using an portable ssd for steam gaming?

[247openmind]

i read some where that it could be done but steam doesnt like it. is it possible to have steam installed on both internal and portable ssd would that help. any suggestions on portable ssd that works with steam and gaming budget friendly easy to setup/use. also i read they dont need a power supply is that right. yet if i get a usb hub it would require a power supply to be effective. thanks

[BurakZG]

1. If you can, install internal SATA SSD. It's always better than external. You don't have to worry about the case. If you can mount it the way, it doesn't touch other electronics, it will be fine. SSD does not require good fixed mounting as HDD. If your computer looks something similar inside, then there is enough space for additional SSD:

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/606254/aspire-tc-885-ua92-additional-ssd-drive-installation-instruction

2. I also think you should be able to upgrade GPU and get your game(s) running. The limitation is on the PSU, but you still should be able to run Radeon RX 6600 XT with it (Radeon needs 135W + 65W for your CPU plus other components, it should work). Check if you have right power connector available.

You can upgrade CPU, but in my opinion, it doesn't make sense. I was running RX 6600 XT with Ryzen 3400G and the processor was never more than 50% of use. This GPU will be absolutely fine with your current Intel i3 9100.

[247openmind]

any website to see if parts are compatible psu, gpu, with cpu yeah it looks like one in picture just older model cpu

[BurakZG]

There should be "service manual" released by Acer with all required info.
Try to find it on their website. You need very specific model info, maybe even SN.

It will anyway not have info about GPU.

I'm quite sure you can add SATA SSD. If you are not afraid to open your case, you can see if you have free SATA socket and free SATA power plug.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

2.5 inch SATA SSDs also do not have anything exposed like a mechanical HDD does (the PCB with sensitive parts on it. So with a 2.5 inch SATA SSD, you don't even need to mount it into any tray or anything, it can just lay on the bottom of the inside of your PC Case after you've connected it to Motherboard SATA Data and PSU SATA Power.

[247openmind]

ok so consensus would be internal additional ssd or just bigger ssd and try to clone the original ssd and replace( which i read on a forum acer protects their ssd from cloning ie its a hassle to get it to be recognized. so portable ssd not good for gaming because of usb 3.1 v2 speed not adequate compared to main ssd.

[_I_]

even an internal hdd 4+tb is fine for sp linear games