Silicon Power UD90 2230 SSD Review: Compact and Capable Storage for Portables

Pros and Cons of the UD90 2230 SSD

Advantages:

• High Capacity in Small Form Factor: Offers up to 2TB of storage in the compact M.2 2230 size.
• Good PCIe 3.0 Performance: Ideal for devices like the Steam Deck, which are limited to PCIe 3.0.

Disadvantages:

• Utilizes QLC Flash: May not be as robust as other flash types.
• Limited PCIe 4.0 and Sustained Performance: Not the best option for those seeking peak performance.

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Significance for Portable Gaming Systems

Optimized for Steam Deck and Similar Devices

The UD90 2230 SSD shines in portable gaming systems, particularly in devices like the Steam Deck. While not the fastest, its form factor and capacity make it an attractive choice for gamers looking to upgrade their device’s internal storage.

Performance and Specifications

Benchmarking the UD90 2230

• Performance with PCIe 3.0 & 4.0: Shows commendable performance in PCIe 3.0 mode, with expected limitations in PCIe 4.0 due to the QLC flash.
• Capacity Options: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB, with the highest capacity being the most beneficial for QLC drives.

Technical Specifications:

• Controller: Phison E21T
• Flash Memory: 176-Layer Micron QLC
• Sequential Read/Write Speeds: Ranges from 4,700 MB/s to 5,000 MB/s for read, and 1,700 MB/s to 3,200 MB/s for write, depending on the capacity.
• Endurance (TBW): Ranges from 300 TB for the 500GB model to 1,200 TB for the 2TB model.
• Warranty: Comes with a 5-year warranty.

Software and Accessories

Complementary Software from Silicon Power

• SSD Toolbox: A utility for diagnostics and firmware updates.
• Additional Applications: Ranges from file recovery to cloning and encryption, with alternatives available in freeware.

Physical Attributes and Installation Tips

Handling the Compact SSD

• Size and Handling: Remarkably small in size, the single-sided nature of the UD90 2230 SSD makes it easier to handle, though care is recommended during installation.
• Installation Considerations: Patience is key, especially when dealing with systems that have unusual M.2 2230 offsets or require an extender.

Conclusion: Assessing the UD90 2230 SSD

The Silicon Power UD90 2230 SSD stands out as a suitable option for those seeking a balance between storage capacity and portability, particularly for gaming systems like the Steam Deck. While it may not offer the top-end performance of some PCIe 4.0 SSDs, its form factor, capacity options, and PCIe 3.0 performance make it a worthy consideration for users looking to upgrade their portable gaming devices.