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Can You Add More Memory (RAM) To Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck is an innovative handheld gaming console that allows you to bring your favorite Steam games wherever you go. Steam Deck is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse created by partnering with AMD. But despite the power Steam Deck boasts in its small size, many users are left wondering if they can add more memory (RAM) to the device.

Unfortunately, users can’t add additional memory to Steam Deck — the device doesn’t allow for any external updates. Even though most gaming consoles are able to upgrade storage, there has yet to be a solution for this, and likely there will not be one.

This might be considered a major disadvantage for many potential buyers. Still, it’s important to understand how this factor can affect the performance and whether the default memory is enough to keep the Steam Deck going.

How Much RAM Does the Steam Deck Have?

Steam Deck in Case - 3

If you own a Steam Deck or are looking to purchase one, it’s important to understand one of the major concerns surrounding the device — its RAM. Currently, Steam Deck comes with 16GB of memory, and the specifications reflect 5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels. This shows the performance and power the device can produce.

The RAM plays an important role in this device since the GPU & CPU are both using the same source of RAM. In different gaming PCs or devices, the different systems have separate access to the RAM. This usually results in a better experience for the user as the memory is much more solid.

Can You Upgrade Your Steam Deck’s RAM?

Because the memory of a Steam Deck doesn’t seem as promising as it is on other devices, many users are looking for an upgrade.

However, users can’t upgrade a Steam Deck’s RAM like they can on other gaming PCs. This device is not open-ended, and modifications are not possible. As far as storage is concerned, you can choose between various options according to your preference.

Steam Deck currently offers three storage choices: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. But when it comes to choosing or upgrading a RAM, the manufacturers have not provided such an option just yet.

Steam Deck RAM Performance Review

When it comes to purchasing a Steam Deck, many users come to the issue of RAM. Since the 16GB of RAM is not upgradable, they’re left wondering if it’ll be enough.

Knowing how well the Steam Deck performs on these built-in specs is crucial, and one way to assess the situation is with user reviews.

Surprisingly, the reviews have been very promising regardless of how questionable the specifications might be on paper.

The Steam Deck has been able to provide a strong bandwidth. Additionally, the memory this system has been able to provide, despite sharing it with both its CPU and GPU, is commendable. Since the device has been able to switch from a dual-channel to a quad-channel, major positive changes can be spotted easily.

Moreover, it’s important to analyze this device better by considering a factor that has affected Steam Deck’s RAM Performance greatly.

The quad-channel upgrade has captured the attention of many users and potential buyers as well. Pushing the Steam Deck up to a quad-channel will lead to higher efficiency since CPU & GPU can distribute and gather memory as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regardless of the upgrades or how powerful the specifications of this hand-held device prove to be, potential buyers face a handful of essential questions when it comes to Steam Deck. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common ones:

How Powerful Is a Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck can be considered quite powerful as a hand-held gaming device since it uses a custom-design APU, a combination of CPU-GPU. The core setup of this device is set at a maximum 2.5Hz, which is very promising indeed.

Is the Steam Deck More Powerful Than PS5?

The Steam Deck hasn’t been able to prove that it’s more powerful than a PS5. Even though it can provide PC games in one hand-held device, the PS5 offers superior technology and resolution.

Is the Steam Deck Worth It?

The worth of a Steam Deck device truly depends on how you want to use it. If you’re fond of PC games, Steam Deck may be right since it offers everything in a single device. But if you’re a gamer who prefers a different gaming method, this might not be the best deal for you.