In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind your Steam Deck overheating troubles and offer you 8 handy tips to ensure your device stays cool and performs smoothly.
Are you an avid gamer who enjoys using the Steam Deck on the move? It can be incredibly frustrating when you’re all set for a long gaming session, only to encounter the dreaded Steam Deck overheating issue that causes your device to slow down.
But fret not, you’re not alone! Many others have also experienced overheating problems after the latest update.
It’s worth noting that overheating is a common concern in gaming consoles, including the latest Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PS5.
If you’re curious about why your Steam Deck is experiencing overheating, there are typically five main factors that contribute to this issue:
- Extended gaming sessions on the Steam Deck: Engaging in long gaming sessions can put a strain on your device and lead to overheating.
- Accumulation of dust or debris blocking the Deck’s ventilation: Over time, dust and junk can build up and impede the proper airflow, causing the Steam Deck to overheat.
- Malfunctioning or damaged internal fan: If the internal fan responsible for cooling the device is broken or damaged, it can result in inadequate heat dissipation and lead to overheating.
- Insufficient ventilation in the surroundings: Placing your Steam Deck in a poorly ventilated area, such as a confined space or near heat-emitting objects, can hinder the device’s ability to dissipate heat effectively.
- Games lacking power optimization: Some games may not be properly optimized to run on the Steam Deck, causing them to consume excessive resources and generate more heat than necessary.
Steam Deck overheating: How to fix it?
The Steam Deck is purposefully crafted to operate smoothly in temperature ranges between 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it’s essential to keep in mind that if the temperature of the device goes beyond 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), a protective mechanism springs into action to avert any potential harm caused by the Steam Deck overheating issue.
When faced with such high temperatures, the internal AMD APU chip, which handles the device’s processing power, intelligently adjusts its performance to prevent excessive heat buildup. In more critical situations, it may even initiate a shutdown to ensure the overall safety of the Steam Deck. This smart safety feature acts as a reliable shield, effectively safeguarding the device from any risks associated with overheating.
Follow these steps to fix the Steam Deck overheating problem:
- Restart Steam Deck
- Turn off fan control updates
- Take a break
- Lower FPS
- Place your Steam Deck in a spot that provides good airflow
- Clean Steam Deck
- Update Steam deck
- Contact Steam Support
Restart Steam Deck
To tackle the Steam Deck overheating issue, the initial step is to restart your console. Simply follow these straightforward steps:
- Press and hold the Power button for a minimum of 12 seconds.
- Keep the console turned off for approximately 10 minutes.
- Now, press the power button once to turn the console back on, and monitor whether the Steam Deck still overheats.
By restarting the console and allowing it to rest for a short while, you give it a chance to cool down and potentially resolve the overheating problem.
Turn off fan control updates
Following the latest updates, some users noticed a peculiar situation where they couldn’t hear the fan noise on their Steam Deck. This led to concerns that the fan might not be functioning properly. However, a user on Reddit discovered a potential solution for the Steam Deck overheating issue by disabling the Fan control updates.
By turning off these updates, the user was able to address the problem of the Steam Deck heating up. This workaround suggests that there may have been an issue with the fan control settings or software updates that were affecting the device’s cooling system. Implementing this solution might alleviate the Steam Deck overheating problem.
Take a break
It’s common for regular gamers to get caught up in extended gaming sessions without taking breaks, which can result in the Steam Deck overheating and automatically turning off. However, it’s important to note that this practice is not beneficial for the health and longevity of your console. Overworking the device without giving it regular cooling breaks can cause significant damage to its internal components.
If you find yourself getting excessively hot while playing in handheld mode, it’s advisable to take a break and give your console a chance to cool down. Continuing to play in such conditions can even lead to skin burns. Prioritizing your comfort and allowing the Steam Deck to cool down at appropriate intervals is crucial to prevent the overheating issue and ensure the well-being of both yourself and the console. Remember, moderation and occasional breaks are key to maintaining a healthy gaming experience.
Lower FPS
It’s worth noting that high FPS (frames per second) can contribute to an increase in temperature on the Steam Deck. To mitigate this, it’s advisable to consider setting the FPS to a lower value, such as 30 frames per second.
To access and adjust these settings, follow the simple steps below:
- Launch the game in which you are experiencing heating issues on your Steam Deck.
- While in-game, tap the Quick menu button on the Steam Deck to access the Performance Settings.
- From there, you can adjust the framerate limit and the refresh rate according to your preferences and needs.
- Additionally, make sure to toggle ON the “Use per game profile” option to ensure the changes are applied specifically to the selected game.
By lowering the FPS and optimizing the refresh rate, you can help manage the temperature on your device, potentially eliminating the Steam Deck overheating problem. This allows you to strike a balance between performance and keeping the device running at a cooler temperature.
Place your Steam Deck in a spot that provides good airflow
When it comes to storing electronics, there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way. However, it’s important to consider that during usage, all electronics generate heat, including the Steam Deck. Therefore, maintaining proper airflow becomes crucial for their normal operation.
To ensure optimal functioning, it can be beneficial to have more than just regular air circulation. For example, placing a fan to blow in the direction of the Steam Deck while it’s in use can help maintain a cooler temperature and prevent overheating. It’s also advisable to utilize the console in an environment where the temperature falls within the range of 5 to 35°C (95°F).
Clean Steam Deck
Dust accumulation in the vents is a common issue that can hinder the efficiency of your Steam Deck. To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to keep the vents clean and free from dust.
It’s highly recommended not to allow dust to build up in the vents. If you notice a significant amount of dust that you are unable to clean yourself, it’s advisable to seek assistance from an expert or professional who can help clean the vents effectively. They have the necessary tools and expertise to tackle the task properly.
Update Steam deck
It’s possible that an outdated version of SteamOS could contribute to the Steam Deck overheating problem. To ensure you have the latest OS version installed, follow these steps:
- Tap on the Steam Button to open the sidebar on your Steam Deck.
- Go to Settings.
- Look for the System option (usually the second option in the list).
- Check for a yellow icon, which indicates that an update is available. This icon will also provide information about what’s new in the update.
- Click on Apply and Restart the Steam Deck to initiate the update process.
- After the restart, repeat the process to check for any other pending updates. Continue this until it confirms that your Steam Deck is up to date.
By regularly updating your SteamOS, you can ensure that you have the latest software improvements and optimizations, which can help address potential heat-related issues on the Steam Deck.
Contact Steam Support
If you have exhausted all available troubleshooting methods and are still unable to resolve the Steam Deck overheating issue, it is advisable to seek assistance from Steam Deck support. Contacting the support team and informing them about the persistent overheating problem would be the next step to take.
Reach out to Steam Deck support and explain the situation, providing details about the steps you have already taken to address the overheating problem. They will be able to provide you with further guidance and may suggest sending in the console for repairs or offer additional troubleshooting options specific to your situation.
You can also learn how to connect a keyboard and mouse to the Steam Deck in our special tutorial!
