Steam Deck's Desktop Mode Won't Boost Performance
Steam Deck will not gain in performance when running in desktop mode. Maintaining the same hardware power when connected to a 1080p or higher resolution monitor raises concerns about gaming comfort.
- Steam Deck won't increase performance when docked, according to the console's designer at Valve.
The Steam Deck console will have the ability to dock, among other things, in an external monitor via an additional accessory. The docked Deck will allow for stationary gaming. Since the Nintendo Switch boosts its performance in a similar mode, designer Greg Coomer was asked if Valve had considered adding a similar feature to its console.
"Yes, but we didn't choose to make it a really high priority design target... we felt that it was actually better all things considered to not modify based on docked status or mobile status."
This means that Steam Deck's performance will remain the same whether it is connected to an external video receiver or not. The resolution of the built-in screen is 1280x800 pixels (800p). In a small portable device it works fine, but desktop monitors are a different story. Currently, there are no screens smaller than 1080p (1920x1080 pixels). Will the components, which have been chosen to provide a minimum of 30 fps when playing at 800p, cope with higher resolutions?? If the same hardware power is retained the number of rendered fps should be expected to drop.
Linus, creator of one of the most popular technical channels on YouTube - Linus Tech Tips - connected his Steam deck to a 4K screen and showed off a working desktop. This means that Valve's console will handle higher resolutions, even this high. However, the question remains about performance (Linus was not tempted to run a game in 4K). We will probably find out about it only by testing the device. Its launch will take place in December this year.
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