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
-
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.
-
Navigate to Setup Utility:
- Go to Advanced settings.
- Locate the 'Voltage Offset' settings for CPU, GPU, and S0.
Steps to Undervolt Safely
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.