“Steam Deck’s Latest Update introduces Undervolting Support, Enhancing Performance”

Steam Deck">Steam Deck, the handheld gaming device powered by the AMD Van Gogh APU, has received an exciting new update. The latest Steam Deck operating system preview now includes support for undervolting, a feature that caught the attention of gamers a few months ago. However, Steam made it more challenging to use due to concerns about unsupported settings potentially damaging the device.

Valve, the company behind Steam Deck, never intended to completely block undervolting. Instead, they wanted to address the issues that arose when users employed unsupported settings, which could result in bricked devices. With the recently launched SteamOS 3.5.1 Preview, Valve has incorporated a protective measure for users who choose to undervolt.

The new firmware version 118 automatically resets the voltage settings for the AMD SoC (System on a Chip) when a user performs a CMOS reset. This ensures that if users reduce the voltage to levels that could render the device inoperable, they can easily revert to a functional state. To initiate a CMOS reset, users simply need to press and hold the ‘volume down’ button, the ‘three-dot button’, and the ‘power button’ simultaneously. Accessing the BIOS requires holding down the volume down button during system boot.

Undervolting AMD APUs, like the one in Steam Deck, can provide visible performance enhancements. It makes the processor more energy-efficient, reduces heat generation, and often improves overall performance. Users have reported a maximum undervolting option of -50 mV, showcasing the potential benefits of this feature.

While the firmware upgrade from version 116 to 118 removes access to AMD PBS (Precision Boost) and CBS (Custom Bios settings), undervolting can still deliver improved outcomes. In fact, with the firmware update, undervolting could potentially yield even better results for Steam Deck users.

The SteamOS 3.5.1 Preview also includes various fixes and improvements. For example, it addresses issues such as an SD card with filesystem errors being mounted as read-only, the internal display rotation being erroneously reported to games, and a bug with HDR applications showing in the wrong colorspace if their window was moved during swapchain creation.

Overall, the addition of undervolting support and the firmware update demonstrate Valve’s commitment to enhancing the Steam Deck experience for gamers. With these new features and improvements, Steam Deck users can expect better performance and greater control over their gaming device.

Background Information

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About AMD:

AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Valve:

Valve Corporation, often referred to as Valve, is a important American video game and software development company. for its titles like Half-Life, Portal, and the digital distribution platform Steam, Valve has played a significant role in shaping the gaming industry. Established in 1996 by former Microsoft employees, Valve has since garnered a reputation for innovation, user-centric design, and fostering a strong modding community.

  

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Technology Explained

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APU: An APU, or Accelerated Processing Unit, is a type of processor that combines a CPU and a GPU on a single chip. This type of processor is becoming increasingly popular in the computer industry due to its ability to provide both computing and graphics processing power in a single package. APUs are used in a variety of applications, from gaming PCs to high-end workstations. They are also used in embedded systems, such as those found in smartphones and tablets. The combination of CPU and GPU on a single chip allows for more efficient power consumption and better performance than traditional CPUs. Additionally, APUs are often used in conjunction with other components, such as RAM and storage, to create powerful and efficient systems.

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HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technology used to create images and videos with a greater range of luminance levels than what is possible with standard digital imaging. It allows for a greater range of colors and details to be captured in an image, resulting in a more realistic and vibrant look.

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SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.

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Steam Deck: Steam Deck is a revolutionary technology that has revolutionized the computer industry. It is a cloud-based platform that allows users to access their applications and games from any device, anywhere in the world. Steam Deck is a great way to access the latest games and applications without having to install them on your computer. It also allows users to access their games and applications from multiple devices, making it easier to stay connected and play with friends. Steam Deck also offers a variety of features such as cloud storage, game streaming, and more. This technology has made it easier for gamers to stay connected and play their favorite games without having to worry about hardware or software compatibility. Steam Deck is a great way to stay connected and enjoy the latest games and applications.

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