally. Upgrading the internal storage is straightforward once you know the right parts and steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from picking the right drive to reinstalling the console’s operating system.
Upgrade Your Xbox Series S SSD: What You Need to Know
Before you dive in, keep a few key facts in mind:
- The console only accepts NVMe M.2 SSDs with a PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 interface.
- Microsoft recommends a read speed of at least 5000 MB/s.
- All SSD upgrades void the Xbox Series S warranty, so proceed at your own risk.
- After installing a new drive, you’ll need to reinstall the console firmware and move your games back.
With that in check, let’s look at what to buy and how to install it.
Physical Size and Form Factor
Most Xbox Series S upgrades use the 2280 form factor (22 mm wide × 80 mm long). This is the same size used in the console’s internal storage. If you’re tempted by a 2230 (22 mm × 30 mm) drive, note that it’s not officially supported, though some users mount it with a custom adapter. Sticking to 2280 avoids compatibility headaches.
Speed and Interface
Speed matters more than capacity when it comes to game performance. Look for a drive that offers at least 5000 MB/s sequential read speed. Popular options include the Samsung 970 EVO Plus, WD Black SN750, and Seagate FireCuda 520. All use PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 and come in 512 GB, 1 TB
