{"id":9243,"date":"2023-07-28T23:31:32","date_gmt":"2023-07-29T04:31:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/?p=9243"},"modified":"2023-07-29T18:23:04","modified_gmt":"2023-07-29T23:23:04","slug":"how-low-can-it-go-steam-deck-thermal-modding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/news\/how-low-can-it-go-steam-deck-thermal-modding\/","title":{"rendered":"How Low Can It Go? | Steam Deck Thermal Modding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How LOW Can It Go? | Steam Deck Thermal Modding\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aai2AtxenU0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hey everyone, today we\u2019re putting the Steam Deck through extensive thermal testing, from the stock configuration all the way through new thermal materials, backplates and external fans!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For backplates we have the stock backplate, the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.jsaux.com\/3KdQPsL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">new JSAUX<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/go.jsaux.com\/42HKCvF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\"> backplate with a fan vent, and the old JSAUX backplate with a metal panel<\/a>. For thermal interface materials I\u2019ll be testing the stock thermal paste, the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Y9P59R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">Noctua NT-H1 paste<\/a>, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moddiy.com\/products\/Honeywell-PTM7950-SP-Super-Highly-Thermally-Conductive-PCM-Pad.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Honeywell PTM7950 thermal pad<\/a>. As for additional accessories, I\u2019ll be testing both the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.jsaux.com\/44WC7hK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">JSAUX clip-on fan<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/go.jsaux.com\/44WC7hK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">the JSAUX magnetic cooling fan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a full disclosure, the JSAUX products were all sent to me free of charge, but no money changed hands and they don\u2019t even know that this review is being made. Those who\u2019ve been around for a while know that I don\u2019t pull any punches when reviewing products, and you\u2019ll see some of that in this article too, so make sure to read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thermal pad and paste were purchased by me out of my own pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testing Methodology<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>All tests were performed with a Q1 2023 Steam Deck, originally a 256GB model and upgraded to a 1TB SSD, in an ambient temperature of 18C. If you have any concerns about the performance implications of the SSD over the base model, check out my previous video to see exactly why I chose to stick with this one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Steam Deck Storage SHOWDOWN | 5 Drives Tested!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6PYAbu0swi0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Deck ran SteamOS 3.4.8, and the games tested were Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk 2077 and Returnal. For each game, I would start the game, run the in-game benchmark, return to the menu and then run another benchmark, logging the results for the second one to give the worst case thermally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to these 3 games, I also did 30 minute burn-in testing using Unigine Superposition for each and every configuration. I ran the native Linux version of Superposition, and while it performed poorly, it was able to utilize both the CPU and GPU well enough to simulate an extended gaming session. In the interest of brevity, we will be focusing on the Returnal and Superposition results, and I\u2019ll present the Cyberpunk and Horizon results for the winners at the end of the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All results were spot-checked by using GtkStressTest before moving on to the next batch, and the fan was left on the updated curve as I figure that more people use that on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from the obvious performance and internal temperatures, I also tested noise levels and external temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustic Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Noise levels were tested by placing my decibel meter roughly 1 foot, or 30cm, from the Deck in a dock, and running the Returnal benchmark. Recordings were taken of each test run, and each video was then used to grab 10 readings, one every 12 seconds of benchmark time, since the Returnal benchmark is exactly 2 minutes long. The noise readings were then averaged, and those are what you\u2019ll see in this video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a note, these noise levels can vary in perception quite a bit, depending on the fan installed in your Deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My Deck has a Delta fan, which is known to be the fan with a much more abrasive frequency, and I can confirm as my other Deck has a Huaying fan, which sounds much more pleasant at the same volume. If you want to see which you have, go to Settings, System, then Hardware and look at the fan manufacturer in the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">External Temperature Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>External temperatures were measured using an IR thermometer. The same process was used as for the noise levels, but with the thermometer in view of the camera instead, pointing at 1 of 3 locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first location, the rear vent, is meant to measure the heat of the intake grill, and should give us a good idea of the airflow into the Deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second location, the back of the device, was taken from directly above the APU and should give a good idea of how much heat is being transferred off of the chip, as well as how uncomfortable the Deck will be to touch off the grips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third and final location, the top vent, will tell us how much heat is actually leaving the Deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all 3 of these locations and the internal temperatures taken from the chip itself, we should be able to pinpoint where heat is getting held and whether we have adequate thermal transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clock Speeds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, for each hardware configuration, I tested both stock clocks and an overclock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overclock was with the CPU set to 4Ghz, the GPU set to 2Ghz and the wattage set to 20 watts. If you\u2019re interested how I did this, then definitely check out the video below to see all my testing and directions on it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Push Your Steam Deck BEYOND its Limits With Undervolting And Overclocking!