Following the release of the external Mandalorian SSD, Seagate’s Mandalorian-branded M.2 NvmE SSD, the “Beskar Ingot Drive,” offers a compelling internal storage solution, particularly for PlayStation 5 users.
This SSD module features a pre-mounted heatsink with a distinct beskar steel aesthetic inspired by The Mandalorian series. While the design is primarily concealed upon installation, the drive’s specifications, including read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, make it an excellent choice for expanding the internal storage of a Playstation 5. It exceeds Sony’s recommended minimum of 5,500 MB/s for optimal performance.
Installation of the Firecuda 530 in the PS5 is straightforward. Upon startup, the console prompts the user to format the drive and then conducts a speed assessment, which, in our testing, reached 6,543 MB/s. This result represents nearly 90% of the theoretical maximum speed and surpasses the recommended 5,500 MB/s threshold.
The measured speed also positions this M.2 SSD as nearly 30% faster than the previously tested ADATA Legend 840. While one might expect a price premium for this increased performance, the Firecuda 530 Beskar Ingot Drive offers excellent value. At just under 1,600 kronor for 1TB, it’s approximately 250 kronor less expensive than the slower ADATA drive.
Sequential read speeds are typically a more critical factor for workstation and PC applications than for gaming. While this specific Firecuda 530 model may not lead in sequential performance compared to the ZP1000GM3A023 variant (another Firecuda 530-M.2 model with slightly higher sequential performance at a slightly higher price), this difference is unlikely to significantly impact PlayStation 5 usage. Considering its price, effective cooling solution, and ease of use, the Firecuda 530 Beskar Ingot Drive M.2 is a highly recommended upgrade for PlayStation 5 owners and a new benchmark for storage expansion in the console.
Seagate provided a test unit for this review. The provision of review samples does not influence our objective testing methodology.
