Steam Deck SSD Upgrade: How to, Instructions, Parts, Photos
As a PC gamer, you’ve probably already felt the ache that’s the ever-increasing file dimension of right this moment’s video games—Baldur’s Gate 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are every round 150 gigabytes, for instance. These big video games change into much more of a trouble on moveable consoles like Valve’s Steam Deck.
Big file sizes don’t need to be an annoyance, nonetheless. Whether or not you opted for the 64, 256, or 512 GB variations of Valve’s handheld gaming pc, or are contemplating getting the brand new Steam Deck OLED in both the 512 GB or 1 TB configuration, the solid-state drive contained in the console is upgradeable. By including a bigger capability drive to the Steam Deck’s inner SSD slot, you possibly can spend much less time swapping out microSD playing cards and video games and extra time truly taking part in them.
Putting in a brand new M.2 SSD within the Steam Deck isn’t too onerous, however for those who’re not a do-it-yourself PC individual, chances are you’ll discover it difficult (particularly for the OLED mannequin). We’re right here to information you step-by-step by the method—for each the unique Deck and the OLED version. Belief us, it’s well worth the effort.
Step 1: Decide a Suitable Drive and Prep Your Deck
Earlier than you buy an SSD, you’ll need to ensure it’s appropriate together with your Steam Deck. Each fashions take the 2230 model of the M.2 NVMe SSD, which is its most compact kind issue—excellent for becoming within the confined areas of the Steam Deck’s internals.
For this information, I am utilizing the WD_BLACK SN770M NVMe™ SSD, which is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB storage capacities. To maintain your new SSD cool and operating optimally, you’ll additionally need to get a warmth sink. I opted for this copper option with thermal pads, which additionally comes with the entire instruments you’ll want to put in the SSD within the unique Steam Deck. When you’ve got the OLED, you’ll additionally must get a star screwdriver (like the T6 in this multitool option) to take away the screws on the again panel and internally. As soon as you’ve got put in the brand new SSD, you will must load it with the correct software program, which requires some extra {hardware} like a pc, a flash drive, a wired keyboard, and a USB hub.
Earlier than you begin taking your Deck aside, ensure the house you’re utilizing is effectively lit and ideally clear of something like mud and pet hair. Then, verify to see if it’s operating the newest software program by going to Settings > System > Software program Updates and hitting the Examine For Updates button. Replace the system, then shut it down.
When you’ve got a microSD card within the slot, take away this earlier than you proceed. Then, to avoid wasting your joysticks and stop your console from shifting round whilst you work, I like to recommend inserting your Steam Deck upside-down in its case.
