Summary
Experiencing sluggish game downloads on SteamOS? The issue may lie in the formatting of your SD card. By switching to Desktop Mode and manually formatting the SD card using KDE Partition Manager, you can resolve this speed issue. Reformatting your SD card might lead to brisker download speeds on your Steam Deck or other SteamOS devices.
Understanding the Issue
If you own a Steam Deck or have installed SteamOS on devices such as the Lenovo Legion Go or ASUS ROG Ally, you may have encountered frustratingly slow download speeds to your SD card. This lag in download speeds can feel reminiscent of the days before broadband internet. Various users have reported similar experiences, indicating this problem is not isolated. Fortunately, there is an accessible solution that has been discussed in tech forums for years.
It’s Not the SD Card’s Fault
When faced with sluggish performance on an SD card, the instinctive assumption might be that the card itself is failing. This was the case with one of my SD cards on the ASUS ROG Ally, which exhibited slow write speeds before ultimately malfunctioning. However, in another instance, after switching my Lenovo Legion Go from Windows to SteamOS, the SD card initially functioned well. After SteamOS reformatted the card, download speeds dropped dramatically, rendering transfers from the internal SSD to the SD card nearly unusable. Downloads, which should exceed 100MB/s, slowed to a trickle of kilobytes per second. This indicates that the formatting process used by Steam was flawed.
Data Loss Warning
Before proceeding, it’s imperative to note that the manual formatting process will erase all data currently on your SD card. While your game saves should remain intact if synced with the cloud, any games or other data on the SD card will be permanently lost. However, successful reformatting will enable much faster redownloads.
Transitioning to Desktop Mode
To initiate the reformatting of your SD card, you first need to switch to Desktop Mode. This is a straightforward process:
- Navigate to Menu > Power > Switch to Desktop.
This will take you to the familiar KDE desktop environment of SteamOS. If you’re not utilizing a mouse, the right analog stick can simulate mouse movements. The right trigger performs left-clicks, while the left trigger mimics right-clicks.
Launching KDE Partition Manager
To access the KDE Partition Manager, follow these steps:
- Use your touchscreen or emulated mouse to select the launcher button at the bottom left.
- Go to System > KDE Partition Manager.
This application is essential for the reformatting process.
Carefully Reformatting the SD Card
Upon opening KDE Partition Manager, you’ll find various devices listed in the left pane. Typically, the SD card will be labeled as "mmcblk0". Click on it to view its details in the right pane. Ensure the reported size matches your expectations.
The partition manager allows you to queue a sequence of actions without altering the card until you confirm with the "Apply" button. Begin the reformatting process:
- Right-click on the SD card’s partition and select "Unmount".
- The next step is to right-click again on the unmounted partition and select "Delete".
- Now, right-click on the unallocated space where the partition once was, and choose "New".
In the dialog that appears, open the “File system” dropdown menu and select “ext4.” Click “OK,” and then press “Apply” located at the top left corner of the window.
You will see a confirmation pop-up regarding the pending operations. Click “Apply Pending Operations.” Upon completion, a notification will indicate that a new disk has been inserted. Choose “Mount and Open” to finalize the process.
Returning to Gaming Mode
To complete the formatting, exit out of KDE Partition Manager and return to the Desktop. Locate and double-click the "Return to Gaming Mode" icon.
Next, revisit the gaming mode settings:
- Navigate to Menu > Settings > Storage.
- Select your SD card and follow the prompts to format it again by pressing "Y" on your controller.
This formatting may take some time, depending on the size of your SD card. If successful, you will notice a gold star next to the SD card entry on the Storage page.
Enjoying Enhanced Download Speeds
Now, attempt to install a game on the reformatted SD card. You should observe improved download speeds, reaching either the maximum speed of your internet connection or the speed limit of your SD card.
While this method cannot be guaranteed to resolve download slowdowns for every user, it has proven effective for many. The root of the problem appears to stem from Steam’s card formatting process, which the manual reformat addresses. It is hoped that Valve will eventually correct this issue to streamline future user experiences.
