How to Increase Steam Deck FPS: 10 Settings That Actually Work
If your Steam Deck is struggling to hold a stable framerate, you’re not stuck. Steam Deck’s Quick Access Menu has powerful performance tools built right in. Here’s exactly what to change.
1. Set a Framerate Cap
Cap at 40fps instead of chasing uncapped 60fps. A locked 40fps feels much smoother than 50-60fps with dips. Quick Access → Performance → Framerate limit → 40.
2. Increase TDP Limit
Push TDP to 12-15W for demanding games. Quick Access → Performance → TDP Limit → toggle on → slide to 12-15W. Combined with a framerate cap, this is the biggest FPS boost available.
3. Enable FSR Upscaling
FSR renders at a lower resolution then upscales to native, giving significant FPS gains with minimal visual difference. Quick Access → Performance → Scaling filter → FSR → Sharpness 4-5. This alone can take a 30fps game to 45fps.
4. Lower In-Game Resolution
Run at 1024×640 instead of native 1280×800, then enable FSR to clean it up. Massive performance gain with little visible difference on a 7-inch screen.
5. Reduce Graphics Settings In-Game
Biggest wins: drop Shadows to Medium (huge impact, minimal visual change), disable Anti-aliasing if FSR is on, lower Draw distance, disable Motion blur always.
6. Enable Half-Rate Shading
Reduces pixel shader calculation frequency, saving GPU headroom. Quick Access → Performance → Half Rate Shading → on. Gains 10-20% in many games with barely noticeable visual change.
7. Use GPU Clock Override
For GPU-limited games, manually push the GPU clock above default. Quick Access → Performance → GPU Clock Frequency → enable and raise. Test with and without to see if it helps your specific game.
8. Try a Different Proton Version
Some games run much better on specific Proton versions. Game properties → Compatibility → Force specific tool → try GE-Proton for better community-patched performance.
9. Keep SteamOS Updated
Valve ships regular GPU driver and performance improvements. Settings → System → Check for Updates.
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Demanding AAA | TDP 15W + 40fps cap + FSR Balanced |
| Long battery session | TDP 8W + 30fps cap + FSR Performance |
| Indie/2D game | Default TDP + 60fps cap |
| Stuttering game | Try different Proton version |
Read our full Steam Deck setup guide or battery life guide for more tips.