There is no doubt that the Steam Deck is a fantastic handheld console. However, the console’s internal storage leaves a lot to be desired. Specifically, there are several SSDs that you can buy that will be a massive upgrade to the one you get with the Steam Deck.
Here is my list of the best SSDs you can get for the Steam Deck:
- WD Black SN850X
- SK Hynix Platinum P41
- WD Black SN770
- Seagate Firecuda 530
- Samsung 990 Pro
With so many SSDs out in the market right now it can be quite difficult to make the best choice for your console or computer system. However, you can’t go wrong with our picks for the best of the best. Regardless, if you wish to learn more about the ones we’ve mentioned in the list then keep reading on!
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Best SSDs for the Steam Deck
An SSD or Solid-state drive is a newly introduced storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to collect and store data persistently and accurately. At the current moment, it is the best storage system that you can utilize on a computer, as it allows for the retrieval of files to occur at a far faster rate than normal.
The Steam Deck currently comes with a 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512GB NVMe SSD. However, makes these storage upgrades can become quite costly for students. To help out anyone looking for a new SSD, we’ve broken down this list into the best SSD your money can get to the best relatively free-to-purchase ever done.
1. WD Black SN850X
The WD Black SN850X is the best 4th Generation SSD that is available on the market. It has an incredible edge on performance over other systems that you can purchase right now. But another important factor that makes WD Black SN850X is that it is also perhaps one of the most affordable SSDs as well.
The WD Black SN850X improves your game’s loading times. It uses specific algorithms, which can predict cache game data effectively and efficiently. With the specific programming of this SSD, it can detect and predict the loading of your game.
The new WD Black SN850X’s revised thermal profile makes it exceptionally well-suited for use with the Steam Deck. So if you’re thinking of using this SSD with your Steam Deck then, it’ll be a perfect addition to your console system.
2. SK Hynix Platinum P41
One of the most powerful 1 Terabyte SSD on the market is the SK Hynix Platinum P41. This is why I can quite easily recommend this as an SSD upgrade for your Steam Deck. The SK Hynix Platinum has an excellent all-around performance when it comes to loading and playing games.
The best thing about SK Hynix is that even with its overall amazing performance it’s still competitive in terms of price with other devices. This is because, unlike other devices that compensate their price with weakness, the SK Hynix Platinum does not have any major issues.
In terms of its actual memory, the SK Hynix has the latest and greatest 176-layer 3D TLC NAND. What that means in plain English, is that you will receive the more advanced TLC memory that you can get. On top of that, the SK Hynix claims an over 40% performance boost over its older layer chips.
The 2TB model has a sequential reading speed of 7,000 MB/s speed. Something you should consider for your Steam Deck.
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3. WD Black SN770
As you might have noticed, the SN 770 is another member of the WD Black family. And it is certainly one that lives up to the reputation associated with all WD Black SSDs. It has tremendous performance and compatibility with the Steam Deck, and it has a very reasonable price point.
The main advantage of the WD Black SN 770 is its versatility. Unlike other SSDs with major compatibility issues and specific Motherboard requirements, the SN 770 can practically work with anything. This makes it a wonderful candidate to try with the Steam Deck.
The SSD comes in various storage sizes. It also requires a very small amount of power to function in comparison to its competition. It is largely due to it being a DRAM-less SSD drive and having the latest controllers, that both the price point and the power-ask is kept so low.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for an SSD drive for your Steam Deck then I can highly recommend you get this one.
4. Seagate Firecuda 530
The next SSD on our list is the Seagate Firecuda 530. The Seagate Firecuda is a tremendously speedy PCIe 4.0 SSD that will last you for quite a while. As we just stated this SSDs best quality is its durability, and if you’re someone who likes to make one good purchase and forget about it, then the Firecuda is right up your alley.
In terms of performance, the Seagate Firecuda can either beat or be as good as the other major storage devices on the market. The 2TB version of the Firecuda 530 has a rated sequential read and write speed of 7300/6900 MB/s. The storage device is pushing the limits of the PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and is still thriving.
It combines a brand-new Micron 176-layer TLC NAND with a Phison PS5018-E18 controller. For aficionados of the storage device space, they know how impressive that is, and it’s why I can’t recommend the Firecuda enough for anyone looking to upgrade the storage of their Steam Deck.
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5. Samsung 990 Pro
The last SSD on our list is certainly not the least. Samsung makes a huge comeback in the SSD market with the Samsung 990 Pro. The 990 Pro is an elegant SSD, that we think will be a great addition to your Steam Deck.
One of the major reasons why you should get this SSD is because of the brand name that comes associated with it.
Samsung has tremendously helpful customer support, and it’s no surprise that installing new devices to electronics can be a hassle. Samsung customer support is usually able to help out with all your installation needs. It even comes with a 5-year warranty.
Aside from the general brand trust that you can expect, the SSD features the latest 7th Generation 3D V-NAND flash memory. This means that the SSD will have a very impressive uptick in all performance metrics that you would care for, and will show great results if you choose to use it with your Steam Deck.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Samsung SSD can be found if you test the 2TB model. The device can run up to speeds from 7,000MB/s up to 7,450MB/s. This is a massive leap from their previous models which were doing a measly 5,100MB/s in numbers.
I believe anyone who’s seriously considering buying an SSD for their Steam Deck will take a very serious look at the work and quality product that Samsung has released. After all, not many SSD aficionados will scoff at the prospect of IOPS performance being upgraded and reads increasing from 1.2M to 1.55M.
How to Install an SSD In The Steam Deck?
It’s obvious that many base versions of the Steam Deck simply do not come with the storage space necessary to play games released nowadays. It is thus extremely helpful if you have an additional SSD that you can store your games on. We’ve provided you with a wonderful list above to help you find which SSD is right for you.
But I want to go a step further and help you install the SSD into your Steam Deck as well. After all, that’s why we’re here, right?
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Installing an SSD to Your Steam Deck
With everything else out of the way, let’s discuss with a few quick and simple steps, how you can install your new SSD into your Steam Deck.
- First, remove the four long screws at the outside corners of the Steam Deck.
- Second, remove the four small screws found in the center of the Steam Deck.
- Once you’ve removed the screws, attempt to pry at the middle top of the case.
- Make sure that you do not damage the rear of the Steam Deck or the circuit board when attempting to do this.
- Be careful not to break the rear shell.
- Once the rear shell is removed, locate the metal shield covering the battery.
- You can locate the metal shield covering the battery next to the fan.
- Unscrew the two small screws in the top left and bottom left corners.
- All three of the screws need to be removed.
- Remove the battery that covers the SSD
- Remove the Screw and the SSD will lift and out.
- Remove the metal shield from the old SSD.
- Reassemble the new unit by following the previous steps in the reverse.
- Voila! You’ve now successfully changed your SSD.
There you have it, the top 5 SSDs for the Steam Deck, and how you can install these SSDs into your system. I hope these SSDs will help you improve your gaming experience on the steam Deck. Our major aim is to help you improve and enjoy your games to the fullest.