2023-11-15 11:20:26

Boosting Storage Space in the Steam Deck: A 61TB SSD Upgrade with a Drawback
Enthusiasts of the Steam Deck have begun experimenting with novel methods to augment their device's storage, venturing beyond the stock options. A report details how an ambitious setup involving a 61.44TB Solidigm enterprise SSD has markedly expanded the storage abilities of Valve's lauded handheld console.

Despite the Steam Deck's popularity, the limited internal storage—offered in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variances—often falls short against the backdrop of today's more storage-intense video games, leading some to seek out expansive storage solutions.

Unprecedented Storage Expansion
Utilizing the Solidigm P5336, the storage expansion effort successfully shattered the existing capacity barriers, offering an unparalleled storage volume for gamers.

Yet, the modification isn't without its challenges. The P5336 boasts an enterprise U.2 form factor, which is incompatible with the Steam Deck's M.2 slot. This requires users to acquire an external adapter to bridge the compatibility divide.

Moreover, the portable nature of the Steam Deck necessitated an enclosure to house the SSD, rendering the setup less than ideal for on-the-go gaming. Power demands also posed a hurdle, as noted by StorageReview, necessitating an ATX power supply to meet the energy needs far beyond what the M.2 slot can provide for this NVMe drive.
A Streamlined yet Constrained Integration
Despite the setbacks, integrating the Solidigm P5336 into the Steam Deck system was relatively straightforward, a testament to the device's inherent flexibility and design. The process entailed using a Re-Image USB drive and an adapter that allowed the console to acknowledge and leverage the SSD's formidable storage—clocking in at a formatted 55.7TB.
Performance-wise, the results were tangible, with the upgraded setup achieving approximately 3,600 MB/s in sequential read speeds—a swift jump from the basic internal drive's 2,300 MB/s average. However, this is not unique to the massive-capacity SSD alone; smaller, more practical SSDs can also provide a similar speed boost, albeit without the same storage heft.
The Steam Deck's Gen3 interface still limits performance, preventing full realization of the Solidigm SSD's potential due to system-level bottlenecks. Nevertheless, this undertaking underscores the Steam Deck's adaptability and paves the way for users eager to massively increase their available storage.
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