Steam Deck Tear-Down: Build Quality, Disassembly, & VRM Analysis

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 พ.ค. 2024
  • Our Valve Steam Deck tear-down and full disassembly shows all the parts, PCBs, cooling design, and talks about component-level details of the VRM and ICs.
    Sponsor: EVGA X570 Dark on Amazon: geni.us/C8Tq
    GN 3D Coaster Packs are now on back-order! store.gamersnexus.net/product... (This amazing 4-pack of fully custom coasters that we designed and made uses high-quality materials and vibrant, PC-centric designs that you won't get anywhere else. It also supports the weeks of testing we do on content like this! Last time, stock sold out in about 36 hours. Make sure you back-order soon!)
    If you missed it, we have a full hardware review of the Steam Deck on the channel already: • Valve Steam Deck Hardw... (WATCH THIS VIDEO for full details on thermal design, airflow design, power, gaming benchmarks, and more on the Valve Steam Deck)
    Get an anti-static electronics GN ‘Volt’ Modmat, in stock and shipping NOW: store.gamersnexus.net/product...
    GN 10-piece Toolkits are IN STOCK & SHIPPING NOW: store.gamersnexus.net/product...
    We also went through the specs of the Steam Deck here: • Valve Steam Deck Conso...
    Watch our factory tour series: • Electroplating & Nicke...
    Like our content? Please consider becoming our Patron to support us: / gamersnexus ​
    This tear-down of the Steam Deck talks about the battery, the fan and replacement fans (wasn’t easy to find!), heatsink design, screw placement, MOSFET, inductor, voltage regulator, and battery charging IC specs, and more. We’ll cover the VRM current capabilities in this as well, with a lesson on how they work and what they do (for anyone new to this stuff to get introduced). Our hardware review of the Steam Deck is already live on the channel and covered everything else, like battery life, but our focus here is “repairability,” access, overall build quality, and design details.
    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 - Steam Deck Teardown & Component Analysis
    01:24 - Walk Around of the Steam Deck
    02:12 - Steam Deck vs. Switch vs. Switch OLED Comparison
    02:53 - Opening Up the Steam Deck
    06:00 - Basics of the Thermal Design (See Other Video)
    12:17 - Explaining a VRM & Why It Matters
    13:45 - Power Component Analysis
    14:58 - Power Capabilities
    16:15 - VRM Layout & Configuration
    17:50 - Teaching Moment for These Parts
    19:02 - Battery Charging Circuit Quality
    20:56 - MORE TEAR-DOWN
    22:10 - So Much Thermal Paste
    24:40 - Cables & Connections
    28:30 - Controller Boards
    30:06 - Conclusion: Build Quality, Shortcomings, & Highlights
    ** Please like, comment, and subscribe for more! **
    Links to Amazon and Newegg are typically monetized on our channel (affiliate links) and may return a commission of sales to us from the retailer. This is unrelated to the product manufacturer. Any advertisements or sponsorships are disclosed within the video ("this video is brought to you by") and above the fold in the description. We do not ever produce paid content or "sponsored content" (meaning that the content is our idea and is not funded externally aside from whatever ad placement is in the beginning) and we do not ever charge manufacturers for coverage.
    Follow us in these locations for more gaming and hardware updates:
    t: / gamersnexus
    f: / gamersnexus
    w: www.gamersnexus.net/
    Host, Test Lead, Writing: Steve Burke
    Testing: Patrick Lathan
    Research: Patrick Stone
    Video: Andrew Coleman
    Video Production: Keegan Gallick
  • เกม

ความคิดเห็น • 1.1K

  • @GamersNexus
    @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +665

    One correction: the 6A comment would be at a lower voltage (not at wall power), and therefore not a concern. That's our error from pushing through these two videos so fast. But you still shouldn't open your device and then touch stuff while it's running, period.
    If you missed it, we have a full hardware review of the Steam Deck on the channel already: th-cam.com/video/NeQH__XVa64/w-d-xo.html (WATCH THIS VIDEO for full details on thermal design, airflow design, power, gaming benchmarks, and more on the Valve Steam Deck)
    GN 3D Coaster Packs are now on back-order! store.gamersnexus.net/products/3d-coaster-pack-4-component-coasters
    Get an anti-static electronics GN ‘Volt’ Modmat, in stock and shipping NOW: store.gamersnexus.net/products/modmat-volt-large
    GN 10-piece Toolkits are IN STOCK & SHIPPING NOW: store.gamersnexus.net/products/gamersnexus-tear-down-toolkit
    We also went through the specs of the Steam Deck here: th-cam.com/video/ZkolKam3kjU/w-d-xo.html
    Watch our factory tour series: th-cam.com/video/NQU5lK29br8/w-d-xo.html

    • @robertlawrence9000
      @robertlawrence9000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Please show more gameplay on the Steam Deck. I'm curious about how well various games play on it. Horizon Zero Dawn, Destiny, Halo, Fallout 4, Skyrim, Red Dead 2 and anymore you would be willing to show. I love the content. Thanks

    • @cannoobin
      @cannoobin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      what are you doing up stillllllll

    • @TheKillerStove
      @TheKillerStove 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@robertlawrence9000 They can't do that yet, as its only the embargo on the hardware that's lifted. They can only play Control, DMCV, Dead Cells, Portal 2, and Forza right now as a means to show off how the hardware performs under different conditions. The software embargo lifts sometime in the next few weeks

    • @robertlawrence9000
      @robertlawrence9000 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@TheKillerStove oh dang! Ok. I was wondering why they were showing only certain games only since it's been in people's hands.

