Revision to Steam Deck Fan Noise
| == First Steps == | |
| - | Before undertaking any of the more time |
| + | Before undertaking any of the more time-consuming solutions below, here are a few fundamentals to get you started. |
| * Restart the device–especially if you have not done so recently. This can clear out any minor hiccups or bugs resulting from long uptime. | |
| ** Press the Steam button | |
| ** Click System in the sidebar. | |
| - | ** Select Check for Updates. The available updates will prompt to install once found. |
| + | ** Select Check for Updates. The available updates will prompt you to install once found. |
| * Perform a visual inspection of the vent grill along the top edge. This is where air from the fan is blown out. | |
| ** Make certain airflow is good (can you feel air coming out?). | |
| - | ** If it looks dusty from the outside, or you can hear the fan |
| + | ** If it looks dusty from the outside, or you can hear the fan but feel no airflow, skip ahead to the [[Steam Deck Fan Noise#Section_Dusty_Internals|Dusty Internals]] section. |
| [comment]solutions[/comment] | |
| 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 at the |
| + | * This Setting is located at the bottom of the System menu. |
| * You can choose from the original fan curve, a new stock fan curve, or the ability to customize your own. | |
| == Dusty Internals == | |
| - | Just like your desktop computer, a Steam Deck can become laden with dust. This could choke off systems trying to exhaust hot air. Higher internal temperatures lead to higher fan speeds. This is the system attempting to compensate for higher |
| + | Just like your desktop computer, a Steam Deck can become laden with dust. This could choke off systems trying to exhaust hot air. Higher internal temperatures lead to higher fan speeds. This is the system attempting to compensate for higher-than-normal temperatures. |
| * [guide|148893|Pop off the back|new_window=true] and give the internals a good cleaning with some compressed air. | |
| == Type of Fan Installed == | |
| - | There was some controversy shortly after launch regarding both the noise level of the fan |
| + | 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. |
| # 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 |
| + | # The second variant comes from Delta. The Delta fan received more complaints regarding their volume or unpleasant whine. |
| 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. | |
| If you’ve verified the device is clean and your heat sink is sound, make sure the fans themselves are fully functional. | |
| - | * 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 on fan components. They are often the only moving part |
| + | * 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 on fan components. They are often the only moving part inside of 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]. Verify after installation that the [product|IF260-002|new fan|new_window=true] has resolved the issue. | |
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