Framework now offering 2TB SSD upgrades for the Steam Deck in their store

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Summary

Framework is now offering a 2TB SSD upgrade for the Steam Deck in their store, in stock for immediate order, and they've confirmed with iFixit that the shielding they sell for replacement SSDs is fully compatible.

 

Quotes

Quote

We have the first batch of these available in the Marketplace today in the US and Canada, and are exploring stocking them for Europe and Australia as well. Unlike the 2280-sized M.2 SSDs that the Framework Laptop uses, the handheld Steam Deck relies on the physically smaller but less common 2230 format. As a result, it can be difficult to find legitimate sources for larger capacity drives like 2TB ones to load all of those games that you’re totally going to play someday. Since we order a huge number of Western Digital drives already, it’s relatively easy for us to add one more line item and stock 2TB SN740 2230 ones.

 

My thoughts

Didn't expect this to happen, but it's definitely awesome to see a company like Framework using their market connections to WD to support another community with similar repairability goals!

It's also apparently possible to use this SSD in the Surface Laptop series; Framework specifically links the guide to the Surface Laptop 3.

Interestingly, it looks like they might be planning more of these drops in the future: "We’re continuing to search for ways to help you with hard-to-find upgrades for other products, so let us know if there is anything we should focus on!"

 

Sources

• Framework's blog post
• Framework's store listing for the 2TB WD SN740 M.2 2230 SSD

[TrigrH]

for the low low price of $299 USD......

[Holmes108]

On 2/10/2023 at 8:26 AM, TrigrH said:

for the low low price of $299 USD......

 

For 2TB, installed, in a device many wouldn't be comfortable messing with, it doesn't seem that horrible to me. There's a premium there, for sure though.

 

Edit: I somehow got it in my head it was an installed price.

[TetraSky]

35 minutes ago, TrigrH said:

for the low low price of $299 USD......

That's pretty much what it cost though, no? They don't really get that much cheaper for a 2TB M.2 2230.

It's not a full size SSD. 2230s are tiny and not really in demand, thus making the price higher.

I'm looking up prices on Amazon.com and this was the cheapest I could find. From a brand I never heard of with the picture of a WD SN740. Very confidence inspiring.

Spoiler

 

But at least there's newegg, with third party sellers selling straight from Hong Kong to you for $27 cheaper than what Framework ask for. At least the chance of getting ripped off on Newegg are lower, right?

Spoiler

 

[TrigrH]

16 hours ago, TetraSky said:

That's pretty much what it cost though, no? They don't really get that much cheaper for a 2TB M.2 2230.

It's not a full size SSD. 2230s are tiny and not really in demand, thus making the price higher.

I'm looking up prices on Amazon.com and this was the cheapest I could find. From a brand I never heard of with the picture of a WD SN740. Very confidence inspiring.

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But at least there's newegg, with third party sellers selling straight from Hong Kong to you for $27 cheaper than what Framework ask for. At least the chance of getting ripped off on Newegg are lower, right?

  Reveal hidden contents

 

you can get the exact same drive for just over $200 from china..... 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004853577093.html

[suicidalfranco]

52 minutes ago, TrigrH said:

you can get the exact same drive for just over $200 from china..... 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004853577093.html

You just need to trust China

Edit: Also over 200$ spent on AliExpress most likely will end up with extra taxes and customs clearance when it arrives at your door step

[Holmes108]

On 2/11/2023 at 2:05 AM, suicidalfranco said:

You just need to trust China

Edit: Also over 200$ spent on AliExpress most likely will end up with extra taxes and customs clearance when it arrives at your door step

And so it's less than $100 for install. Again, paying a premium, but hardly seems outrageous to me.

 

Edit: Misunderstood

[WereCat]

On 2/10/2023 at 2:26 PM, TrigrH said:

for the low low price of $299 USD......

Still way less than what Apple charges for their RAM or Storage upgrade. At least you have option to buy SSD yourself and exchange it or you can pay for the SSD and work for somebody to do it in this case. You're not forced to spend that money if you don't want to.

[dizmo]

12 hours ago, TrigrH said:

you can get the exact same drive for just over $200 from china..... 

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004853577093.html

That's about what I'd expect to pay when you lose the warranty. 

[PocketNerd]

Considering iFixit is the "unofficially official" source for parts for the Steam Deck, I'm surprised they didn't jump on the opportunity themselves.

 

But overall, I'm stoked there's a reliable option now.

[Lurick]

5 hours ago, Holmes108 said:

And so it's less than $100 for install. Again, paying a premium, but hardly seems outrageous to me.

There is NO install service included, where are you even getting that from?

[sounds]

21 hours ago, PocketNerd said:

Considering iFixit is the "unofficially official" source for parts for the Steam Deck, I'm surprised they didn't jump on the opportunity themselves.

 

But overall, I'm stoked there's a reliable option now.

iFixit doesn't have a relationship with the SSD manufacturer, or they probably would have provided this.

 

Fortunately, Framework is ordering enough SSDs already from their manufacturer that they can just add another item. It's not for a Framework laptop but this is Framework saying, hey, you look like you could use a 2230 SSD... I got you.

[soldier_ph]

Heck yeah, I've looked into this SSD Months ago and wanted it for my Steamdeck. So nice of them to carry it on their Store.

[Holmes108]

On 2/11/2023 at 3:24 PM, Lurick said:

There is NO install service included, where are you even getting that from?

Ah, didn't read the actual blurb close enough. When I read the first sentence of the OP:

 

"Framework is now offering a 2TB SSD upgrade for the Steam Deck in their store"

 

 that's just where my mind went. That would have been a pretty good value.

[Lurick]

3 minutes ago, Holmes108 said:

Ah, didn't read the actual blurb close enough. When I read the first sentence of the OP:

 

"Framework is now offering a 2TB SSD upgrade for the Steam Deck in their store"

 

 that's just where my mind went. That would have been a pretty good value.

Yah, if they offered install services $299 all included would be a steal

[will0hlep]

Framework for the win. I’ve been after one of these from a reputable seller for my Flow X13 for months now. Hopefully they start shipping them to the Europe too.