Buying Guide
The Best SSDs for Steam Deck OLED
We weighed five SSDs on rated read speed and rated write speed; the P310 2TB 2230 has the fastest rated read speed, and the FX953 1TB 2230 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Steam Deck OLED takes a single-sided M.2 2230 NVMe drive, and a drive with no added heatsink leaves the original shield and thermal pad in place. Every pick is a 2230 drive without a bulky heatsink, ordered from the most capacity down.
We ranked these SSDs on sequential read, sequential write and interface using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these SSDs ourselves, and where a maker leaves out sequential write, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
TEAMGROUP MP44S 2TB (M.2 2230)
An SLC cache.
Best for: Buyers who want SLC cache.
Our take Check price for TEAMGROUP MP44S 2TB (M.2 2230) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
fanxiang S630 2TB (M.2 2230)
A graphene heat-dissipation sticker.
Best for: Buyers who want graphene heat-dissipation sticker.
Our take Check price for fanxiang S630 2TB (M.2 2230) (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD
The fastest rated read speed here (7,100MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Kingston NV3 2TB (M.2 2230)
Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FX953 1TB 2230 costs less.
Our take Check price for Kingston NV3 2TB (M.2 2230) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Fikwot FX953 1TB M.2 2230 SSD
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $250.
Our take Check price for Fikwot FX953 1TB M.2 2230 SSD (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
TEAMGROUP MP44S 2TB (M.2 2230) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MP44S 2TB is built around an SLC cache, with a graphene heat-dissipating label on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want SLC cache.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: slower 5,000MB/s rated reads.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 5,000MB/s rated read speed and offers a 3,500MB/s rated write speed. On rated read speed it ties with the FX953 1TB 2230 at 5,000MB/s. Its 3,500MB/s rated write speed is the slowest in this group; the P310 2TB 2230 leads at 6,000MB/s.
It also offers a 22 x 30mm form factor. It is an M.2 2230 (30mm) drive, shorter than the 2280 drives in most desktops; check your device's documentation for the M.2 length it accepts before ordering. It has no bulky heatsink, which helps it fit under a handheld's SSD shield; move the original thermal pad or shielding across if your device uses one. When we checked, only the FX953 1TB 2230 cost less, and the S630 2TB cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 5,000MB/s
- Sequential write: 3,500MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- SLC cache
- Graphene heat-dissipating label
- 22 x 30mm form factor
Cons
- Slower 5,000MB/s rated reads
- Rated write speed trails the P310 2TB 2230 (6,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the FX953 1TB 2230 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
fanxiang S630 2TB (M.2 2230) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S630 2TB stands out for a graphene heat-dissipation sticker, and it adds 3D NAND with a maker-stated 5-year service term.
Best for
- Buyers who want graphene heat-dissipation sticker.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when slower 5,200MB/s rated reads is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5,200MB/s rated read speed and offers a 4,500MB/s rated write speed. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 5,200MB/s: the P310 2TB 2230 offers 7,100MB/s, and the FX953 1TB 2230 comes in at 5,000MB/s. Its 4,500MB/s rated write speed ranks second of 3 here, behind the P310 2TB 2230 (6,000MB/s) and ahead of the MP44S 2TB (3,500MB/s).
It also offers a reminder that the host must support PCIe 4.0 to reach rated speed. It is an M.2 2230 (30mm) drive, shorter than the 2280 drives in most desktops; check your device's documentation for the M.2 length it accepts before ordering. It has no bulky heatsink, which helps it fit under a handheld's SSD shield; move the original thermal pad or shielding across if your device uses one. It was priced above the MP44S 2TB and below the P310 2TB 2230 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 5,200MB/s
- Sequential write: 4,500MB/s
- Endurance: 640TBW
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230)
- Warranty: 5-year
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Graphene heat-dissipation sticker
- 3D NAND with a maker-stated 5-year service term
- Reminder that the host must support PCIe 4.0 to reach rated speed
Cons
- Slower 5,200MB/s rated reads
- Costs more than the FX953 1TB 2230 at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Read Speed3 of 5
Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the P310 2TB 2230 brings to the table is an M.2 2230 size for the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, plus listed compatibility with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Surface.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the FX953 1TB 2230, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 7,100MB/s rated read speed and offers a 6,000MB/s rated write speed. Nothing else here matches its 7,100MB/s rated read speed; the NV3 2TB 2230 comes closest at 6,000MB/s. On rated write speed it leads this guide at 6,000MB/s, ahead of the S630 2TB (4,500MB/s).
