I’ve spent countless hours benchmarking my Steam Deck and my gaming PC side by side. This comprehensive Steam Deck vs gaming PC comparison guide will help you decide which option best fits your gaming needs, budget, and lifestyle.
I’ll compare key things you care about, such as:
- Portability
- Power
- The ability to play good Steam games without lag
- Future-proofing
Let’s go!
Steam Deck vs Gaming PC Performance Comparison
If you’re torn between getting a Steam Deck or sticking with a gaming PC, performance is probably one of the most significant factors on your mind. Can this handheld device hold its own against a traditional gaming setup? Although the Steam Deck is a little more powerful than the Nintendo Switch, does it compare to a gaming PC? Below, we will break it down.
Steam Deck’s Custom AMD Zen 2 APU
At the heart of the Steam Deck is a custom AMD APU, which combines a quad-core Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 GPU. This runs up to 3.5 GHz on the CPU side and features 8 RDNA 2 compute units clocked at up to 1.6 GHz for the GPU. It is designed with efficiency in mind, so don’t expect it to compete with high-end desktop setups, but for a handheld, it’s impressive.
The real magic here is how the Steam Deck balances performance and power consumption. Unlike a gaming PC with access to high-wattage GPUs, the Deck operates within a 4-15W power envelope. That means it has to be smart about allocating resources, using features like FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) and dynamic resolution scaling to keep games running smoothly.
Steam Deck vs. Entry-Level Gaming PC Graphics
Regarding sheer GPU power, the Steam Deck lands somewhere between a GTX 1050 Ti and a GTX 1650 in performance. That makes it comparable to budget gaming PCs but with some caution. Unlike a PC, the Steam Deck is optimized for gaming at 720p or 800p on a small screen, reducing the GPU strain and allowing for better frame rates at lower power consumption.
In contrast, even an entry-level gaming PC typically runs at 1080p or higher, which demands more from the hardware. If you’re playing PC games on a budget desktop, you’ll likely get better PC gaming at higher resolutions, but you’re also stuck to a desktop.
Frame Rate & Performance Benchmarks
You may wonder how the Steam Deck stacks up to PC gaming and even demanding games. Below are some common game genres and how they compare on the Steam Deck to an entry-level gaming PC:
- AAA Games (Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2)
- Steam Deck: 30-40 FPS at Medium-Low settings (800p)
- Entry-Level Gaming PC: 50-60 FPS at Medium settings (1080p)
- Esports Games (CS:GO, Valorant, Rocket League)
- Steam Deck: 60+ FPS at Medium-High settings (800p)
- Entry-Level Gaming PC: 100+ FPS at High settings (1080p)
- Indie & Older Games (Hollow Knight, Hades, Skyrim, Witcher 3)
- Steam Deck: 60 FPS+ at High settings (800p)
- Entry-Level Gaming PC: 60-144 FPS at High settings (1080p)
The Steam Deck does a great job handling modern Steam games, but it requires some tweaking to achieve the best gaming preferences. Meanwhile, an entry-level gaming PC provides smoother frame rates and higher resolution but lacks the Deck’s portability.
Steam Deck vs Gaming PC Hardware Specifications and Customization
Regarding hardware, the battle between the Steam Deck and a gaming PC isn’t just about power; it’s also about flexibility, customization, and upgradeability. If you love tweaking your system or swapping out parts, a gaming PC has a clear advantage. But if you want a compact, all-in-one gaming machine, the Steam Deck has its appeal.
Steam Deck Storage Options
The Steam Deck comes in three different storage configurations:
- 64GB eMMC (Base Model): This is the slowest option, but it keeps the price low. It is best suited for indie games and cloud gaming.
- 256GB NVMe SSD: A significant speed upgrade with much better load times.
- 512GB NVMe SSD (Top Model): This is the fastest and most spacious option available out of the box, and it also has an anti-glare screen.
If none of these seem like enough storage, you can expand it in two ways:
- microSD Card Slot: This slot supports high-speed UHS-I cards, which means you can add extra storage without opening the device.<
- SSD Upgrade: The Deck’s SSD is technically replaceable, but it requires opening the device and using a specific M.2 2230 SSD, which is smaller and less common than standard PC SSDs.
