Looking to boost your handheld gaming device or mini PC storage? The TEAMGROUP MP44S 2230 SSD might be exactly what you need. This compact 1TB M.2 NVMe drive has become a popular choice for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally owners looking to expand their storage capacity without compromising performance.
- Top choice for STEAM Deck capacity upgrade
- Top choice for capacity upgrade on lightweight devices
- Heat dissipating graphene label for enhanced heat dissipation and system operating stability
The MP44S delivers impressive read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s, making it significantly faster than standard storage options. What sets this drive apart is its specialized 2230 form factor (22mm x 30mm), designed specifically for compact devices where space is at a premium.
Heat management is thoughtfully addressed with a graphene label that helps dissipate heat, maintaining stability during extended gaming sessions. The drive maintains backward compatibility with PCIe Gen3 interfaces while offering Gen4 speeds when supported.
Users report straightforward installation processes, with many specifically praising its perfect fit in the Steam Deck. The value proposition is strong, offering substantial storage upgrade at a reasonable price point compared to competitors in the same category.
Bottom Line
The TEAMGROUP MP44S 1TB is an excellent storage upgrade option for handheld gaming devices and mini PCs that require the compact 2230 form factor.
With its impressive speed, thermal management, and compatibility with popular devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, it delivers exceptional performance for the price.
Ready to expand your storage? Click here to purchase the TEAMGROUP MP44S and upgrade your gaming experience today!
Overview of the Teamgroup MP44S SSD 1TB
Compact yet powerful, this M.2 2230 form factor SSD brings impressive performance to small devices. The MP44S delivers sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s, making it ideal for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally upgrades.
TeamGroup incorporated a graphene heat dissipation label to maintain stability during intensive operations. Despite its tiny size (just 22×30mm), the drive doesn’t compromise on performance, offering PCIe Gen4 speeds while maintaining backward compatibility with Gen3 interfaces.
The MP44S stands out as a top choice for portable gaming devices and mini PCs where space is at a premium but performance requirements remain high. Users appreciate its straightforward installation process and reliable performance in demanding applications. At just 0.106 ounces and measuring 1.18 × 0.87 × 0.16 inches, this drive delivers an excellent balance of size, performance, and capacity.
Ease of Installation
Installing the MP44S SSD couldn’t be simpler. This compact M.2 2230 drive fits perfectly into compatible devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally with minimal effort. Users report that installation is straightforward, with one reviewer mentioning they could easily fit it with the Steam Deck’s existing heat shield.
For those less experienced with computer hardware, the process remains manageable. The SSD is essentially plug-and-play once physically installed. No special tools are required beyond what’s typically needed for accessing the storage bay of your device.
Those upgrading from smaller drives will appreciate how seamlessly the drive can be cloned using standard software like Balena Etcher. This eliminates the hassle of reinstalling the operating system and applications. Overall, the installation process is user-friendly enough that even those with limited technical knowledge can successfully upgrade their device’s storage.
HEAT Dissipating Graphene Label
Thermal management is crucial for high-performance SSDs, and TeamGroup addresses this challenge effectively. The MP44S features a specialized graphene heat dissipation label that helps maintain optimal operating temperatures during intensive tasks. This innovative cooling solution prevents thermal throttling, allowing the drive to maintain consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions on your Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
The graphene label is remarkably thin yet efficient at drawing heat away from critical components. Unlike bulkier heatsinks, this low-profile solution preserves the compact form factor of the 2230 SSD, ensuring it fits perfectly in space-constrained devices. When pushing transfer speeds close to the 5000 MB/s read capabilities, this thermal management becomes particularly valuable, extending the drive’s lifespan while protecting your investment.
Compatibility and Form Factor
The M.2 2230 form factor makes this SSD perfect for compact devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Unlike standard 2280 SSDs, the MP44S features the shorter 22mm x 30mm dimensions specifically designed for handheld gaming consoles and mini PCs.
Compatible with PCIe 4.0 interfaces, this drive delivers impressive performance while maintaining backward compatibility with PCIe 3.0 systems. The NVMe protocol ensures optimal speed utilization across supported platforms.
Installation is straightforward in devices designed for the 2230 form factor. At just 1.18 x 0.87 x 0.16 inches and weighing a mere 0.106 ounces, the TeamGroup drive adds minimal bulk while maximizing storage capacity. Users should verify their device supports M.2 2230 drives before purchase, as this smaller form factor isn’t universally compatible with all M.2 slots.
Performance and Speed
Speed matters when it comes to storage devices, and the MP44S delivers impressive performance for its compact size. With sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds reaching 3,500 MB/s, this little SSD packs serious power. The PCIe Gen4 interface allows for rapid data transfers, though it’s also backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
Users report excellent real-world performance, with files transferring almost instantly. Large projects load quickly, and the drive handles heavy workloads without slowdowns. The graphene thermal label helps with heat dissipation, preventing thermal throttling during extended use.
While not the absolute fastest SSD on the market, the MP44S offers excellent performance-to-price value. It’s particularly impressive considering its tiny 2230 form factor, making it perfect for space-constrained devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally where both speed and size matter.
Pros and Cons
When evaluating this compact storage solution, there are several important factors to consider before making your purchase decision. The MP44S 2230 form factor SSD offers a compelling mix of advantages and limitations that may impact your experience depending on your specific needs.
