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SteamOS update brings undervolting controls for Steam Deck

The latest SteamOS Preview is now live, providing bug fixes for HDR and external display modes, a new HDR analysis tool for developers and a new BIOS function that introduces undervolting to the portable console for those looking to further optimise performance and battery life. 

The newly released SteamOS 3.5.1 Preview includes a safeguard for undervolting, so if you accidentally drop the voltage to levels that makes the Deck useless, you can restore functionality. Resetting the CMOS will automatically reset the voltage settings for the AMD SoC.

On top of the undervolt support, the new Preview update also includes a few general, external display, and Desktop Mode fixes. You can take a look at the full SteamOS Preview update 3.5.1 changelog below:

General
  • Fixed a case where an SD card with filesystem errors would be mounted as read-only.
  • Fixed the custom performance overlay presets file inheriting the default settings from the steam presets.
  • Fixed internal display rotation being erroneously reported to the game.
Firmware 118
  • Actually added undervolting controls.
External display
  • Fixed a 3.5 regression with HDMI output.
  • Fixed a long-standing issue where the internal display backlight would always stay on.
  • Fixed a bug with HDR applications showing in the wrong colorspace if they moved their window during swapchain creation.
  • Fixed HDR not working in 32-bit applications.
  • Added HDR Analysis to developer settings.
  • Disabled HDR exposure in “My Little Pony: A Maretime Bay Adventure” as it enables it without rendering in HDR.
Desktop Mode
  • Fixed a case where the desktop could be empty and apps would fail to launch.
  • Fixed a bug where switching to the Plasma Desktop transition could result in broken colours.

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KitGuru says: Undervolting is a risk, but the benefits might be substantial. As such, if you plan to do it, proceed with caution while altering these settings.

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