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LNEI7BTc87Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>OKAY, and with all of that said, let\u2019s get into the actual testing, starting with a baseline using stock thermal paste and the stock backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stock Paste &amp; Stock Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9245\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First up, I tested with Superposition\u2019s 30 minute stress test. As you can see, CPU temperatures are exactly as you\u2019d expect with a high overclock of 4Ghz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9246\" width=\"840\" height=\"472\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>GPU temperatures are also exactly as you\u2019d expect over an extended period, touching 85C once and very often hitting 84C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9247\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As a point of reference, here are the actual test results. Superposition runs very slowly, never breaking out of the single digits here, but it act as a phenomenal test for thermal saturation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s look at Returnal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9248\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Returnal gains a bit across the board from the overclock, making it much smoother, although still not hitting a solid 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9249\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/5.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>CPU temperatures are HIGH, touching 92C right at the end of the test and 91 elsewhere on the OC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4800\" height=\"2700\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9250\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 4800px) 100vw, 4800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU is much the same, although it only hits 88C a few times throughout the testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9251\" width=\"840\" height=\"472\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/7.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Last for the baseline temperatures, here we can see that the temperatures are largely the same on both stock and overclock, except for the top vent. The stock numbers aren\u2019t particularly worrying, with the temperatures above the SoC on the back being warm to the touch. This makes sense as the top vent is the Deck\u2019s exhaust and it needs to remove much more heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That leads me to the next part of this story, noise levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9252\" width=\"840\" height=\"472\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/8.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at the noise it generates gives us a fuller picture of what\u2019s going on here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To my understanding, this delta of 2.7 will result in a noise that is 2.7 times louder as perceived by the human ear, and it certainly sounded this way during testing. This means that the overclock is outputting much hotter air and also much more noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking to the stock result, 39.6 dbA is definitely noticeable, according to the site decibelpro.app, it clocks in around a quiet library but nearly 10 times louder than a whisper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s move on to the next configuration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stock Paste + New JSAUX Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The next round of tests were done with the newer style of JSAUX backplate installed. This backplate has additional thermal mass, a vent above the fan itself, and even interchangeable back paddles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Installation was very easy, just 8 screws and a shim to open it up, then peel the protective plastic off of the thermal pad and close it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9253\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/10.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at the thermal results for the CPU, the new JSAUX backplate averages about 5 degrees cooler at stock clocks, which is a HUGE jump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9254\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/11.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU also lost 5-6C average with the new backplate, which again, is huge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9255\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/12.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference in temperatures didn\u2019t lead to any different results, but let\u2019s see how it fares when overclocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9256\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/13.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, the JSAUX backplate dropped temperatures from 84C average down to 73C, which is 11 entire degrees, it\u2019s night and day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9258\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/14.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, I\u2019m astounded by how much the temperatures dropped here. We went from 82C on the normal backplate all the way down to 72C with the new one, all while overclocked!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9260\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/15.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9261\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/16.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As if that wasn\u2019t enough, the CPU AND GPU temperatures are both cooler while overclocked using the JSAUX backplate than at standard clocks when using the stock backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, 5 watts more into the APU is resulting in LOWER temperatures using the new backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9269\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/17.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly for Superposition, here we can see that while the 97th percentile decreased quite a bit, the 0.1% lows actually increased by 124%, over doubling the results with the stock backplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9270\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/18.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We can see that CPU temperatures are MUCH lower using the backplate, even being nearly identical despite a hefty overclock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9271\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/19.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU temperatures aren\u2019t nearly as different, but the JSAUX backplate still keeps a healthy lead over the stock in all tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9272\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/20.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at how performance is affected, we see something interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite operating at the same stock clock speeds, the results with the new JSAUX backplate are 6% higher on averages, and the lows are 19 and 17% higher. The overclocking results are much closer, trading blows across the board, but at the expense of the stock backplate heating up much more as we saw before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9273\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/21.