The Best SSDs for Your Steam Deck
Find the best SSD for your Steam Deck. Learn about SSD types, factors to consider, top options, and features for optimal gaming performance.
Valve Steam Decks have been widely embraced by gamers thanks to their ability to combine a powerful gaming experience with a portable design. This compact gaming PC is more convenient than a gaming laptop and can be customized for more storage and possibly better performance by replacing the included SSD with an upgraded solid-state drive (SSD) from Seagate.
The best Steam Deck SSDs will expand your internal storage space, improve read/write performance, and enhance Steam Deck durability. Read on to learn more about the benefits of adding an SSD to your Steam Deck, as well as tips on how to find the best one.
While the Valve Steam Deck comes equipped with an internal SSD, as your gaming library expands over time, the internal storage capacity may prove limited. Upgrading to an M.2 NVMe solid state drive—such as one from Seagate—offers substantial benefits for the lifetime of your device.
Opting for a Seagate M.2 NVMe SSD will not only increase storage capacity, but also potentially enhance read/write speeds, significantly elevating your gaming experience. As games continue to grow in size and complexity, faster load times become increasingly essential. Additionally, the expanding library of games may surpass the storage capacity offered by the SSD that comes pre-installed in your Steam Deck, requiring the installation of an SSD with more storage capacity.
Investing in an SSD upgrade ensures your Steam Deck remains capable of smoothly handling the demands of modern gaming, offering seamless gameplay and efficient storage for all your favorite games.
Not every SSD is going to offer the features and technical specs that make sense for your Steam Deck system. Here are elements to keep in mind when searching for a good gaming SSD:
If you’re planning to upgrade your Steam Deck SSD, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your SSD capacity requirements to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Here are some key factors to consider:
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting the capacity for your Steam Deck SSD upgrade, ensuring it meets your current needs and future aspirations for gaming on the go.
Performance is a crucial factor to consider for the best gaming experiences. Here are a few key things to consider:
The Valve Steam Deck is only compatible with the NVMe 2230 form factor. Check that the SSD you want to purchase meets this size to ensure it will fit into the Steam Deck storage slot. We’ve recommended two of the best Seagate NVMe SSDs for your Steam Deck below.
When selecting an SSD, you should choose one that offers endurance and reliability to safeguard your gaming library and ensure a prolonged drive lifespan. Modern SSDs—with sturdy construction and an absence of moving parts—offer exceptional reliability. While factors like device temperature and workloads influence lifespan. Seagate SSDs boast a meantime between failure of 1.8 million hours, promising years of trouble-free operation. Opting for an SSD with robust durability and shock resistance—rated at 1500G or higher—protects your stored games and data during rigorous handheld gaming.
Since Steam Decks are handheld and played on-the-go, they tend to take more physical abuse than gaming systems that stay in one place. Steam Decks are designed to be durable and shock-resistant when taking bumps and falls and so SSDs must offer the same level of durability.
Compared to certain conventional storage mediums, SSDs feature exceptional stress resistance and durability. Therefore, check that the SSD you’re purchasing for your Steam Deck will endure any potential drops or bumps by checking its shock resistance.
To ensure the SSD you choose lasts you for a long time, consider an SSD with ample storage capacity and decent performance capabilities. Opting for a model exceeding your current storage requirements protects you against potential storage constraints as your game library expands and game file sizes increase. This proactive approach guarantees you will have enough storage for your games and media well into the future.
The last thing you want to do is buy an SSD for your Steam Deck and run out of storage. It’s better to choose a large capacity SSD even if you don’t currently need additional storage.
If you’re looking for the best SSD to upgrade your Steam Deck, consider the following options from Seagate. These ones meet all Steam Deck requirements:
Seagate FireCuda® Steam Deck NVMe SSD offers 1TB of storage space, plus high-octane read/write speeds of up to 4,800MB/s. It’s also compatible with other portable devices.
This option is perfect for Steam Deck users who want to upgrade storage capacity and accelerate game load times.
FireCuda 520N 1024GB can be purchased here.
Want to equip your Steam Deck with maximum storage capacity? Consider investing in the FireCuda 520N 2TB Steam Deck SSD, providing your console with an industry-leading 2TB of storage.
This solution is a good fit for Steam Deck users who want to invest in future-proofed storage that will support modern games moving forward.
FireCuda 520N 2TB Steam Deck SSD can be purchased here.
Installing an SSD into a Steam Deck is a straightforward process. All you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes to remove the old SSD and install the new one.
Here’s how to replace the internal SSD:
With powerful, high-capacity SSDs and excellent coverage for data recovery and drive warranty, Seagate SSDs can enhance your Steam Deck experience and extend the longevity and performance of your gaming console.
Purchase a Valve Steam Deck SSD and upgrade your Valve Steam Deck storage today!
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