Modder reveals potential for Steam Deck OLED 32GB RAM upgrade, raising concerns for ROG Xbox Ally increment
The Steam Deck, Valve's popular handheld gaming device, has just received an unofficial upgrade that could significantly enhance its performance. Expert modders, like Isaac from SlickBuys Mods and Repairs, have developed a solution for upgrading the Steam Deck OLED to 32GB of RAM.
This complex upgrade requires the replacement of the original 16GB RAM chips with 32GB high-density chips, a delicate process that involves professional soldering skills and BIOS programming. The cost of the required 32GB RAM chips is approximately $110, and Isaac estimates that the total service price, including labor, will be around $200. This price is considered reasonable compared to alternatives.
Isaac is currently accepting orders for this service, including from international customers. However, final pricing details are still being confirmed, and he is seeking feedback on what to charge. Given the intricate nature of the upgrade, it is strongly recommended to use professional mod services rather than attempting the upgrade yourself.
Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, another gaming handheld, has been making waves in the industry. With its AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset, the base model could potentially benefit from the performance boost offered by 32GB RAM, especially in trading blows with the Steam Deck. The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced at $649.99 on Amazon, uses almost the same APU as the Asus ROG Ally. A memory bump could level the field and combat any current RAM-related bottlenecks.
However, it's important to note that the Steam Deck's custom AMD RDNA 2 APU packs less of a punch than the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme found in the X model of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. More RAM may not significantly boost the Steam Deck's performance.
For Valve handheld users, it's worth considering checking out the best Steam Deck accessories and docks, as well as the best retro consoles for playing classic games. The X model of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, with a more powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, will still outperform the Steam Deck, even with 32GB of RAM.
In conclusion, the 32GB RAM mod service for the Steam Deck OLED is now available from modders like Isaac for an estimated cost of around $200. However, it remains a specialized and somewhat costly upgrade due to the involved hardware modifications and risks.
[1] Source: ModdingTech [2] Source: GamingIntel [3] Source: TechRadar [4] Source: Amazon [5] Source: Newegg
- The upgraded Steam Deck OLED with 32GB RAM, achieved through a complex process by modders like Isaac from SlickBuys Mods and Repairs, could potentially enhance the device's performance.
- The Asus ROG Xbox Ally, another popular gaming handheld, could benefit from the performance boost offered by 32GB RAM, especially with its AMD Ryzen Z2 A chipset.
- The Lenovo Legion Go S, another device using a similar APU as the Asus ROG Ally, could level the field with a memory bump, addressing any current RAM-related bottlenecks.
- While the Steam Deck's custom AMD RDNA 2 APU doesn't pack as much of a punch as the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme found in the X model of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, more RAM may still not significantly boost the Steam Deck's performance.
- For Valve handheld users, it's essential to consider checking out the best Steam Deck accessories, docks, retro consoles for playing classic games, and the X model of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, with a more powerful Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, will outperform the Steam Deck, even with 32GB of RAM.
- The 32GB RAM mod service for the Steam Deck OLED is now available from modders like Isaac and will cost an estimated $200, but it remains a specialized and somewhat costly upgrade due to the involved hardware modifications and risks.
(Sources: ModdingTech, GamingIntel, TechRadar, Amazon, Newegg)
