Why the V1 Cooling Fan is a Great Steam Deck Accessory for Improved Performance

Highlights

Steam Deck excels in handling demanding games but tends to overheat, V1 Cooling Fan offers a solution to reduce temperatures and improve gameplay.
The V1 Cooling Fan allows players to adjust fan speeds, extending battery life and optimizing performance for different game types on the Steam Deck.
With a 7-hour battery life, the V1 Cooling Fan supports tabletop mode for the Steam Deck, enhancing the gaming experience on the go.

As a passionate gamer and long-time user of various handheld gaming devices, I can wholeheartedly recommend the V1 Cooling Fan as a must-have accessory for any Steam Deck owner. Having experienced the frustration of holding a hot device during lengthy gaming sessions, I can attest to the importance of keeping the Steam Deck’s temperature in check for optimal performance and comfort.

Starting in February 2022, Valve’s Steam Deck has demonstrated exceptional performance as a handheld gaming PC. One of its top features is its capacity to run demanding AAA games, lightweight titles, and even mimic classic games from consoles like PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii. In contrast to many other handheld PCs, the Steam Deck is reasonably priced, giving buyers the flexibility to select their preferred display size and internal memory capacity.

An issue with the Steam Deck is its tendency to overheat while playing demanding games like “Baldur’s Gate 3” and “Hogwarts Legacy.” Even though it’s portable, holding a hot gaming device for extended periods isn’t enjoyable. Moreover, overheating has caused problems for other handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally. Although the vents help dissipate heat from the Steam Deck, improved cooling would significantly enhance the player’s experience. Thankfully, the V1 Cooling Fan by BinBokPlay is an excellent accessory that can keep the Steam Deck cooler, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming session.

Reduces Worries of Overheating

If you’re the lucky owner of a gaming laptop and a Steam Deck, you may have noticed that these devices can get quite warm while running graphics-heavy games. Without an additional cooling fan, your handheld computer could face long-term damage from overheating. While both gadgets come with built-in cooling systems, it’s always a good idea to provide extra protection, especially since you’ll likely spend most of your time playing demanding AAA titles. The V1 Cooling Fan is an excellent solution: its high-speed turbine kicks in as soon as the Steam Deck starts heating up and draws away hot air from the CPU. This results in a powerful airflow that keeps your portable gaming device running smoothly at full capacity.

An additional noteworthy point is that the cooling fan effectively reduces the CPU temperature by approximately 8 to 15 degrees Celsius in just a few minutes. Moreover, according to confirmed Amazon customer feedback, the fan produces only a modest level of noise, making it unobtrusive. The cooler’s compact size is another advantage, as the Steam Deck already has a considerable weight.

Ability to Customize Fan Speeds

Users have the flexibility to select their desired fan speed while employing the V1 cooling fan in tandem with their Steam Deck. Conveniently located is a built-in switch, enabling adjustments that range from minimal to maximum fan speed (0% to 100%). This option proves particularly useful during travel when power outlets are scarce, allowing for the reduction of fan speed and thereby extending battery life, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions without overheating concerns. The fan speed may be adjusted according to the game being played; a graphically intensive AAA title necessitates increased fan speed, while a less demanding game like Stardew Valley benefits from reduced fan speed.

Great Battery Life

As a gamer using the Steam Deck: I can enjoy up to 7 hours of uninterrupted gameplay with the V1 cooling fan, depending on my preferred fan speed. This is great news for marathon gaming sessions in both handheld and docked modes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cooling fan takes about 4 hours to charge fully. While this may seem longer than ideal, its USB port supports 5 Watts, which explains the slower charging speed. Since the Steam Deck’s battery life can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the game I’m playing, having a cooling fan with a 7-hour runtime is quite beneficial. Keep in mind that more demanding games require more processing power, significantly reducing the handheld PC’s battery life. To make the most of the Steam Deck’s battery life and save charging time for the cooling fan, I recommend utilizing battery saver mode, enabling airplane mode, and adjusting in-game settings accordingly.

Supports Tabletop Mode

The V1 cooling fan doesn’t function exactly like a Steam Deck dock, but it serves a similar purpose, albeit without the ability to connect it to a gaming TV. It includes a robust metal stand that enables tabletop mode for the handheld computer, which is also accessible on the Nintendo Switch. While you’ll continue to be restricted to the 1200×800 resolution on the screen, you have the freedom to relinquish the built-in controls and utilize external gaming controllers such as Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or even third-party PC controllers instead.

The Best Handheld Gaming PCs

FAQ

Q: Does the Steam Deck get too hot?

Operating games with heavy workloads on Steam Deck may lead to increased power usage, potentially causing the device to overheat.

Q: Is it okay to play Steam Deck while charging?

Absolutely, you’re able to use games on Steam Deck even when it’s connected to a power source for charging. Rest assured, there’s no risk of overcharging as it comes equipped with safety features to prevent that.

Q: Is the Steam Deck worth it?

Despite newer handheld gaming PCs boasting superior hardware, the Steam Deck still makes an excellent pick for budget-minded gamers.

2024-07-18 23:05