The Steam Deck may have a sophisticated OS that simplifies browsing and playing Steam games, but at its core, it’s essentially a standard handheld PC. This means that individuals with sufficient technical knowledge can customize the device to their liking, loading different operating systems and playing games outside the Steam library with minimal restrictions.
One of the most sought-after features is the ability to monitor your frame rate, ensuring that your games run smoothly and that your handheld PC is operating as expected.
Initially, displaying your frame rate on the Steam Deck was a challenging process. However, today, it is as simple as activating a few options. Here’s how you can view your frame rate on the Steam Deck using the Performance overlay:
How to Display Your Frame Rate on the Steam Deck
Assuming you have a Steam account and have started playing the game for which you want performance metrics, ensure that your Steam Deck is up to date before proceeding. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Access the Quick Access Menu (QAM) by selecting the “…” button in the bottom right corner of your Steam Deck.
Step 2: In the Quick Access Menu, navigate to the Performance section indicated by the battery icon.
Step 3: Below the battery life section in the Performance menu, you’ll find the Performance overlay. Adjust the slider from one to four to display your frame rate on the upper left corner of your game.
Step 4: The Performance overlay can be customized with additional information like GPU and CPU performance and battery status. Choose a level of detail that suits your preferences without being too distracting.
Step 5: Experiment with the Framerate limit option to control frame rate and address screen tearing issues. This feature can help optimize your gaming experience and prolong your Deck’s GPU lifespan.
In addition to monitoring frame rate, the Steam Deck offers various performance optimization options. For more Steam Deck tips, check out our guides on how to get Xbox Game Pass on the Steam Deck and the list of every Steam Deck Verified game.
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