See, whereas it’s pretty straightforward to switch the Steam Deck’s SSD, it’s not fairly as straightforward to purchase the best components. The Steam Deck makes use of the smallest form of modular SSD — the M.2 2230, which measures simply 30mm lengthy — and it’s solely designed to suit a single-sided one, which has flash reminiscence chips on one aspect.
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Extra importantly, M.2 2230 drives are typically thought-about OEM merchandise that aren’t bought to prospects in any respect as a result of they’re typically not designed to get replaced by anybody save a depot technician. After I requested Samsung for more information about certainly one of its latest drives, a PR rep instructed me they wouldn’t be available for buy.
And whereas I completely purchased one off Amazon and one other from eBay, I can’t say I received them from respected sellers. They had been most likely shucked from present pill PCs just like the Microsoft Floor line.
Right here, although, Framework is just not solely promoting some direct to shoppers — it’s promoting one of many highest-capacity ones that can slot in your Deck: the 2TB WD SN740.
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I don’t know if the 2TB SN740 is an efficient drive for the Deck — Valve warns that some drives drain the battery a bit of quicker, for instance — however I’ve largely heard constructive tales on the Steam Deck subreddit. Additionally: whereas $300 isn’t a nasty value for that capability, know that I bought my most likely shucked 256GB drive for $40. And whereas it’s a comparatively quick PCIe Gen 4 drive, know that’s not related right here: the Steam Deck’s I/O capabilities aren’t quick sufficient to see a lot of a distinction between appropriate SSDs.
For those who’re curious how onerous it’s to swap your Steam Deck’s SSD, try my fan swap video under: the one distinction is eradicating one additional screw, plus sliding the EMI protect off your present drive and onto your new one. Remember to take away your microSD card earlier than opening the Deck, lest it will get guillotined.
