Steam Deck Disk Speed Test Tutorial 2024 [Your Guide Is Here] Translation: Steam Deck Disk Speed Testing Guide 2024 [Your Comprehensive Guide]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 19, 2024

This article will guide you on when to perform a Steam Deck disk speed test and how to execute it. Additionally, it will offer tips to ensure your Steam Deck remains optimized.

The Steam Deck has gained significant popularity among gamers since its launch last year. It enables users to enjoy their favorite PC games anytime and anywhere. However, like any gaming device, it also encounters its share of issues, one of which is performance sluggishness. To address this, it's essential to have a tool for conducting regular Steam Deck disk speed tests.

Please provide the list of languages you need translated into American English, and I'll do my best to assist you.

Guide on How to Perform a Steam Deck Disk Speed Test

With the significance of conducting a Steam Deck disk speed test becoming evident, you need to find a trustworthy and precise method to perform the test. Here's a step-by-step guide to running a disk speed test, ensuring an accurate Steam Deck assessment: 1. **Prepare Your Steam Deck**: Ensure your Steam Deck is fully charged or connected to a power source, and that you have administrative privileges on the device. 2. **Connect to the Internet**: A stable internet connection is necessary for downloading the testing software. 3. **Download a Disk Benchmark Tool**: There are several options available, but for this guide, we'll use the popular open-source tool called CrystalDiskMark. You can download it from the official website or the Steam Store if available. 4. **Install CrystalDiskMark**: Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install the application on your Steam Deck. 5. **Launch the Application**: Navigate to your installed applications and find CrystalDiskMark. Tap on it to launch. 6. **Select the Drive**: In the app, you'll see a list of drives connected to your Steam Deck. Choose the drive you want to test, typically the internal storage. 7. **Configure Test Settings (Optional)**: You can customize the test by selecting the test type (e.g., sequential read/write, random read/write), the size of the data sample (512KB, 4KB, etc.), and the number of passes. For a basic test, you can keep the default settings. 8. **Start the Test**: Click on the "Start" button to initiate the disk speed test. The process may take a few minutes, depending on the drive's capacity and the selected test settings. 9. **View Results**: Upon completion, CrystalDiskMark will display the read and write speeds for the selected drive. Note down the figures for future reference or comparison. 10. **Repeat the Test (Optional)**: If you want more accurate results, you can run the test multiple times and average the outcomes. 11. **Save and Share Results**: You can save the test results as a text file or screenshot to share with others or for your records. By following these steps, you'll have successfully performed an accurate disk speed test on your Steam Deck, giving you valuable insights into its storage performance.

#1. Perform a Steam Deck SD Card Speed Test using Disk Speed Test Software

• ⏲️Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes
• ??‍?Supported OS: All Windows operating systems
• ?Tools: Steam Deck SD card, SD card adapter/reader, Windows PC, Partition Master tool

To run the Steam Deck disk speed test and check the speed of an external SD card, the best and free tool to use is tools Partition Master. It's an incredible toolbox for all hard disk-related issues. This tool comes with a specialized feature called "DiskMark" that can accurately measure the disk speed of your Steam Deck.

The "DiskMark" feature offers precise and dependable speed measurements for hard disks. It employs three key parameters: read/write speed, I/O speed, and latency. You can download this software for free to conduct a speed test on the Steam Deck's disk.

Steps to Run Steam Deck Disk Speed Test using Partition Master Tool

The process to run the Steam Deck disk speed test using this tool is straightforward and quick. It should take you no more than a couple of minutes to complete the test.

Before beginning, connect the Steam Deck's SD card to your PC using an SD card adapter. Here's how you can perform a disk speed test for the Steam Deck using the tool Partition Master:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click the download button to activate the "DiskMark" feature under the "Tools" section.

Step 2. Click on the drop-down box to select the target drive, test data, and block size.

Step 3. Once everything is set up, click "Start" to begin the disk testing. You'll then see the Sequential or Random read/write speed, I/O, and Delay data.

#2. Run Steam Deck Speed Test for Internal SSD on Linux using KDiskMark

Here are the sentences translated into American English:
• ⏲️Estimated Time: 3-5 minutes
• ??‍?Supported OS: Linux
• ?Tools: Steam Deck, Linux Computer, KDiskMark

To measure the speed of the internal SSD on your Steam Deck, you'll need to use a third-party utility. A great tool for testing the internal SSD of your Steam Deck is KDiskMark. You can download the KDiskMark tool from GitHub via this link. The application features a straightforward and user-friendly interface, and performing a Steam Deck disk speed test only takes a few clicks.

Notice: Running a speed test on the internal SSD of the Steam Deck carries some risk. It is therefore not recommended for beginners, as they could inadvertently corrupt or damage the internal SSD. Attempt this method only if you are confident in your technical abilities.

"When Should I Perform a Steam Deck Disk Speed Test?"

There are various scenarios in which you might need to perform a disk speed test on your Steam Deck to address issues. A disk speed test enables you to assess the current condition of your device's hard disk. Here are some situations where you should conduct a Steam Deck disk speed test:

Here's the translation in English:
• Slow Game Loading: If you're encountering slow loading times when launching games on your Steam Deck, it might suggest that the disk speed is sluggish. Running a disk speed test can assist in identifying the root cause of the issue.