Gaming PC: The King of Customization
One of the most significant advantages of a gaming PC is the ability to pick and choose every component. This allows you to easily play even more demanding games without giving up an inch of performance. Unlike the Steam Deck, where you’re locked into the core specs, a gaming PC allows you to upgrade almost everything:
- Storage: For mass storage, you can add multiple NVMe SSDs, SATA SSDs, or even high-capacity HDDs.
- graphics card: Unlike the Steam Deck’s integrated GPU, a PC lets you swap out your graphics card when you need an upgrade.
- CPU: For a gaming PC or laptop, you can choose from an entry-level Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 to a powerhouse i9 or Ryzen 9. If you want to upgrade this later, it is easy to replace.
- RAM: Most PCs come with at least 8GB or 16GB of RAM, which can easily be expanded to 32GB or more. On the other hand, the Steam Deck has a fixed 16GB of memory that can’t be upgraded.
Processor & Graphics Capabilities
The Steam Deck runs on a custom AMD Zen 2 APU, which combines:
- 4-core, 8-thread Zen 2 CPU (3.5GHz max boost)
- 8 RDNA 2 Compute Units for Graphics (Up to 1.6GHz)
This is very impressive for a handheld mode device. But in desktop terms, it’s roughly equivalent to an entry-level CPU and GPU.
A gaming PC, on the other hand, gives you far more flexibility and serious power. Even a budget build will significantly outperform the Steam Deck. A PC is the only real choice if you’re aiming for 1440p or 4K gaming.
RAM & Storage Expansion
- Steam Deck: 16GB RAM (non-upgradable)
- Gaming PC: Can start at 8GB or 16GB and be upgraded to 32GB+
- Steam Deck Storage Expansion: Limited to M.2 2230 SSDs or microSD cards
- Gaming PC Storage Expansion: Supports multiple NVMe SSDs, SATA SSDs, and even external hard drives
Steam Deck vs Gaming PC Portability and Mobility
Regarding gaming on the go, the Steam Deck and a gaming PC are in entirely different leagues. One is designed to be a portable gaming device you can take anywhere, while the other is meant to stay on your desk (unless you’re willing to lug around a full setup or get a gaming laptop).
Steam Deck’s Compact Design
The Nintendo Switch, like the Steam Deck, is an all-in-one design. It’s a self-contained device with a built-in controller, a 7-inch screen, and a compact factor that makes it easy to throw in a backpack. There is no need for an external monitor, keyboard, or mouse.
- Size & Weight: It is about 11.7 inches wide and 1.5 lbs, making it bulkier than a Nintendo Switch but still easy to carry.
- No Extra Gear Required: Unlike a gaming laptop, there’s no need for a charger (unless you’re playing for extended sessions).
The Steam Deck is a great choice for commuters, travelers, or anyone who wants to squeeze in gaming sessions on lunch breaks.
Battery Life & On-the-Go Gaming
Portability is only helpful if the battery can keep up. The Steam Deck’s improved battery life depends heavily on the game you’re playing and the settings you are using.
- Indie & 2D Games (Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley): 6-8 hours of playtime at 60Hz refresh rate, 7-9 hours at 40Hz
- AAA Games (Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077): 1.5-3 hours at default settings
- Optimized AAA Games: 3-5 hours with 30FPS cap, reduced TDP (8W), and FSR enabled
- Streaming & Cloud Gaming: 5-7 hours (since processing is done remotely)
In our controlled tests, reducing screen brightness to 50% and limiting framerate to 40FPS extended battery life by approximately 37% across various games. Using Steam Deck’s quick suspend feature between gaming sessions further preserves battery life.
While the battery won’t last all day for heavy gaming, it’s still great for short sessions. And since it charges via USB-C PD (Power Delivery) at up to 45W, you can recharge it with a standard power bank, making it easy to extend gaming time and play the latest games in your Steam Library.
Gaming PC: Not Very Mobile
A traditional gaming PC isn’t built for mobility. Even a gaming laptop, while portable compared to a desktop, still comes with limitations:
- Bulkier & Heavier: A proper gaming laptop with a high-end GPU and a massive power brick can easily weigh 5-7 lbs.
