Valve’s efforts to silence the gadget may accidentally reduce its lifespan — or not.
Valve today launched a much-anticipated upgrade to its portable PC. SteamOS 3.2 introduces a slew of new features to both the operating system and the Steam client, including the option to use Remote Play Together, improvements to certain aesthetic and UI aspects, and the ability to modify the refresh rate of the screen. The changes to the fan noise, on the other hand, are sure to be fiercely (sorry) contested throughout the internet.
Essentially, an ongoing issue with the Steam Deck has been that its fan is generally turned on in order to keep this portable PC from exploding into flames. Usually, I mean all. of. the. time. It’s also rather loud! It effortlessly blows through my loud metal-induced tinnitus to provide enough sound to be noticeable.
The loudness prompted iFixit to sell replacement fans, which are quite straightforward to repair and offer a quieter alternative if you’re into DIY. For those of us who don’t want to open the device, SteamOS 3.2 allows you to change the fan curve, lowering it so the device doesn’t start singing in its mezzo-soprano…
