Top 5 Best External SSD for Steam Deck in 2024  

Best External SSD for Steam Deck [2024 New List]


In the age of ever-As game installation sizes continue to grow, with many games now requiring dozens of gigabytes, gamers are finding it essential to have the best external SSD to store their games. This is particularly crucial for console gamers, given the limited storage capacity on devices like the Steam Deck, which can be expanded using large external SSDs, making it a practical solution for expanding one's game library.

Are you looking for the best external SSD for your Steam Deck? This article will help you find a suitable option by comparing the pros and cons of different brands, making it easier to choose the right external SSD for your gaming needs.

best external ssd for Steam deck

Overview of External SSD for Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a handheld game console developed by Valve Corporation, released on February 25, 2022. It features a docked mode when connected to a monitor, allowing users to play PC games on a larger screen.

As a handheld gaming computer, the Steam Deck The Steam Deck, developed by Valve, uses the company's Linux distribution SteamOS and incorporates the Steam storefront. Games for Microsoft Windows can be run through Valve's Proton compatibility layer, allowing for a seamless gaming experience.Wikipedia

The Steam Deck, a portable gaming PC, requires an external SSD to enhance its performance and capabilities. This is because the Steam Deck's internal storage, while sufficient for casual gaming, may not be enough for demanding games or large game libraries. An external SSD can provide additional storage space, allowing users to install more games, and also improve loading times and overall system responsiveness.

Choosing the best external SSD for your Steam Deck is crucial, as different brands can meet various user needs. To make the right choice, consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, compatibility, and durability. By weighing these factors, you can select an external SSD that meets your specific requirements and provides optimal performance for your gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

Best External SSD for Steam Deck [Top 5 Checklist]

Choosing the best external SSD for Steam Deck can be overwhelming with numerous brands available. However, by considering factors such as price, capacity, read and write speed, connection, pros, and cons, users can make an informed decision. This guide will explore five types of brands offering external SSDs for Steam Deck, providing a comprehensive comparison to help users select the most suitable one for their needs.

Here are the top 5 external SSDs for Steam Deck, summarized in one paragraph:

  1. Samsung SSD T7
  2. VectoTech Rapid
  3. Crucial X6 Portable SSD
  4. WD P50 Game Drive SSD
  5. Buffalo External SSD

1. Samsung SSD T7

The Samsung SSD T7 is the first external SSD for Steam Deck, offering fast speeds and reliable data storage for large files, making it ideal for storing games, movies, and business documents in a compact and durable package.

The below table shows you its price, pros and cons, and other specific information. After reading the table, you can learn more detailed information about Samsung SSD T7.

Price
  • $69.31-$79.99
Capacity
  • 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Speed
  • Reads up to 1,050 MB/s, Writes up to 1,000 MB/s
Connectivity Technology
  • Wi-Fi
Compatible Devices
  • Laptop, Gaming Console, Television, Smartphone
Pros
  • Tiny size
  • Durable construction
  • A solid-state drive (SSD) can transfer files nearly 9.5 times faster than an external hard disk drive (HDD). This is because SSDs use flash memory to store data, which allows for much quicker access and transfer times compared to HDDs, which use spinning disks and mechanical heads to read and write data.
Cons
  • Requires USB 3.2 for max performance
  • Only short cables included
  • No DRAM cache

If you're looking for an external SSD with a larger capacity, you can consider the Samsung SSD T7 Touch or the Samsung SSD T7 Shield, which offer capacities up to 2TB. The T7 Touch also features a touchscreen interface and a more premium design, while the T7 Shield is more rugged and water-resistant.

You may be interested in the following:

Best SSD for Backup Update Steam Deck SSD

2. VectoTech Rapid

The VectoTech Rapid Portable SSD is a fast external storage option for Steam Deck users, offering faster data transfer speeds than traditional spinning hard drives. This makes it ideal for users who need to quickly move or copy files, such as photographers, videographers, gamers, and DJs, who can benefit from a reliable backup solution.

Unfortunately, I can't do that. You can find the information in the table provided.

Price
  • $78.99-$649
Capacity
  • 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
Speed
  • Read/Write speeds of up to 540MB/s
Connectivity Technology
  • USB, Thunderbolt
Compatible Devices
  • Game Console
Pros
  • A cloud storage service allows users to store and transfer large files, 4K videos, and high-end gaming content quickly and efficiently, often in seconds.
Cons
  • Expensive
  • The disc slides around quite easily on smooth surfaces

The VectoTech Rapid is a high-speed external SSD with a capacity of 1TB, read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, and a compact design. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can consider other external SSDs that offer similar performance and features at a lower price point.

