Owning a portable gaming PC entails installing numerous games, inevitably leading to storage constraints. For tech-savvy users, disassembling the Steam Deck to install a new internal SSD is an option. However, Valve provides an easily accessible microSD card slot for the average consumer. Regardless of your Steam Deck variant, explore these top microSD cards to expand storage capacity.
To expand the Steam Deck storage with a microSD card is straightforward. Open the slot at the bottom and insert the SD card, meeting a simple requirement: purchase a microSD card that supports the UHS-1 standard, as every card on the list does. Prices for the lowest and highest storage options for each SD card are included. Let’s delve into the 6 microSD cards suitable for your Steam Deck.
Top SD Cards for Steam Deck (2024)
1. SanDisk Ultra
The first microSD card on our list is from SanDisk, widely popular among consumer electronics users. SanDisk Ultra, an affordable SD card made by the sub-brand of Western Digital, offers slower speeds due to its U1 class. Nonetheless, this SD card can effortlessly run and load any game, thanks to the UHS-1 card slot available in the Steam Deck.
Regarding transfer speeds, the SanDisk Ultra MicroSD card can reach up to 120 MB/s without issues. This is perfect for users of the 64GB Steam Deck model who need an inexpensive card for storing games. SanDisk Ultra is available in storage sizes ranging from 64GB to 512GB.
Buy on Amazon (starting at $11.60 for 64GB; up to $47.50 for 512GB)
2. Samsung EVO Select
Samsung leads in consumer electronics and mobile phones. They excel in producing storage solutions like the Samsung EVO Select SD card. Renowned for its quality, the EVO Select offers rapid read speeds up to 130 MB/s, perfect for Steam Deck’s UHS-1 card slot. Available in capacities up to 512GB.
This microSD card by Samsung boasts water, dust, x-ray, and magnet resistance, ensuring durability. Affordable and reliable, it’s perfect for those seeking both. Essential for installing Windows on Steam Deck. Learn more in the linked article.
Buy on Amazon (from $9.49 for 64GB; up to $39.99 for 512GB)
3. SanDisk Extreme microSD Card
The SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card surpasses the Ultra model. It boasts high read and write speeds, with a remarkable 1TB option available for the Steam Deck. SanDisk Extreme delivers speeds of up to 160 MB/s for reading and up to 80 MB/s for writing, ideal for gaming on the Steam Deck. As a user of the 512GB SanDisk Extreme card, I can confirm its efficient game loading times.
The sole downside of this SD card is its price. However, if you prioritize ample storage without compromises, opt for the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card unquestioningly.
Available on Amazon (from $10.49 for 64GB to $115 for 1TB)
4. Lexar Professional 1066x
Lexar may not be widely recognized, but it’s a top manufacturer of memory card products. The Lexar Professional 1066x microSD card boasts read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds up to 120MB/s (write speeds of 70 MB/s for the 64GB model). These speeds ensure uninterrupted gaming experiences on the Steam Deck.
Regarding offerings, Lexar sells memory cards in capacities of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. For a memory card with good read and write speeds, we recommend the Lexar SD card.
Buy on Amazon (starting at $12.99 for 64GB; up to $75.99 for 512GB)
5. Kingston Canvas Go Plus
You’ve likely encountered the name Kingston before. They’ve been pivotal in popularizing pen drives, alongside SanDisk. Although not extensively recognized for microSD card offerings, Kingston has introduced several options. Among them is the Canvas Go Plus microSDXC card. Standing out as one of the few cards optimized for game storage, the Kingston Canvas Go Pro boasts transfer speeds of up to 170MB/s, topping our list of best Steam Deck SD cards.
Additionally, this memory card boasts durability, claimed by the company to be waterproof, temperature-proof, shock and vibration proof, and X-ray proof. It also includes an SD card adapter for versatile usage across multiple systems. Currently, Kingston offers storage sizes of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
Available on Amazon (starting at $11.99 for 64GB; up to $61.75 for 512GB)
6. Samsung Pro Plus microSD Card
Concluding our list of top microSD cards for Steam Deck in 2024 is another offering from Samsung, the Pro Plus microSD card. Optimized for game storage and handling larger files, this premium card is an ideal choice for Steam Deck, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB.
Outside, the card offers proper protection from dust, water, x-ray, and magnets. Samsung EVO Pro Plus delivers read speeds up to 150 Mb/s and write speeds up to 120 MB/s. If you prioritize top-of-the-line speed and reliability, this is an excellent option.
Buy on Amazon (starts at $15.99 for 128GB; goes up to $58.99 for 512GB)
Understanding MicroSD Card Classification
When researching or purchasing an SD card, you may notice markings indicating A2 variants under U1 classification. What do these designations mean?
Classes determine a microSD card’s performance, mainly for camera use. MicroSD cards are primarily for photo/video storage; these ratings aid user understanding. For instance, the U symbol with a number indicates the minimum sustained performance. For 4K recording, a U3 class card is necessary, as U3 cards sustain at least 30 MB/s.
A1 and A2 determine the app performance of the card. A1 cards have a minimum random read of 1500 IOPS and a random write of 500 IOPS. A2 cards have a minimum random read of 4000 IOPS and a random write of 2000 IOPS. The best sweet spot for a microSD card, based on Steam Deck’s loading performance, is one with the A2 U3 rating. However, a mix of these options can also provide satisfactory performance.
Which microSD card options in the list above look favorable to you? Did we miss any good Steam Deck microSD cards? Let us know in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
