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Guide to Undervolting Your Steam Deck

Apr 19, 2025

Undervolting Your Steam Deck Guide

Introduction

  • Undervolting can significantly improve the gaming performance of your Steam Deck.
  • Main benefits include:
    • Dramatic increase in 1% lows, improving game smoothness.
    • Slight improvements in max and average FPS.
    • Reduced fan noise, better thermals, and increased battery life.
  • The process is relatively easy and worthwhile.

Results Overview

  • From tests using Red Dead Redemption 2 Benchmark:
    • 27% improvement in 1% lows.
    • 10% improvement in max FPS.
    • 2% improvement in average FPS.
  • Key takeaway: Improvements in 1% lows lead to smoother gameplay.
  • Results may vary depending on individual device characteristics.

What is Undervolting?

  • Reducing the voltage supplied to the APU (CPU + GPU).
  • Allows the device to use power more efficiently.
  • Benefits:
    • Same performance with less power.
    • Potential for better overall performance due to power reallocation.

Additional Benefits

  • Slight reductions in fan noise and thermals.
  • Slight improvements in battery life.

Undervolting Process

Preparing to Undervolt

  1. Boot into BIOS:

    • Shut down the device completely.
    • Press power button and volume up button simultaneously until you hear a chime.
    • Use the d-pad to navigate.

  2. Navigate to Setup Utility:

    • Go to Advanced settings.
    • Locate the 'Voltage Offset' settings for CPU, GPU, and S0.

Steps to Undervolt Safely

  • Incremental Adjustments:

    1. Set CPU voltage offset to -10 mV, test for stability with a demanding game for 15 minutes.
    2. Repeat for GPU and S0 offsets.
    3. Gradually increase offsets until stability issues occur (e.g., crashes).
    4. Dial back to last stable setting.

  • Speed Method (not recommended but faster):

    1. Set all offsets to -30 mV initially.
    2. Test for stability; adjust if instability occurs.

Post-Undervolting Testing

  • Save changes and exit BIOS.
  • Test with a demanding game or benchmark (e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2).
  • Check for stability and measure performance changes.

Risks and Considerations

  • Potential instability if pushed too far.
  • Minor risk associated with BIOS adjustments.
  • Generally, issues resolved by reverting voltage changes.

Conclusion

  • Undervolting provides tangible benefits with minimal risk.
  • Particularly beneficial for portable devices like the Steam Deck.
  • Simple process with easy access through Valve’s BIOS.

Additional Information

  • Steam Deck benefits more from undervolting compared to desktops due to battery and cooler limitations.
  • Encouragement to subscribe for more content.

Sponsor Mention

  • Featured sponsor: UGREEN's Nexode power banks and chargers.
  • Benefits include fast charging capabilities and versatility for multiple devices.

Final Notes

  • Always push your system carefully and monitor for stability.
  • Engage in community discussions for shared insights and experiences.

These notes summarize the key points of undervolting a Steam Deck, capturing the process, benefits, and potential risks. Use these as a guide to ensure an optimized gaming experience while maintaining device stability.

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