The performance difference between SteamOS and Windows on Steam Deck

For more than two weeks, the first customers have already owned Valve’s Steam Deck and, as announced, are not limited to the original SteamOS system. Users can install other systems on their hardware, but the performance difference between SteamOS and Windows on Steam Deck makes it clear that it’s better not to do this… and despite other issues.

Windows vs SteamOS na Steam Decku

To outline the exact differences at stake, we have to thank the LinusTechTips channel, who tested it on the example of three productions – Hitman 3, Doom Eternal and Elden Ring. The process itself was simple and required checking the fluidity of these titles on Steam Deck with Windows or SteamOS installed. Results? It’s fair to say that Valve designed the Steam Deck with SteamOS in mind, and Windows support is currently just an add-on.

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On SteamOS, the Elden Ring on average allowed you to enjoy a fluency of 37 frames per second, in Doom Eternal 60 FPS, and in Hitman 3 the least, because it is 34 frames. However, the pogrom showed up on Windows 10, because there the games ran successively at 30, 47 and … 19 frames per second. This makes it clear that, on the one hand, Steam Deck is not an ideal gaming platform due to the lack of the key 60fps, and if someone is already using it, it’s best to stick with the original system. Not only optimization, but also functions are clearly richer on SteamOS.