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving on to the chassis temperatures, we can see that the JSAUX backplate runs a little hotter at both the rear vent and over the SoC. This is easily explained by the new vent over the fan, as it doesn\u2019t force nearly as much air over that area of the internals and will build up a bit more heat prior to moving it away. The top vent, however, is a massive improvement on the JSAUX backplate, with a 22%, or 10 degree difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is for 2 reasons. First, the fan getting so much cool air will make the exhaust that much cooler. Second, the fan is much closer to the exhaust, meaning that the air won\u2019t need to travel over a ton of hot components to exhaust. This is both negative and positive, and I\u2019ll definitely be going over some concerns with it at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, let\u2019s move on to noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9274\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/22.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The noise generated with the new backplate was a LOT lower, 6.2 times quieter with the overclock present!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be noted, though, is that while the fan noise might be quieter, the model of fan you have starts to matter much more. Without the fan being covered, the more grating frequency of the Delta fan becomes much more apparent, so this is definitely a balancing act that depends on your specific Deck\u2019s fan model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Paste + Stock Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up is replacing the thermal paste, in these tests I used my personal favorite, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Y9P59R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">Noctua NT-H1<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The actual process was what I\u2019d describe as intermediate, removing the backplate and heat spreader was simple, but it would be easy to accidentally cause damage to the board itself if you aren\u2019t careful. Regardless, the entire process took roughly 20 minutes, including cleaning the stock paste off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that these results will be with the new paste and the stock backplate, we\u2019ll check them out with the JSAUX backplate next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9275\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/23.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first test is CPU temperature as usual, with the Noctua paste coming in around 2-3C cooler on both stock clocks and overclock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9276\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/24.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU temps are similar, with the results being only 1-2 degrees apart. As you can see, it actually takes a little longer for the Noctua paste to allow for heat saturation, indicating that it\u2019s more effective at carrying heat away from the chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance was identical with both pastes in Superposition, so let\u2019s move on to Returnal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9279\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/25.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Returnal is a bit different here, with the Noctua paste actually being a little hotter post-heat-saturation on the CPU, at least when overclocking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9280\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/26.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU, however, has very similar results even when overclocked. Usually, when the results are asymmetric like this, it means that either a bottleneck was lifted and the chip was able to work a little harder, or the workload is heavily asymmetrical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9281\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/27.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And these results confirm that to be the case, the averages and 97th percentile were noticeably higher on stock clocks, while the lows were much higher when overclocked with the Noctua paste as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9282\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/28.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Quickly looking into the chassis temps, the results are all within margin of error. This definitely makes sense, as we haven\u2019t changed the airflow in any meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9283\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/29.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Last up for this section, the noise levels for each. The overclocked noise was virtually identical, but the stock clocks came in at 1.9 dBA lower with the Noctua paste, which makes sense given the small temperature difference at those speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up, let\u2019s look at the Noctua paste with the New JSAUX backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Paste + New JSAUX Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>For these tests, I\u2019ll be comparing with the JSAUX backplate itself, using Stock paste. Since the difference was so massive with the backplate before, it\u2019s only fair to see if the paste makes any difference in isolation here, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9284\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/30.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting with CPU temperatures on Superposition, we see something very different than before, the CPU is running MUCH hotter with both the new paste and the new backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was very odd, so next I needed to look into GPU temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9285\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/31.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Much to my surprise, the GPU temperatures were higher as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only explanation for this, aside from bad paste application that wouldn\u2019t align with our previous results, is that the Deck was able to work much harder with the new paste for some reason, so I needed to confirm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9286\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/32.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This was definitely evidence of exactly that. While lows remained largely the same, the averages had their first deviation of 4% on superposition and the 97th percentile results were a massive 25% higher with both the new paste and backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I needed to confirm this on the Returnal, so let\u2019s go see how that went!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9287\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/33.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I wanted to look at these results from the other direction and see if we could guess the thermal implications of the results here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new paste and backplate together had better results in averages AND lows while overclocked, by a few percent each. The stock clock results were interesting, having similar averages, but more extreme highs and lows. It seems to me like the paste allowed for higher burst speeds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on this chart alone, I\u2019d guessed that the CPU and GPU would both be running hotter on the overclock, but cooler on average on the stock clocks, let\u2019s see if I was right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9288\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/34.