It is an M.2 2230 (30mm) drive, shorter than the 2280 drives in most desktops; check your device's documentation for the M.2 length it accepts before ordering. It has no bulky heatsink, which helps it fit under a handheld's SSD shield; move the original thermal pad or shielding across if your device uses one. When we checked, only the S630 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the NV3 2TB 2230 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- M.2 2230 size for the Steam Deck and ROG Ally
- Listed compatibility with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Surface
- 7,100MB/s rated reads
- Fastest rated read speed of the picks (7,100MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the FX953 1TB 2230 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Kingston NV3 2TB (M.2 2230) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NV3 2TB 2230 is built around Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design, with listed use in handheld gaming devices and small-form-factor PCs on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FX953 1TB 2230 costs less.
Skip if
- Its rated write speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 6,000MB/s rated read speed and is rated for 2TB. Its 6,000MB/s rated read speed ranks second of 5 here, behind the P310 2TB 2230 (7,100MB/s) and ahead of the FX953 1TB 2230 (5,000MB/s). It is an M.2 2230 (30mm) drive, shorter than the 2280 drives in most desktops; check your device's documentation for the M.2 length it accepts before ordering.
It has no bulky heatsink, which helps it fit under a handheld's SSD shield; move the original thermal pad or shielding across if your device uses one. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the P310 2TB 2230 and the rest. The maker doesn't give its rated write speed; if that figure matters, the P310 2TB 2230 offers 6,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 6,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design
- Listed use in handheld gaming devices and small-form-factor PCs
- Rated read speed of 6,000MB/s, ahead of the S630 2TB
- Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design at the highest price in the group
Cons
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the FX953 1TB 2230 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Fikwot FX953 1TB M.2 2230 SSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FX953 1TB 2230 stands out for an M.2 2230 size, and it adds a graphite heat-spreader label.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $250.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: slower 5,000MB/s rated reads.
Why we like it
It also offers a 5,000MB/s rated read speed and is rated for 1TB. It also comes with listed use in the Steam Deck. It is an M.2 2230 (30mm) drive, shorter than the 2280 drives in most desktops; check your device's documentation for the M.2 length it accepts before ordering.
It has no bulky heatsink, which helps it fit under a handheld's SSD shield; move the original thermal pad or shielding across if your device uses one. It undercut the MP44S 2TB and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The trade-off is rated read speed; for more, the P310 2TB 2230 offers 7,100MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 5,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230)
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- M.2 2230 size
- Graphite heat-spreader label
- Listed use in the Steam Deck
- 1TB capacity, the only one here
Cons
- Slower 5,000MB/s rated reads
- Rated read speed trails the P310 2TB 2230 (7,100MB/s)
- No published rated write speed
How We Chose These SSDs for Steam Deck OLED
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and rated write speed is missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the MP44S 2TB to the FX953 1TB 2230, state rated read speed, interface and capacity and share PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) interface.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The NV3 2TB 2230 and the FX953 1TB 2230 give no rated write speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the FX953 1TB 2230 ($150 to $250) to the NV3 2TB 2230 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an SSD for Steam Deck OLED
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed across these picks
Across these 5 picks rated read speed spans 5,000MB/s (the FX953 1TB 2230) to 7,100MB/s (the P310 2TB 2230). The P310 2TB 2230 is the pick for rated read speed.
