Steam Deck Hardware Guide

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.
This repository is for educational purposes and may contain mistakes, you're responsible for your own device.
None of the links are affiliated in any way or are included because of external payment.
If you see a mistake or you're the owner of some content mentioned in this repository and want it removed please contact me (NKkrisz)

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

💵 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, modifying or documenting Steam Deck stuff
• Contribute with new content or fix mistakes!

👥 Hardware Modding Communities / Resources

• Steam Deck Discord - #hardware-mods channel
• r/SteamDeckModded 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 Releases, 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 - (What NKkrisz Owns, Click For Extra Details)

OLED Version

	Stock OLED (2024. November purchase) - Some smaller changes are being introduced (eg. SK Hynix RAM?)
	Transparent Black Limited Edition (only some accents and shell different)
---	---
	White Limited Edition - Some smaller changes are being introduced

More Information About Both Can Be Found Here

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

🧰 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

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

Other

• DeckMate - Backplate Addons
• "Lifesaver" Carrying Case Insert (For Drop Protection)
• Repair Jig (Or Use The Stock Carrying Case)

🎮 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
  • 64GB LCD Black Shielded Revision Part Pictures
• 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 the iFixit stores (different regions), this includes:

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

👀 Interesting Stuff

• Quanta Computer is the manufacturer of Steam Decks (See 3rd picture, top-left print on box, Valve is also mentioned on their wiki)
• Steam Decks' brown cardboard shipping boxes have Valve references on them
• In Japan the boxes that Steam Decks come in are different and have proper retail packaging and design
• You can wake up a docked Steam Deck (LCD too) with the Steam Controller
• Steam Deck joystick caps fit on the Steam Controller and can be used as a replacement
• 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

📜 TODO (Bold items are in progress)

• Update old / add new info into Markdown files:
  • Carrying Cases
  • Other things...
• Get pictures of all LCD & OLED components (all sides)
• Get more video footage of certain mods (eg. clicky buttons, dual-stage triggers)
• Add images of packaging (worldwide and Japanese versions)
• Remove background of Steam Deck revision pictures manually
• Separate EV2 and early production LCD Steam Decks in comparison table
• Add info about more cooling mods (better fan, better heatsink, liquid cooling)
• Add info about stiffer / stronger trigger mod (different / combination of springs)
• DIY Hall-effect / TMR joysticks research and testing
• OLED battery swap into LCD Deck? (Currently doesn't work)
• Type A (MEDA) vs Type B (MHDA) LCD joysticks comparison (difference in capacitive touch and microcontroller?)
• Compile useful commands and tips for hardware modding
• Get more info about panel types (BOE, Samsung etc...)
• Get a list of all stock SSDs used in Steam Decks
• Redo file structure (better management for images)
• Optimize images to be smaller in file size for faster loading