Hello!
EDITED: I already put in my order but I still some questions

Steam deck dock: I saw a video that I can use a USB-C cable or just wireless to connect w/ the TV. Does the dock has any advantage (for connecting w/ TV) other than charging simultaneously?

Screen protector: does the "Premium anti-glare etched glass" serve as screen protector or should I get a plastic protector?

Do you guys recommend getting a SD card even if I get the 512gb version of the Steam Deck?

Thank you!

7 months ago*

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You can save several bucks if you buy the basic 64GB version and install a SSD all by yourself. There are plenty of guides for that process.
I'd check those out to see if you trust yourself to achieve that, But if you have never built anything and can afford to pay more, I'd pass on that experience.

I have the most expensive version and the alternative screen is irrelevant. The special Steam profile theme is nice though. ^_^

Edit:
Here some guides.
https://www.dexerto.com/tech/upgrade-steam-deck-storage-1970144/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHCKQvyxwiE

7 months ago*
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Thank you!

7 months ago
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I got the 64 GB Steam Deck in March and a (*Edit - just realized I wrote the wrong SD Card) 512 GB SD card from Amazon for about $50 (Canadian) The Deck does not come with an SD card, only the SSD card! The SD card is necessary, I got this one: SAMSUNG EVO Select Micro SD-Memory-Card + Adapter, 512GB microSDXC 130MB/s Full HD & 4K UHD, UHS-I, U3, A2, V30

My games work really well and the only (pretty minor) problem is my Internal Drive in Storage is constantly low, right now I'm at 929 MB/46.5 GB even though I only have about 5 GB of Proton installed in there! There are programs(?) people have made for you to clean out something called shader caches which I believe don't get deleted when uninstalling a game and take up a fair amount of space! These let you delete them manually for each game you don't need that data for anymore! Here's one that seems really good, I've used it once and only took a few minutes: https://github.com/mcarlucci/decky-storage-cleaner

The SSD card upgrade would be for the Internal storage to help you download even more games and deal with shader caches, I haven't replaced the SSD card as it hasn't seemed necessary and it's possible you can cause a mistake! There are video tutorials though and you can get a gigantically sized SSD for way less of the price than the other models of Steam Deck, so even if you took your Deck into some tech store and had them replace the SSD card that comes with the deck with yours instead (they may want you to buy the card at their store...) you will have way better storage and still pay less than the highest model!

I used to play games on a really old laptop, the Steam Deck is absolutely amazing :) I also don't know much about technical stuff, but I've found everything very easy to deal with!

7 months ago*
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Thank you!

7 months ago
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How on earth did you get a steam deck for 50 bucks? The cheapest one(also one you have)64gb is on sale for $360 dollars...

7 months ago
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SD Card I suspect, not the actual Steam Deck.

7 months ago
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I got the SD card for $50 not the whole Deck 🙊

7 months ago
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You can use CryoUtilities to move the shader caches to the SD.

7 months ago
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Thank you so much! I'll try this out :)

7 months ago
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The process of upgrade is pretty simple and doesn't justify at all the price tag. You should buy the 64Gb and upgrade for yourself, then spend the rest of everything you have on games, accessories or other things. I currently have a 500Gb SSD + 500Gb SD and I have everything I need installed there. That's way more than enough to make the thing work flawlessly.

7 months ago
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Ty! I put in my order for the 512GB. I figured since it's steam credit I'm not using any "real money" (just money gained from selling items), although I spent most of my credit on this purchase. W/ this version I don't need to upgrade and open the deck. I just hope I do not regret not getting the 62GB.
Even w/ the 512gb do you recommend getting a SD card? I want to avoid spending "real money" though. Btw, does the "Premium anti-glare etched glass" serve as screen protector or should I get a plastic protector?

Thank you!

7 months ago
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Depends on your gaming habits and internet connection.
If you rarely play more than an handful games and can quickly download whatever you might want next, your 512GB are more than enough.

And it's not really a topic that you must settle right away. Play around with your Deck and see if you would benefit from a SD card. You can buy one later and it's very easy to move content from your SSD to a SD card.

I can recommend the Samsung Evo cards. Very fast, very good price. I have dozens of indie titles installed there and the bigger and more demanding games on the SSD.

7 months ago
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Yeah... You definitively should (without a doubt). For variety purposes (more storage to games and its files) and system improvements (check out CryoUtilities on Youtube, I really do recommend you watch that the moment you get yours or earlier). You'll see that you'll need the "extra data door" to get the best performance the thing can deliver to you. You surely can get a much smaller SD, however, the upgrade for bigger ones does justify the price. So I do really recommend get the bigger ones.

7 months ago
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Thank you for your time!

7 months ago
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be sure to buy the dock the 1gbps it's a must have

7 months ago
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What do you mean by 1gbps? I admit that getting the dock it's very tempting solely for the fact that I can play triple AAA games that I couldn't on my laptop and watch it on my TV. But I will postpone that since I've spent most of my steam credit.
EDIT: I saw a video that I can use a USB-C cable or wireless so I'm not sure the dock has any advantage for connecting w/ TV other than charging simultaneously

7 months ago*
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Don't expect to play AAA games on a 4k TV. Not going to happen.
I'd pass on the Steam Dock. There are cheaper alternatives that are just as good. And I do have the official Dock and barely use it.

7 months ago
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Thank you for the reply!

7 months ago
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1) Dock is basically a port extender. You can both charge and connect a TV/keyboard/mouse/whatever you want. Do you need it or not? Hell is I know It's very individual. But I advice against official steam dock. There is a shit ton of cheaper and better solutions. Regular type-C hub with charging function will be better both by price and features, only difference is official dock serves as a stand for deck, but I don't consider it a killer feature. I have official one, so I know what I'm talking about. Unlike deck itself, dock is overpriced a lot.
2) Etched screen is anti-glare measure, not physical protection. But do you need a protector... Well, I guess it depends on many factors. I don't have one, and I'm fine (and I'm on more cheap model without etched screen). Also, not directly connected, but... I've had a protective screen on my previous phone, but still break it's screen (obviously, protector also was damaged) - so it's not a panacea.
3) SD card is very individual too. I have a 256 version, and I never felt a lack of space. It's all up to a question of "how many games you want to be installed simultaneously?". Also, I despise SD cards, they are inferior to SSD and cost almost as much. So if I'll ever feel lack of space - I would better change the SSD, than buy SD card. Of course, it's more technically hard, but I believe the outcome is worth it.
4) You didn't ask, but... If you plan to play on deck without connecting it to TV, but from home/yard - I highly recommend getting a bean bag chair. It's literally best accessory for deck!

7 months ago*
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Thank you! That pretty much solved all my questions!

7 months ago
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Closed 7 months ago by psousa.