Revision to Steam Deck Fan Noise
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| [title|Steam Deck Fan Noise] | |
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| + | [summary]Is your Steam Deck's fan too loud? Is it making an unusual noise, or a whine? Does it just run high all the time? Take a look at these fixes![/summary] |
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| == First Steps == | |
| Before undertaking any of the more time consuming solutions below, these are a few fundamentals to get you started. | |
| - | * Restart the device. Especially if you have not done so recently. This can clear |
| + | * Restart the device. Especially if you have not done so recently. This can clear out any minor hiccups, or bugs resulting from long uptime. |
| ** To do this within the Operating System, press Steam, then navigate to ''Power > Restart.'' | |
| - | ** Alternatively you can do a restart by pressing and holding the power button for three seconds. A force shutdown can be accomplished by continuing to hold for ten full seconds if necessary. |
| + | ** Alternatively you can do a restart by pressing and holding the power button for three seconds. |
| + | ** A force shutdown can be done if necessary. Press and hold power for ten full seconds. |
| * Check for updates | |
| ** Press the Steam button | |
| Although this was mentioned already, it bears repeating. Due in part to early complaints about fan noise, several patches were issued specifically to address these concerns. Beyond tweaks to the operating system, the ability to adjust the fan curve on your Steam Deck was introduced via update. | |
| - | * This Setting is located within the System menu at the bottom. It has the original fan curve, a new stock fan curve, and the ability to set a custom one. |
| + | * This Setting is located within the System menu at the bottom. |
| + | * You can chose from the original fan curve, a new stock fan curve, and the ability customize your own. |
| == Under Heavy Load == | |
| - | It’s nearly inevitable that you will want to play a game that is more graphically demanding than a Steam Deck can handle at the settings you indicated. Or you |
| + | It’s nearly inevitable that you will want to play a game that is more graphically demanding than a Steam Deck can handle at the settings you indicated. Or maybe you like to test the limits. When you make a computer do heavy work, high fan speeds are tits way of compensating for the additional heat this work generates. |
| * Try running something more lightweight and see if the fan noise lessens. | |
| * [guide|148893|Pop off the back|new_window=true] and give the internals a good cleaning with some compressed air. | |
| - | ** You may want to [guide|148903|remove the fan|new_window=true] to get at the fins on the heat sink. Anything larger than a few specks of dust might get caught here as the hot air carrying it slips through |
| + | ** You may want to [guide|148903|remove the fan|new_window=true] to get at the fins on the heat sink. Anything larger than a few specks of dust might get caught here as the hot air carrying it slips through |
| - | == |
| + | [image|2870953|size=medium|align=center] |
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| + | == Type of Fan Installed == |
| - | # A fan from Huaying was used in some production runs. Early units sent out for review also contained the Huaying fan. |
| - | # A fan from Delta was introduced at some point due to availability and appears in other units. |
| + | There was some controversy shortly after launch regarding both the noise level of the fan, and the quality of noise the fan was generating. Early adopters noted fans from two different vendors had been used during Steam Deck production, likely to increase output capacity. One of these fan variants was ultimately deemed the culprit for the "whining" some users complained of. |
| - | You can check the type of fan and any other part in your Steam Deck within ''Settings > System > Model/Serial Numbers.'' This is a [link|https://www.ifixit.com/News/67542/steam-deck-has-a-parts-inventory-now|list of all the components in your specific device|new_window=true] as it was manufactured, and serial numbers for any it can source. |
| + | # A Huaying fan was used in some production runs. Early units sent out for review notably contained the Huaying fan. This is typically the more desirable variant. It reportedly runs quieter and has a more appealing tone. |
| + | # The second variant comes from Delta. The Delta fan received more complaints regarding their volume, or unpleasant whine. |
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| + | Now you can check the type of fan and any other part in your Steam Deck within ''Settings > System > Model/Serial Numbers.'' This is a [link|https://www.ifixit.com/News/67542/steam-deck-has-a-parts-inventory-now|list of all the components in your specific device] as it was manufactured, and serial numbers for any it can source. |
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| + | If you have a Delta fan, [guide|148903|swapping out|new_window=true] for the Huaying variety might ease the noise. |
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| + | == Faulty Fan == |
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| + | If you’ve verified the device is clean and your heat sink is sound, make sure the fans themselves are fully functional. |
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| + | * Really listen to the sound the fans are making. This is best done with the back removed. Is it rumbling, clicking or making other noises that are new? Is it running at max speed constantly? |
| + | ** Rattling, rumbling, or other atypical fan noises are caused by wear fan components. They are often the only moving part in a modern computerized device and are subject to long periods of high speed. |
| + | ** A fan might also be loud if it's only running at max speed. Steam Deck fans have an extra pin on the connector, likely to enable speed adjustment. If the fan is running at full speed, this could indicate a failure of this mechanism. |
| + | * If your fan is making a loud noise that sounds abnormal, [guide|148903|replace it|new_window=true]. |
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| + | == Related Pages == |
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| + | * [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2EEtzhsr2s|The Steam Deck's Big Controversy - New vs. Old Fans] |
| + | * [link|https://www.ifixit.com/News/57101/steam-deck-teardown|Steam Deck Teardown|new_window=true] |
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