5 Best Steam Deck Equivalent GPU in 2024
If you want to match the Steam Deck’s graphics capabilities on a desktop setup or want to achieve similar performance levels without going over budget, many are turning to devices like the Steam Deck, which combines a small design with powerful performance. This is due to the growing popularity of portable gaming.
Finding the best options is made easier with the help of this guide to the Top 5 Steam Deck Equivalent GPUs of 2024.
Overview of the Steam Deck’s GPU Capabilities
Valve created the Steam Deck, which is optimized to run AAA titles at lower resolutions (usually 720p to 1080p). For effective gaming performance, it has a proprietary AMD RDNA 2-based APU that combines CPU and GPU functions into one unit.
- Architecture: RDNA 2 AMD
- Graphics Compute Power: A little over 1.6 TFLOPS
- Resolution Support: 720p and 1080p gaming optimization
- VRAM: System memory (16 GB LPDDR5) is shared.
- Clock Speed: Variable GPU speed up to 1.6 GHz
When searching for alternatives to the Steam Deck, dedicated GPUs such as the GTX 1650 or RX 6400 are a good place to start because of how well the Steam Deck’s GPU performs.
What to Look for in a Steam Deck Equivalent GPU
Take into account the following elements when looking for a GPU that can match the Steam Deck’s capabilities:
- Resolution Compatibility: Seek GPUs with good 720p or 1080p performance.
- Memory: At these resolutions, the majority of contemporary games require at least 4 GB of VRAM.
- Architecture and Efficiency: For small or low-budget installations, GPUs based on more recent architectures (RDNA 2 or comparable) should ideally give greater performance-per-watt.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: Make sure the GPU offers strong gaming performance without driving up the price for an economical configuration.
The 5 Best Steam Deck Equivalent GPUs in 2024
These five top GPUs in 2024 offer an experience akin to the Steam Deck based on pricing, compatibility, and performance:
- The NVIDIA GTX 1650
- The NVIDIA GTX 1060
- AMD RX 570
- AMD RX 6400
- AMD RX 580
Let’s examine the features that each of these GPUs has in more detail.
In-depth comparison of Each GPU
1. NVIDIA GTX 1650
Similar to the Steam Deck, the GTX 1650 is a very effective and reasonably priced solution that offers good 1080p gaming performance for light to moderate titles.
- Power of computation: 2.9 TFLOPS
- VRAM: 4 GB of GDDR5
- Performance: Fit for games in 720p to 1080p
- Price Range: Usually reasonable, providing excellent value for gamers on a tight budget.
The GTX 1650 is perfect for those who want desktop performance similar to Steam Deck without using a lot of electricity because of its small size and power efficiency.
2. NVIDIA GTX 1060
The GTX 1060, which has a little more power than the Steam Deck’s GPU, is still a popular option for 1080p gaming. Additionally, it’s readily accessible and frequently reasonably priced on the used market.
- Compute Power: 3.8 TFLOPS
- VRAM: 6 GB of GDDR5
- Performance: Great for 1080p, with most games running on medium settings.
- Price Range: Reasonably priced, particularly when in reconditioned or used condition.
The GTX 1060 is a desirable choice for obtaining consistent frame rates on medium settings in demanding games because of its track record of performance at 1080p.
3. AMD RX 570
An inexpensive substitute that offers superior 1080p performance and more VRAM than the Steam Deck’s APU is AMD’s RX 570. For demanding games and graphical settings, it offers additional headroom.
- Compute Power: 5.1 TFLOPS
- VRAM: GDDR5 4 or 8 GB
- Performance: Outstanding for 1080p; many games can be played at high settings.
- Price Range: Typically inexpensive and frequently accessible.
The RX 570 continues to be a strong choice for consumers seeking 1080p performance on par with or better than the Steam Deck because of its excellent performance-to-price ratio.
4. AMD RX 6400
AMD’s RDNA 2 portfolio includes the RX 6400, which offers excellent performance and efficiency near the Steam Deck. Its architecture allows it to operate well at 1080p while utilizing low power.
- Compute Power: 3.5 TFLOPS
- VRAM: 4 GB of GDDR6
- Performance: Outstanding in 1080p and 720p
- Price Range: Economical and effective
The RX 6400 is one of the closest PC equivalents to the Steam Deck due to its effective design and RDNA 2 architecture, even though it isn’t the most powerful device on this list.
5. AMD RX 580
For a Steam Deck substitute, the RX 580 offers great power and performs exceptionally well in both 1080p and mild 1440p gaming. Despite being an older choice, this GPU is still often used because of its reliable performance.
- Compute Power: 6.2 TFLOPS
- VRAM: GDDR5 4 or 8 GB
- Performance: Excellent for high settings 1080p gaming
- Price Range: Reasonably priced, particularly when used
The RX 580 is still a fantastic choice for gamers who want a little more headroom than the Steam Deck without going into the high-end GPU category because of its dependable 1080p capabilities.
How to Choose the Right Equivalent GPU for You
A number of criteria influence the choice of the optimal Steam Deck comparable GPU:
- Gaming Requirements: While the RX 570 or RX 580 might be preferable for more demanding titles, the GTX 1650 or RX 6400 should be adequate for casual gaming.
- Budget: If you want to reduce expenses to a minimum, the RX 570 and GTX 1060 are great choices.
- Resolution Goals: The RX 580 or GTX 1060 might offer the greatest experience if 1080p gaming is your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
Q.1 Are these GPUs better than the Steam Deck’s built-in GPU?
These GPUs typically match or slightly outperform the Steam Deck’s GPU, particularly when playing games at 720p and 1080p. They are not as portable as the Steam Deck, though.
Q.2 Can I achieve 4K gaming with these GPUs?
1080p gaming is better suited for these GPUs. Higher-end GPUs would be required for 4K gaming.
Q.3 Is the RX 6400 a good choice for low-power builds?
Indeed, the RX 6400 can function effectively in small, low-power configurations and is quite efficient.
Q.4 Are these GPUs suitable for VR gaming?
Since VR frequently demands better performance than 1080p gaming, the majority of these GPUs may need help with it. VR support on the RX 580 and GTX 1060 may be limited.
Conclusion
The Top 5 Steam Deck Equivalent GPUs in 2024 featured here provide good performance at reasonable costs if you’re looking for a desktop experience that’s on par with the Steam Deck.