Pros
- Impressive speed performance with sequential read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s
- Perfect form factor for Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally and other compact devices requiring 2230-sized SSDs
- Heat dissipating graphene label helps maintain system stability during intensive operations
- Backward compatibility with PCIe Gen3 interfaces while providing Gen4 performance when available
- High user satisfaction reflected in the strong 4.6/5 rating from over 7,000 reviewers
Cons
- Actual storage capacity may be slightly lower than the advertised 1TB after formatting and partitioning
- Price fluctuations have been noted by some users, with costs increasing over time
- Installation challenges for users less familiar with BIOS settings and computer hardware
- Limited cooling options beyond the graphene label for users pushing the drive to its limits
- Compatibility issues might arise with some older systems that may not fully support PCIe Gen4 specifications
The MP44S represents a solid balance of performance and form factor for specialized applications, particularly in handheld gaming devices where space is at a premium.
Analysis of Customer Reviews
Customers consistently praise the MP44S SSD for its excellent value proposition. The majority highlight the impressive price-to-performance ratio, particularly for those upgrading handheld devices like the Steam Deck. Installation appears straightforward for most users, with several mentioning seamless cloning processes and compatibility with existing hardware configurations.
Performance receives positive feedback across reviews, with users noting fast read and write speeds that handle large file transfers efficiently. The drive appears to maintain good thermal performance, with no mentions of overheating issues.
Some customers point out that the actual usable storage capacity is slightly less than advertised, which is standard for storage devices. A few users mentioned encountering BIOS-related issues during installation, though these appeared to be resolvable.
Overall, the MP44S emerges as a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable performance, particularly for gaming systems and laptop upgrades.
Conclusion
After reviewing the TEAMGROUP MP44S 1TB M.2 2230 SSD, it stands out as a solid storage solution for portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. The compact 2230 form factor fits perfectly in these handheld systems, while offering impressive Gen 4 performance with read/write speeds up to 5000/3500 MB/s.
Users consistently praise its ease of installation and reliable performance. For the price point, this SSD delivers excellent value with its combination of speed, capacity, and compatibility. The SLC cache helps maintain performance during intensive tasks.
While not the absolute fastest Gen 4 drive on the market, the balance of performance, price, and form factor makes the MP44S an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their portable gaming device’s storage. It handles game installs efficiently and transfers files quickly without generating excessive heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the specifics of an SSD can help you make an informed purchase decision. This FAQ section answers common questions about the MP44S to give you clarity on performance, reliability, and specifications before upgrading your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or mini PC.
How does the performance of the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD compare to other SSDs on the market?
The MP44S delivers solid mid-range performance in the compact 2230 form factor market. With sequential read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s, it outperforms many Gen3 SSDs while being priced competitively. When compared to premium Gen4 drives in larger form factors, it may not reach the 7,000+ MB/s speeds of top-tier models, but maintains excellent performance for its size class.
The drive particularly excels in handheld gaming devices where its balance of speed, efficiency, and form factor makes it an ideal upgrade option. Its performance-to-price ratio is especially strong in the specialized 2230 SSD market.
What are the gaming performance benchmarks for the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD?
The MP44S demonstrates impressive gaming performance metrics, particularly in portable gaming devices. Game load times show significant improvements over stock HDDs or entry-level SSDs, with most modern titles loading 40-60% faster.
For Steam Deck and ROG Ally users, the drive maintains consistent performance under gaming workloads with minimal thermal throttling thanks to its graphene heat dissipation label. Large game installations complete quickly, and in-game texture streaming remains smooth even in data-intensive titles. The drive’s performance headroom ensures games run without storage bottlenecks, even with background processes active.
How reliable is the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD for long-term storage solutions?
The MP44S features solid reliability metrics consistent with modern TLC NAND-based drives. TEAMGROUP backs the drive with a 5-year warranty, indicating confidence in its longevity. The drive incorporates standard endurance-enhancing technologies including wear-leveling algorithms and error correction.
User reports indicate stable performance over time with minimal degradation. The graphene thermal label helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, which contributes to extended drive lifespan by reducing thermal stress. Like all SSDs, overall endurance will vary based on workload intensity and write volume, but the MP44S provides durability suitable for both gaming and productivity applications.
What types of memory cells does the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD utilize, TLC or QLC?
The MP44S utilizes TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory. This memory type offers a balanced approach between performance, endurance, and cost compared to QLC options. The drive implements an SLC cache system that temporarily treats a portion of the TLC memory as faster SLC (Single-Level Cell) storage for improved burst write performance.
This TLC implementation provides better endurance than QLC alternatives, making it more suitable for write-intensive applications like game installations and content creation. The SLC cache helps maintain strong performance during large file transfers before eventually folding data to the main TLC storage.
Can the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD handle large data transfers effectively?
The MP44S handles large data transfers with good efficiency thanks to its SLC cache implementation. Initial transfer speeds remain high while the cache is available, typically maintaining close to the rated 3,500 MB/s write speeds. Once the cache fills during extended transfers, speeds will decrease to native TLC write rates, which is normal behavior for consumer SSDs.
For most real-world usage scenarios like game installations or media file transfers, the cache size is sufficient to handle the workload without noticeable slowdowns. The drive manages thermal conditions well during sustained transfers due to its graphene label, preventing performance degradation from overheating.
What are the available storage capacities for the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD, and how do they differ in performance?
The MP44S is available in multiple capacity options, with the most common being 1TB and 2TB models. The 1TB version delivers the advertised performance metrics with read speeds up to 5,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s. Larger capacity models maintain similar peak performance but typically offer slightly better sustained write speeds due to larger SLC caches.
All capacity variants use the same controller and NAND type, ensuring consistent reliability across the product line. The 1TB model represents the sweet spot for most portable gaming device upgrades, balancing capacity needs with affordability. Higher capacity options benefit users with extensive game libraries or those using the drive for content creation alongside gaming.
