What reviews didn't say about the Steam Deck OLED
What reviews didn't say about the Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED makes a great first impression, but there are a few nuanced changes that deserve a closer look.
Quick summary of the article
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New fan, it's quieter than both of the previous fans. Will be a huge upgrade for Delta fan users.
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Old SSD will work, so anyone with a larger SSD from their previous deck should be able to move the SSD with all their games over to the new deck.
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While the deck is easier to open with the new screws, there is now a ribbon cable run on the outside of the heat shield over the SSD. This cable is glued in place, meaning it's required to disconnect the cable and carefully separate it from the adhesive. An unfortunate decrease in repairability for the device.
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Most old accessories will work fine, with the exception of replaceable back plates. Even screen protectors should work, since most covered the bezel before.
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Carrying case has several improvements on the larger model, including Velcro to hold it closed with the zipper closed, and a removable insert case that offers a slimmer, lower protection option.
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The charging light on the deck is now multi-colored and can change color to let you know when the deck is fully charged.
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This is the first time I've heard about gluing a cable to the heat shield cover. Oof.
Yeah, that's kind of a major detail for anyone worried about reparability. Surprising choice. Not a deal breaker, but definitely a step in the wrong direction in terms of design (overshadowed by other good choices).
What's weird is Valve has been so good about repairability. Can't help but think there's a solid reason for the change.
The LCD decks m.2 slot is a slower PCI lane, I wonder if the OLED version has a faster lane and generates more heat. That or their changes to air flow requires it.
Yeah. I wish they had mentioned it actually. They went to the trouble of mentioning that they improved the battery adhesive situation.
I have to wonder if it's possible to keep the ribbon cable glued to the heat shield cover, and just remove the heat shield cover to open up access to the SSD.
It's not worth risking tearing the cable, it'll take you forever to order a replacement. Pick up a bottle of 99% iso alcohol at the pharmacy.
That's pretty sad that Valve made a repairability downgrade like that. They had to have done that intentionally, right? Is there even any reason to glue down the cable?