I’m thinking of getting the steam deck oled.
I have a Monitor with a USB-C port that supports DP alt mode and also has an integrated USB hub for peripherals. However it only outputs 15W. With the node shrink to 6nm and the lcd steam deck pulling 15W under load by default I think I will be able to save myself the ~90€ a dock would cost.
Now to my question: How does the steam deck behave while gaming when not getting 15V? I’ve heard the steam deck supports pass through above 90% charge where the battery doesn’t get charged or drained and the deck uses the power input directly. Would this work for the 5V/3A my Monitor provides? I did confirm that the Monitor supplies the 5V using the proper USB-PD protocol. Will I be able to sustain the steam deck power draw without touching the battery?
Will I be able to sustain the steam deck power draw without touching the battery?
Depends on the games you play. TDP is the power draw of *just* the APU. It doesn’t cover total power consumption. There’s still plenty of components that also draw power. The screen itself, the wifi chip, the SSD, etc etc etc.
If you’re playing something like FNV, Stardew, or Hades? Sure.
If you’re playing something like Elden Ring or Starfield? No. I usually get around 25-30w total power draw playing SF on my Deck for example.
Instead, I’d consider getting a cheaper 3rd party dock or hub instead. They should all work fine.