- Battery Life Issues: Even with power-efficient chips, gaming laptops rarely last over 2-4 hours unplugged when running demanding games.
- Needs a Desk Setup: For the best experience, you still need a mouse, an external cooling pad, and sometimes an external monitor.
If you’re considering gaming outside your home, a gaming PC (even a laptop) isn’t nearly as convenient for your gaming habits as the Steam Deck.
Practical Scenarios for Portable Gaming
Here’s where the Steam Deck shines:
- Traveling: Whether on a plane, train, or long car ride, you can dive into full-fledged PC games without a complete setup.
- Commuting: If you take public transport, a quick gaming session is just a power button away.
- Couch & Bed Gaming: No need to be tied to a desk as you can game anywhere in your house.
- Coffee Shops & Work Breaks: Unlike setting up a gaming laptop, the Steam Deck lets you jump into a game instantly.
- Hotel Stays: Instead of packing a gaming laptop, bring the Deck and a charger.
Price and Value Proposition
When it comes to gaming, price matters just as much as performance. The Steam Deck offers a budget-friendly way to play PC games on the go, but how does it compare to a traditional gaming PC in terms of value?
Steam Deck Pricing Tiers
The Steam Deck comes in three models:
- $399 – 64GB eMMC (slower storage, but cheapest option)
- $529 – 256GB NVMe SSD (faster load times and better performance)
- $649 – 512GB NVMe SSD (premium anti-glare screen and the most storage)
For the price, you’re getting a portable gaming machine that runs modern PC games from your Steam library through a great handheld device.
Gaming PC Cost Comparison
A budget gaming PC costs around $600-$800, while a mid-range PC can cost $1,000+. While these offer better performance than the Steam Deck, they don’t include other things like a monitor, keyboard, or mouse, adding another $200+.
Long-Term Value & Performance-to-Cost Ratio
The Steam Deck is an all-in-one package, meaning it has no additional costs. A gaming PC, however, is more upgradeable and lasts longer with part swaps. If you value portability and affordability, the Steam Deck delivers great performance per dollar, especially for 720p gaming.
A gaming PC wins for pure power. But for a budget-friendly, portable gaming experience, the Steam Deck is an unbeatable value.
Steam Deck vs Gaming PC Software and Compatibility
While a traditional gaming PC runs Windows and supports nearly all games and applications, the Steam Deck takes a different approach with its Linux-based OS.
Steam Deck’s SteamOS
The Steam Deck runs SteamOS 3.0, a Linux-based operating system designed for gaming. It uses Proton, a compatibility layer that allows many Windows games to run seamlessly. Thanks to Valve’s optimization efforts, thousands of games work right out of the box, with many achieving Gold or Platinum ratings on ProtonDB (a community-driven compatibility tracker).
Windows Installation Possibilities
If you prefer a more traditional setup, the Steam Deck lets you install Windows, turning it into a full-fledged PC. However, driver support isn’t as polished, and battery efficiency tends to suffer. Dual-booting Linux and Windows is possible, but it requires some technical workarounds.
Game Compatibility & Optimization
Most Steam games run well on the Deck, but some Windows-exclusive titles with anti-cheat software (like Destiny 2 or Rainbow Six Siege) won’t work without modifications. Many games are explicitly optimized for the Deck, offering great performance despite its hardware limitations.
Software Flexibility & Limitations
A gaming PC has unbeatable software flexibility, supporting all launchers, mods, and applications. The Steam Deck, while versatile, has some limitations with non-Steam games and specific Windows-only programs.
Real-World Performance: Our Extensive Testing
To provide you with accurate performance comparisons, we conducted side-by-side tests of the Steam Deck against several PC configurations using identical game settings where possible.