How much rated write speed you need
The P310 2TB 2230 tops rated write speed at 6,000MB/s and the MP44S 2TB sits lowest at 3,500MB/s. For less, the S630 2TB is the runner-up at 4,500MB/s. The NV3 2TB 2230 and the FX953 1TB 2230 give no rated write speed figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The P310 2TB 2230: listed compatibility with the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Surface. The NV3 2TB 2230: listed use in handheld gaming devices and small-form-factor PCs. The FX953 1TB 2230: a graphite heat-spreader label.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the FX953 1TB 2230; $250 to $500 buys the MP44S 2TB, the S630 2TB, the P310 2TB 2230 and the NV3 2TB 2230 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who put rated read speed first: the P310 2TB 2230. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FX953 1TB 2230 costs less: the NV3 2TB 2230. Keeping the cost under $250: the FX953 1TB 2230.
How to Choose an SSD for Steam Deck OLED
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want SLC cache | MP44S 2TB | An SLC cache |
| Buyers who want graphene heat-dissipation sticker | S630 2TB | A graphene heat-dissipation sticker |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | P310 2TB 2230 | The fastest rated read speed here (7,100MB/s) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the FX953 1TB 2230 costs less | NV3 2TB 2230 | Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design at the highest price in the group |
| Keeping the cost under $250 | FX953 1TB 2230 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The P310 2TB 2230 leads on rated read speed at 7,100MB/s, ahead of the NV3 2TB 2230 at 6,000MB/s. "Not listed" marks rated write speed where the NV3 2TB 2230 and the FX953 1TB 2230 leave the figure out.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP44S 2TB | 5,000MB/s | 3,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) | 2TB |
| S630 2TB | 5,200MB/s | 4,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) | 2TB |
| P310 2TB 2230 | 7,100MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) | 2TB |
| NV3 2TB 2230 | 6,000MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) | 2TB |
| FX953 1TB 2230 | 5,000MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 2230) | 1TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The FX953 1TB 2230 was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the NV3 2TB 2230 the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | FX953 1TB 2230 |
| About $250 to $500 | MP44S 2TB, S630 2TB, P310 2TB 2230, NV3 2TB 2230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated read speed: the P310 2TB 2230 or the NV3 2TB 2230?
The P310 2TB 2230 tops rated read speed at 7,100MB/s; the NV3 2TB 2230 follows at 6,000MB/s, 18% apart. The FX953 1TB 2230 closes the ranking at 5,000MB/s.
Is the P310 2TB 2230 ahead of the S630 2TB on rated write speed?
The P310 2TB 2230 leads at 6,000MB/s, with the S630 2TB at 4,500MB/s. The MP44S 2TB is at the other end of this group with 3,500MB/s. The NV3 2TB 2230 and the FX953 1TB 2230 are left out of this ranking because their rated write speed isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the NV3 2TB 2230 add over the FX953 1TB 2230?
The spec sheets show rated read speed (6,000MB/s against 5,000MB/s) in its favour. On our last price check the FX953 1TB 2230 was in the $150 to $250 tier and the NV3 2TB 2230 in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated read speed decides your purchase.
Why is the P310 2TB 2230 our Fastest Rated Read Speed pick?
It earns the label for the fastest rated read speed here (7,100MB/s). On rated read speed it leads the NV3 2TB 2230, 7,100MB/s against 6,000MB/s, an 18% margin. The FX953 1TB 2230, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts rated read speed first.
Do the MP44S 2TB and the FX953 1TB 2230 differ on capacity?
The MP44S 2TB, the S630 2TB, the P310 2TB 2230 and the NV3 2TB 2230 use 2TB; the FX953 1TB 2230 uses 1TB.
What extras do the MP44S 2TB and the S630 2TB include?
The MP44S 2TB: an SLC cache. The S630 2TB: a graphene heat-dissipation sticker. The P310 2TB 2230: an M.2 2230 size for the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MP44S 2TB, chosen for an SLC cache. Look at the S630 2TB for a graphene heat-dissipation sticker, the P310 2TB 2230 for the fastest rated read speed here (7,100MB/s) and the NV3 2TB 2230 for Kingston's Gen 4x4 NVMe in a low-power design at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Back up your library, move the Deck's original shield and thermal pad across to the new drive, and reinstall SteamOS from Valve's recovery image.