In a nutshell: The Steam Deck modding neighborhood is showcasing extremely imaginative (and dear) modifications for Valve’s transportable gaming console. The latest achievement is concentrated on addressing one of many console’s most evident shortcomings: storage capability.
The Steam Deck presents an engaging choice for followers of transportable PC gaming, however the console does have room for enchancment. One of many system’s main weaknesses lies in its storage capability, with the high-end mannequin sporting a most of 512 GB on its NVMe unit. Fashionable video games typically exceed the 100-200GB vary, and storage producers now supply bigger NVMe M.2 2230 models as alternate options to improve the Steam Deck’s built-in drive.
Modders at StorageReview have taken a special strategy by making an attempt to attach the transportable console to an exceptionally spacious enterprise SSD. This storage-focused web site aimed to supply extra room for the Steam Deck’s Shader Pre-Caching system, a characteristic designed to scale back stuttering and different points in demanding 3D video games that require shader compilation to run easily.
Shader pre-caching does require a specific amount of obtain time and might eat a considerable portion of space for storing, however a 61.44 TB SSD would undoubtedly resolve the problem completely.
StorageReview changed the Steam Deck’s inside SSD unit with an M.2-to-U.2 adapter, which was subsequently related to a Solidigm P5336 61.44 TB enterprise-grade SSD put in in an exterior enclosure. The SSD additionally required an exterior energy provide unit.
The advanced setup basically remodeled a transportable, battery-powered console right into a devoted stay-at-home gaming system. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless efficient. The console efficiently booted, and Steam OS 3 acknowledged the 61 TB SSD drive, permitting the modders to put in video games and work with information. Efficiency was spectacular as properly, boasting a 3,600 MB/s sequential learn fee, in distinction to the inner drive’s roughly 2,300 MB/s.
The SSD modification turned out to be surprisingly simple and uncomplicated to execute. This highlights Valve’s openness and flexibility, demonstrating the strong {hardware} design of the Steam Deck and its potential for limitless customization.
Notably, the Steam Deck’s skill to handle a “55.7 TB formatted” exterior SSD underscores its versatility and compatibility with high-end enterprise storage options, as noticed by StorageReview. Regardless that the console not features as a handheld system after the modification, it supplies a glimpse into the longer term prospects of transportable gaming know-how.
