Upgrading the internal SSD of a Steam Machine console

Upgrading the internal storage of a Steam Machine requires a specific hardware workflow and software re-imaging process. The procedure involves disassembling the chassis using a Torx T8 screwdriver to access the internal NVMe drive. Users must first create a bootable SteamOS recovery USB drive using a tool like Balena Etcher. A critical step in the software preparation is manually extracting the .img file from the downloaded .bz2 archive before flashing the recovery image to the USB drive, as the software may fail to do so automatically. Once the new SSD is installed, the system may require manual intervention to boot from the USB drive if the new drive contains a pre-existing operating system. This is achieved by accessing the BIOS via a keyboard and mouse, which allows the user to point the system to the installer. After booting from the USB, the user can select the "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS" option to complete the setup. The process effectively replaces the internal storage, allowing for increased capacity while maintaining the native SteamOS environment.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

Upgrading the internal storage of a Steam Machine requires a specific hardware workflow and software re-imaging process. The procedure involves disassembling the chassis using a Torx T8 screwdriver to access the internal NVMe drive. Users must first create a bootable SteamOS recovery USB drive using a tool like Balena Etcher. A critical step in the software preparation is manually extracting the .img file from the downloaded .bz2 archive before flashing the recovery image to the USB drive, as the software may fail to do so automatically. Once the new SSD is installed, the system may require manual intervention to boot from the USB drive if the new drive contains a pre-existing operating system. This is achieved by accessing the BIOS via a keyboard and mouse, which allows the user to point the system to the installer. After booting from the USB, the user can select the "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS" option to complete the setup. The process effectively replaces the internal storage, allowing for increased capacity while maintaining the native SteamOS environment.

The Steam Machine chassis requires a Torx T8 screwdriver for disassembly of the back cover, bottom feet, and internal fan mount. Users must manually extract the .img file from the downloaded .bz2 archive before using Balena Etcher to create a bootable recovery USB.

The internal NVMe drive is accessible only after removing the entire internal carriage from the chassis. Upgrading to a 2280-sized drive requires moving the standoff from the forward position to the rear position on the motherboard.

If the new SSD contains a pre-existing operating system, the system may hang on boot, requiring a manual BIOS override to boot from the recovery USB. The SteamOS recovery tool includes a "Wipe Device & Install SteamOS" option that is necessary to properly initialize the new drive.

Chapter guide

IntroductionOverview of the necessity and commonality of upgrading the SSD in a Steam Machine.Required ToolsList of necessary hardware, including a Torx T8 screwdriver, a new NVMe drive, and a USB installer.Creating the InstallerStep-by-step guide to downloading the SteamOS image and flashing it to a USB drive.Installing the SSDPhysical disassembly of the Steam Machine and installation of the new NVMe drive.Re-installing SteamOSBooting from the USB installer and performing the final software re-image.

Worth noting

  • The video notes that the SteamOS recovery process may fail to automatically extract files from the .bz2 archive, requiring manual extraction.
  • The video mentions that the Steam Machine may hang if the new SSD has a pre-existing operating system, requiring a keyboard and mouse for BIOS access.

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