Resolution and refresh rate options when using an external display in game mode

[KingKrouch]

I’d like to be able to use screen refresh rates above 60Hz and also be able to change my docked screen resolution in case Game Mode doesn’t default to the highest available.

The lack of this option is probably going to cause issues when SteamOS 3.0 has a public release as well (Even if you can technically use HoloISO to run the Steam Deck software on a bogstandard PC). It would be a great option to have, especially for those with higher refresh rate displays.

[Balderick]

This is really a bug imo as you described expected behaviour. Steam Deck Dock is advertised as supporting 4K@120hz and even 8K@60hz, which could lead people to believe Steam Deck supports those resolutions and refresh rates when in Docked mode with the official Dock. The caveat is only through usb c alt mode

External connectivity for
controllers & displays
USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB 3.2 Gen 2y

https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck/

Most TVs support 16:9 aspect ration/resolutions and Steam Decks native display uses 16:10 which is possibly why so few resolution options show when video is passed through docking stations.

Some gaming displays have usb-c alt mode, usb hub and ethernet connectivity so no dock may be needed for some displays to set higher refresh rates when hooked up to Steam Deck.
There are also some gaming/profeesional displays with all that built in and have built in KVM and support Picture in Picture which may prove to be a great way to work around the multi tasking limitations of Steam Deck running in game mode.

Allthough Steam client UI and Steam Input are undergoing massive changes we should not think of all the new features being built around the addition of Steam Deck device to Steam Universe as being unique to Steam Deck or unique to SteamOS. Valve want all Steam users to have same Steam experience as much as possible.

There are many youtubers showing Steam Deck in docked running 4K@60 hz and on widescreen gaming display @60 hz which makes me think all though the usb-c alt mode specification supports higher refresh rates Steam Deck itself does not, but on the other hand current gen consoles support 4K@120hz and they share same family of AMD hardware or at least comparable architecture

Maybe the issue/s you describe is why the official dock has been delayed or at least contributing factor/s .

[KingKrouch]

It looks like Valve added this in an update, but the refresh rate and framerate cap options are still limited to 60Hz rather than scaling to the docked display’s refresh rate, which presents possible framepacing problems.

[Jed]

Right now if you're docked and using HDMI you can only select 4k60hz in Game Mode/SteamOS, while in Windows you can do 4k120hz should the screen/dock support it.

You can do 1440p120hz and 1080p120hz however, and games will run at that as long as you make sure your settings are correct and frames are not limited in the quick menu's perofmrance section.

Also, Game Mode/SteamOS supports 4k120hz and even 4k144hz (above Valve's stated specs) when using display port, just not HDMI for whatever reason.

Allegedly it's an issue with Linux and/or drivers.