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• Inconsistent Performance: If you experience sudden lag or slowdowns while playing games on your Steam Deck, it might suggest inconsistent disk speed. Running a disk speed test can help determine if the performance issues are related to the disk speed.

Here's the translation for the given text:
• Slow Bootup: If the Steam Deck takes too long to boot up, there might be an issue with the Steam Deck's disk. To identify the probable cause, you can perform a disk speed test to check the disk speed.

• New SD Card: It's also recommended to run a disk speed test when adding a new SD card to your Steam Deck. By performing a test before and after installing the SD card, you can assess the difference in performance and how much it has improved.

All these factors and more make it essential to monitor your Steam Deck's storage performance. Conducting disk speed tests allows you to stay informed about the condition of your Steam Deck's disk. After measuring the disk speed, compare it with average and ideal speeds to determine if your Steam Deck's disk is functioning optimally.

Further Reading: Install Windows on Steam Deck

Bonus Tips for Optimizing Steam Deck Disk Speed

Now that we've covered how to perform a Steam Deck disk speed test, the next concern is how to optimize your Steam Deck's performance. Although there are no definitive solutions, you can take certain steps to enhance its speed. Follow these tips to optimize your Steam Deck's disk speed:

• Upgrade the Steam Deck: If you enjoy playing resource-intensive games on the Steam Deck, it's advisable to opt for the high-end versions. The device comes in three models, with the top-tier option offering 512GB of storage. For enthusiasts who frequently play graphically demanding games, the 512GB model is recommended.

• High-Speed MicroSD Card: Need more storage for your games? The Steam Deck lets you expand your storage capacity using SD cards. If you opt to use one, make sure it's a high-speed card. This means selecting a card with a UHS-I or UHS-II speed class.

• Games on Internal Storage: Although SD cards are ideal for storing your game library, it's recommended to keep the most frequently played games on the internal storage of the Steam Deck. Loading times tend to be slower on SD cards compared to the internal storage of the device.

• Check for Software Updates: Ensuring that your Steam Deck's operating system is updated to the latest version is crucial for optimal performance. The SteamOS is continually updated, and keeping it up to date guarantees that your device functions at its peak efficiency.

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• Turn Off Adaptive Brightness: This is one feature that users have found particularly annoying on the Steam Deck. Although the idea behind it is good, it doesn't function as intended. Not only does it drain the battery, but it also negatively impacts performance, resulting in slower speeds.

Conclusion

In summary, the Steam Deck enables you to enjoy your favorite games at any time. However, similar to gaming consoles, it may encounter speed-related issues, which can negatively affect its performance, resulting in laggy gameplay and slow loading times. To maintain the Steam Deck in optimal condition, utilizing tools such as Partition Master for running a Steam Deck disk speed test and addressing any discovered issues is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Deck Disk Speed Test

Do you have more questions about the Steam Deck disk speed test? If so, we've addressed some frequently asked questions on this subject below:

1. What is the average Steam Deck disk speed? The average Steam Deck disk speed can vary depending on the specific model and the type of storage installed. The base model comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, which generally provides significantly faster speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). On average, you can expect read speeds around 2,000-3,000 MB/s for the NVMe SSD, while write speeds might range from 1,000-2,000 MB/s. However, these figures can change based on various factors such as the workload, file size, and the particular SSD brand used by Valve. It's important to note that upgrading to a higher-end M.2 NVMe SSD can potentially increase these speeds even further.

It depends on the type of SSD utilized in the Steam Deck and which generation it is. The third-generation NVMe SSD found in the Steam Deck can reach speeds of up to 3000 Mb/s. Utilizing a fourth-generation NVMe SSD can achieve read and write speeds of up to 5000 Mb/s.

2. Which is faster, the Steam Deck SSD versus an SD card?

The Steam Deck SSD card is faster than a standard SD card. The Steam Deck card utilizes an SSD (Solid State Drive), which employs faster NAND flash memory and has a more advanced controller. This enables it to handle data more efficiently compared to an SD card.

3. Should I use EMMC or NVMe SSD on the Steam Deck? Whether you should use EMMC or NVMe SSD on the Steam Deck ultimately depends on your performance requirements and budget. Here's a brief comparison to help you decide: - **EMMC:** This is the default storage option found in the base model of the Steam Deck. It offers decent performance for most games, but might be slightly slower compared to an NVMe SSD. - **NVMe SSD:** Upgrading to an NVMe SSD will provide significantly faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker game loading times and overall improved performance. However, it requires replacing the default storage and may void your warranty. If you're primarily concerned with performance and don't mind the extra cost and potential warranty implications, go for an NVMe SSD. If you're on a tighter budget or don't feel the need for a significant speed boost, the stock EMMC should suffice for most gaming experiences.

If speed is what you're after, then NVMe SSD is the preferred option for the Steam Deck. eMMC is more suitable for devices like digital cameras. NVMe SSD also boasts faster read and write speeds compared to eMMC, and it excels in handling large files significantly better than eMMC.