    • @flimermithrandir
      @flimermithrandir 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@robertlawrence9000 They arent allowed to yet because the System Software isnt finished yet. Its only working but VALVE said they need to wait (about) 2 more Weeks to finish it and be allowed to test/talk about it actually.

  • @justincredible5406
    @justincredible5406 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1489

    Valve are legends for encouraging independent reviewers.

    • @Verpal
      @Verpal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +216

      Not only encouraging them, but actually sharing engineering document, not everyone are Beve Sturke who can afford the newest and flashiest testing equipment among TH-camr.

    • @nO_d3N1AL
      @nO_d3N1AL 2 ปีที่แล้ว +64

      No reason not to when you have a good product

    • @papabones8753
      @papabones8753 2 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      @@Verpal AND they want to sell replacement parts for it so you can repair your unit or have someone repair it without having some custom part only they could fix.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +536

      Valve even shared some of its testing with us, which is incredibly rare. We normally find out one way or another, but sharing information allows everyone involved to do a better job

    • @kw9849
      @kw9849 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      I feel like Valve is being congratulated here for things they should just be doing.

  • @BurntFaceMan
    @BurntFaceMan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +769

    Gotta love GN for the speed that they manage to put out such insane quality content.

    • @thomasmaier7053
      @thomasmaier7053 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      What is sleep?

    • @whizadree
      @whizadree 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well don't forget that they had months to prepare

    • @K71421
      @K71421 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thomasmaier7053 I feel that bro

    • @alexisrivera200xable
      @alexisrivera200xable 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@whizadree Make that about two weeks at the most. You don't have that much time ahead even with preproduction units,the reason is the source. No company likes to have their unreleased hardware out in the wild for too long for security reasons plus its not just GN getting them so the chances of other folks breaking embargo early goes up significantly risking the company's carefully planned and expensive release arrangements and media coverage.

    • @chrinaldi
      @chrinaldi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@thomasmaier7053 It is said that the sheer disappointment from Gigabyte PSU exploding and NZXT H1 probably burn itself to death that fuels his energy.
      Or so I was told.

  • @JerryRigEverything
    @JerryRigEverything 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    This guy is like a smarter JerryRigEverything + hair.

  • @Phosphor66
    @Phosphor66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +827

    I feel like GN is the only media outlet who understands that thermal imaging is not always useful

    • @SSmitar
      @SSmitar 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      I know right? No idea why other channels don't go deep on SOC, memory and other component temp itself. Seems like obvious superior testing method to me.

    • @CanIHasThisName
      @CanIHasThisName 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      @@SSmitar Simply because that's not what they are specialising on.

    • @xentiment6581
      @xentiment6581 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@SSmitar takes work and actual tehnical knowledge.

    • @Ghi102
      @Ghi102 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      Well, Thermal Imaging can be useful in this specific case since it's a handheld, you can check if the device will be too hot in your hands.

    • @gorjy9610
      @gorjy9610 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Most users don't care about per IC temp. And it's not something they should care about at all.

  • @ZachDxn
    @ZachDxn 2 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    You know Valve did a bangin job when Steve says "I'm impressed" more than once.

    • @fajaradi1223
      @fajaradi1223 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Impressive is way below acceptable

    • @ZachDxn
      @ZachDxn 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@fajaradi1223 has Steve ever accepted anything though?

  • @RECE4ER
    @RECE4ER 2 ปีที่แล้ว +352

    All the separate boards for different functions of the device, i.e. independent board for audio, independent boards for analog sticks, is absolutely fantastic. Super easy to replace a small daughterboard rather than the entire board like most devices these days. Way to go Valve!!

    • @PAcifisti
      @PAcifisti 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      Was just thinking about that. If you break the audio jack it'll just mean replacing a small board instead of having to replace the entire motherboard.

    • @GoatedWithTheSause
      @GoatedWithTheSause 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      And yet Type-C port is soldered to the main motherboard - 11:00. Charging ports get a lot of abuse and often go out first.

    • @wkcs007
      @wkcs007 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GoatedWithTheSause Hopefully that will be addressed in a future release...

    • @realhuman4396
      @realhuman4396 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      on mobile the comment cuts down at “analog”… you can guess what it is

    • @oblivionshadow9453
      @oblivionshadow9453 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This can be a downside though if the user isn't experienced since it does not take much to break a ribbon cable or ribbon connector.

  • @omgawesomeomg
    @omgawesomeomg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +865

    Valve said without the shield between the SSD and Wifi module there could be interference and they discouraged users from swapping the SSD. Would love for you guys to test this and see if swapping the SSD with a non-shielded one is actually problematic.

    • @BillCipher1337
      @BillCipher1337 2 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      I think they are not allowed to test this until release. But i would be interrested too

    • @voxelfusion9894
      @voxelfusion9894 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      It depends a lot on how carefully the ssd was engineered to avoid excessive RF radiation, which interferes with the other radio signals used to carry your wifi.
      It'll be highly dependent on the model of the ssd. Worst case you'll have no, or very slow wifi with a bad ssd.

    • @endykun
      @endykun 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's going to depend on the model of SSD you used to replace it, and how carefully you managed to swap it, it's going to be very variable.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +515

      Hearting because a lot of people are interested, but this is too variable and outside of our comfort zone to adequately test. We could do anecdotal stuff, but would prefer to avoid it.

    • @Pixelplanet5
      @Pixelplanet5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@hiyall15 that would be a one off scenario that doesnt tell you anything about the actual impact.
      you would need to test a lot of different SSD´s and also measure the power consumption of the wifi module at the same time to account for that the module could be using some extra power trying to compensate for the extra interference.
      And even then you still dont know if or how much interference there is as you are only looking at the end result without looking at anything in between like doing an actual spectral analysis of both the SSD and the wifi module.

  • @yaldabaoth2
    @yaldabaoth2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +117

    8:46 I feel pure joy at this editing magic.

  • @GeckonCZ
    @GeckonCZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +622

    19:35 It's 6A at 25V max. With voltage potential that low, the thing is perfectly safe. Yes, it's the current flow through your body that's dangerous and 25A is plenty to kill you, but once you put the resistance of your body into the equation (Ohm's law, I=V/R), you will see that with a voltage that low and resistance that high, the current going through your body will never get anywhere near to the dangerous values. In fact, you won't even feel it.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +458

      Thanks. You're right on that - we pushed the video through too fast and Stone recorded this after a long day, so I think he forgot he wasn't talking about wall power here and was working with a low voltage circuit. I should have caught that, so my fault for not correcting it. Thanks for the correction! I'm going to bed now!

    • @GeckonCZ
      @GeckonCZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +111

      @@yaldabaoth2 Glad to hear that. I'm an EE. Not sure if Stone is, so I'm not gonna comment on that part. I mean it's always better to make a comment like he did and make the engineers laugh, rather than to go in the other direction and make somebody feel overconfident.

    • @GeckonCZ
      @GeckonCZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +94

      @@GamersNexus Makes sense. After all, he has spent a lot of time working on PSUs lately. Love the content, keep up the good work!

    • @gorjy9610
      @gorjy9610 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      @@GamersNexus it can't kill you but it's enough to burn through that PCB in seconds so warning is good even if point is wrong.

    • @jaywastaken
      @jaywastaken 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Just don’t lick it and you’re good.

  • @SamuraiDeek
    @SamuraiDeek 2 ปีที่แล้ว +196

    Patrick's explanation of the terms VRMs, MOSFETS, controllers, etc and their purpose in the Steam Deck or in the tech world overall was pristine. Steady, articulate and easy to digest. Thanks!

    • @KouroshFarrokhzad
      @KouroshFarrokhzad 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I feel like I'm back in school. This was so comprehensive and helpful. Big thanks to Patrick and GN - and please provide more of these kinds of in-depth explanations - I'm personally going to stay far, far away from 6A charging circuits!

    • @GoldSrc_
      @GoldSrc_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I dunno chief, it felt like he was just reading a brochure and not really explaining much.

    • @schellenbergenator
      @schellenbergenator 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My one criticism would be when he was talking about the charging circuit and he noted that because it can output 6 Amps, that makes it dangerous. Since we're dealing with relatively low voltages, talking about the max amp output, regarding safety, is pretty silly.

  • @albertogarciaengineer3053
    @albertogarciaengineer3053 2 ปีที่แล้ว +121

    Love that valve published a how to video on how to replace some components, makes this product more compelling.

    • @mjc0961
      @mjc0961 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Surely you're not talking about that garbage video they made where they claim that we're all too stupid to use a screwdriver and that the battery will kill us if we take the Steam Deck apart. 🤦‍♂️

    • @oKrikket
      @oKrikket 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      If that video scared you off then you shouldn't open it up.
      IMO the video made it's point and if you still feel comfortable working on it then it's just a guide on how to open and replace components.
      They don't want any user-errors to come bite them in the ass so best to just scare stupid people off.

    • @All4Grogg
      @All4Grogg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@mjc0961 That video is lightyears ahead of their competitors within the right to repair space.
      That does deserve credit, also many, many people don't know how to use a screwdriver correctly or at least, as Steve also emphasized, using the correct screw is REALLY important with similar screws of different lengths. Shorting components using the wrong screw certainly has the potential of resulting in a Steam Brick.
      Taking it to a reputable repair shop really is a good idea and the part of right to repair that many seem to not recognize.
      This also reduces the amount of RMA work on a product that that likely is losing valve money at MSRP in the first place. Not that Valve can't afford it, but the general idea is to continue to build the on mountain of money they have.

    • @eternalinsignia
      @eternalinsignia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @mjc0961 seriously if you think a lot of people know how to use screwdriver correctly, then you are freaking wrong. In electronic case especially, it is not rare people break screw mount from its plastic housing, this include heatsink (basically you just want stop when you feel enough tension, but the problem, which is enough ?).

    • @phillee2814
      @phillee2814 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@All4Grogg Sadly, at usual LiPo charge cycle life, this is going to be a steam brick after about 18 months anyway with daily use since they've chosen to glue the battery in.
      500 cycles is industry standard, although you can con any testers by only using the middle portion of the voltage range so that 500 cycles get used at something like 75% per charge, which might then stretch it to 2 years. Well, you may be able to use it as a wired device until the battery swells and busts up the internals, or worse, catches fire spectacularly (as LiPos have a tendency to do).
      So the most likely item to fail, and the one which fails most dangerously isn't replaceable, which makes any claim to observing "right to repair" a sick joke at best and an outright lie at worst. If that claim is made on any marketing material, expect the legal cases to start when the batteries start dying. Possibly very big cases if they don't fail safely but unplayable at all with a cut-off circuit.

  • @SuperCloneRanger
    @SuperCloneRanger 2 ปีที่แล้ว +168

    25:36 The foam will be conductive, its so the can is grounded without having to be physically attached.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +91

      Good catch.

    • @BruhMeister993
      @BruhMeister993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      @KULON🔞 TH-cam PLEASE fix this shit, you’re a billion dollar company 🤦‍♂️

    • @filonin2
      @filonin2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@BruhMeister993 What, you don't like lops or cold bodies?

    • @BruhMeister993
      @BruhMeister993 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@filonin2 lmaooo

    • @joshua41175
      @joshua41175 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      th-cam.com/video/zo_uoFI1WXM/w-d-xo.html in case you didn't know, you can mass report them now.

  • @KontroldKaos
    @KontroldKaos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    A tear-down video at 4am? Yes, please!

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      That's the best time!

    • @Jonathan.Boring
      @Jonathan.Boring 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GamersNexus yes!

    • @Herbrax212
      @Herbrax212 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      5am for me! Insomnia gang rise up

    • @yuh42011
      @yuh42011 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      2:28 am for me. WFH for life

    • @SRC267
      @SRC267 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GamersNexus but it's 10:30am?

  • @alexhaywood3139
    @alexhaywood3139 2 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    The charging ICs 85 degree rating is an ambient temperature rating. It says it can do 3.2W of dissipation at an ambient of 70C, then derating by 40mW/C over 70C. Tj shdn (shutdown junction temperature) is 165C and the default thermal regulation junction temperature (point at which the device throttles back the charge current) is 115C, configurable up to 130C.

    • @Gigator
      @Gigator 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Was looking for this comment, liked! The rush jobs showed here a bit. Still not something major for most people! :)

  • @leotoro51
    @leotoro51 2 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    31:42 Those scenes with very deep field of view are incredible ! I love it - it makes Steve looks almost cinematic ahahah ;) Good job camera man :)

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Andrew has been killing it in these Steam Deck videos!

  • @numa_kai
    @numa_kai 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    i love how this looks very serviceable where if one board is damaged, you only replace that and not throw out everything. Simply beautiful

  • @doogdog6965
    @doogdog6965 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Engineer here, blown away at the depth and production value of this tear-down. This is far and away more credible than gaming media outlets!

  • @quantumbits1952
    @quantumbits1952 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    HIGH QUALITY CONTENT.
    This is the type of content that me and the community love to consume it's both educational and entertaining at the same time.
    I genuinely learnt and enjoyed watching your videos.
    Really appreciate the time and work that you and your team put into making these.

  • @ragzard
    @ragzard 2 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Stone's electronics class was extremely interesting and easy to grasp ever for me, a person with very low circuits knowledge. Loved it.

  • @Saturdaymorninghero
    @Saturdaymorninghero 2 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    dude, you guys always do a great job! Can't wait for more fan testing videos!

  • @Isamu27298
    @Isamu27298 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Its refreshing to see such a well designed product. Thank you for the insight into the internals guys

  • @sonorous6200
    @sonorous6200 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Probably my favorite tear-down video from you all, GN. Highlighting the daughter boards was great, going over the parts of the VRM with diagrams with great explanation...all terrific. Thanks!

  • @Mom19
    @Mom19 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really appreciate all the deep dive information and hard work you guys put into the review of the Steam Deck, but make sure you get some rest aswell

  • @ledizzy2634
    @ledizzy2634 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    The section with Patrick was really really informative! As someone trying to pick this kind of stuff up, his explanation was absolutely brilliant! Thanks guys!

  • @kippert1987
    @kippert1987 2 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    This is a really great breakdown! I really appreciate the run through of the various circuit board components too, that's really awesome the way Patrick explains it all! Thanks, GN team!

  • @mightylink65
    @mightylink65 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    7:30 "Remember to disconnect the battery as soon as possible!" _Uses screwdriver to show us how all the buttons click :3_

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I mean, they're buttons. It's not like we were bridging contacts with the screwdriver

  • @EarlywineJC
    @EarlywineJC 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I appreciate the detail incorporated in this video. Special thank you to Patrick!

  • @hifam6451
    @hifam6451 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Wow, this production is top notch. From the in-depth analysis, blue highlighting components...GN is without peer.

  • @senilestix
    @senilestix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is a real positive review for anyone new to this channel.. Infact it's a solid indorsement!!

  • @zul448
    @zul448 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man. GN is such a gem. Long before I will get my hands on my steam deck, I can watch your video to see the most detailed strip down of the hardware possible. Love you guys. Keep up the good work!

  • @silkmonkey
    @silkmonkey 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the kind of content that keeps my patreon money flowing - love the depth and explainers for what the tech specs actually mean. Between you guys and buildzoid I love how much tech I can learn.

  • @chloedegurechaff1941
    @chloedegurechaff1941 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I am thoroughly impressed with Valve here. This reminds me a lot of the Vita 1000. Easy and simple to take apart.
    I'll defiantly be looking forward to grabbing one of these. Keep it up Valve.

    • @Version135
      @Version135 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This makes me want to get my psp out again

  • @HAunderscoreVE
    @HAunderscoreVE 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Okay i have to say the last scene of steve talking looks SO GOOD. the Depth of field, the lgihting, the scene, i love it.
    oh and the steam deck is aight, i guess.

  • @SlyNine
    @SlyNine 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's just crazy how much information you can get with spot on methodology. Great job.

  • @StripesOO7
    @StripesOO7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really nice and impressive tear-down. Enjoyed every second for the commentary and just to be able to look at the internals

  • @BaronVonBeef
    @BaronVonBeef 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The amount of power in that small PCB is really quite impressive, It wasn't THAT long ago that we were getting less from a full on desktop experience

  • @RedBull10812
    @RedBull10812 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A software company ended up making some of the best HW devices, Valve Index and now this. While full out hardware oriented companies keep failing forever. I don't like gaming on consoles, joysticks or handheld devices but this one looks very promising!

  • @ultranova9599
    @ultranova9599 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love how you plug the shop a lot. But all the stuff on there is actually so cool. ESPECIALLY those mats.

  • @UNVIRUSLETALE
    @UNVIRUSLETALE 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't imagine how much time this video took, amazing job gn team on this piece, you guys deserve 10x the subs you have

  • @TheDZHEX
    @TheDZHEX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    5:50 kinda not happy that we didn't get to hear the cracking plastic sounds from pulling off the back after the screws and the video cuts to it already removed... the plastic snap things are really obnoxious as they often break, and the sound of them coming apart might actually indicate more about the build quality than one might expect. As well as the force required to get them apart.

    • @DxBlack
      @DxBlack 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They only break if you're not using the correct tools to remove them.

    • @davisbradford7438
      @davisbradford7438 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sometimes you need to slide the panel instead of just pulling it off.

    • @armyofninjas9055
      @armyofninjas9055 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I use guitar picks to pop in the tabs and stick a credit card in the gaps to keep it open.

  • @VincentGroenewold
    @VincentGroenewold 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Seems like a really well repairable device, I really have to give huge credits to Valve here, I’d buy it just because of that almost.

  • @evancappe
    @evancappe 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really love the depth of these pieces. Great work, GN. Thank you.

  • @lw8882
    @lw8882 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love listening to Stone talk about electrical stuff.
    It's amazing to hear the expertise and knowledge coming from someone who's a good orator.

  • @jonumand
    @jonumand 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love the extremely detailed videoes!

  • @ripplerxeon
    @ripplerxeon 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    As an electrical engineer I like how you guys are trying to explain it to normal viewers ... Great video ... Love the details ☺️

  • @SuperMikeKaos
    @SuperMikeKaos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I absolutely loved the level of detail on the internals…. Seriously mad respect from an old school tech here…

  • @ajlainez1944
    @ajlainez1944 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This isn’t my first time viewing this Channel by any means but honestly it always impresses me how educational and how well put together these videos are. The quality of the videos are also always increasing great job to you and your whole team really a great channel.

  • @Enders
    @Enders 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Steve, I was glad to hear you take a stand on the battery situation at the end. The inability to easily replace batteries in most mobile devices in 2022 and before, has been a CLEAR and very HOSTILE move on the part of manufacturers and retailers in order to hijack the end user life of products.

    • @Chance57
      @Chance57 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I guess fitting comparatively larger batteries was a happy accident thanks to this batter conspiracy.

  • @jnyc96
    @jnyc96 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Late night video release. Love the channel :*

  • @bwjclego
    @bwjclego 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm happy for all this in-depth Deck content, because after several years of watching GN, this is the first product you've reviewed that I actually plan on buying. (PC needs upgrades eventually, but not yet).

  • @jessekimmel9148
    @jessekimmel9148 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am a fan of the dude running through the chips in detail. Very thorough. Good job 👍

  • @haythemsnakos3056
    @haythemsnakos3056 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    GN is the GOAT of hardware reviews.
    This guy needs more recognition, hopefully he can reach 10M subs soon.

  • @smileysamh
    @smileysamh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I am guessing this might have to wait to the second NDA date later this month but can you guys do testing on replacing the SSD and whether it affects power or interferes with the WiFi. Also if you can solve the interference with say tin foil etc. I feel like that would be very important to know whether you need to get an external hd/SSD in order to expand the steam deck other than the SD card slot.

    • @TheQuinn50
      @TheQuinn50 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This, I'm itching to try and fit a m.2 extender out of the back of it so I could use a full form factor m.2 nvme or even build a custom docking solution with a egpu

    • @smileysamh
      @smileysamh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheQuinn50 Yeah unfortunately I am pretty sure valve has already said it doesn't support egpu's. 2230 ssd's are quite rare. If there isn't any examples of people upgrading internal steam deck ssd's and working I will prob just buy a small and thin dock and a small usbc ssd and just tape it to the back - theres plenty of room for both. I saw a reply of another comment where gamers nexus said that he won't be testing internal ssd's as there are too many variiables and ssd's

    • @AH-hm2mq
      @AH-hm2mq 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheQuinn50 egpu is impossible since the usbc port isn't thunderbolt

    • @TheQuinn50
      @TheQuinn50 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AH-hm2mq You can run a egpu through the m.2 port where the SSD is when you get it. Then you could just boot off the sd card or usb

  • @quiCksilvieZzz
    @quiCksilvieZzz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just woke up and having coffee, such a perfect timing for the upload. Cheers GN for your fast and comprehensive tear down!

  • @someguy604
    @someguy604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just here to see what a pro had to say about the marvelous feats in a product like this. You guys clearly have a passion for this stuff and have succeeded in giving an average user a cross-eye with all the terminology that was used. thx

  • @nathanieltoia2015
    @nathanieltoia2015 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Looks like valve put in real effort for the steamdeck, good job valve.

  • @thefunbuns1
    @thefunbuns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Can't wait for this APU tech to find its way to laptops

  • @strictlymacintosh7818
    @strictlymacintosh7818 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just happened on this review that was linked in an @PCworld article about first reactions. What a teardown video. Top of the game. Subscribed!

  • @sntslilhlpr6601
    @sntslilhlpr6601 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love how technical you guys are. Also love the EE with a Southern accent but I digress. You guys do stuff other channels don't, and this is a prime example. Thanks for doing what you do. I feel like I'm living in the future.

  • @dustojnikhummer
    @dustojnikhummer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I really hope you test replacement M.2 2230 SSDs, like Kioxia BG4. Valve's "concern" is wifi interference and power draw.

    • @MiraSmit
      @MiraSmit 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Came here to ask for this.

    • @nebulous962
      @nebulous962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I hope someone makes a modified case for steam deck so you can install bigger m.2 ssds and removable battery.

    • @briannaschuman547
      @briannaschuman547 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I really don't see much point in doing this. I'm sure there will be simple external addons that will be much simpler to use and will transfer data plenty fast. Early testing just off the SD card seems to indicate even that should be "good enough" for most games.

    • @MiraSmit
      @MiraSmit 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@briannaschuman547 Some of us would like to know since it can be cheaper to bue the cheapest steam deck and then buy an M.2 2230 for fast and more storage that the official steam deck for instance.

  • @cybervoid8442
    @cybervoid8442 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    It's funny people all over twitter are quoting the latency numbers you posted even though you said they don't mean much in this context 🤣

  • @kojack57
    @kojack57 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Seriously impressive work from the people who assembled this and the people who disassembled it.
    No where to hide these days. Thank Christ for YT and GN.

  • @HecticGlenn
    @HecticGlenn 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great stuff, never seen the coasters before and wanted to find something I really wanted to support your work. Preordered the back order!

  • @Zanpaa
    @Zanpaa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It looks like most of the complexity is because of size and packaging reasons, and not obscure/bad design or trying to block users from servicing it. That's really good.
    The cynic in me tells me this looks very complex and if they do a next version, everything will be glued down for cost savings...

    • @wickersticks
      @wickersticks 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't actually believe that gluing stuff down saves much money tbh.

    • @VitalVampyr
      @VitalVampyr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@wickersticks Sure it does. To glue two things together you just need smear some glue and press them together. To screw them together you need to add screw holes, put screws in the holes, and turn the screws (making sure not to apply too much or too little torque). More steps and more precision needed = more cost.
      Of course if you want to account for the cost of disassembling and reassembling the product even once screws are probably cheaper.

  • @ShadowRune
    @ShadowRune 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When valve actually decides to do something they usually do it well, the problem is actually getting through the internal problems they create for themselves to actually get a product from design to launch

  • @darkmanure
    @darkmanure 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really liking some of the changes, especially the segment where GN teaches us about the components.

  • @BigFootRunner
    @BigFootRunner 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Editing keeps improving with every video. Really slick transitions to show the graphics on the computer screen.
    I've also noticed Stone seems to get more comfortable in front of the camera with every video. Keep it up!

  • @mRibbons
    @mRibbons 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Why is your livestrong bracelet plugged into the tablecloth?

  • @totalsubmition
    @totalsubmition 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Sleep doesn't exist in the world of GN.

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Hey, I have a nice couch in the office now!

    • @Jonathan.Boring
      @Jonathan.Boring 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GamersNexus LOL. Gonna assume y’all didn’t schedule this uploaded. Published it when you could probably.

  • @Wait4Shadow
    @Wait4Shadow 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is amazingly high quality content. I won't pretend to know half of what's being shown here, but the mere fact that viewers get to see this pulled apart and openly discussed is fantastic.

  • @CanIHasThisName
    @CanIHasThisName 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Will watch the whole vid when I have more time but dang, the set at the very end is awesome. Very atmospheric.

  • @Mastershake59982
    @Mastershake59982 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I was going to pass on the steam deck. After this video I'm about to order one. Thanks to the entire GN staff. You guys are rock stars.

    • @romano5785
      @romano5785 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I knew the Steam Deck was gonna be a hit when Linus got his hands on it for the first time.

  • @danieljones9937
    @danieljones9937 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'd love to buy one of these but the glued-in battery makes it a no-no for me. :(
    Hopefully they'll do something about that.

    • @supergeekjay
      @supergeekjay ปีที่แล้ว

      That isn't really a deal breaker. If you need to replace the battery, simply discharge it to 25% so that the energy stored isn't too high, and then gently heat it with a heatgun, moving evenly over it, not focusing in one spot too long. A few seconds and the battery will lift out. Heck, it's easier to get apart than an iPhone, and I remember when they were easy, back in iPhone 2 days!

  • @Y0G0FU
    @Y0G0FU 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is some impressive build quality. Valve really suprised me here :D Also amazing content guys!

  • @TomasPiliponis
    @TomasPiliponis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    at 24:37 - it is so satisfying how GPU fan on Steve's t-shirt reflects directly on the SoC... :)

  • @gonun69
    @gonun69 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Looks like there's a lot of "wasted" space in the two ergonomic hand bump thingies. I wonder if they could have put some extra batteries or a swappable SSD in there. Would be interesting to see some 3rd party backplate and triggers that reduce those bumps to make the whole thing a lot thinner.

    • @VitalVampyr
      @VitalVampyr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      That's pretty normal for controller handles. It's really not as much space as it might look, consider the structural reinforcement and clearance for the buttons and triggers.

    • @Chance57
      @Chance57 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Making it less ergonomic, more flat like a switch, is a hard sell. Perhaps they didn't stuff the handles because it looks like they made a concerted effort to keep those sections of the deck the most cool to the touch.

  • @Gil3344
    @Gil3344 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    For electronics engineering students, Patrick's bit was incredibly interesting!

  • @daspferd7810
    @daspferd7810 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're awesome, guys. Thank you so much for this review and showing all the technical stuff of things in depth. You're one of a kind 🤗

  • @thatsgottahurt
    @thatsgottahurt 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You werent kidding about having tons of steam deck content. Not interested in buying a steam deck - but very interested in the tech\hardware in this thing. Thanks for going all out on this one.

  • @CasualHerb
    @CasualHerb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Real shame about the battery, it will probably need to be replaced within 2 years of somewhat heavy use, if you wish to retain those 2-6h of game time.

    • @martindescoteaux9288
      @martindescoteaux9288 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      And do you know how much cost that batery? Tx

    • @pagatryx5451
      @pagatryx5451 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I feel like that's to be expected without some large jump in cost. As long as it's fairly user friendly in buying and replacing the battery, I don't mind it.

    • @CasualHerb
      @CasualHerb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@pagatryx5451 that's what's shameful about it, that it's not easily replaceable, but glued in.

    • @pagatryx5451
      @pagatryx5451 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@CasualHerb Could just be the preproduction units. Hopefully that gets changed. But yeah, not looking good.

    • @pagatryx5451
      @pagatryx5451 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@CasualHerb Could just be the preproduction units. Hopefully that gets changed. But yeah, not looking good.

  • @ajtechtalks
    @ajtechtalks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    austin evans nintendo fingerprint looking kinda sus

    • @robitherascal
      @robitherascal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha I thought I was the only one who noticed!

  • @Gevorian
    @Gevorian 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    always love the depth of detail and analysis in your videos, keep up the good work guys

  • @aelaan12
    @aelaan12 ปีที่แล้ว

    Since I am not actually getting a Steam Deck I can appreciate the knowledge and show and tell of computing hardware. Thanks for putting this together.

  • @supra107
    @supra107 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Oh no, Steve opened up the Steam Deck by himself, now he's surely gonna die as Valve has stated! :D

  • @austindavis2103
    @austindavis2103 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Go to bed GN

    • @Jonathan.Boring
      @Jonathan.Boring 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Gn

    • @prla5400
      @prla5400 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      When Steve's friends say GN, they don't mean good night

  • @mfdsuk
    @mfdsuk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love the set in the last bit of the video the big dark room in background looks so good.

  • @bigshacaca6932
    @bigshacaca6932 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man the level of depth is insane. Mad respect. I usually go LTT for the general Info looks like GN is my new must watch too.

  •  2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Valve being smart with chozing who gets to do hardware and software reviews.
    LTT doing games
    GN doing hardware

    • @SRC267
      @SRC267 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Man said "chozing"

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      That isn't how it worked at all. We had the same restrictions, which was "no showing the user interface." We did games as well -- it's in the first video.

    • @xzaz2
      @xzaz2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@GamersNexus This feels like a review, LTT feels like a ad.

    • @prla5400
      @prla5400 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@xzaz2 every LTT vid
      Also I'm chozing this device when it's in my country (India)

    • @kippert1987
      @kippert1987 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think gn and ltt definitely have two different audience types. Ltt is somewhat more commercial in many senses but they have really great content. Gn has a much more scientific and data driven approach. I really enjoy both tbh and I'm glad that both exist.

  • @robitherascal
    @robitherascal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Um, Is it just me or does Austin Evan’s “finger print” look more like a…? Never mind.

  • @SSmitar
    @SSmitar 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Almost 5 AM here was finally about to fall to sleep, then got this notification and now I am wide awake. Speed on posting these SteamDeck vids are insane. Much appreciated.

  • @byron_00
    @byron_00 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is easily the best hardware tear down video I've ever watched.

  • @Jonathan.Boring
    @Jonathan.Boring 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just reported 13 bot comments 💀. This is worse than tiktok.

    • @prla5400
      @prla5400 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep

    • @GamersNexus
      @GamersNexus  2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It is so bad. Trying to keep up.

    • @Jonathan.Boring
      @Jonathan.Boring 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@GamersNexus also hello. First time watching any of your vids in a few months. Happy to be back 🥰

    • @MobileDecay
      @MobileDecay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think I reported 5.

    • @TheRealFlott
      @TheRealFlott 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I just reported at least 30! Damn it TH-cam.

  • @jamsea794
    @jamsea794 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    *Modern man is not the man who goes off to discover himself, his secrets, and his hidden truth; he is a man who tries to invest himself in something beneficial for the future.*

    • @theresawagar4524
      @theresawagar4524 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Thomas camelli I heard a lot of investing with Mr Salvador McConnell and how good he is, please how safe are the profit?

    • @theresawagar4524
      @theresawagar4524 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jean Cross 🙏 How can I get in touch with Mr Salvador McConnell

    • @theresawagar4524
      @theresawagar4524 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jean Cross 👍 Thanks you so much for the details

    • @craigblack520
      @craigblack520 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      💁 I made $13,542 with Mr Salvador After my 10 business days of trading I got my profit directly sent to my wallet.

  • @benhall7574
    @benhall7574 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is such an awesome and in depth video, thanks for making this y'all!

  • @martinshiveral6604
    @martinshiveral6604 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Steve - thanks for the detail here! Getting excited for the release later this month.

  • @budthecyborg4575
    @budthecyborg4575 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    So now that Gabe got this mid life crisis "I wanna be a console manufacturer" thing out of his system...
    Can we have Half Life 3 now?

    • @Daschickenify
      @Daschickenify 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Project borealis is working on half life 3. There hasn’t been a recent update though, so I’m not too confident in them.

  • @Frytech
    @Frytech 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You know what looks kinda disappointing? Really hard access to a display, it seems like you need to disassemble everything in case you have a cracked screen and want to replace it. That’s looks like a big oversight. And I’d argue that displays are being cracked even more often than the battery degrades, or joysticks/fan breaks, so it’s kinda weird to see the display being so inaccessible.

  • @enditakamweneshe6428
    @enditakamweneshe6428 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Amazing how far technology has come, and to think that this small thing does more than just gaming, definitely worth the price.

  • @RTDragonCommando
    @RTDragonCommando 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Content like this sells me or turns me off a product way more than ads ever could. If I was in the market for a handheld right now I'd be all over the Steam Deck now. It just seems so well built and thought out.