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPU results are both exactly as I\u2019d guessed, with the overclock running almost 7 degrees hotter by the end of the test, on the new paste. What\u2019s more impressive to me are the results on stock clocks with the new paste, coming in at 5-6 degrees cooler than the backplate alone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9290\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/35.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We see similar results for the GPU, again coming in far under standard temperatures with the combo of new paste and backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9291\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/36.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a look at the chassis temperatures, we can see that even while overclocked, the maximum deviation is a single degree over the SoC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a <em>really<\/em> impressive showing, and reinforces that the paste isn\u2019t indicative of chassis temp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9292\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/37.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Last up for this round is acoustics, and I\u2019m still very impressed with the paste and JSAUX backplate combo. Both of these results deviate by only half a decibel, which is awesome news for the performance we gained, despite generating more heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alright, let\u2019s move on to the next round of testing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PTM Pad + Stock Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up I\u2019ll be testing the Honeywell PTM7950 thermal pad, which I\u2019ve never used before! I ordered by pad from ModDIY, as I\u2019ve heard that the pads from AliExpress have mixed results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To install the pad, I did something that was recommended to me by vagifabdulla in my Discord server. Big thank you to him, since it was a massive help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, I cut a small rectangle out of the pad and put it in the freezer for about half an hour. While it was chilling, I took the Deck apart, cleaned the Noctua thermal paste off, and then covered the Deck up to prevent dust settling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I grabbed the pad from the freezer, cut it to size and then used the included sticker strips to remove one of the protective plastic pieces. I put that side down onto the heat sink, then peeled the other side\u2019s plastic off and pressed any bubbles out with tweezers before mounting the heat sink back on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, let this be a lesson for those who might do this, have your morning coffee FIRST.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only did I almost break my microSD in half, but I also completely forgot to unplug the battery before doing this and I\u2019m genuinely lucky that I didn\u2019t break the Deck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the panic of realization settled, I buttoned the Deck back up and then started to burn the pad in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other thermal paste, the pad needs a burn-in period to reach optimal efficiency, otherwise it won\u2019t be transferring heat as well as it can. In order to burn it in, I did 2 rounds of 2 hour stress tests with GTKStressTest, then 15 on and 15 off for another 2 hours in Superposition. It\u2019s very unlikely to need <em>nearly<\/em> that burn-in period, but I wanted to make sure it put its best foot forward before testing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a quick final note, these results will be compared to the Noctua thermal paste as it\u2019s the best we\u2019ve achieved thus far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9293\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/38.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPU results are pretty impressive right out of the gate being 3-4 degrees cooler with an overclock and 1-2 degrees cooler at stock clock speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9294\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/39.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU also ran between 1-3 degrees cooler with the PTM pad than the Noctua paste, showing off just how well this little thing can transfer heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9295\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/40.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is another situation where the actual results were within margin of error, so let\u2019s check out Returnal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9297\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/41.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These CPU temperatures are very interesting to me. In the previous round of testing using the Noctua paste, we saw that the temperatures were much higher due to pushing more frames, will the same hold true here? Speaking to the chart itself, the overclocking temperatures are nearly 10C cooler and the stock clocks come in around 2-3 C cooler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9299\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/42.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU temperature here is equally mystifying, dropping about 8C when overclocked. Surely, the performance would suffer as a result of this much cooler chip?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/43.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not even close, as a matter of fact these results are the <em>best<\/em> I\u2019ve ever seen on Returnal. Every metric is higher, but especially noticeable are the lows, with the stock and overclocked results being notably higher than the Noctua paste variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9301\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/44.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And here we can finally see the tipping point for chassis temperature. The PTM pad made every point 1-2 degrees hotter, which is a testament to how much heat it can siphon off the chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see if it made any acoustic differences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9302\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/45.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, the cooler chip means quieter operation. At the cost of a single degree on the chassis, I think that this is a clear victory over either the stock or Noctua thermal paste. The 0.2mm thickness, coupled with insane thermal conductivity definitely makes the PTM7950 pad a contender for the best TIM I\u2019ve used, and I look forward to testing it out on other devices in the future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, let\u2019s see how well it can do when paired with the JSAUX backplate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PTM Pad + New JSAUX Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9303\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/46.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPU is performing as we\u2019d expect based on previous results, with the PTM pad being 1-3 degrees cooler than the Noctua paste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9304\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/47.