Steam-Deck-Hardware

Information and guides about Steam Deck hardware and modifications - For software stuff click here
This project isn’t associated with Valve and modifying your device will / may void your warranty.
None of the links are affiliated in any way or are included because of external payment.
If you’re the owner of some content mentioned / contained in this repository and want it removed please contact me (NKkrisz)

🧑‍💻 How To Contribute To This Repository | Credits And Sources

💵 How To Support Me (NKkrisz) And This Repository

• Consider donating by clicking the button below:
  
• By doing so, I might be able to:
  • Get a second used / faulty LCD Deck
  • Upgrade to an OLED Deck which would enable further research
  • Buy more expensive hardware for testing or for modifying Steam Decks

👥 Hardware Modding Communities / Resources

• Steam Deck Discord - #hardware-mods channel
• r/SteamDeckModded Subreddit
• r/SteamDeck_2 Subreddit
• r/SteamDeck Subreddit
• Stanto’s Website (Active Community Member On Steam Deck Discord)

⚠️ DISCLAIMER - READ FIRST BEFORE MODIFYING ANYTHING

• Modifying your device will / may void your warranty!!!
• You can see your Deck’s original parts here (Select matching serial number from the backplate):
  • https://store.steampowered.com/account/hardwareused
• VALVE RECOMMENDS PUTTING THE DEVICE INTO BATTERY STORAGE MODE FOR REPAIRS!!!
  • How to turn on battery storage mode
    • MAKE SURE THE BATTERY IS BELOW 80% BEFORE PUTTING IT INTO BATTERY STORAGE MODE, THE LOWER THE BETTER (though full discharge isn’t recommended)
• TAKE OUT THE SD CARD BEFORE OPENING THE STEAM DECK OR IT WILL BREAK!!!
• DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AFTER TAKING OFF THE SHIELDING!!!

⚙️ Different Steam Deck Options, Revisions And Differences

Prototypes

Pre Mass Production

LCD Version

• Easily differentiable older / newer revision by looking at shielding above the motherboard

	Older model (beginning of EV3) and an early model (EV2, some early dev kits)
	Newer revision with black shielding and other changes

OLED Version

| | Limited Edition (only some accents and shell different) - no other known revisions yet | |—|—|

More Information About Both Can Be Found Here

• LCD Deck Specifications
• OLED Deck Specifications
• LCD Deck Revisions And Differences
• OLED Deck Revisions And Differences
• Comparison Video Between LCD And OLED Deck Components
• Comparison Video Between LCD And OLED Deck Input Lag
• Analysis of LCD PWM Flicker & Visual Fatigue
• Analysis of OLED PWM Flicker & Visual Fatigue

🧰 Recommended Tools For Repairing / Modding

✨ Cosmetic Upgrades

Full Shell Or Backplate Swap

• Transform LCD Deck Frontplate to fit a OLED Steam Deck
• ExtremeRate
• Jsaux

Inputs

• Custom 3D Printable Action Buttons And D-Pad
• ExtremeRate Colored & Transparent Buttons
• Deck Buttons - Resin, Metal etc… Buttons
• Etsy stores’ resin or other buttons
• Joystick Cap Painting

Skins / Stickers

🪛 Hardware Upgrades

Wireless Connectivity (Wifi And Bluetooth)

Storage (SSD And MicroSD)

Screen & Screen Protectors

Tracking Device (eg. AirTag)

Memory / RAM

External GPU

Dual Battery

Dual Screen

Cooling

Rumble

Inputs

🕹️ Accessories

• DeckMate - Backplate Addons
• Docks
  • Valve’s Steam Deck Dock
    • Gets firmware updates from Valve
    • Comes with another Steam Deck charger
    • Most likely needs an adapter if used with a case on (USB extension or fitment fix)
    • Example adapter: Project Killswitch - Steam Deck Dock Adapter From Dbrand
  • Any brand should work but it’s recommended to at least have USB-C PD (Power Delivery) so the Deck remains charged
• Cases
  • Stock / Original (Older ones had strap, different models are differently colored, 1TB OLED has a removable inner case)
  • Dbrand - Project Killswitch
  • Jsaux
    • Modcase
    • Protective Standing Case
  • Spigen - Rugged Armor
  • Tomtoc - Armor-G12
  • Mepatem - 3 in 1 Case
• Chargers
  • Official / Stock:
    • Power Output: 45W
    • Length: 1.5m (LCD) or 2.5m (OLED) (Both are compatible with any Steam Decks)
    • USB-C PD3.0
    • Non-removable cable
  • Recommendations / guidelines:
    • 45W+ Output (If less the Deck might discharge during gaming)
    • Needs USB PD (Power Delivery)
    • Removable cable (To carry around any length needed)
  • Extra Strain Relief Solutions:
    • USB-C 90 / 180 Degree Adapters
    • 3D Printed Cable Relief
  • Additional information about battery and charging

🎮 Fully Transformed Steam Deck Examples

• RAM, Wifi, Shell, Joystick And Screen Upgrade
  • Possible OLED Screen Swap For LCD Decks In The Future?
• Tablet / Switch Mod
• Bondi Blue iMac G3
• Giant 4K Screen
• Half Life Edition
• Portal Edition
• Fully Red
• GabeCube

🧑‍🔧 Troubleshooting, Repair Guides, Parts And Measurements

• Steam Support - Basic Use & Troubleshooting Guide
• iFixit - Steam Deck LCD Repair Guides
• Steam Deck LCD Parts And Measurements
• iFixit - Steam Deck OLED Repair Guides
• Steam Deck OLED Parts And Measurements
• Fixes For Other Issues
• Repair Wiki

🛠️ Replacement Parts

iFixit (Official Valve partner)

• iFixit US
• iFixit EU
• iFixit AUS

Do note that not everything is available in iFixit’s stores, this includes:

• Trackpads
• Mother / Daughterboards
• Ribbon Cables
• Inner Screws (Backplate ones are available)
• Original / Stock Carrying Cases

👀 Interesting Stuff

• You can wake up a docked Steam Deck (LCD too) with the Steam Controller
• How The Giant Steam Deck Was Made For The Tokyo Game Show (2022)
• Steam Deck RGB Mod - Part 1 - I2C Investigation - CalcProgrammer1
• Steam Deck Chip Deep-Dive (Van Gogh/Aerith) - High Yield
• Steam Deck Buttons And Joystick Mod For The Steam Controller - Tutorial