Steam Deck update improves fan usage, ‘especially quieter with light use’

Valve has released a SteamOS update that brings a new fan curve to the Steam Deck. As a result, the handheld’s fans should be quieter, especially during light use. The SteamOS 3.2 update previously appeared as a beta and is now officially available.

Of the SteamOS 3.2 update the fans are no longer controlled by the bios, but by the operating system. This new fan curve can respond more quickly to what the handheld is doing, making the console quieter, Valve reports. The benefits would be especially noticeable in light games. Users can opt for the old BIOS-controlled fan curve in the settings.

Gamers can also adjust the refresh rate during gameplay. By default, this is 60Hz, but players can step it down to 40Hz. For example, players can extend battery life and ensure a consistent frame rate. At 60Hz, players can choose from 60, 30, or 15fps. At 40Hz this is 40, 20 or 10fps.

The update also adds more screen resolutions for users to choose from, a quickformat feature for microSD cards, and sound improvements. For example, Valve says that the Steam Deck can now produce a louder sound. Valve also announced that the Steam Deck will support Remote Play Together with a Steam update, allowing players to play local multiplayer games over the Internet.