If you’re hunting for a storage bump for your Steam Deck or a tiny PC, chances are you’ve run across the MP44S SSD from TEAMGROUP. It’s got that sweet spot of performance and the compact M.2 2230 form factor, making it a no-fuss pick for upgrading storage in modern portable or small devices.
- 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
People mention the installation is quick, and load times really do improve. Stable speeds and decent heat management come up a lot in reviews, though, as usual, the usable space is a bit less than the advertised 1TB (thanks, formatting). Compared to other options, the price-to-performance ratio is a highlight, but keep in mind, some folks have seen performance vary a bit depending on their device.
Overview of the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB
This drive’s small footprint makes it a go-to for anyone who wants more storage without giving up space inside their machine. Its M.2 2230 form factor fits right into portable gaming devices, laptops, and those mini PCs that are everywhere now.
Installation? Usually a breeze. Most people say transfer speeds are solid and the thing runs quietly. That built-in graphene thermal label helps keep things cool, so even during heavy use, the system doesn’t get bogged down.
A few have pointed out that write speeds can dip if the drive is almost full. It plays nicely with both Gen4 and Gen3 interfaces, but really, the biggest perks are the reliability and how easy it is to use for slim device upgrades.
Seamless Storage Upgrade for Steam Deck and Lightweight Devices
Trying to maximize storage in a compact gaming system is always a bit of a puzzle. The MP44S makes life easier for folks who want more space in their Steam Deck or a thin laptop—places where every millimeter counts.
People like that it’s about the same size as factory drives, so swapping it in isn’t a headache. You get up to 1TB without much fuss. The heat-dissipating design is a plus too, especially if you’re gaming for hours.
On the flip side, if you’re putting it in an older device with a slower interface, you might not see the top speeds. But for newer, lightweight hardware, the MP44S is a pretty straightforward way to get more storage without adding bulk or heat.
Blazing Fast Read and Write Performance
Feedback is pretty clear: transfer speeds are strong, and moving big files is way faster than with older drives. Games and apps load quickly, especially on devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
Most users see high performance day-to-day, though speeds can drop a bit during really heavy, sustained use—SLC caching has its limits. And, as always, real-world speeds depend on what you’re plugging it into.
- Fast boot and load times—great for gaming and compact PCs
- Top speeds hold up best with typical use, not endless heavy writes
- For its size, performance is impressive
If speed’s your thing, there’s a lot to like here. Just don’t expect miracles in every single scenario.
Efficient Heat Dissipation with Graphene Label
Heat can be a killer for SSDs, but the MP44S has a graphene label that helps keep temps under control during big read/write sessions. Some buyers have said this actually makes a difference in small devices where airflow is almost nonexistent.
It’s a smart move for ultra-compact builds and helps with stability. That said, a few people point out that the graphene layer isn’t magic—it won’t replace active cooling if you’re pushing the drive hard for hours. But for handhelds or mini PCs, it does the job pretty well.
Compact Form Factor for Versatile Compatibility
Getting good performance in a tiny package is tricky, but the MP44S’s 2230 M.2 design is a win for tight spaces. It’s a natural fit for handheld gaming consoles, slim laptops, and other places where a big drive just won’t work.
Users say it installs easily in cramped spots, though you’ll want to double-check your device supports the 2230 size—some systems don’t. The lightweight, slot-in design is handy for anyone chasing higher storage without extra bulk. If you need adaptable storage, this form factor is a real advantage, as long as you know your device’s specs.
User Experience and Installation
Most folks say installation is straightforward. The M.2 2230 form factor fits right into handhelds and mini PCs, and a lot of users had their systems recognize the drive immediately.
Fast transfers and quick boots are common feedback. There are a few stories of confusion from people new to BIOS or partitioning, but those seem to be outliers. The heat-dissipating label gets a nod too, and the drive runs quietly and keeps cool even under load.
Pros:
- Easy install for compatible gear
- Quick setup—usually plug-and-play
- Runs silent and stays cool
Cons:
- Can be tricky for newcomers unfamiliar with BIOS or disk management
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast performance—boot times and file transfers are quick
- Compact M.2 2230 form factor fits smaller devices like Steam Deck and mini PCs
- Heat-dissipating label helps keep temps in check
- Most people find installation simple and the drive works out of the box
- Good value for the capacity, especially at competitive prices
- Plays nice with both PCIe Gen3 and Gen4, so it works in a lot of systems
- Comes with a warranty for some peace of mind
Cons
- Write speeds can drop during long, heavy transfers
- Usable storage is a bit less than 1TB after formatting
- Not every system hits the max speeds, especially older hardware
- Some users ran into install or setup hiccups
- Prices move around—sometimes up, sometimes down
- A few power users say endurance or performance isn’t quite enough for the most demanding workloads
Table: Quick Glance at Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast boot and transfer speeds | Speed drops under heavy writes |
| Compact for small devices | Slight capacity shortfall |
| Simple installation | Speeds may depend on system |
| Effective heat management | Occasional install challenges |
| Good value for capacity | Price can fluctuate |
| Wide system compatibility | May not suit high-end workloads |
| Warranty included |
Customer Reviews
A lot of users say the MP44S is a standout for fast performance, especially for gaming and daily tasks. Installation gets high marks too, whether you’re upgrading a desktop or a laptop.
People consistently mention the value and low price, especially compared to similar drives. Speed—both read and write—gets a lot of love.
Some folks have seen write speeds drop as the drive fills up, and there are occasional gripes about the available storage being a bit shy of the advertised amount. A few mention reliability concerns, but those are rare in the overall mix.
Conclusion
The MP44S is a solid pick for folks building small PCs or upgrading devices like the Steam Deck. Fast speeds, easy setup, and quiet, cool operation make it a strong choice for gaming and everyday use.
There are some caveats—write speeds can fluctuate, and a handful of users ran into compatibility or setup headaches. It’s not the absolute fastest SSD out there, but for the price, it’s tough to beat the balance of speed and utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage upgrades always bring up a bunch of questions. Here’s what buyers usually want to know about the MP44S SSD and how it fares in real life.
What are the read and write speeds of the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB?
TEAMGROUP rates the MP44S 1TB at up to 5,000 MB/s read and 3,500 MB/s write (sequential) if you’re running PCIe 4.0 and everything’s ideal.
In practice, speeds will depend on your device—older hardware or PCIe 3.0 will be slower. Still, for this size, it’s quick.
How does the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB’s performance compare to other SSDs in its class?
It’s right in the mix with other budget-friendly NVMe drives, especially among compact 2230 models. For everyday stuff—booting Windows, moving files—it’s reliably fast.
Some pricier or larger drives can outpace it for long, heavy transfers, but for the money, the performance is pretty satisfying.
What type of warranty does the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB come with?
You get a 5-year limited warranty. It covers the usual defects and failures, though, like most warranties, don’t expect data recovery.
Can the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB be used for gaming, and how does it affect load times?
Definitely. Lots of users install it for gaming, both in mini PCs and desktops. Game load times are much better than with old SATA or HDDs.
With 1TB, you can stash a decent chunk of your library. Just know that, as with most SSDs, speeds can dip if the drive gets close to full or during long, heavy writes.
Is the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD 1TB compatible with both desktop and laptop computers?
It’s made for the compact M.2 2230 slot, which you’ll find in smaller devices—laptops, mini PCs, and handhelds like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
Compatibility Highlights:
- Fits M.2 2230 slots (22mm x 30mm)
- Works with PCIe 4.0 and backwards with PCIe 3.0
Be sure to check your device’s specs—most desktop motherboards use the longer 2280 slot.
What are the main differences between the 1TB and 2TB versions of the TEAMGROUP MP44S SSD?
The big difference is storage—2TB holds twice as much. If you need a ton of space for games or media, it’s worth a look.
Otherwise, same advertised speeds, same features, same warranty. The 2TB usually costs more per gigabyte, but you may not have to upgrade again soon.
Summary Table:
| Feature | MP44S 1TB | MP44S 2TB |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1TB | 2TB |
| Max Sequential Read | Up to 5,000 MB/s | Up to 5,000 MB/s |
| Max Sequential Write | Up to 3,500 MB/s | Up to 3,500 MB/s |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Form Factor | M.2 2230 | M.2 2230 |
In the end, it’s really just about how much space you want and what you’re willing to spend.
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