Plugin automates power settings for Steam Deck

A developer named sidharthify has created a plugin called DeckyTDPTuner for the Steam Deck, a portable gaming console from Valve. The plugin adjusts the TDP limit of the console's AMD chip, which controls the maximum power the chip can use in watts.

Manual process is time-consuming

While the Steam Deck's operating system, SteamOS, allows users to manually reduce the TDP limit, the process is described as tedious. Users must lower wattage step by step while monitoring frame rates and repeating the process for each game.

Plugin improves battery life

Reducing wattage while keeping gameplay smooth can extend the Steam Deck's battery life. The OLED version is said to last between 3 and 12 hours of gameplay, while the LCD model lasts between 2 and 8 hours.

User-friendly interface and testing method

DeckyTDPTuner provides a quick access menu where users can select a target frame rate. The plugin then tests the game in a representative area, such as an animated city, rather than a loading screen. It begins at the maximum power of 15 watts and uses a process of elimination to find the optimal setting.

Balancing power and performance

The plugin checks both the average frame rate and the slowest 5% of frames. It doesn't stop at the lowest power setting but may increase wattage slightly if it improves the regularity of the display. For example, Geometry Dash runs smoothly at 5 watts but not at 4 watts.

Installation and setup requirements

Before using DeckyTDPTuner, users must install Decky Loader, a third-party plugin launcher for SteamOS. The plugin is free and open-source under the GPL-3.0 license. It is installed manually from a ZIP file on GitHub, and users must enable developer mode in Decky's settings.

Configuration to avoid conflicts

To ensure DeckyTDPTuner works properly, users should adjust three Steam settings: set Steam's frame rate limit to match the target, disable Steam's TDP limit slider, and avoid using Steam's manual graphics frequency if the plugin's sector mode is active. The plugin is designed for both LCD and OLED versions of the Steam Deck.