Find the 16 Best SSDs for Steam Deck (July 2024)

Discover the best SSDs to boost your Steam Deck’s storage and performance.

The Steam Deck is an amazing device that allows you to play your favorite PC games on the go. However, the base storage on the Steam Deck can be limiting, especially if you’re a hardcore gamer with a large library. Luckily, you can upgrade the Steam Deck’s storage with an NVMe SSD. But with so many different SSDs on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve compiled a list of the 16 best SSDs for Steam Deck, taking into account factors such as performance, price, and compatibility. Whether you’re looking for the fastest SSD possible or something more budget-friendly, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve also included a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right SSD for your needs. This guide covers everything you need to know about SSDs, including the different types of SSDs, the factors to consider when choosing an SSD, and how to install an SSD in your Steam Deck.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect SSD for your Steam Deck and start enjoying your favorite games on the go with lightning-fast loading times.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Samsung 990 PRO		$169.00 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
WD Black SN850X		$100.24 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus		$219.99 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Corsair MP600 Pro XT		$175.99 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Crucial P5 Plus		$184.64 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Western Digital Black SN770		$72.99 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Kingston Fury Renegade		$104.00 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Gigabyte Aorus Gen4 7000s		$199.99 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Seagate FireCuda 530		$229.99 at Amazon	4.7 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
TeamGroup T-Force Cardea Zero Z44G		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Silicon Power US70		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade		$143.99 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Crucial P3 Plus		N/A at Amazon	N/A	Jump to Review
Samsung 980 PRO		$111.42 at Amazon	4.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Kioxia Exceria Pro SE		$76.95 at Amazon	4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
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Samsung 990 PRO

$169.00 at Amazon

Samsung's latest and greatest NVMe SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and impressive endurance.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,900 MB/s
• TBW: 1,200 TBW (1TB), 2,400 TBW (2TB), 4,800 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Top-of-the-line performance with incredible read and write speeds.
• High endurance rating for long-term reliability.
• Sleek design with a heatsink for improved thermal performance.

Reasons to avoid :

• Relatively expensive compared to other high-performance SSDs.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want the absolute fastest speeds possible.
• You need a drive with high endurance for demanding workloads.
• You're willing to pay a premium for the best of the best.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You don't need the extreme performance of a PCIe 4.0 drive.

Bottom Line:

The Samsung 990 PRO is a top-tier NVMe SSD that delivers exceptional performance and durability. While it's not the cheapest option, it's an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and longevity. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or professional, this drive will handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

WD Black SN850X

$100.24 at Amazon

The successor to the acclaimed WD Black SN850, the SN850X offers improved performance and a more affordable price.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,600 MB/s
• TBW: 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Impressive performance at a more competitive price point.
• Excellent endurance for a PCIe 4.0 drive.
• Compatible with both PS5 and Steam Deck.

Reasons to avoid :

• Slightly lower performance compared to the Samsung 990 PRO.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want fast performance without breaking the bank.
• You need a reliable drive for gaming or content creation.
• You're looking for a drive that works well with both PS5 and Steam Deck.

Don't buy it if:

• You absolutely need the fastest possible speeds.

Bottom Line:

The WD Black SN850X is a compelling choice for gamers and content creators who want a balance of performance and affordability. It delivers excellent speeds and durability without sacrificing value, making it a great option for upgrading your Steam Deck or PS5.

Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus

$219.99 at Amazon

A popular choice for budget-conscious users, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus offers impressive performance at a reasonable price.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,100 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,800 MB/s
• TBW: 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent value for money with impressive performance.
• Supports PCIe 4.0 for fast read and write speeds.
• Comes with a heatsink for improved thermal performance.

Reasons to avoid :

• Lower endurance compared to some other drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a high-performance SSD at an affordable price.
• You need a drive that supports PCIe 4.0 for maximum speed.
• You're willing to sacrifice a bit of endurance for a lower price.

Don't buy it if:

• You need a drive with the highest possible endurance.

Bottom Line:

The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is an excellent value-oriented NVMe SSD that delivers impressive performance for the price. While it may not have the top-of-the-line endurance of some competitors, it's a solid choice for users who want a balance of speed and affordability. It's particularly well-suited for gamers and content creators who demand fast load times and smooth performance.