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU is actually a bit hotter on the PTM pad, and although I ran the tests back to back it seems like it stared off a bit hotter. This is because the Deck actually took about 20 seconds longer to start the second test for that particular result, as a result of my keyboard\u2019s batteries dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I decided to see if there was any major performance impact because of this and\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9305\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/48.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here we can see that the results for the PTM pad are ever so slightly higher, meaning that the difference in temperature was minimal enough to not require a full re-test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s check out Returnal to see if these results hold true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Returnal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9306\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/49.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9307\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/50.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPU and GPU are running hotter with the PTM pad again, could we have another bottleneck being lifted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9308\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/51.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looks like it, the overclock results are a bit higher across the board, definitely a bottleneck being lifted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9309\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/52.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at chassis temperatures, we can see that most results are relatively close. The vents are just over a degree warmer each with the PTM pad, likely attributed to the faster thermal transfer off the chip, but the chassis over the SoC is almost 2 degrees cooler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see how those temperatures affect fan speed and noise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9310\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/53.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As anticipated, the higher chassis temperature was joined with higher noise. Stock clocks come in around 1.1 dBA higher and overclocked comes in around 1.9 dBA higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These results just go to show that the Deck will generate the same amount of heat regardless, but it has to go somewhere and it might be a little louder moving it out, depending on where the bottleneck is in the heat removal pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alright, next let\u2019s move on to the older JSAUX backplate with the metal plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old JSAUX Backplate with Metal Plate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The backplate was a simple swap, similar to the other one. The only thing that you need to be aware of is the larger thermal pad on the metal plate, designed to increase the thermal capacity of the Deck. This testing will be comparing against their newer backplate to see which design is better, metal panel or additional vent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, all further tests will be using the PTM pad, as it was the best we found for heat transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9311\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/54.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPU temperatures are much worse with the older backplate, about 5C average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9312\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/55.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And the GPU follows suit, not really putting up much of a fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9313\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/56.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And because of that the performance suffers quite a bit, at least when overclocked! It definitely seems to me like the older backplate is worse than the newer iteration, but better than the stock backplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see if that\u2019s true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9314\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/57.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yup, it certainly looks that way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The newer backplate is definitely remaining cooler, but the metal plat is helping the older iteration cool the CPU quite a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9315\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/58.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The story for the GPU is much the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9316\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/59.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And performance is exactly as we\u2019d expect, with the newer backplate pulling ahead by quite a bit, particularly in the lows!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9317\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/60.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking at chassis temps, we can see something very unfortunate with the older backplate. Aside from the exhaust being even hotter than with the stock backplate, the metal plate gets hot to the touch on the older JSAUX backplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61-1024x566.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9318\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61-1024x566.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61-768x425.jpg 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61-1536x850.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/61.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecma-international.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/ECMA-287_2nd_edition_december_2002.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to ECMA international<\/a>, a company specializing in compliance standards for electronics, a metallic surface at 49.1 degrees Celsius could be held or touched for 10 seconds or fewer at a time. Anything more than that would be a breach of ECMA-287, and a burn hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I feel obligated to reiterate that my testing conditions were an ambient temperature of 18C, if you were in a warmer area, this metal plate could get much hotter. For this reason alone, I do not recommend the older backplate when overclocking or if you have small children, or without the product we\u2019ll be testing next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we move on to that, though, let\u2019s check out acoustics!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9319\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/62.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With great thermal mass, comes great heat, which necessitates great cooling. The older metal-plate backplate is much louder than the newer one, and it nearly matches the stock backplate in how loud the fans need to get to deal with the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, this is another L for the metal backplate, but let\u2019s see if we can fix that with the next product, the JSAUX magnetic fan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">JSAUX Magnetic Fan + Old JSAUX Backplate (Metal)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The JSAUX magnetic fan is a multi-purpose fan that\u2019s magsafe compatible, but comes with a perfectly sized metal plate to adhere to the plate already on their old backplate. You need the additional plate to make it magnetic, as the regular one is not, but once you attach it you can just attach the fan, connect the USB cable and turn it on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the directions specify that the USB-C port on the fan is a \u201ccharging port\u201d, it needs to stay plugged in for the duration of use. It has some basic RGB functionality and 2 speed settings, for this test I\u2019ll be using a fan speed of high and centering the fan over the SoC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see if it can cool the metal backplate off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9324\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/63.