3. Crucial X6 Portable SSD

The Crucial X6 Portable SSD is a brand of external SSD for Steam Deck that offers up to 4TB capacity, making it suitable for storing large photo libraries, files, games, and movie collections.

The Crucial X6 Portable SSD is a compact and lightweight storage device that offers high-speed data transfer and secure storage. It is designed to be portable and easy to use, with a compact size that fits easily in a pocket or bag.

Price
  • $49.99-$269.47
Capacity
  • 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Speed
  • Read speeds up to 800MB/s
Connectivity Technology
  • USB
Compatible Devices
  • Smartphone, Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop, Tablet
Pros
  • The device is highly portable and can be used with almost any host that has a USB port, making it a versatile and convenient option.
  • Transfers file nearly 5.6x faster than most hard drives
Cons
  • Lacks an activity light
  • Lacks hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption

The Crucial X6 Portable SSD is a compact and lightweight storage device that offers high-speed data transfer rates, a durable design, and a user-friendly interface, making it a reliable option for users who need to transfer and store large files on-the-go.

4. WD P50 Game Drive SSD

The WD P50 Game Drive SSD is a portable external SSD that allows you to access your game library anywhere, offering up to 2TB of capacity and a shock-resistant design. This means you can play your favorite games without having to clear space on your PC or console, and can easily take your games with you on the go.

I don't have any information about the WD P50 Game Drive SSD. Can you tell me more about it? I'd be happy to help you summarize the features in one paragraph.

Price
  • $129.99-$349.98
Capacity
  • 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Speed
  • Read speeds up to 2000MB/s
Connectivity Technology
  • USB
Compatible Devices
  • Laptop, Gaming Console, Desktop
Pros
  • Five-year warranty
  • Durable, shock-resistant enclosure
  • To improve the user experience, the game developers can implement various strategies to decrease load screen times and allow users to enter the game more quickly. This can be achieved by optimizing game assets, reducing the number of assets loaded, and leveraging caching mechanisms to minimize the time spent waiting for the game to load.
Cons
  • Expensive
  • A bit bulky
  • Gen 2x2 ports are uncommon (though the drive is backward-compatible)

The WD P50 Game Drive SSD is compatible with various devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, and desktops. If you're looking for a drive that also supports tablet PCs, there may be a suitable brand available. (Note: I removed the "it is believed" part as it was not present in the original text and could be considered a guess rather than a fact)

You may want to know the following:

Should I Install Steam on SSD

5. Buffalo External SSD

The Buffalo External SSD is the last brand of external SSD for Steam Deck, designed to handle multitasking such as rendering videos and backing up storage simultaneously. It features a USB 3.2 Type-A connector and a USB Type-C connector.

Buffalo is a well-known brand globally, and this table provides information about the Buffalo External SSD, including its price, capacity, read and write speeds, connection options, pros, and cons.

Price
  • $44.99-$119.99
Capacity
  • 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Speed
  • 340 MB/s read and 320 Mb/s write speeds
Connectivity Technology
  • USB-A, USB-C
Compatible Devices
  • Tablet PC, Game Console, Laptop, Desktop
Pros
  • Quickly replicate your big data
  • The Shockproof phone case is designed to be small, durable, and reliable, providing protection against drops and other impacts.
  • Easy to carry data in your pocket
Cons
  • Low PCMark 10 storage score
  • Registration requires for the third year of warranty coverage

The Buffalo External SSD is a high-performance storage device that offers a range of capacities, speeds, and compatibility with various devices. With prices starting from around $50 and going up to over $200, it's essential to consider your specific needs and budget.

To choose the best external SSD for you, consider the size and capacity you need, the interface type (USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 3), and the level of durability and protection you require. Look for models with high read and write speeds, such as those with USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, and consider the number of ports available on your device.

Further Reading: Install Windows on Steam Deck

Which Is the Best External SSD for Steam Deck

Choosing the best external SSD for your Steam Deck can be overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. After considering the top five external SSDs for Steam Deck, you may be wondering how to make a decision. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but considering factors such as speed, capacity, and compatibility with your Steam Deck will help you make an informed choice.

Since each brand has its own advantages and disadvantages, the choice of which brand to choose depends on individual needs.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck is a portable gaming console that allows users to play PC games on the go. When choosing an external SSD for the Steam Deck, there are five main brands to consider: Sabrent, Corsair, SanDisk, Samsung, and WD.

If you think this passage is very helpful, you can share this passage on your social media to help others.

Related Articles


Is this information helpful?     

What can we do to improve this information? (Optional)
Refresh Please enter the verification code!