Yet Another 200 MHz GPU / 400 MHz GPU Post - PLEASE FIX IT

[CISAC]

I already contacted Steam Support so please don't comment telling me to do it.

Got my Steam Deck back from a second RMA in December.
Worked fine for 3 months until today it just decided to lock itself to ridiculously low frequency values that make any game unplayable.

The console is at 50-55C, so nowhere near throttling.
My fan RPM is above 4000 so my fan isn't dead either.
I can increase the GPU frequency by manually setting it to 1600 MHz in the settings and I can see the CPU frequency change to around 1500 MHz when I do that, but it quickly goes back to 400 MHz.
The TDP setting does nothing.
This makes games unplayable, running at 10 FPS or lower.

This is clearly a software / BIOS issue and it can only be fixed by Valve.
The console is stuck in a permanent low power mode, probably due to a bug where it just gets stuck in that mode after it enters it once.

Video of the problem: https://streamable.com/7cji43

Exactly how many people have run into this issue you might ask?

https://old.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/xvy9fw/rma_outcome_for_decks_with_cpugpu_200mhz400mhz/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/yvw902/steam_deck_gpucpu_throttle_to_200400mhz/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/v0gwiq/cpu_throttling_to_400mhz_and_not_resolving/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/wcy77h/my_steam_deck_had_no_issues_at_first_but_now_the/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/yvw902/steam_deck_gpucpu_throttle_to_200400mhz/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/z7lqfc/solution_steam_decks_gpu_and_cpu_throttles_to/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/xtovhd/gpucpu_capped_at_200mhz400mhz/

Just to list a few...

Why is this still an issue?
It clearly isn't a hardware issue since it eventually happens even after RMAs.
BIOS issue? OS issue? Driver issue?

This needs to be fixed ASAP, it's getting ridiculous.

Zero response from Valve regarding this problem and it's been plaguing the Steam Deck and its users for an year now!
Am I going to have to RMA yet another system just to get another one that will inevitably get this problem again somewhere down the line?

PLEASE FIX THIS

[MrSandman]

Enter in bios and do a bios reset defaults, then enter bios again and search for a set battery mode. Steam deck goes off and led blink 3 times.. wait 20 seconds, then plug the original
usb charger and power up deck.. test your mhz..

If this dont works for you, then you need to reflash a bios located on your deck

In desktop mode you need to open a konsole and write this.


sudo /usr/share/jupiter_bios_updater/h2offt /usr/share/jupiter_bios/F7A0113_sign.fd -all

My bios is 113, check yours and modify my example.

If promp, says you need a sudo password, then writre a "passwd" without quotes, then write a password two times ( you cant see your writed password, just do passwd, then write a password, then press Enter, write same password, then do enter key again. ) Now you can write the password for sudo when the promp ask for it.

Hope this helps you.

sorry for my bad english.

[CISAC]

Originally posted by MrSandman:

Enter in bios and do a bios reset defaults, then enter bios again and search for a set battery mode. Steam deck goes off and led blink 3 times.. wait 20 seconds, then plug the original
usb charger and power up deck.. test your mhz..

If this dont works for you, then you need to reflash a bios located on your deck

In desktop mode you need to open a konsole and write this.


sudo /usr/share/jupiter_bios_updater/h2offt /usr/share/jupiter_bios/F7A0113_sign.fd -all

My bios is 113, check yours and modify my example.

If promp, says you need a sudo password, then writre a "passwd" without quotes, then write a password two times ( you cant see your writed password, just do passwd, then write a password, then press Enter, write same password, then do enter key again. ) Now you can write the password for sudo when the promp ask for it.

Hope this helps you.

sorry for my bad english.

Thank you for taking your time to help me.

I get an error when running that command:

"Error: Open file failed. (path="/usr/share/jupiter_bios/F7A0113_sign.fd")"

Any ideas?

I have SteamOS read-only disabled.

Update:

Ok, got it.
My bios was 0113 but the file I had in that folder was 0110 so it couldn't find 0113

I re-flashed it and ran Code Vein to test.
7 - 14 FPS, everything on Low.
The CPU was no longer locked to 400 MHz but 1399 MHz instead.
The GPU was locked to 200 MHz however and when I tried to unlock it through the menu, it unlocked and went to 1600 MHz but the CPU got locked to 400 MHz again.
Even after turning off the manual GPU setting, the CPU remained locked at 400 MHz so I'm sad to inform it didn't work.

[Scott]

My 64GB Deck does this. My 512GB does not. It definitely behaves like it's some kind of firmware problem for me. It seems like once the temps hit 85C, the 400/200 throttling happens until they drop down to 65C, but while it's doing this- the fan drops down to a very low speed as well, so it's not even trying to cool it off. It's very weird. Have tried all the BIOS reset/Battery Storage Mode stuff, I'm on BIOS 110 on both Decks.
It only seems to occur when on battery, and the battery is below 15%, perhaps reinforcing the hypothesis that it's some kind of triggered behavior in the BIOS.