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And here you can see, we\u2019re off to a great start! The CPU is about 5 degrees cooler using the fan, and it stays that way for the duration of the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9325\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/64.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU is much of the same, with a 5-6 degree drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9326\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/65.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We didn\u2019t really regain any performance with the fan, but what really matters is the chassis temperatures and acoustics, let\u2019s start with temperatures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9328\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/66.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This was great to see, the temperatures of the back plate are well within safety range now, and the top vent is cooler than stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s see how it affects acoustics!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9330\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/67.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unsurprisingly, slowing the internal fan down by using a quieter and larger fan actually quiets the Deck down by quite a bit! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These volumes are closer to what we experienced with the new backplate, and can be made quieter using the low setting on the fan, but would compromise cooling as a result. It\u2019s unfortunate that the metal backplate requires active cooling of this degree to stay safe and quiet, but it\u2019s great to see it <em>can <\/em>be made better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll touch more on this in the conclusion later, but for now let\u2019s check out the final product in today\u2019s article!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">JSAUX Exhaust Fan (Clip-on) + Stock Backplate<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The JSAUX clip-on exhaust fan is a battery powered backpack for your Deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s based on a clamp that you just need to pull and clip on, the top of the fan sits inside the top exhaust and will suck air out. It doesn\u2019t have any RGB or anything, but it has a variable speed knob to dial in exactly how much you want it to cool, I tested everything on maximum speed. Keep in mind that this fan will conflict with the new backplate\u2019s additional vent, so I\u2019m testing it using the Stock backplate and the PTM pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, I want to mention that because it\u2019s so chunky, it won\u2019t fit in a dock. While using it you need to lean it over or find a way to lock it into place without impeding airflow, I personally just balanced it on the clip but I wouldn\u2019t recommend doing the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that said, let\u2019s test it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unigine Superposition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9335\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/68.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Jumping straight into the CPU temperatures, we can see that this thing doesn\u2019t disappoint! The stock clock tests dropped by about 18 entire degrees, and the overclocking results by 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9336\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/69.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPU was similar, with about 20 degrees off on Stock clocks and another 10 on overclock. With internal temps like these, how are the chassis temperatures?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9338\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/70.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The chassis over the SoC matched the intake vent, and the top vent dropped 17.3 degrees, leaving no part of the Deck anything more than warm. The results from the clip-on fan are downright impressive when coupled with a PTM pad, but what\u2019s the downside?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9340\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/71.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The noise generated by the fan at these speeds is HIGH, and the frequency makes it incredibly noticeable while gaming. At 47dbA, stock clocks with the clip-on fan result in 9.5 times higher volume, nearly an order of magnitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same chart I referenced earlier indicated that this is almost the sound of moderate rainfall, so it\u2019s definitely not something I can ignore. Unless you\u2019re playing with the Deck docked, or aren\u2019t sensitive to fan noise, this is entirely too loud while in handheld mode on maximum speed. Medium speeds are better, but then you lose out on a lot of the cooling that you get otherwise, with the Deck easily being able to keep up at the same volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review Time!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Alright, so now that we\u2019ve tested everything, what are the key takeaways?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Old JSAUX Backplate (Metal)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting with the old JSAUX backplate, the one with the metal plate, I recommend avoiding it if you\u2019re thinking of overclocking or have larger hands. The metal gets hot enough that I was able to feel it a few centimeters away, I accidentally touched it a few times and definitely feel like I\u2019d have been burned if I kept my fingers there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you really want the metal backplate for either aesthetic or performance reasons, then I recommend\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">JSAUX Magnetic Fan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The magnetic fan to go along with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from not having a battery, this tamed the unruly metal backplate and made it pleasant to hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a pain having a cable plugged in, but it wouldn\u2019t be too hard to have this plugged into a Dock and then just slap it on the back of your Deck when you want to play on the TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a little too glossy for me, it doesn\u2019t feel very premium, and the RGB leaves some to be desired, but it\u2019s good at it\u2019s main purpose. If you don\u2019t want to swap a backplate, but you still want to have some extra cooling for the Deck laying around\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">JSAUX Clip-On Fan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Then I definitely recommend the clip-on fan. It might be noisy and a bit cumbersome, but the speed adjustment and excellent performance make this a great choice for someone who doesn\u2019t feel comfortable opening their Deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thermal Paste<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel comfortable opening your Deck and have some decent thermal paste laying around, you can definitely shed a few degrees just by swapping out the stock stuff. It\u2019s not best-in-class, but plenty of techies have it on hand and that makes it easy to recommend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Winners<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>And that brings us to the winners for the day, the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.jsaux.com\/3KdQPsL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\">new JSAUX backplate with vent<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moddiy.com\/products\/Honeywell-PTM7950-SP-Super-Highly-Thermally-Conductive-PCM-Pad.