Best SSD for Steam Deck in 2024

Posted on by

Looking for the best SSDs for Steam Deck? Here are our top recommended M.2 2230 PCIe SSDs for the Steam Deck handheld gaming PC.

The Steam Deck from Valve has taken the gaming world by storm, presenting a powerful and portable gaming device with PC-like architecture. A standout feature is its potential for storage expansion and upgrades, but navigating the SSD replacement process can be a bit intricate due to the necessity of a specific storage device: the 2230 NVMe SSD, exemplified by the ASUS ROG Ally.

In this article, we will delve into the realm of finding the best SSDs for the Steam Deck, aiding you in enhancing your gaming experience by optimizing storage capacity. We understand the importance of ample storage in gaming, and with the Steam Deck, you have the opportunity to ensure you never run out of space for your favorite titles.

The Steam Deck’s unique architecture utilizes the 2230 NVMe SSD, a form factor not commonly found, primarily used in compact devices like Microsoft’s Surface laptops. While slightly smaller and slower than traditional NVMe drives, these SSDs can hold a considerable amount of data, making them an excellent choice for your gaming needs.

We’ve scoured the market, testing and evaluating some of the top SSDs compatible with the Steam Deck, aiming to provide you with a curated list of options to suit your requirements. Whether you’re looking for speed, capacity, or affordability, we have recommendations to cater to various preferences. From top-notch offerings like the Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe 4.0 1TB SSD to more budget-friendly options, we’ll help you make an informed choice to enhance your Steam Deck gaming setup.

Our Top Pick: The best SSDs for Steam Deck

  1. Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD: Best SSD for ASUS ROG Ally
  2. Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD: Best 1TB ASUS ROG Ally SSD
  3. INLAND TN446 M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD: Best Budget M.2 2230 SSD
  4. TEAMGROUP MP44S 2230 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD: Best Alternative High-Capacity M.2 2230 SSD
  5. Addlink S91 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 3D NAND SSD: Another Capacious M.2 2230 SSD
  6. XPC Technologies M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0×4 SSD

See also: Best MicroSD Cards for Steam Deck

Best SSDs for Steam Deck

1. Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD

Best SSD for Steam Deck

Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface
  • Capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Sequential Reads: 5000 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes: 4,300 MB/s
  • 3D V-NAND Technology
  • Endurance: 600 TBW
  • Designed for Gaming and General Storage
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Specialized M.2 2230 form factor designed for unique devices
  • Consistent and reliable overall performance
  • Exceptionally efficient operation
  • Strong customer support with available registered warranty

Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to M.2 2280 SSDs
  • Limited to capacities below 2TB
  • Full warranty requires registration

The Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD is a standout choice, especially for those seeking the best SSD for the Steam Deck in 2023. Sabrent, a renowned brand known for its quality and speed, has once again delivered a compelling product that is trusted by both enthusiasts and tech experts.

Designed with compact devices like the Steam Deck and Microsoft Surface tablets in mind, this M.2 2230 SSD brings exceptional power to tight spaces. With a 1TB storage capacity and a PCIe 4.0 interface, it offers blazing-fast transfer speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. The combination of an optimized controller and 3D V-NAND memory technology ensures stable and reliable performance.

While the Sabrent Rocket 2230 offers outstanding performance, it does come with a few limitations. The absence of a 2TB option may disappoint users with higher storage needs, and the price tag is slightly steeper compared to its M.2 2280 counterparts. Additionally, it’s worth noting that registering the product is necessary to unlock the full warranty.

Nonetheless, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 shines in its class of drives, providing a compact yet powerful storage solution. Its PCIe 4.0 compatibility means it can work seamlessly in older systems as well, offering improved efficiency. With multiple capacity options and a solid 5-year warranty (when registered), this SSD is an excellent choice for upgrading or replacing internal storage in special devices.

In summary, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD delivers exceptional performance and reliability, making it a top pick for those looking to enhance the storage capabilities of devices like the Steam Deck and Microsoft Surface tablets. While it may be slightly pricier and lacks a 2TB option, its compact form factor and impressive features make it a solid investment for gaming and general storage needs.

Sabrent Rocket 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H.

In addition, if you want to upgrade to 2TB for your device, the Sabrent Rocket Q4 2230 is a great choice.

Sabrent 2TB Rocket Q4 2230 NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 Internal SSD at B&H.

2. Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD

Best 1TB Steam Deck SSD

Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface
  • Capacities: 1TB
  • Sequential Reads: 4,800 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes: 4,800 MB/s
  • Endurance: 600 TBW
  • Designed for Gaming and General Storage
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Consistent and robust all-around performance
  • Attractive and competitive pricing
  • Impressive efficiency
  • Backed by Corsair’s reputable name and standard warranty support

Cons:

  • Limited to a 1TB storage option
  • Faces strong competition in the market

The Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD emerges as the standout choice for upgrading your Steam Deck in 2023, offering a generous 1TB of rapid solid-state storage. Much like its counterparts, the Rocket 2230 and Inland TN446, the MP600 Mini holds its own in the performance department while often presenting a more budget-friendly option. When it comes to support and peace of mind, Corsair’s name carries weight, setting it apart from generic brands. With the market saturated with 1TB SSDs, the MP600 Mini distinguishes itself through its solid performance and impressive power efficiency.

Designed as a no-frills solution, the Corsair MP600 Mini shines in efficiency among M.2 2230 SSDs. Though exclusively available in 1TB, it delivers a speedy and efficient upgrade for your Steam Deck and other portable systems. Corsair’s strategic release of the MP600 Mini positions it as a compelling alternative to the competition, particularly the Sabrent Rocket 2230. Despite its simplicity, this SSD confidently targets the popular 1TB capacity demand, serving as an easy and reliable storage upgrade for your Steam Deck and similar devices.

The Corsair MP600 Mini excels as the most power-efficient M.2 2230 SSD tested thus far while delivering commendable all-around performance. Although it lacks variety in capacity options, its budget-friendly price for a TLC SSD places it favorably against alternatives, like the QLC S91. In a sea of M.2 2230 SSDs, the MP600 Mini stands out, offering the assurance of a well-known brand and little reason to overlook it.

Priced at $99.99, the Corsair MP600 Mini is competitively positioned, undercutting rivals like the Inland TN446 and Sabrent Rocket 2230 by approximately $10. While its sequential read and write speeds of up to 4,800 MB/s and IOPS ratings may seem impressive, they align with its peers in terms of actual performance. Corsair backs this drive with a warranty covering up to 600TB of writes over five years.

In conclusion, the Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD has become a sought-after storage solution for gamers and PC enthusiasts. Its 1TB capacity, exceptional sequential read speed, and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for upgrading storage in devices like the Steam Deck. With Corsair’s reputation, you can trust in the reliability and performance of the MP600 Mini, even as it faces strong competition in the 1TB SSD market.

Corsair MP600 Mini M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe x4 Gen4 SSD at Newegg, Walmart.

3. INLAND TN446 M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD

Best Budget M.2 2230 SSD

INLAND TN446 M.2 2230 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface
  • Capacities: 512GB, 1TB
  • Sequential Reads: 4,700 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes: 3,700 MB/s
  • Endurance: 600 TBW
  • Limited 6-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Pros:

  • Reasonable performance and efficiency
  • Long warranty

Cons:

  • No 256GB or 2TB options

The Inland TN446 M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe Internal SSD has emerged as a cost-effective storage solution, making it the go-to choice for budget-conscious gamers and ultrabook users. Boasting a generous 1TB capacity, this SSD offers ample storage space for games, applications, and media at an enticing price of $109.99. Its M.2 2230 form factor ensures effortless integration into ultrabook laptops and gaming consoles, including the Steam Deck.

Equipped with a Phison E19T controller and a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, the Inland TN446 delivers blazing-fast data transfer speeds, offering a seamless user experience. The utilization of 3D TLC NAND technology enhances efficiency and durability, making it a versatile option for gaming, content creation, and demanding tasks.

One of its standout features is its compatibility with the Steam Deck, elevating the gaming experience by reducing load times and delivering lag-free gameplay. Additionally, the Inland TN446 SSD prioritizes data reliability while maintaining optimal performance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their ultrabook’s storage capabilities or expand their game console’s storage capacity.

However, it’s essential to note that there are no 256GB or 2TB options available, which might limit choice for some users. Despite this limitation, the Inland TN446 offers a competitive performance-to-price ratio, backed by a six-year manufacturer warranty, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a cost-effective storage upgrade.

In conclusion, the Inland TN446 M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe Internal SSD is an excellent option for users looking for a reliable, high-performance storage solution without breaking the bank. Its 1TB capacity, compatibility with the Steam Deck, and impressive data transfer speeds make it a worthwhile investment for gamers and ultrabook enthusiasts.

INLAND TN446 M.2 2230 PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe Internal SSD at Newegg.

4. TEAMGROUP MP44S 2230 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Best Alternative High-Capacity M.2 2230 SSD

Teamgroup MP44S 2230 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface
  • Capacities: 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Reads: 5,000 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes: 3,500 MB/s
  • Endurance: 450 TBW
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

The Teamgroup MP44S 2230 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD emerges as a compelling alternative for those seeking high-capacity storage for their Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally. Sporting up to 2TB of space, this SSD leverages QLC flash technology, offering ample storage in a compact form factor. While QLC typically entails trade-offs in endurance and performance compared to TLC, the MP44S still delivers solid performance, especially at the 1TB capacity point.

