The Steam Deck features a proprietary APU (CPU + GPU) integrated into its mainboard. And while there is no directly equivalent PC graphics card that you can relate to the one inside the console, you can use specific game benchmarks to make pretty good real-world comparisons. While the Steam Deck’s GPU may not match the raw power of the latest desktop graphics cards, it does offer a surprisingly capable gaming experience given its compact form factor.
This showcases the efficiency of the RDNA 2 architecture and the effectiveness of Valve’s software optimizations. One common question is about comparing the power of the Steam Deck’s GPU to traditional PC graphics cards. Understanding this comparison can help users grasp the device’s capabilities, especially for those considering its purchase or comparing it to existing gaming setups. Although the Steam Deck provides significant performance for its size, it’s still considered low-end when compared to a PC. Understanding how its graphics power compares to traditional desktop or laptop GPUs is crucial for determining the types of games it can smoothly handle.
Steam Deck GPU Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU | Integrated AMD RDNA 2 graphics |
| Compute Units | 8 |
| GPU Clock Speed | Up to 1.6 GHz |
| Graphics API | Vulkan, OpenGL |
| Performance | Roughly equivalent to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1650 |
| Architecture | RDNA 2 |
| Memory | Shared with system memory (16 GB LPDDR5) |
| Display Output | Up to 800p resolution |
| Features | Hardware-accelerated video decoding, support for AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution |
Note: The Steam Deck’s GPU is part of a custom APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) that combines the CPU and GPU on a single chip. This integrated design helps with power efficiency and performance in the handheld form factor.
Steam Deck GPU Equivalents (AMD / NVIDIA)
While the Steam Deck’s custom APU boasts impressive performance for its size and power constraints, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against dedicated GPUs found in desktop PCs.
Rough Equivalents
- NVIDIA: The Steam Deck’s GPU performance is generally considered to be in the ballpark of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or a GeForce GTX 1650.
- AMD: On the AMD side, the closest equivalents would be the Radeon RX 570 or the Radeon RX 5500M.
Important Considerations
- Architecture Advantages: The Steam Deck’s GPU leverages the newer RDNA 2 architecture, which offers benefits like improved efficiency and features not found in older NVIDIA and AMD cards.
- Software Optimizations: Valve has put considerable effort into optimizing the Steam Deck’s software, allowing it to punch above its weight in many games.
- Resolution and Settings: The Steam Deck targets 800p resolution, which naturally demands less from the GPU compared to higher resolutions like 1080p or 1440p. Adjusting settings can significantly impact performance.
- Specific Game Performance: Performance can vary widely depending on the specific game and its optimization for the Steam Deck’s hardware and software.
Comparing the Steam Deck’s GPU to PC Graphics Cards
Comparing the Steam Deck’s GPU to its desktop counterparts is tricky. It’s a custom AMD APU with RDNA 2 architecture, similar to PS5 and Xbox Series X, but designed for lower power consumption. It’s closer to integrated graphics in laptops than dedicated GPUs, but it packs a surprising punch.
Benchmarking the Beast: What the Numbers Say
While not a perfect comparison, benchmarks give us a good idea:
| Game | Steam Deck (800p Low) | Desktop GPU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | ~30fps | Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti or AMD RX 570 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | ~30fps (FSR) | Nvidia GTX 1650 or AMD RX 580 |
| Witcher 3 | ~45fps | Nvidia GTX 1060 or AMD RX 590 |
| Dota 2 | ~60fps | Nvidia GTX 1660 or AMD RX 5600 XT |
How Optimization Matters
The Steam Deck’s strength lies in its optimization for specific games and settings. Valve and AMD work together to fine-tune games to run smoothly on the handheld’s hardware. This means it can often outperform its raw specs would suggest.
Looking Ahead: More Power on the Go?
Valve has hinted at future Steam Deck revisions with better performance. This could mean a more powerful GPU, allowing even more demanding games to run smoothly on the handheld.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking for a rough equivalent, consider these factors:
- Resolution: The Steam Deck targets 800p, so comparisons are most accurate at that resolution.
- Settings: The Steam Deck often runs games on low settings, but its custom optimizations can sometimes surpass low-end GPUs on higher settings.
- Future Proofing: If you want the latest and greatest graphics, a desktop PC is still the way to go. But if you value portability and a curated gaming experience, the Steam Deck is a great option.
