Record Low Prices: Top 2TB SSDs for ROG Ally & Steam Deck

Right now presents an exceptional window for upgrading storage on popular handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, with several high-performance SSDs hitting unprecedented low prices. Two standout 2TB models are leading the charge. The Western Digital Black SN770M, recognized as one of the fastest 2230 SSDs available, has plummeted to a record-breaking $155 on Amazon. Not to be outdone, the Sabrent Rocket Q4 2230 2TB is also at an all-time low, enjoying a 23% discount that brings its price down to $169 on Amazon. For gamers focused on value, the Silicon Power UD90 1TB offers a solid budget alternative, currently 17% off at $69.99 on Newegg.

These attractive discounts arrive just as the broader storage market begins to see price increases, largely driven by heightened demand for AI server components. This trend suggests that such compelling deals on handheld-compatible SSDs may not last much longer. If you have been considering a storage upgrade for your portable gaming rig, acting quickly is a wise move.

Historical pricing data confirms that both 2TB drives are at their most affordable points ever. The SN770M has seen a consistent decline from around $200 earlier this year to its new low of $155. The Sabrent Rocket Q4, which typically fluctuated between $220 and $186, has now firmly established its lowest price point at $169. For anyone contemplating a significant storage boost, especially to 2TB, the current market offers a prime opportunity.

The Western Digital Black SN770M stands out for its raw speed and full compatibility with the Steam Deck and ROG Ally without requiring modifications. It employs high-performance TLC NAND flash across all its capacities, including the flagship 2TB model, and all versions feature a single-sided design ideal for the tight confines of handheld devices. With a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, it achieves blistering sequential read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,850 MB/s. Its use of TLC NAND, a rarity in the 2230 2TB form factor, is a key reason it outperforms most competitors that rely on slower QLC memory.

Positioned as a top-tier alternative, the Sabrent Rocket Q4 2230 delivers excellent high-capacity performance tailored for handheld PCs. While not the absolute fastest M.2 drive in its class, its capabilities are more than sufficient for devices like the Steam Deck, which is constrained by a PCIe 3.0 interface. The drive itself supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and utilizes Micron’s 176-layer QLC flash, offering maximum sequential read speeds of 5,000 MB/s and write speeds of 3,200 MB/s. A significant advantage of the Rocket Q4 over the SN770M is its superior power efficiency, a critical factor for extending battery life during mobile gaming sessions.

Catering to the budget-minded user, the Silicon Power UD90 2230 earns its reputation as a cost-effective storage solution. It may not match the performance specs of its more expensive counterparts and the highlighted model offers 1TB of capacity, but it provides ample power for a seamless Steam Deck experience. The drive combines 176-layer Micron QLC NAND with a Phison E21T controller and operates on a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. It reaches sequential read and write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and 3,200 MB/s, respectively. While its full PCIe 4.0 performance is modest, it operates perfectly within the PCIe 3.0 limits of the Steam Deck, making it a perfectly capable and affordable upgrade.

Each of these three drives presents a strong case at their respective price brackets. The SN770M is the undisputed performance king in the 2230 category, and its new $155 price makes it incredibly enticing for speed-focused users.

The Sabrent Rocket Q4, though slightly more expensive and slower than the SN770M, carves out its own niche. For the Steam Deck specifically, it can be considered a better overall solution, providing ample performance while operating with greater efficiency that can directly contribute to longer play times on a single charge.

Similarly, the Silicon Power UD90 won’t break performance records, but its capabilities are perfectly aligned with the Steam Deck’s hardware limitations. At its current sale price, it represents one of the most affordable and reliable 1TB SSD options that physically fit inside the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, making it an outstanding choice for gamers watching their wallets.

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)