The Steam Deck has been a game-changer for portable PC gaming, but its onboard storage options have left some users wanting more. In a bold move to address this, a homebrew solution has emerged that dramatically expands the device’s storage capacity. This upgrade isn’t just a small step up; it’s a giant leap, propelling the Steam Deck’s storage capabilities into the realm of data centers with a massive 61TB of space. This modification allows users to carry an entire library of Triple-A games without the need to juggle installations or compromise on high-resolution textures and assets.
The Storage Challenge of Modern Gaming
The digital landscape of modern gaming is one that demands vast amounts of storage, with titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 requiring upwards of 213GB for the full visual experience. This presents a significant challenge for devices like the Steam Deck, which was designed with portability in mind but is constrained by its factory storage options. The largest storage option available from Valve is a 512GB model, which could be quickly consumed by a single game install, especially when accounting for the operating system and other essentials.
Here’s a look at the different storage sizes for the Steam Deck:
- 64GB eMMC
- 256GB NVMe SSD
- 512GB high-speed NVMe SSD
These options highlight the need for additional storage solutions to accommodate the ever-growing size of modern games.
The 61TB Homebrew Solution
The innovative team at Storage Review has taken the Steam Deck’s storage capabilities to unprecedented levels with a 61TB upgrade. This solution involves the use of an M.2 to U.2 adapter to facilitate the connection of a Solidigm P5336 61.44TB drive, typically found in server farms, to the Steam Deck. While this upgrade vastly increases storage capacity, it does come with its own set of challenges. The Solidigm drive requires its own ATX power supply unit (PSU) due to its power demands, and the Steam Deck must be operated with its rear casing removed, with a large cable protruding from the back, affecting its ergonomics and portability.
(Image credit: Solidigm)
| Factory Storage | 61TB Upgrade |
|---|---|
| Up to 512GB NVMe SSD | 61.44TB Solidigm P5336 SSD |
Performance and Practicality
With the SSD upgrade to the Steam Deck, Storage Review reported an increase in sequential performance compared to the factory-installed 256GB drive. However, it’s worth noting that the 4K random read speeds saw a decrease. This suggests that while the upgrade provides a significant boost in storage capacity, it may not uniformly enhance every aspect of the system’s performance.
From a practical standpoint, the modification introduces some compromises. The need for an external power supply and the inability to reattach the Steam Deck’s rear casing means that the device loses much of its portability, which is a key feature of the handheld console. This makes the 61TB storage solution more of a stationary docked setup rather than a truly mobile gaming platform.
Cost Considerations
The 61TB SSD is a significant investment, with costs for the drive alone hovering around $3,500. This price point places it well beyond the reach of the average consumer and firmly in the territory of professional IT budgets or enthusiasts with deep pockets. When considering the additional expenses for the necessary U.2 adapter and an ATX PSU, the total cost of this storage upgrade becomes even more substantial.
Comparatively, the price difference between the more common 2280 M.2 SSDs and the compact 2230 M.2 SSDs used by the Steam Deck is less stark. A typical 2TB 2280 M.2 SSD can be found for under $100, while a 2TB 2230 M.2 variant is priced closer to $140. This allows for a more reasonable upgrade path for Steam Deck owners looking to install multiple large games without resorting to such an extreme solution.
The leaps in storage technology have been nothing short of astounding, offering gamers the ability to store vast libraries of Triple-A titles and indie games alike without the need for constant management. While the 61TB Steam Deck upgrade may be impractical for the average user, it stands as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of gaming hardware. As SSD prices continue to fall and capacities rise, the future looks bright for gamers who demand high performance and extensive storage for their ever-expanding digital collections.