Steam Deck Resolution
The Steam Deck has a native resolution of 1280×800 pixels. This is similar to 720p but uses a 16:10 aspect ratio instead of the more common 16:9.
Best SD Card for Steam Deck
The best SD card for the Steam Deck is a balance of speed, capacity, and price. The SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I is a popular choice, offering fast read/write speeds and large capacities up to 1TB. If you’re on a budget, the Samsung Evo Select microSDXC is a good option with slightly slower speeds but still plenty fast for most games.
Steam Deck RAM
The Steam Deck has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This is shared between the CPU and GPU, providing ample memory for running games and other applications smoothly.
Graphics and Performance Comparisons
No Exact Equivalent, But Close Approximations
It’s important to understand that there is no exact desktop GPU counterpart to the Steam Deck’s integrated graphics processor. This is because the Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) that combines both the CPU and GPU in a power-efficient package. This chip was designed specifically for the Steam Deck so there’s no identical desktop or mobile versions. However, based on benchmarking we can make approximations.
Benchmarking Provides Clues
Analyzing benchmark results offers some insight. The Steam Deck GPU delivers performance close to the following desktop graphics cards:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950
- AMD Radeon RX 560
Here’s a look at approximate performance expectations:
| Game Title | Approximate Steam Deck Performance |
|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto V | Medium Settings, 30-60 FPS |
| Elden Ring | Low-Medium Settings, 30 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Low Settings, 30 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Medium Settings, 30-60 FPS |
Important Considerations
It’s important to remember several factors can influence your actual Steam Deck gameplay experience:
- Game Optimization: Games with specific optimizations for the Steam Deck may run much smoother than expected.
- FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR): AMD’s FSR upscaling technology can significantly boost frame rates with minimal visual impact.
- Resolution: The Steam Deck’s native resolution is only 1280×800. This lower resolution helps it gain a performance boost over higher-resolution desktop comparisons.
The Benefits of Portability
Ultimately, the Steam Deck provides the unique advantage of playing a wide variety of PC titles in a portable format. While its graphics capabilities may not rival high-end desktop gaming rigs, the trade-off for on-the-go convenience is well worth considering.
The Steam Deck’s impressive performance is powered by its custom-designed GPU from AMD. This GPU was launched on February 25th, 2022, and is built on the 7 nm process, using the Van Gogh graphics processor. With a die area of 163 mm² and 2,400 million transistors, this processor plays a significant role in delivering a high-quality gaming experience, supporting DirectX 12.
FAQs
What hardware is in the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is powered by a custom AMD APU, featuring a Zen 2 4-core/8-thread CPU and 8 RDNA 2 Compute Units for graphics. It has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and comes in storage options of 64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, or 512GB NVMe SSD. There’s also a microSD card slot for expandable storage. The 7-inch touchscreen display has a resolution of 1280×800 and supports touch input and haptic feedback.
What GPU is in the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck utilizes integrated AMD RDNA 2 graphics with 8 Compute Units, operating at up to 1.6 GHz. While it doesn’t match the raw power of dedicated desktop GPUs, it’s surprisingly capable, offering performance roughly comparable to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1650.
How much RAM is in a Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck comes with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, shared between the CPU and GPU. This amount of RAM is sufficient for running most games smoothly on the device, and it also allows for multitasking and running other applications alongside games.
What is the Steam Deck equivalent computer?
In terms of raw processing power, the Steam Deck’s performance is roughly equivalent to a budget gaming laptop or a desktop PC with an older mid-range CPU and GPU, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 570 graphics card.
Is the Steam Deck viable as a PC?
Yes, the Steam Deck can function as a viable PC for certain tasks. It runs a full Linux-based operating system (SteamOS) and can be used for web browsing, productivity tasks, media consumption, and even some light gaming beyond your Steam library. However, it’s not a replacement for a full-fledged desktop or laptop PC if you require heavy-duty multitasking, demanding software, or high-end gaming.
Do I need a PC if I have a Steam Deck?
Whether you need a PC in addition to a Steam Deck depends on your specific needs and use cases. If you primarily use your PC for gaming and the Steam Deck can handle the games you want to play, then you might not need a separate PC. However, if you rely on your PC for tasks that the Steam Deck can’t handle, such as video editing, professional software, or playing demanding AAA games at high settings, then you’ll still need a PC.
