PlayStation 4 Pro owners considering upgrading the standard storage with something a little faster may be interested in a new video published by Digital Foundry, revealing the performance and enhancements you can expect by installing a QVO 870 8TB SSD into your PlayStation 4 Pro console. Although the QVO 870 8TB SSD has a huge pricetag of over $800, it is available in smaller storage sizes from 1 TB if you are looking for an upgrade around $100.
Performance Enhancements with SSD
The transition from a mechanical HDD to an SSD can significantly improve the performance of your PlayStation 4 Pro. Mechanical hard drives, while reliable, are considerably slower than solid-state drives. This speed difference is particularly noticeable in games with extensive loading screens and large open-world environments. For instance, games like “The Witcher 3” and “Fallout 4” are known for their lengthy loading times on the PS4’s standard HDD. By upgrading to an SSD, you can expect these loading times to be drastically reduced, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
Moreover, games like “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” suffer from pop-in issues due to the slower read speeds of the default HDD. An SSD can mitigate these issues by providing faster data access, resulting in smoother gameplay and quicker asset loading. The Samsung QVO 870 8TB SSD, despite its high cost, offers the best chance of resolving these issues, providing a more seamless and immersive gaming experience.
Installation and External Use
Swapping out the standard drive for an SSD is a straightforward process, but it requires some technical know-how. The PlayStation 4 Pro allows for easy access to the hard drive bay, making the physical installation relatively simple. However, you will need to back up your data and reinstall the system software, which can be time-consuming. Once installed, the SSD can deliver a noticeable improvement in performance, making the effort worthwhile.
Alternatively, the QVO 870 8TB SSD can also be used externally via USB. This method is less invasive and doesn’t require opening up your console. However, the performance gains might not be as significant as an internal installation due to the limitations of the USB interface. Nevertheless, using an SSD externally can still provide faster load times and improved game performance compared to the standard HDD.
“Between The Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 we’ve seen some exceptional loading screens on PS4 owing to its mechanical HDD. Equally games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake have clear pop-in issues with Pro’s default media. Enter the Samsung QVO 870 8TB SSD – a pricy solid state drive that far exceeds the cost of PS4 Pro, but gives it its most optimal chance of solving issues in loading and streaming. Swapped for the standard drive, can this SSD deliver a satisfying upgrade? And how about being used externally via USB? Rich finds out.”
In conclusion, upgrading your PlayStation 4 Pro with an SSD like the Samsung QVO 870 can provide significant performance enhancements, particularly in terms of loading times and asset streaming. While the 8TB model is quite expensive, smaller capacities are available at more affordable prices, making it a viable option for those looking to boost their console’s performance without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to install the SSD internally or use it externally via USB, the benefits of faster load times and smoother gameplay are well worth considering.
Source: Digital Foundry
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