Corsair MP600 Pro XT

$175.99 at Amazon

Corsair's MP600 Pro XT is a high-performance NVMe SSD with a sleek design and impressive speeds.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,850 MB/s
• TBW: 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance with fast read and write speeds.
• Sleek and stylish design with a heatsink.
• Comes with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

Reasons to avoid :

• Slightly more expensive compared to other similar drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a high-performance drive with a stylish design.
• You prioritize a long warranty for peace of mind.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a premium product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a very tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Corsair MP600 Pro XT is a high-quality NVMe SSD that delivers impressive performance and a sleek design. While it's not the cheapest option, it offers great value for money with its combination of speed, aesthetics, and warranty. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish drive to upgrade your Steam Deck, the MP600 Pro XT is a great choice.

Crucial P5 Plus

$184.64 at Amazon

A solid all-around NVMe SSD that offers excellent performance at a reasonable price.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 6,600 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5,000 MB/s
• TBW: 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Very good performance for the price.
• Comes in a wide range of capacities to suit different needs.
• 5-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Reasons to avoid :

• Slightly slower write speeds compared to some other drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a high-performance SSD without spending a lot of money.
• You need a drive with a wide range of capacity options.
• You appreciate a long warranty.

Don't buy it if:

• You need the absolute fastest write speeds possible.

Bottom Line:

The Crucial P5 Plus is an excellent value-oriented NVMe SSD that delivers solid performance at an affordable price. It's a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable drive without breaking the bank. Whether you're upgrading your Steam Deck or building a new PC, the P5 Plus is a solid option that won't disappoint.

Western Digital Black SN770

$72.99 at Amazon

A high-performance NVMe SSD that offers a good balance of speed and affordability.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 5,150 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 4,150 MB/s
• TBW: 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Impressive performance at a reasonable price.
• Compatible with both PS5 and Steam Deck.
• Available in a wide range of capacities.

Reasons to avoid :

• Lower read and write speeds compared to some other PCIe 4.0 drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a fast SSD without spending a lot of money.
• You need a drive that works well with both PS5 and Steam Deck.
• You appreciate a wide range of capacity options.

Don't buy it if:

• You need the absolute fastest speeds possible.

Bottom Line:

The Western Digital Black SN770 is a solid NVMe SSD that offers a good balance of performance and affordability. It's a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable drive for gaming or content creation without breaking the bank. While it may not be the absolute fastest drive on the market, it delivers excellent performance for its price point and is compatible with both PS5 and Steam Deck.

Kingston Fury Renegade

$104.00 at Amazon

A budget-friendly NVMe SSD that offers solid performance for the price.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,000 MB/s
• TBW: 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Affordable price for a PCIe 4.0 SSD.
• Impressive read speeds for fast load times.
• Comes with a heatsink for improved thermal performance.

Reasons to avoid :

• Lower write speeds compared to some other drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're on a tight budget but still want a PCIe 4.0 drive.
• You prioritize fast read speeds for quick load times.
• You need a drive with a heatsink for improved thermal performance.

Don't buy it if:

• You need the fastest possible write speeds.

Bottom Line:

The Kingston Fury Renegade is a budget-friendly NVMe SSD that delivers solid performance for the price. While it may not offer the top-of-the-line speeds, it's a great option for users who want a PCIe 4.0 drive without spending a lot of money. It's particularly well-suited for gamers who prioritize fast load times and appreciate the included heatsink for improved thermal performance.

Gigabyte Aorus Gen4 7000s

$199.99 at Amazon

A high-performance NVMe SSD with a unique heatsink design and impressive speeds.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5,500 MB/s
• TBW: 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance with fast read and write speeds.
• Unique heatsink design for improved thermal performance.
• 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

Reasons to avoid :

• Only available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
• More expensive compared to some other drives with similar performance.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a high-performance SSD with a unique heatsink design.
• You need a drive with a long warranty.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a premium product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need a drive with a wider range of capacity options.

Bottom Line:

The Gigabyte Aorus Gen4 7000s is a high-quality NVMe SSD that delivers excellent performance and a unique heatsink design. While it's not the cheapest option, it offers great value for money with its combination of speed, aesthetics, and warranty. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish drive to upgrade your Steam Deck, the Aorus Gen4 7000s is a great choice.

