We don't want to beat around the bush: So far it's not possible to create a external hard drive to connect to the Playstation 4. Unlike the competition, like that Xbox One, there is unfortunately no option here to obtain additional memory through an external hard drive. The Playstation 4 came with an internal memory from the house 500 GB. But anyone who gambles a lot knows that sooner or later this memory will reach its limits. Sony has already responded to the problem by launching a 1 TB version. Unfortunately, this does not bring a solution for all those who already own the small version.
But don't despair, there is a way to increase the memory of the Playstation 4. The internal hard drive can be removed and replaced with a larger one. We have put together a step-by-step guide to show you how it all works.
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Double memory and fast access times
The internal memory of the Playstation 4 is jam-packed and you can neither load new games nor save intermediate results. The only thing that helps is a screwdriver. Because with a few simple steps you can install a new internal memory.
Before you start: data backup and firmware
At the beginning you have to ask yourself whether the system should be set up from scratch or whether the existing data needs to be backed up. Who would want to delete the intermediate result of a game that he has been playing for weeks! All you need to back up this data is a USB stick. This is automatically recognized as soon as it is connected. Then select the following menu items:
- Settings
- Management of data stored by the application
- Saved data in system memory
- Copy to USB storage device
The data can then be individually selected and copied. If you are a PSN Plus member, the Sony Cloud is of course also available.
The latest version of the operating system for the PS 4 is downloaded via the PC. Be careful not to download the update. This is only useful for existing versions. But since we have to set up the new disk with a new operating system, we need the complete version. This is available for download from Sony. The file has a size of a good 900 Mbytes. Drag the whole thing onto a USB stick and store it there under the path PS4\UPDATE\.
Which hard drive is suitable for the PS 4?
The new external hard drive must meet a number of requirements. It cannot be higher than 9,5 cm, otherwise it will not fit into the Housing fits. It must be a 2,5 inch hard drive. The maximum supported storage size is 1,5 TB. A standard 2 TB hard drive often only actually provides 1,77 TB. This value is usually fully supported by the PS4. In our test we have them Seagate Expansion Portable 2TB used. We took out the internal plate and installed it in the PS4. With a price difference of 20 euros, compared to the internal model Samsung Spinpoint M9T 2TB, it was worth the tinkering for us.
Replace hard drive in Playstation 4
So if you have found a suitable hard disk, you have to change the disks. The device must be switched off and should be unplugged from the mains. For ease of use, it is best to disconnect all cables. The glossy cover can be easily peeled off. To do this, pull the panel slightly forward. The hard drive is in a small box that is secured with just one screw. This is loosened with a small Phillips screwdriver. The entire HDD box including the drive can then be removed.
The hard drive is secured in the box with four screws. Please loosen them and put them aside safely. Insert the new drive and secure it with the screws. It is important that these are secure and tight. Now the HDD box with the new hard drive is pushed into the PS 4. Secure the box with the screw and slide the cover open. It snaps into place with a slight clicking sound.
Install new firmware
If the console is shot and started again, it boots up in safe mode. A controller is plugged into one of the ports. You have to hold down the on button for a few seconds. After a while, a beep will sound. It will then prompt you to press the PS button. Once this is done, the so-called PS 4 recovery is displayed. SafeMode offers a large selection of menu items. Before you select something, you plug in the USB stick with the firmware. The last item in the menu list is called "Initialize PS 4 (reinstall system software)". If you select this item, the system automatically accesses the software from the USB stick. Everything else is taken over by the PS 4.
The USB stick used must be formatted in FAT32. If it is formatted in NTFS, it will not be recognized by the console and the data will not be read. Even sticks with a large storage capacity are often not recognized by the system. Problems can arise from as little as 8 GB. To be on the safe side, the data should be saved on a 4 GB stick.
Are other solutions in sight?
Sony has already shown a first reaction to the memory problem with the larger PS 4 version. However, this is not ideal. But it's safe to assume that the future will have some answers.
One option is to use the PlayStation Now service. The project is still in the beta phase, but from 2016 you can look forward to a direct stream of games here. Which would relieve the memory immensely.
The Nyko company is planning another solution. In January 2015, the Americans presented a device that is something like a hard drive adapter. The adapter is plugged onto the PS 4 and you can connect a 3,5 inch hard drive to it. So far, however, it has not yet been sold on the market. Unfortunately, there is no information about a possible release date.
