A YouTuber and skilled tinkerer has opted to upgrade their rig by installing a bespoke water cooling system tailored specifically to their machine’s unique specifications. In this 15-minute video, DIY enthusiast and YouTuber Diy Papi gives viewers an in-depth look at the inner workings of his innovative, water-cooled gaming handheld device.
Our top pick for best gaming handheld PC is Valve’s OLED portable, a title it holds thanks to our detailed review in this Steam Deck OLED evaluation. Notwithstanding the fact that a particular YouTuber possesses more innovative ideas than Valve Corporation does. While water cooling the Steam Deck may seem like a straightforward process of attaching equipment, it actually entails a comprehensive overhaul of the system in a rugged and unrefined manner.
The mold required the backplate to be “significantly modified,” with an opening reduced for optimal meeting functionality. The modder secures water blocks to critical components, connecting them to tubing and a pump assembly to facilitate coolant circulation through these critical areas. Initially, the makeshift device is secured using electrical tape, though it’s subsequently fastened to the surface employing cable ties and screws.
“Will it’s price it? The company’s CEO firmly asserts, “There is absolutely no truth to the notion that our new product is oversized.” Papi’s approach is refreshingly transparent, focusing on his capability to execute the task rather than debating its moral implications.
While the results might not have been worth the effort, the water-cooled Steam Deck only managed to reach a peak temperature of 70°C, relatively close to the maximum temperature of the OLED model he was testing simultaneously.
A YouTube commenter noted that Papi’s setup may be suboptimal since it currently cools the warmth shield rather than the AMD APU die directly. If he had attached the water block to the Steam Deck’s internal components properly, there may indeed be significant consequences.
In his final 12 months as a TikToker, Vurathayho showcased the same project, this time utilizing desktop water-cooling equipment. The absurdly low temperature was achieved by cleverly running Cyberpunk 2077 on the ridiculous setup, bringing the thermostat reading down to a chilly 58°C.
While the Steam Deck isn’t designed with water cooling in mind, its implementation on a desktop PC would likely have a significant impact, extending beyond mere temperature reduction to also encompass increased quietness. Upon reviewing your computer’s specifications and learning how to effectively water-cool it, you’ll be well-equipped to optimize performance and achieve optimal results.