Seagate FireCuda 530

$229.99 at Amazon

A high-performance NVMe SSD with a sleek design and impressive speeds.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,900 MB/s
• TBW: 300 TBW (500GB), 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB), 2,400 TBW (4TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance with fast read and write speeds.
• Sleek and stylish design with a heatsink.
• Comes with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

Reasons to avoid :

• Slightly more expensive compared to other similar drives.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a high-performance drive with a stylish design.
• You prioritize a long warranty for peace of mind.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a premium product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a very tight budget.

Bottom Line:

The Seagate FireCuda 530 is a high-quality NVMe SSD that delivers impressive performance and a sleek design. While it's not the cheapest option, it offers great value for money with its combination of speed, aesthetics, and warranty. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish drive to upgrade your Steam Deck, the FireCuda 530 is a great choice.

TeamGroup T-Force Cardea Zero Z44G

N/A at Amazon

A high-performance NVMe SSD with a unique heatsink design and impressive speeds.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
• Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6,000 MB/s
• TBW: 600 TBW (1TB), 1,200 TBW (2TB)

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent performance with fast read and write speeds.
• Unique heatsink design for improved thermal performance.
• 5-year warranty for peace of mind.

Reasons to avoid :

• Only available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.
• More expensive compared to some other drives with similar performance.

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want a high-performance SSD with a unique heatsink design.
• You need a drive with a long warranty.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a premium product.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need a drive with a wider range of capacity options.

Bottom Line:

The TeamGroup T-Force Cardea Zero Z44G is a high-quality NVMe SSD that delivers excellent performance and a unique heatsink design. While it's not the cheapest option, it offers great value for money with its combination of speed, aesthetics, and warranty. If you're looking for a reliable and stylish drive to upgrade your Steam Deck, the Cardea Zero Z44G is a great choice.

Silicon Power US70

N/A at Amazon

A solid performer for its price, the Silicon Power US70 offers a great balance of speed and affordability.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7000MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6800MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Excellent read and write speeds for a PCIe Gen 4 SSD
• Affordable price point
• Available in a variety of capacities

Reasons to avoid :

• Not the fastest SSD on the market
• May experience slight performance dips under heavy workloads

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a fast and affordable SSD for your Steam Deck.
• You don't need the absolute top speeds available.

Don't buy it if:

• You're willing to pay a premium for the fastest possible performance.
• You need an SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.

Bottom Line:

The Silicon Power US70 is a great value for money SSD that offers excellent performance for its price. It's a solid choice for gamers looking to upgrade their Steam Deck storage, but it's not the fastest SSD on the market. If you're willing to pay a premium for the absolute top speeds, you may want to consider a different option. However, for most gamers, the US70 will provide more than enough speed for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade

$143.99 at Amazon

The Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade is a high-performance SSD that delivers blistering speeds and a stylish design.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7000MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6800MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Extremely fast read and write speeds
• Stylish heatsink design for improved thermal performance
• Available in a variety of capacities

Reasons to avoid :

• Pricey compared to other PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
• Heatsink may not be compatible with all Steam Deck cases

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You demand the fastest possible performance for your Steam Deck.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a high-quality SSD.
• You want a SSD with a stylish heatsink.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need an SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.
• You're using a Steam Deck case that's incompatible with the heatsink.

Bottom Line:

The Adata XPG Gammix S70 Blade is a top-tier SSD that delivers blazing fast performance and a stylish design. It's a great choice for gamers who want the absolute best, but it comes at a premium price. If you're willing to spend a little extra for the best possible experience, the S70 Blade is a great option. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are other excellent SSDs available that may be a better fit for your needs.

Sabrent Rocket 4

The Sabrent Rocket 4 is a high-performance SSD that delivers excellent speeds and value for money.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7100MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6800MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Fast read and write speeds for its price
• Available in a wide range of capacities, including 4TB
• Strong performance consistency under heavy workloads

Reasons to avoid :

• Not the fastest SSD on the market
• May be slightly more expensive than some other PCIe Gen 4 SSDs

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a fast and reliable SSD for your Steam Deck.
• You need a SSD with a large capacity to store a lot of games.
• You want a SSD that performs consistently under heavy workloads.

Don't buy it if:

• You're willing to pay a premium for the absolute top speeds available.
• You need an SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.