As we speak, I've drained the battery completely, and I'm going to let it sit for a few days to see if maybe there's some kind of screwy state in the EC that's making it be dumb when temps hit 85C. Will report back if this helps.

[ReBoot]

Guys, when there's a deep-running issue with a device still under warranty, you contact the support to arrange for RMA.

[Scott]

Originally posted by ReBoot:

Guys, when there's a deep-running issue with a device still under warranty, you contact the support to arrange for RMA.

Sadly, my 64GB Deck is out of warranty. Thus I'm looking for potential software fixes. Beyond that, I've read that people have RMA'd their devices multiple times and they keep coming back with the same problem. As a last-ditch, I will try paying to have it "fixed" at a repair center, but it seems obvious to me that Valve doesn't actually know what's causing the problem at this juncture, judging by described interactions with support.

[CISAC]

Originally posted by ReBoot:

Guys, when there's a deep-running issue with a device still under warranty, you contact the support to arrange for RMA.

I have contacted the support and they have initiated the RMA but surely you understand our need to bring this to attention until it's officially addressed?
There's posts about the same issue going as far back as 10 months.
I paid a ton of money for a device that broke on me three times already.

The RMA process is cumbersome and if Valve could avoid making their customers go through it they definitely should because the experience has turned me off from the system overall and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone given the amount of unresolved issues that get the dreaded "RMA" solution from support.

It's clear Valve has no idea what's causing it and won't even address the issue which makes them look terrible because it's no secret that it's a problem.
A 3 month old replacement device breaking like this from one week to the next is frankly ridiculous.

[Mahjik]

I saw this which might be something to try. The Battery Storage mode thing seems to reset the Deck:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/1/3416557114765797602/#c3416557114768447919

[CISAC]

Originally posted by Mahjik:

I saw this which might be something to try. The Battery Storage mode thing seems to reset the Deck:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/1/3416557114765797602/#c3416557114768447919

I have tried Battery Storage Mode 3 times by now and it hasn't worked but thanks for trying to help 😅

My CPU is just locked to 0.3w whenever I enter a game and it refuses to go any higher.
It's normal in the gaming mode UI and desktop mode.

I know it's not the battery because I've unplugged it to test and the same thing happened.

My final guess is either firmware/drivers or a faulty power module...

Support doesn't tell me what it is, all they say is to RMA.

[Nexus97]

Any update to this issue?

Sadly mine has had this since my first day of getting it (Around Q3 2022). Oddly enough, it only happens when I’m playing demanding games that other people had no issues with (Death Stranding, MH Sunbreak, Arkham Knight, Zelda BOTW).

I’m residing in a region where RMA is very troublesome and a hassle. I’ve raised a support ticket before, Valve support only suggested RMA at the end of the long discussion. I even had to point out that Valve actually released a ‘fix’ for this issue that they themselves didn’t know. Though this ‘fix’ was a very short term solution (it’s the solution where you hold the volume button and (…) button. I can’t find the official post but I’ll be sure to find it if it helps)

Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but when it does, it’ll keep on happening every 3-8mins (it’ll drop to 400mhz for CPU, then I’ll perform the ‘fix’ and it takes time for it to recover, then after 3-8mins it’ll happen again)

I’ve tried almost every suggested solutions, none is working. I’ve even tried to use PowerTools from the decky plugin to lock min Mhz for GPU and CPU but it only works for the GPU. CPU is still locked at 400mhz

This has really inhibited my experience. I’m resorting to play games with very minimal requirements :(

[daisaka]

It’s so interesting how while I was reading this thread earlier, a new post was written in the meanwhile. Sad another persons deck has fallen victim to this crippling issue. I think it’s long past time for Valve to address this issue more publically and with great haste. A lot of these units are being exported to regions of the world where the deck isn’t even supported yet. The price is obviously higher (often times too high for most in those regions to afford) and RMA is not an option. People in these countries are therefore stuck with a dud device because of this seemingly unexplainable issue. lI ordered mine in the states, and sadly because I now live in a country where it’s not officially released, RMA is not possible.

Even after RMA, I’ve heard of people having the issue reappear on their new decks, some people having to RMA multiple times. It’s clownery at this point, RMA isn’t a real solution. The jigg is up, Valve. We need some solid solutions.

[CISAC]

Originally posted by Nexus97:

Any update to this issue?

Sadly mine has had this since my first day of getting it (Around Q3 2022). Oddly enough, it only happens when I’m playing demanding games that other people had no issues with (Death Stranding, MH Sunbreak, Arkham Knight, Zelda BOTW).

I’m residing in a region where RMA is very troublesome and a hassle. I’ve raised a support ticket before, Valve support only suggested RMA at the end of the long discussion. I even had to point out that Valve actually released a ‘fix’ for this issue that they themselves didn’t know. Though this ‘fix’ was a very short term solution (it’s the solution where you hold the volume button and (…) button. I can’t find the official post but I’ll be sure to find it if it helps)

Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but when it does, it’ll keep on happening every 3-8mins (it’ll drop to 400mhz for CPU, then I’ll perform the ‘fix’ and it takes time for it to recover, then after 3-8mins it’ll happen again)

I’ve tried almost every suggested solutions, none is working. I’ve even tried to use PowerTools from the decky plugin to lock min Mhz for GPU and CPU but it only works for the GPU. CPU is still locked at 400mhz

This has really inhibited my experience. I’m resorting to play games with very minimal requirements :(

I also tried everything you mentioned and no dice.
They said it was a faulty power module and I even had to send in my charger as well which is usually only done for power issues.

