ValveSoftware / ValveSoftware/SteamOS

Feature request: Add power controls to QAM in Steam Machine for CPU/GPU

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Description

I would like to request power controls, similar to the Steam Deck, are added to the QAM. Benefits of this would include potentially lower power draw, lower temperatures (potentially improving lifespan) and fine control over device performance.

I have confirmed, by building ryzenadj with the device model ID identified as HawkPoint, that the CPU STAPM, SLOW and FAST limits are modifiable (within the firmware limits). See my issue post on the ryzenadj GH page, https://github.com/FlyGoat/RyzenAdj/issues/409, for how I discovered that is possible.

LACT also shows the GPU can have its power limit adjusted. The GPU core and memory clocks can also be adjusted, as well as undervolted. I have verified this works myself: https://www.reddit.com/r/steammachine/comments/1uu900g/lact_running_on_steam_machine/

At a minimum, it would be nice to see power limit control for the CPU and GPU. Going further with capabilities for GPU clocks and VRAM adjustments would also be desirable, although I would expect it to only be within the certified stable limits for obvious reasons - perhaps a hidden setting could be added to also allow overclocking and undervolting, with the appropriate warnings too, though it would be perfectly understandable if that wasn't added.

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by locating the QAM implementation and reviewing the linked ryzenadj and LACT references for the Steam Machine hardware capabilities. Define the minimum CPU and GPU power-limit scope, then verify the controls on the device; clock, memory, undervolting, and overclocking support are broader follow-up possibilities.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Domain
operating-systems, performance
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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