Steam Deck Ssd Upgrade Vs Sd Card: Which Storage Expansion Option Is Better?
What To Know
- If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to expand the Steam Deck’s storage capacity, an SD card is an excellent option.
- However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution and are willing to sacrifice some performance, an SD card is a solid choice.
- If you choose to use an SD card, you’ll need a microSD card reader to transfer files between your computer and the SD card.
Are you a proud owner of the revolutionary Steam Deck, the ultimate portable gaming device that lets you enjoy your favorite PC games on the go? If so, you’ve probably already started thinking about ways to enhance its performance and expand its storage capacity. Two popular options for doing this are upgrading the SSD or adding an SD card. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
SSD Upgrade: The Ultimate Performance Boost
Upgrading the Steam Deck‘s SSD is the most significant performance upgrade you can make. By replacing the stock SSD with a faster model, you’ll experience lightning-fast load times, smoother gameplay, and overall improved responsiveness. This is especially noticeable in games that require frequent loading of large assets, such as open-world titles or games with extensive cutscenes.
Advantages of SSD Upgrade:
- Blazing-Fast Load Times: Say goodbye to long loading screens and enjoy near-instantaneous game launches.
- Improved Gameplay Performance: Experience smoother gameplay with reduced stuttering and frame drops.
- Enhanced Responsiveness: Navigate the Steam Deck’s interface and games with lightning-fast responsiveness.
Disadvantages of SSD Upgrade:
- Higher Cost: SSDs are generally more expensive than SD cards.
- Limited Capacity Options: The Steam Deck’s form factor limits the size of SSDs that can be installed.
- More Complex Installation: Upgrading the SSD requires opening the Steam Deck and voiding the warranty.
SD Card: A Cost-Effective Storage Expansion
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to expand the Steam Deck’s storage capacity, an SD card is an excellent option. SD cards are relatively inexpensive, and they come in various capacities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. Additionally, installing an SD card is a simple process that doesn’t require any technical expertise or voiding the warranty.
Advantages of SD Card:
- Lower Cost: SD cards are significantly more affordable than SSDs.
- Wide Range of Capacities: SD cards are available in various capacities, from 32GB to 1TB, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
- Easy Installation: Installing an SD card is a simple process that can be done in seconds.
Disadvantages of SD Card:
- Slower Performance: SD cards are slower than SSDs, resulting in longer load times and potential performance issues in demanding games.
- Limited Space for Games: The Steam Deck’s internal storage is still required for installing games, so the SD card can only be used for additional storage.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between upgrading the SSD or using an SD card depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and are willing to pay a premium, an SSD upgrade is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution and are willing to sacrifice some performance, an SD card is a solid choice.
Additional Considerations:
- Game Compatibility: Not all games are compatible with SD cards. Check the game’s system requirements to ensure it supports installation on an external storage device.
- MicroSD Card Reader: If you choose to use an SD card, you’ll need a microSD card reader to transfer files between your computer and the SD card.
- Steam Deck Model: The Steam Deck comes in two models: one with 64GB of internal storage and one with 256GB. The 256GB model has a faster NVMe SSD, while the 64GB model has a slower eMMC SSD. If you have the 64GB model, an SSD upgrade will provide a more noticeable performance boost.
Upgrading the Steam Deck’s SSD: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to upgrade the Steam Deck‘s SSD, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools: You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver, a Torx T5 screwdriver, and a replacement SSD.
2. Power Off the Steam Deck: Make sure the Steam Deck is completely powered off before you begin.
3. Remove the Back Plate: Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the back plate.
4. Disconnect the Battery: Use the Torx T5 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the battery connector. Carefully disconnect the battery.
5. Remove the SSD: Use the Torx T5 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the SSD. Carefully remove the SSD.
6. Install the New SSD: Align the new SSD with the connector and gently press it into place. Secure it with the two screws.
7. Reconnect the Battery: Carefully reconnect the battery connector and secure it with the two screws.
8. Replace the Back Plate: Align the back plate with the Steam Deck and secure it with the six screws.
9. Power On the Steam Deck: Press the power button to turn on the Steam Deck.
Final Thoughts: Which Is the Better Choice?
Both SSD upgrades and SD cards have their own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and technical expertise. If you’re looking for the ultimate performance boost and are willing to pay a premium, an SSD upgrade is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and are willing to sacrifice some performance, an SD card is a solid choice.
Alternatives to SSD and SD Card Upgrades
If you’re not interested in upgrading the SSD or using an SD card, there are a few other options you can consider to improve the Steam Deck‘s performance:
- Use a USB-C Hub: A USB-C hub allows you to connect external storage devices, such as external SSDs or hard drives, to the Steam Deck. This can provide additional storage space and faster load times for games installed on the external storage device.
- Install Games on an External Hard Drive: You can also install games on an external hard drive and then connect the hard drive to the Steam Deck when you want to play the games. This is a good option if you have a large collection of games and don’t want to keep them all installed on the Steam Deck’s internal storage.
- Use Cloud Gaming Services: Cloud gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, allow you to stream games to the Steam Deck over the internet. This can be a good option if you have a slow internet connection or if you want to play games that aren’t available on the Steam Deck.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I upgrade the SSD in the Steam Deck without voiding the warranty?
A: No, upgrading the SSD in the Steam Deck will void the warranty.
Q: How much does it cost to upgrade the SSD in the Steam Deck?
A: The cost of upgrading the SSD in the Steam Deck will vary depending on the capacity and brand of the SSD you choose. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a new SSD.
Q: How much faster is an SSD than an SD card?
A: SSDs are significantly faster than SD cards. In general, you can expect an SSD to be about 10 times faster than an SD card.
Q: Can I use an SD card to install games on the Steam Deck?
A: Yes, you can use an SD card to install games on the Steam Deck. However, not all games are compatible with SD cards. Check the game’s system requirements to ensure it supports installation on an external storage device.
Q: Can I use an external hard drive with the Steam Deck?
A: Yes, you can use an external hard drive with the Steam Deck by connecting it to a USB-C hub. This can provide additional storage space and faster load times for games installed on the external hard drive.