Valve should be forced to make sure that everyone can RMA no matter what region because this device has a lot of issues and will eventually fail for one reason or another.

I just received my 3rd Steam Deck after inevitably RMAing my old one.
This one works fine and I haven't seen any issues so far.
Hopefully it doesn't happen again...

[SexyBastardAlert!]

Interesting stuff. Once again proves to me this idea is premature or a gimmick.

There are some other off brands in the same spirit of the Steam Deck, was doing more research on them, none can actually run the latest games or shooters that I saw, most benchmarks were around 10 to 20 frames or deemed "unplayable."

The only bright spot for Steam Deck is it appears to be "winning" on the overall FPS with 30 to 50 range for recent games like BF and COD. Still not nearly enough for me to consider one and the rest of the other off brands make no promises (Windows, Android), pretty much viewed them all today. I wish people luck, but do your homework on these devices, they are often not what they promise or imply.

[daisaka]

Originally posted by SexyBastardAlert!:

Interesting stuff. Once again proves to me this idea is premature or a gimmick.

There are some other off brands in the same spirit of the Steam Deck, was doing more research on them, none can actually run the latest games or shooters that I saw, most benchmarks were around 10 to 20 frames or deemed "unplayable."

The only bright spot for Steam Deck is it appears to be "winning" on the overall FPS with 30 to 50 range for recent games like BF and COD. Still not nearly enough for me to consider one and the rest of the other off brands make no promises (Windows, Android), pretty much viewed them all today. I wish people luck, but do your homework on these devices, they are often not what they promise or imply.

For the record, this thread is referencing a specific malfunction of the device, not it’s general performance. For the most part people are experiencing reasonably good results with it, and triple A titles run on it just fine as long as you’re reasonable with settings.

Most people who’ve purchased know off the bat what to expect from it, valve was pretty clear about the devices nature, especially since it’s running linux out of the box. It’s not a matter of people not knowing what they’re getting. The issue here is this specific fault that Valve themselves have failed to address or adhere to. Outside of it, the device has been a solid.

[✘GreedoShotFirst✘]

Originally posted by SexyBastardAlert!:

Interesting stuff. Once again proves to me this idea is premature or a gimmick.

There are some other off brands in the same spirit of the Steam Deck, was doing more research on them, none can actually run the latest games or shooters that I saw, most benchmarks were around 10 to 20 frames or deemed "unplayable."

The only bright spot for Steam Deck is it appears to be "winning" on the overall FPS with 30 to 50 range for recent games like BF and COD. Still not nearly enough for me to consider one and the rest of the other off brands make no promises (Windows, Android), pretty much viewed them all today. I wish people luck, but do your homework on these devices, they are often not what they promise or imply.

Okay, so your confirmation bias against Steam Deck was confirmed with this bug that seems to be affecting a small populous of SD owners? Don't forget most people with working devices (such as myself) don't feel the urge to post or commune on these forums much, if at all, as we're satisfied with our purchases. This forum isn't widely representative of the majorities experience (although these experiences are valid and Valve should address them in due haste).

You came to this thread just to dunk on the Steam Deck with an off-topic post and not contribute whatsoever to the discussion topic? Get lost

[Nexus97]

Originally posted by SexyBastardAlert!:

Interesting stuff. Once again proves to me this idea is premature or a gimmick.

There are some other off brands in the same spirit of the Steam Deck, was doing more research on them, none can actually run the latest games or shooters that I saw, most benchmarks were around 10 to 20 frames or deemed "unplayable."

The only bright spot for Steam Deck is it appears to be "winning" on the overall FPS with 30 to 50 range for recent games like BF and COD. Still not nearly enough for me to consider one and the rest of the other off brands make no promises (Windows, Android), pretty much viewed them all today. I wish people luck, but do your homework on these devices, they are often not what they promise or imply.

The fact that you managed to come to this god-awfully incorrect conclusion makes me worried how you even ‘viewed them all’. Did you take your own advice to do your homework on these devices?

Valve has been very clear on what experience they are offering via the SteamDeck. No one expects to run a AAA game at 4k full RT at 120fps on a handheld. But we’re well aware of the capabilities of the SD and so far it delivers, majority of the buyers are happy with their purchases. And speaking of other brands, they’ve been doing quite well too and in most cases (with their latest models with latest APU) even beats SD’s performance. I implore you to do your research properly.

And to reiterate what others have replied, this thread is regarding a bug/issue that’s affecting a minority of the community. I’ve had friends with their SDs that ran perfectly fine without this issue, same goes to the others. Please learn to not equate minor sample size issue to the overall population. That’s the worst kind of comprehension to have, especially in our everyday life