When a new console comes out, there are always users tinkering and tinkering to make things better. In the case of the Steam Deck, Valve wants to warn some users.
A console is never perfect. And the Steam Deck is not immune to criticism either. Some consider that the autonomy is insufficient and others clearly think that it is much too noisy during use. To remedy this last problem, some have found “homemade solutions”.
The handyman’s trick
One of them is to tape the Steam Deck fan. And it’s a Reddit user who even made a tutorial about it to try to reduce the noise. You can find the discussion in question by following this link. On our side, we will refrain from encouraging you to do this.
Indeed, Valve formally advises against this operation and makes it known via a spokesperson to the newspaper The Verge. Lawrence Yang explains as follows:
We don’t recommend changing the airflow path as we don’t know how that might impact temperatures.
Valve speaks on the Steam Deck
As always it is difficult to blame users when a mechanical problem occurs on a new console like the Steam Deck. It is obvious that people will always try to find solutions to problems, especially if no communication is made on the subject.
For the time being, we don’t know if Valve will offer a solution to this problem, but in any case we advise against this in-house solution which could (potentially) void your warranty in the event of a major breakdown.