In our testing, the 1TB variant showcased strong performance without sacrificing efficiency, making it a perfect fit for the power-efficient Steam Deck. The MP44S, despite its QLC nature, competes favorably with TLC alternatives, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Teamgroup employs the Phison E21T controller, a trusted choice known for its reliability and speed. Although the Steam Deck operates on the PCIe 3.0 interface, devices like the ROG Ally can tap into the additional bandwidth offered by PCIe 4.0, optimizing performance further. The MP44S is particularly appealing for its compatibility with the M.2 2230 form factor, catering to the growing demand for storage expansion in mini PCs. Whether you’re gaming, content creation, or handling data transfers, this SSD can handle it all, providing swift read and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and 3,500 MB/s, respectively.

However, it’s essential to note that QLC drives may generate more heat, which could be a concern for some users. Yet, given its affordability and impressive performance, the Teamgroup MP44S remains a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their Steam Deck or ROG Ally’s internal storage.

The Teamgroup MP44S comes in 1TB and 2TB capacities, priced at $94.99 and $199.99, respectively. While it might be slightly costlier than some competitors, its combination of capacity and speed makes it a worthy investment for gamers and professionals alike. The five-year warranty, backed by impressive endurance ratings, further solidifies its reliability. So, if you’re in the market for a high-capacity SSD to elevate your gaming or content creation experience, the Teamgroup MP44S is certainly worth considering.

TEAMGROUP MP44S 2230 PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD at Newegg, Walmart.

5. Addlink S91 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 3D NAND SSD

Another Capacious M.2 2230 SSD

Addlink S91 2230 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface
  • Capacities: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Reads: 5,000 MB/s
  • Sequential Writes: 3,200 MB/s
  • Endurance: Not Specified
  • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty

The Addlink S91 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 3D NAND SSD is a notable choice, especially for those seeking a budget-friendly alternative for expanding their Steam Deck or ROG Ally’s internal storage. While Addlink may not be as widely recognized as other brands, their SSDs have consistently performed well. The S91, available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, shines as a potential sleeper in the market.

At 2TB, the S91 utilizes QLC technology to achieve its impressive capacity, offering flexibility to users with lower capacity needs. It competes closely with the Rocket Q4 2230 and MP44S, often at a more affordable price point. For users aiming for 512GB, the S91 utilizes TLC, making it a strong alternative to the TN446, particularly due to its competitive pricing.

The performance of the Addlink S91 is commendable, especially when paired with a PCIe 3.0 interface. The 2TB model, while using QLC, delivers efficient performance, making it an attractive proposition for those seeking increased storage. However, it’s important to manage storage to maintain optimal write performance, especially considering QLC’s characteristics. The SSD is backed by a five-year warranty, further adding to its appeal.

In summary, the Addlink S91 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 3D NAND SSD offers an enticing option for users aiming to enhance their device’s storage capabilities without breaking the bank. Its competitive pricing, robust performance, and reliable warranty make it a compelling choice, especially for those prioritizing storage capacity.

Addlink S91 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 3D NAND SSD at Newegg.

6. XPC Technologies M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0×4 SSD

XPC Technologies M.2 2230 SSD Key Features:

  • M.2 2230 Form Factor
  • PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Interface (Compatible with all PCIe Gen 3 slots and systems)
  • Capacities: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • Sequential Read up to 5100 MB/s
  • Sequential Write up to 4800 MB/s
  • 3D NAND Technology
  • Suitable upgrade drive for Steam Deck, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Laptop 3/4, Surface Go, Surface ProX, Asus Flow Z13
  • NOT Compatible with Surface Pro 8 or 9. Some 7+ owners are also reporting compatibility issues at this time

The XPC Technologies M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0×4 SSD is another great choice for those seeking unparalleled storage and speed for their devices, particularly the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. This lesser-known brand surprises with exceptional performance, boasting an impressive 5100 MB/s read speed and sequential write performance of up to 4800 MB/s. With storage capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and a massive 2TB, it caters to a variety of needs, ensuring you’ll never run out of space.

This SSD’s speed is a standout feature, making it a dream come true for gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand lightning-fast access to large files and applications. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported compatibility issues with specific devices like the Surface Pro 7 Plus, which can lead to system crashes and other problems. To avoid any hiccups, it’s crucial to check compatibility with your device before making the purchase.

In summary, the XPC Technologies M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0×4 SSD impresses with its speed and storage options, making it a valuable addition for those looking to boost their device’s performance and capacity.

XPC Technologies M.2 2230 NVMe PCIe Gen 4.0×4 SSD at Newegg.

Read more: