I Took Apart The Valve Steam Deck...

[@wickersticks]

I heard of many accounts already of people leaving their SD cards in the device before taking it apart and snapping it in half, so if you're going to attempt this, please remember to take it out so you don't break your device!

[@Jaxv3r]

@Plus⑦②⑤⑦⓪⑤-⓪②⓪③ Whatapp me pls gtfo

[@Fellipe2k5]

Why would someone who buys a video game instead of playing games want to open the device? These people deserve to have their SD cards broken, it's an act of God.

[@2seep]

Linus tech tips sd card broke when he was tearing it down aswell

[@2seep]

@@Fellipe2k5 to fix their devices lol

[@Fellipe2k5]

@@2seep Fix a device than bought 2 weeks ago? It would be better to send it to Valve to fix it because it's under warranty.

[@ChristopherToro]

I love that Valve was thorough enough to actually label every part of the motherboard in the system - almost makes it possible to upgrade your Steam Deck yourself.

[@Aethelbeorn]

@Plus⑦②⑤⑦⓪⑤-⓪②⓪③ Whatapp me This is spam. Report and ignore.

[@kingpiccoloz9169]

@Plus⑦②⑤⑦⓪⑤-⓪②⓪③ Whatapp me Stop scamming people low life

[@ThePC007]

Out of the three comments posted here, the one KZbin decided not to censor is an obvious scam. :/

[@gusty7153]

@@ThePC007 the censorbots only care about what language you use, usually political

[@TheDarkKratoz]

I upgraded my 64GB with a 512GB NVMe a week ago, and it's running great! As long as you keep the foil shield there's no problems. I hope they offer the mainboard as a standalone upgrade if there's ever a Steam Deck 2 with a newer APU.

[@DragonProtector]

i hope so to

[@pokeplayerHQ]

Just wondering, how much did that upgrade cost ya? I am looking to get a Steam Deck and I'm looking at how much it would cost to upgrade it.

[@TheDarkKratoz]

@@pokeplayerHQ you can find the drives for $80 on eBay

[@shinobi-zensei]

Props to Valve for this forward thinking design. I wonder if they would make this upgradable by selling a newer generation motherboard in the future.

[@GRGCompletionist]

They should also focus in making more models with each new generation in the future, this thing is already a huge success.

[@guillaumebackelandt7381]

I also strongly hope for this, one year down the road, motherboard upgrade with a Zen 3/RDNA 3 APU, how awesome would that be? But there's something making me think they'll release a whole new model, the 512 GB model sold way more than the other 2 combined, Gabe said it really was a surprise for them so I think they'll release a more premium model in the future starting at something like 800$ with Oled screen and more power/storage. But if upgrade kits are a thing someday, I'll definitely be interested, the current screen is good enough for me (and I have Vitas, LCD and Oled), only upgrades I could wish for is power and better battery.

[@disgustedluigi]

@@guillaumebackelandt7381 one thing to consider about the highest tier selling the most, as of now this is still considered an early adopter type of device so it stands to reason all of the hardcore PC gamers and other enthusiasts who want a quality portable Steam device (or emulation machine) would buy the highest tier. But down the line when this becomes more mainstream I’d imagine a cheaper model will become far more popular as availability, exposure, and demand increases. Once parents start seeing it on shelves and buying it for their kids, or college students want something to play while commuting on the bus, there’ll be no contest. That’s my opinion at least.

[@glennsperling736]

Watching John take this apart makes me think: I don't ever want to have to do this myself. Very well done video!

[@janehoyken]

I cant believe how my EmuDeck (Emulation Station) Steam Grid Cover made it into your video at 13:00. I was just making it for myself and decided to upload it, now its already right there in this video

[@Moskeeto]

Gotta love SteamGridDB

[@jayperz]

Hopefully the simplicity of the layout will get the attention of mod creators. I think there will be a big market for 3rd party upgrades with this thing down the road and I feel like the community could do some awesome things with it.

[@lyconxero457]

From all the reviews I've seen, one of the biggest issues with the Steam Deck is that the fan has a very high-pitched wine that requires you to either play with the volume up or use headphones to drown out. An improvement I'd like to see on the next Steam Deck would be a larger fan that can move more air and thus function more quietly which was the direction of the PS5 and XBSX consoles.

[@higurashikai09]

the question is how big could they possibly make the fan on a handheld

[@bimmer8602]

Yeah I'm lucky mine isn't too loud but I'm really unlucky the right side of the steam deck has problems. B button gets stuck sometimes, right joystick makes this weird sticky like noise when circling it around and the right touch pad makes a spring like noise when pressing it down from the bottom half.

[@jemiebridges3197]

Both the xbox series X and ps5 use their internal volume to move air. The post's "popped collar" look is also part of the cooling, moving air. And Microsoft revamped a desert building design where the building itself is an AC unit that works via hot air at the bottom rising and sucking in cold air.

[@petervansan1054]

not all fans

[@PixelShade]

​I think they have a new revision of the fan, and I believe I have the old whiny one, It isn't that bad, sure, I can't lay down in bed and not disturb my partner with the silence night brings, but during everyday life, with background noise at home, or especially in a bus/train/plane etc. It's really a none-issue. It sounds more or less like ultrabook fan. It definitely is something I would like to upgrade alongside the storage in the future (I opted for the 64GB). Right now I have plenty of room for games on my 512GB SD-Card. The negatives about the eMMC is that it removes the possibility of actually using the device as a desktop PC. The space of your home directory dries up quite quickly. I have 58 games installed on the SD card, but game saves, proton-files (+ all the apps I want) are stored on the eMMC, resulting in only ~9GB left, even without any games installed on that storage. So using it as a functioning desktop computer would require 256GB or preferably 512/1TB

[@ariyanadumon4549]

This makes me want one of these even more. That's so cool!

[@BigSnipp]

Definitely. It seems well designed.

[@lolcat]

will last very long with easy servicing

[@MrLukhut1]

Funny you mention how long drifting has been around. Ive been cracking up hearing about it so much, like have any of you owned an n64? The stick didnt even drift it would just go limp like a noodle lmao

[@Yore0]

I bought a 1tb 2230 name drive for around $120 around November last year with plans of replacing the smaller capacity drive when I get my Deck. I’m glad I jumped on that when I did as they’re going for around $250 now.

[@gdlpe05]

Repairability and accessibility are very important, and I'm glad to see valve recognising that.

[@ssj3fox]

Can't wait to get mine in Q3. Also, I hope this is a precursor to a standalone VR headset!

[@Vegasofficial1]

I’d like to see more videos on the steam deck from you just like more gameplay and stuff like that !

[@I_SuperHiro_I]

Been waiting for this! But not as much as my own Steam Deck…..hopefully by end of May.

[@ianb.1603]

I took my 512G Model apart a few days after delivery, for an Ssd upgrade and am loving it. I have more space then I'll ever need for this, as I'm pretty sure SD2 will be releasing in a couple years with substantial upgrades.

[@george746]

Why did you buy the more expensive model the 512gb instead of the 64gb model if you're going to replace the SSD anyways?

[@henrymatos9551]

Its great to see how organized Valve is in labeling their internal components and how easy consumers can upgrade any accessories. If you decide to upgrade your storage capacity, please record it so we can see!

[@dreamcazman]

I have no use for a Steam Deck but coming from a tech who fixes laptops I have to commend Valve for the great design & ease of repair. Many other companies could learn a thing or two.

[@ayellowbeard]

I have to admit that I've had a Steam account since near the beginning but have never been active on that ecosystem, however, now with everything I've seen and heard so far with the SteamDeck I'm very tempted to take a deep dive into it because it seems, unlike with other handheld platforms, that Valve plays nice with their users and is as if they want to see what their users can do with it! Anyway cool on them!

[@GRGCompletionist]

My man has MGS2 and 3 up front ready to boot :D Can't wait to get mine!

[@emilyterral747]

I just got my steam deck email and purchased it!!! 😍😍😍 I can't wait to get it in my hands!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@umf1e]

Steam Deck seems like the kind of device that I would use for anything except actually playing games.

[@reactking7093]

Why??

[@redhawkmillenium]

Respect to Valve for making their device with ease of repairability in mind.

[@cybunny25]

The video we've all been waiting for

[@quag311]

Terrific work. It’s all quite mesmerizing.

[@ElonShmusk]

This was such an awesome teardown to watch, as always John I really appreciate what you do!

[@nicerhabara]

Me: Waiting to be able to get a Steam Deck Spawn Wave: "I took it apart"

[@BMR86]

He ordered it like when it was announced.. but I get what you mean 😅 I felt the same when he disassembled the PS5

[@statesminds]

I'm definitely not taking mine apart when I get so thanks for doing it so I could see lol

[@GoatV8]

Imagine that, a company that doesn't ACTIVELY work against you repairing your stuff.

[@Khalil-Ibrahim21]

2:50 damn that was smooth

[@Martial-Mat]

This has been taken apart on so many channels now, there's no way I'd risk it just for a video.

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

Totally worth it. Also, he has 600k+k subs it's good content

[@Jsteeezz]

Its not that risky. Electronics are pretty resilient. These things were put together in the same fashion they were taken apart here. Nothing exactly special, just the correct driver bits, pry tool, and not getting too pull happy. Always make sure you disconnect ribbon cables. But not sure what the risk, they even label the screws used so you could replace the screws with ones from a local hardware store if you lose them.

[@smgofdvld]

Whenever I look at these videos it makes me want a steam deck more 😁 hopefully before Christmas

[@TheLastLineLive]

It's impressive how well this is designed overall for its small form factor. I'm still weary of messing with it, but at least it looks like if I gotta replace the fan or battery, it may actually be doable for a pleb like me with a walkthrough.

[@chunkylover5367]

You're weary of messing with? Me too! I'm so tired/weary of messing with it all day long!

[@FluffyEmmy1116]

Nice, the joystick is a true big brain move for Valve.

[@mattprojekt5255]

alright man... ive been watching for months... never subbed. Finally did lol glad to be here

[@jayjayshowcaser5859]

I like when you do the teardowns / you do a great job / wow that heatsink & fan is very small / i thought it would be bigger

[@acecab5397]

Man this just makes me think what if Valve let's everyone build their own custom Handhelds in the future. Awesome teardown this has to be TechWave nightmare mode if there was one.

[@cappy2282]

Thing is a beast and Spawnwave is technical genius

[@GhostMW184]

That shirt go crazy tho 🔥🔥

[@MotherRat-ii6ji]

Mine is shipping next week, can't wait to get it!

[@intellybit]

Very nice switch ..

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

I just installed Elden Ring on my Steam deck yesterday. Runs about 40-60 fps.

[@CinnamonOwO]

The fact that it runs that well is impressive, Elden Ring struggles on 3090s

[@drone124]

@@CinnamonOwO it's not that it's demanding just unoptimized

[@Herr.Mitternacht]

More like 30-50 FPS but still amazing

[@fxhzwingzero]

I run it o n a 3070 OC it's still whiffy at places, but i love the game (stuttering etc)

[@Linuxdirk]

How much thermal compound you want to use? Valve: YES.

[@chunkylover5367]

To avoid pump out most likely.

[@papa_aflo7872]

Question: is there a tab that needs to be lifted in order to disconnect a ribbon cable connector? For example the Motherboard ribbon cable.

[@SpeederLight]

Love the new video spawn wave! 😁

[@MCOGAMER27]

awesome video John...great job

[@bogbupog]

I've been looking forward to this techwave.

[@Evixyn]

The tare down is finally here.

[@aceofhearts8507]

Nice video 👍

[@thetoythief8940]

Kinda wonder if over time we'll see people get custom buttons and custom sticks

[@sadeness]

This is the video we all were waiting for

[@NetvoTV]

That steam soundtrack is royalty free to use?

[@Martinj1417]

You should have worn a Sega nomad shirt doing this tear down

[@pablo2001nov]

This was easier to take apart than my Lenovo Laptop when I had to replace the keyboard

[@Winred2025]

Thank you for this please do more deck videos

[@PatchedUpGaming]

Be careful with usb-c docks Spawn Wave! My steamdeck is currently a paperweight as I've waited over 100 hours for steam support to get back to me about an RMA, or repairs, or something. Pretty sure a usb-c dock messed it up.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Yes, that’s been happening a lot apparently.

[@99Etien]

what happend?

[@wickersticks]

I remember the switch having a similar issue with it's release 😅 Hope you can get it switched out for a new one soon

[@dastimRETRO]

I had the same scare but fixed it last night. Maybe my solution may help? You have to somehow drain the battery. I kept mine on with a black screen until the battery eventually died. After that I kept pressing the power button until the LED no longer turned on. By some miracle she booted back up without an issue. I suspect it’s an issue with the firmware.

[@Jsteeezz]

Nintendo had that issue where they weren’t exactly using usb PD specs but their own power delivery specifications. Could be something similar here where your dock decided to pump in way too much voltage and fry the mobo.

[@Alilolilou]

What thermal paste did you use ? did you notice better temps ?

[@COOLMANXTV]

Dood love when you do stuff like this

[@DcPurpleICE]

You're doing the lord's work out here

[@greenmoblin3114]

Ngl I look forward to these on new devices even though I know nothing about stuff like this lol

[@indan_ger6188]

Can‘t wait to get my hands on my after Q3 model …

[@brainwabrain]

I'd advise getting a magnetic USB-C connector. This will save you.

[@Just_RJ]

I didn't even realise the EMI shield for the drive is just like a sleeve, looks like I'm getting a 1TB drive as soon as my Deck arrives.

[@Rysiriss]

It would be easier to get an SD card

[@MagicTukan]

Is the USB C Port supported in any way by the Metal frame? Does it touch the metal if its assembled ?

[@blizmo2]

😎 Tech Wave 🌊 Can't wait to get my Steam Deck

[@jakeliujakeliu]

Maybe I’ll purchase version 2 at day 1, this one looks impressive!

[@brudbrud9137]

Can't believe you did this without dying wow

[@drwrubel]

What type of thermal paste did you use ? Do you think it would be a good idea to get a magnetic usb c charing cable for the deck?

[@trfozty]

I love this content. It's my favorite 💕

[@Gaetano.94]

I'm getting my steam deck tomorrow:):) really excited. Really want to game some Apex and Battlefield 1

[@razorx2024]

iFixit have already confirmed they will be selling replacement parts for the Steam Deck so that's great for any future repairs you need to do 🙂

[@schadenfreude6274]

Once again, the PC Master Race does a Better Console than a Console Maker. :)

[@corycoffey9474]

You may have been asked this, but I have to know.. where do you get those cool tshirts? I love that Sega Genesis shirt. I must have one!

[@coinsagE46m3]

I cannot speak for others, but the fan on my SD is not overbearing at all. I wouldnt say it's loud or whines so I was a little surprised to hear people complaining about it. Maybe I got lucky.

[@DiThi]

Apparently only the first batch of consoles had this noisier fan. Later fans are more silent (but not by much).

[@Kapono5150]

I hope he takes better care of the Steam deck than the PS5

[@Evixyn]

Now we wait for a steam deck lite.

[@andersross4011]

Does the Steam Deck have Universal Bluetooth connectivity for headphones?

[@Aimela136]

In terms of stick drift, the Joy-Cons are actually worse with that, it's not something that's all too much being magnified by the internet. I've had all of mine start drifting in about a year of using them with regular use, while other controllers I've had started drifting much later or through some sort of damage.

[@RageReq0]

My joy cons drifted the first day I got the switch

[@pokermitten9795]

This was a triumph.

[@mrb3991]

Great Video , mines still says comig Q3, Where Valve a bit sneaky with battey ,?

[@bennysnod4928]

You didnt show thermal paste application

[@ProfessorShroom]

You said it's not common to label the ribbon cables, it isn't in consoles but it is in computers

[@Evan_C.]

Why is it that not a single youtuber has shown how to get the battery off. They skip actually showing how to do this.

[@EricasTouch]

I want one but I am waiting for them to become available in retail stores. I don’t like ordering major electronics like this online.

[@MadaoAU]

noice, thanks for the interesting video as always

[@rager-69]

There seem to be more options for a 2230 SSD than when I looked into it last year. Amazon has a Samsung and a Toshiba 256GB for about $40.

[@DragonProtector]

really?!

[@nathanevans1485]

Should I put my Airtag in the left or right side ? (Looking from the back as I put it in)

[@brandon_nope]

looking from the back of the system, I would say the right side (left grip)

[@SH1N1ZAKY]

Im waiting on my second steam deck,that one ill take apart and put 2 tb inside but for now the 1tb sd slot works amazing

[@brandon_nope]

geez why 2?

[@SH1N1ZAKY]

@@brandon_nope I have one 2 keep stock and the other to emulate games put windows on it and tinker with it etc...

[@AlexosaurusRex]

Hey John, you said you read all the comments, so I am really hoping you read this and give me an answer because I can't seem to find a straight answer anywhere. I want to know if you could use a Steam Deck to hook up an Elgato HD 60 and stream from a Nintendo Switch to Twitch with full webcam? I have a relatively low powered laptop that cannot handle streaming to twich while having my webcam active and whenever I look for a computer that is capable of doing the job the recommendations are always gaming laptops that START at $750! But the Steam Deck is, as you point out, $400. Almost half the price and it is supposedly a mini gaming PC, so my thinking is I could just use it as a dedicated Elgato Twitch streaming device for half the price. Do you think this is possible??? Thanks in advance for taking the time to post an answer. I am a subscriber and watch News Wave every day, but my favourite is Tech Wave. I love seeing those weekend videos. Keep up the great work!

[@alvzcizzler]

Is Halo MCC again compatible with it? cause the latest update for Halo MCC broke support for the Steam Deck and idk about Halo Infinite but it probably would run like on OG Xbox One so just playable but not that great I bet

[@lionelt.9124]

I'm hoping that someone comes out with a M.2 USB4 card and back plate for the Deck that exposes a couple USB4 type C ports externally and internally allows enough space for a M.2 2280 and 2230 NVME cards. Exposing USB4 ports would allow for the use of external GPU docks that you could use with your old GPUs or future low end GPUs.

[@DragonProtector]

you should of used a thermal pad for the cpu/gpu. Like the one for cpu.

[@sinom]

All replacement parts will be available officially through ifixit

[@DragonProtector]

ifixit is horrible. Their guides are good but their tools are lowest quality

[@guilhermeconti2352]

I broke the fan conector, could someone please tell me witch one is, for me to replace it, I would be extremely grateful 🙌

[@ragnarok67]

Why does the inside have several QR codes?

[@brandon_nope]

production line

[@the8thark]

The stick drift disgrace by Spawnwave aside, his tear down videos are top notch. This video is no exception. I enjoyed learning all about the deck from it.

[@littlegloom]

you've been playing xenoverse 2?

[@Sin_Doog]

Ayo anyone know where I can buy that sega genesis shirt he’s wearing?

[@MIC4311]

What does it weight?

[@MIC4311]

Less than two lbs. Looks hefty for a handheld.

[@gameorally]

Thats weird... i thought the 64GB ECC, not flash. Damn, i should gotten that one instead of the 256GB