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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Steam Deck has two different things people call “memory”: RAM, which Valve lists as 16 GB LPDDR5 on both LCD and OLED models, and internal storage, which varies by model. To check the storage currently available, open Steam > Settings > Storage. A microSD card adds removable storage; it does not change the Deck’s RAM.
First, decide whether you mean RAM or storage
RAM is the onboard memory the Deck uses while running SteamOS and games. Valve’s LCD and OLED specifications both list 16 GB LPDDR5 onboard RAM. The internal drive is separate: it stores SteamOS, games, and other files, and its technology and capacity depend on the model.
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A microSD card is a third category: removable storage. It can provide space for games and files, but it does not add RAM or change the internal drive. Keeping these three components distinct prevents a common mix-up: the Storage screen and card capacity tell you about storage, not RAM.
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Check storage use in SteamOS
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In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button.
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Choose Settings > Storage. Valve identifies this screen as the place to manage system storage and connected storage.
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Review the listed storage devices and their usage. The screen helps you see available and used space on system and connected storage, including a recognized microSD card.
This is the practical check for how much room is available now. It does not necessarily show the original advertised capacity as a single number: SteamOS, formatting, and installed files occupy space, and the screen’s free-space figure is not the same as the model’s stated capacity.
Find the internal drive’s type and model capacity
Look at the hardware details screen
A secondary walkthrough describes this Gaming Mode route: press the Steam button, then open Settings > System > Hardware. If that screen is present in your SteamOS version, use its hardware details as a clue to the installed configuration. Valve’s support material reviewed for this guide does not confirm this exact menu path, and labels or available details may vary with SteamOS versions. If you cannot find it, do not treat that as evidence that your Deck lacks a particular drive.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsCompare with the model’s official specification
Valve’s specifications provide the model configurations to compare against. The LCD page lists three internal-storage configurations, while the current OLED page lists two. These are model specifications, not measurements of an individual unit, and Valve notes that product specifications can change.
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| Steam Deck family | Valve-listed internal storage configurations | RAM listed by Valve |
|---|---|---|
| LCD | 64 GB eMMC; 256 GB NVMe; 512 GB NVMe | 16 GB LPDDR5 onboard |
| OLED | 512 GB NVMe SSD; 1 TB NVMe SSD | 16 GB LPDDR5 onboard |
To identify which configuration you own, compare hardware details with the model or purchase information for your particular Deck. Do not infer the original drive capacity from free space alone: a nearly full 512 GB model can show less free space than a mostly empty 256 GB model. Likewise, a microSD card may appear as another storage device without changing the model’s built-in drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret “memory type”
- RAM: LPDDR5; Valve lists 16 GB onboard for both LCD and OLED models.
- Internal storage: The LCD configurations listed by Valve use eMMC or NVMe, depending on model; the OLED configurations listed use NVMe SSDs.
- Removable storage: microSD. Valve documents UHS-I card support and says supported cards need formatting before use.
When comparing two Decks, compare their internal capacity and drive technology as well as their RAM specification. Do not compare only the amount of free space visible in SteamOS, and do not count a microSD card as part of the built-in drive.
If you want to add storage
A compatible microSD card is an option for extra removable game storage. Valve says supported cards need formatting and documents support for UHS-I cards. Formatting prepares the card for use and should not be confused with upgrading the internal drive. The card remains separate from the Deck’s built-in storage and does not alter its 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM.
Do not open the Deck just to identify its memory
Opening the device is unnecessary for the checks above. Valve cautions against opening or modifying the Steam Deck and says damage caused by such attempts is not covered by the product warranty. Use the software information and the specification for your model instead.
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