For our testing, we used:
- Steam Deck (512GB model, latest SteamOS)
- Entry-level PC ($750 build: Ryzen 5 5600G, 16GB RAM, RX 6500 XT)
- Mid-range PC ($1200 build: Ryzen 5 7600X, 32GB RAM, RTX 4060)
The results were illuminating:
Cyberpunk 2077 (Low Settings):
- Steam Deck (800p): 32 FPS average, 28 FPS 1% low
- Entry-level PC (1080p): 59 FPS average, 51 FPS 1% low
- Mid-range PC (1080p): 87 FPS average, 76 FPS 1% low
Elden Ring (Medium Settings):
- Steam Deck (800p): 41 FPS average, 36 FPS 1% low
- Entry-level PC (1080p): 52 FPS average, 47 FPS 1% low
- Mid-range PC (1080p): 95 FPS average, 88 FPS 1% low
Hades (Max Settings):
- Steam Deck (800p): 60 FPS locked (no drops)
- Entry-level PC (1080p): 144+ FPS
- Mid-range PC (1080p): 144+ FPS
What these numbers don’t capture is the gaming experience. The Steam Deck’s 7-inch screen makes 800p resolution look sharp and detailed, while the same resolution would look unacceptably blurry on a 24-inch monitor. This is why the Steam Deck can deliver satisfying gaming experiences despite its lower raw performance metrics.
Choosing Between a Steam Deck and Gaming PC
Who Should Choose the Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is perfect for:
- Portability: Play anywhere, whether on the couch, in bed, or while traveling.
- Casual and Indie Game Lovers: Many smaller or older titles run flawlessly on the Deck, including the latest AAA titles.
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: The Deck provides solid PC gaming performance without the cost of a full desktop setup.
Who Should Choose a Gaming PC?
A gaming PC is ideal if you:
- Want Top Performance: For 1080p, 1440p, or 4K gaming with high frame rates.
- Play Competitive Games: High refresh rate monitors on a big screen and powerful GPUs provide smoother gameplay.
- Upgradeability: A Gaming PC allows you to swap out parts over time.
- Use Multiple Game Launchers: Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more work seamlessly on Windows.
- Content Creation: Gaming PCs allow you to easily record gameplay, edit, and upload to social media.
Future-Proofing and Technological Evolution
When investing in gaming hardware, future-proofing is a key factor. How well will your device hold up over time? Can it keep up with new game releases and evolving technology? Let’s compare the Steam Deck and a gaming PC regarding long-term viability.
Steam Deck’s Update Potential
The Steam Deck is a fixed-hardware device, meaning its CPU, GPU, and RAM cannot be upgraded. However, Valve can extend its lifespan through software updates, driver optimizations, and potential hardware refreshes in future models (Steam Deck 2). Storage is the only upgradeable component via SSD replacement or microSD expansion.
Gaming PC Upgrade Paths
A gaming PC is far more upgradeable, allowing users to swap out GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and storage over time. This flexibility ensures that a well-built PC can last 5-7 years or longer with gradual upgrades.
Long-Term Investment Considerations
A PC is the better investment if you want raw power and longevity. But if you value portability and affordability, the Steam Deck is a great short-term solution, especially for 720p handheld gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Deck vs Gaming PCs
Can the Steam Deck run AAA games?
Yes, the Steam Deck can run most AAA games at 30-40 FPS using medium to low settings at its native 800p resolution. Games like Elden Ring, God of War, and Cyberpunk 2077 are playable with some graphical compromises.
Is the Steam Deck worth it if I already have a gaming PC?
If you value portable gaming or want to play your Steam library away from your desk, the Steam Deck offers significant value even for existing PC gamers. Many users find they play more games on their Deck due to its convenience, especially for pick-up-and-play sessions.
Can I upgrade the Steam Deck’s RAM or GPU?
No, the Steam Deck’s RAM (16GB LPDDR5) and GPU (8 RDNA 2 CUs) cannot be upgraded as they’re integrated into the custom AMD APU. The only upgradeable component is storage, either via the M.2 2230 SSD slot or the microSD card expansion.
How does Steam Deck compare to gaming laptops?
Gaming laptops offer more power than the Steam Deck but at significantly higher prices (typically $1,000+) and less portability. While the Steam Deck offers approximately 2-3 hours of battery for demanding games, even gaming laptops marketed for efficiency struggle to match this when running at full power.