Bottom Line:

The Sabrent Rocket 4 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a fast and reliable SSD for their Steam Deck. It offers excellent performance for its price and comes in a wide range of capacities, making it a great option for gamers who need to store a lot of games. While it's not the fastest SSD on the market, its strong performance consistency under heavy workloads makes it a great choice for those who want a SSD that can handle demanding games without any hiccups.

Crucial P3 Plus

N/A at Amazon

The Crucial P3 Plus is a high-performance SSD that delivers excellent speed and value for money.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 6600MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5000MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Fast read and write speeds for its price
• Available in a variety of capacities
• Reliable and durable SSD for long-term use

Reasons to avoid :

• Not the fastest SSD on the market
• Write speeds can be inconsistent under heavy workloads

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a fast and affordable SSD for your Steam Deck.
• You want a SSD with a reliable and durable design.
• You're not concerned about the absolute top speeds available.

Don't buy it if:

• You're willing to pay a premium for the fastest possible performance.
• You need an SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.

Bottom Line:

The Crucial P3 Plus is a great value for money SSD that offers excellent speed and reliability. It's a solid choice for gamers looking to upgrade their Steam Deck storage, but it's not the fastest SSD on the market. If you're willing to pay a premium for the absolute top speeds, you may want to consider a different option. However, for most gamers, the P3 Plus will provide more than enough speed for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Samsung 980 PRO

$111.42 at Amazon

The Samsung 980 PRO is a top-of-the-line SSD that delivers blistering speeds and exceptional reliability.

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Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7000MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 5000MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Extremely fast read speeds
• Very reliable and durable SSD for long-term use
• Excellent performance consistency under heavy workloads

Reasons to avoid :

• Pricey compared to other PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
• Write speeds can be slightly slower than some other top-end SSDs

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You want the absolute fastest read speeds for your Steam Deck.
• You need a SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.
• You're willing to pay a premium for a top-tier SSD.

Don't buy it if:

• You're on a tight budget.
• You need an SSD with the fastest possible write speeds.

Bottom Line:

The Samsung 980 PRO is a top-tier SSD that delivers incredible speed and reliability. It's a great choice for gamers who want the absolute best, but it comes at a premium price. If you're willing to spend a little extra for the best possible experience, the 980 PRO is a great option. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are other excellent SSDs available that may be a better fit for your needs.

Find more on 20 Best SSDs for PS4 Pro Gaming

Kioxia Exceria Pro SE

$76.95 at Amazon

The Kioxia Exceria Pro SE is a high-performance SSD that delivers excellent speed and value for money.

Specifications :

• Interface: PCIe Gen 4 x4
• Capacity: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Read Speed: Up to 7300MB/s
• Write Speed: Up to 6400MB/s

Reasons to buy :

• Fast read and write speeds for its price
• Available in a variety of capacities
• Reliable and durable SSD for long-term use

Reasons to avoid :

• Write speeds can be inconsistent under heavy workloads
• Not the fastest SSD on the market

What you need to know :

Buy it if

• You're looking for a fast and affordable SSD for your Steam Deck.
• You want a SSD with a reliable and durable design.
• You're not concerned about the absolute top speeds available.

Don't buy it if:

• You're willing to pay a premium for the fastest possible performance.
• You need an SSD with a high endurance rating for heavy workloads.

Bottom Line:

The Kioxia Exceria Pro SE is a great value for money SSD that offers excellent speed and reliability. It's a solid choice for gamers looking to upgrade their Steam Deck storage, but it's not the fastest SSD on the market. If you're willing to pay a premium for the absolute top speeds, you may want to consider a different option. However, for most gamers, the Exceria Pro SE will provide more than enough speed for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

There you have it! Our top 16 picks for the best SSDs to upgrade your Steam Deck's storage. With this guide, you're equipped to make an informed decision, based on your budget and performance needs. Whether you're looking for blazing fast speeds or simply a more affordable option, there's an SSD on this list for everyone.

Remember, choosing the right SSD can significantly enhance your Steam Deck experience, unlocking smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and a more enjoyable overall gaming experience.

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No matter your choice, ensure you carefully consider the pros and cons of each SSD, taking into account its capacity, performance, price, and compatibility with your Steam Deck. This way, you can confidently invest in an upgrade that meets your specific needs and elevates your mobile gaming experience.

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With a new SSD installed, you'll be ready to conquer the world of gaming on the go. Happy gaming!