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.
Upgrading Your Steam Deck’s SSD Storage
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.
Things to Consider When Choosing an SSD for Your Steam Deck
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:
Capacity Requirements
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:
- Current and Future Game Library: Evaluate the size of your existing game library and anticipate future additions. Games vary widely in terms of storage requirements, with some modern titles exceeding 100GB. Choose an SSD capacity that accommodates your current games and allows room for growth.
- Multimedia Content: Beyond games, consider other multimedia content you may want to store on your Steam Deck, such as videos, music, and photos. These files can consume significant storage space, so factor them into your capacity calculations.
- Operating System and System Files: Remember to account for the space needed by the Steam Deck operating system (OS) and system files. While these typically occupy a relatively small portion of the SSD, it’s important to leave room for them to ensure smooth operation.
- Usage Patterns: Reflect on your gaming habits and usage patterns. If you frequently install and uninstall games or regularly switch between titles, you may require more storage space to accommodate these activities without constantly managing storage.
- Future-Proofing: Consider future-proofing your Steam Deck by opting for a higher capacity SSD. As game sizes increase and new titles are released, having ample storage ensures you can enjoy a diverse gaming experience without worrying about running out of space.
- Budget: Balance your capacity requirements with your budget. Some higher capacity SSDs can come with a high price tag, so weigh the cost against the benefits of additional storage space.
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 (Read/Write Speeds)
Performance is a crucial factor to consider for the best gaming experiences. Here are a few key things to consider:
- Read and Write Speeds: Look for SSDs with high read and write speeds to minimize loading times and ensure smooth gameplay. Faster SSDs deliver quicker data access, resulting in snappier game launches and seamless in-game transitions.
- Gaming Experience: Faster SSDs contribute to a more responsive gaming experience, particularly in open-world games with extensive environments or games with large textures and assets. Enhanced performance translates to reduced stuttering, faster texture streaming, and smoother gameplay overall.
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with the Steam Deck hardware and operating system. Choose SSDs that are specifically designed for gaming and offer seamless integration with its architecture.
- Cost vs. Performance: Balance performance gains with your budget. While SSDs with top-tier performance may offer the best gaming experience, they might come with a higher-than-expected price tag. Select an SSD that strikes the right balance between game execution and affordability.
Compatibility with Steam Deck
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.
Endurance and Reliability
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.
Durable and Shock Resistant
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.
Future-Proofing
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.
Best SSDs for Your Steam Deck
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 520N 1024GB
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.
Specs
- 1TB storage
- NVMe M.2 2230 form factor
- Sequential read and write speeds of 4,800/4,700MB/s
- Compatible with PCIe G4 ×4 interface (backwards compatible with PCIe G3 interface)
- Comes with Seagate three-year Rescue Data Recovery Services and a five-year, industry-leading warranty
Best Fit
This option is perfect for Steam Deck users who want to upgrade storage capacity and accelerate game load times.
Where to Buy
FireCuda 520N 1024GB can be purchased here.
Seagate FireCuda 520N 2048GB
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.
Specs
- 2TB storage
- M.2 2230 form factor
- Sequential read and write speeds of 5,000/3,200MB/s
- Compatible with PCIe G4 ×4 interface (backwards compatible with PCIe G3 interface)
- Comes with Seagate three-year Rescue Data Recovery Services and a five-year, industry-leading warranty
Best Fit
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.
Where to Buy
FireCuda 520N 2TB Steam Deck SSD can be purchased here.
How to Install an M.2 NVMe SSD into Your Steam Deck
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:
- Unscrew and remove the back panel of your Valve Steam Deck (eight screws in total).
- Take out the inner metal sheet.
- Unplug the Steam Deck battery.
- Unscrew and remove the existing SSD.
- Install the new SSD card and screw it into place.
- Plug in the battery, add the inner metal shield, and reattach the back panel, including all eight screws.
- Download and install the Steam operating system on your new SSD.
Find the Best SSD for Your Steam Deck
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!