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Honeywell PTM7950 thermal pad<\/a>. Having 1 of these is already a boon for performance, but having both is even better, especially when comparing to Stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How much better? Let\u2019s see some new comparisons!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Horizon Zero Dawn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9343\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/72.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>CPU temperatures on Horizon Zero Dawn were about 5 degrees cooler at stock speeds, and 7 degrees cooler while overclocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9344\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/73.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>GPU temperatures were similar, losing 5 degrees average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9345\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/74.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And performance was much more stable, even considering the hitching inherent in the game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cyberpunk 2077<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9346\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/75.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyberpunk 2077 ran 5-6 degrees cooler on the CPU when overclocked, but within margin of error on stock clocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4800\" height=\"2700\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9347\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/76.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 4800px) 100vw, 4800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And had similar results on the GPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9349\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/77.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But managed to pull a few more FPS at both the stock and overclocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chassis Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9350\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/78.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This was while it stayed MUCH cooler on the chassis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acoustics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9351\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79-2048x1152.png 2048w, https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/79.png 4800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>AND quieter by about 5dBA to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Concerns<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>I mentioned that I\u2019d touch on this at the end of the article, but there are a few potential downsides to the new JSAUX backplate with the vent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the Deck was made with a very specific airflow pattern in mind, and was made with an emphasis on negative air pressure. Having the fan on the inside and pulling air through the lower intake vent pushes a lot of air across many heat-sensitive parts of the Deck, like the VRMs, or voltage regulator modules. The JSAUX vented backplate circumvents a lot of that airflow and COULD harm those parts, although I didn\u2019t notice any of these parts getting significantly hotter during my testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, with the fan basically being exposed, dust buildup could be far worse using the new backplate. Fortunately, you\u2019ll be able to see much of it through the transparent shell, but it\u2019s something to keep in mind for long-term usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, if you have a Delta fan you may want to steer clear, or replace the fan as well. The fans are usually quiet enough to not be too grating, but on occasion they\u2019ll ramp up and the whine will be very noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:44px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>I will personally be keeping the new backplate on this Deck, having both it and the PTM pad is a night and day difference for my usability and it should keep my fans quieter, which might even help battery life in the long run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, and as always, thank you all for reading and have a great day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The JSAUX and some Amazon links above are using an affiliate link which gives Cryobyte33 a little back from sales at no extra charge to you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out the rest of the content on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/\">SteamDeckHQ<\/a>! We have a wide variety game reviews and news that are sure to help your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/news\/\">news<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/tips-and-guides\/\">tips and tutorials<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/game-settings\/\">game settings and reviews<\/a>, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we've got your back!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cryobyte33 is back again and this time he is going into testing Steam Deck Thermal modding. How low can we get the Deck's temps? Let's find out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":9395,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[117],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cryobyte33"],"acf":[],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Cryobyte33","author_link":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/author\/cryobyte33\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Cryobyte33CoolingFeatured-200x300.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/category\/cryobyte33\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Cryobyte33<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Cryobyte33<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":"1","relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 3 years ago","modified":"Updated 3 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on July 28, 2023","modified":"Updated on July 29, 2023"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on July 28, 2023 11:31 pm","modified":"Updated on July 29, 2023 6:23 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9243"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9243\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/steamdeckhq.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}