There's No Docked Performance Change for the Steam Deck GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Gaming
There's No Docked Performance Change for the Steam Deck
No performance is gained when docked, but also none is lost in handheld mode
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 9, 2021 03:24PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Gaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Valve has confirmed that its upcoming Steam Deck handheld PC will not receive any sort of performance changes when used in docked mode. While the Steam Deck won't perform any better when connected to its (sold separately) dock, it also won't perform any worse when used in handheld mode. This may disappoint some folks, as it results in docked performance having the same constraints as the handheld mode's specs. Valve In an interview with PC Gamer, Steam Deck designer Greg Coomer said Valve decided to prioritize the handheld mode since that's the mode it believes will see the most use. This means that, despite being docked and played on a big screen, the 30fps minimum required for the Steam Deck's 800p resolution will remain. So don't go in expecting a 60fps baseline if you decide to dock your Steam Deck. Valve It's worth noting that Valve does have to consider several factors for handheld performance (like battery life, heat generation, and so on), which aren't typically a factor otherwise. This does result in less-than-ideal specs when compared to, say, a high-end gaming PC, but you're also not going to be playing said PC on the bus. Though there may still be hope: PC Gamer also notes that the Zen 2 APU being used in the Steam Deck is capable of higher speeds than what Valve is noting. Since the Steam Deck is designed to be customized, like most PCs, there's still a chance that other users, or even Valve, itself, may find a way to overclock the processor in the future. But much of that depends on the APU's architecture and cooling systems. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is a Steam Deck? How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Install Windows on Steam Deck How to Connect Steam Deck to a TV How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck How to Connect Steam Deck to a PC How to Add Extra Storage to Steam Deck How to Fix a Steam Cloud Error The 10 Best Games for Steam Deck of 2022 How to Gift Money on Steam PlayStation Mobile Controller: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; & More Rumors 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse The 7 Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2022 How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse How to Connect GameCube Controllers to the Switch How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Bluetooth Headphones Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies