Solutions:

  1. Manual set your GPU’s clock speed.
  2. Use Decky PowerTools to limit your CPU’s frequency between 400 to 2800mhz
  3. Revert your Deck back to the 3.4.1 update.

Most active Steam Deck Bug Report Community Threads on the issues

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/0/7529517132617601916/?tscn=1700480355

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/eventcomments/7529517132614912523?snr=1_2108_9__2107&ctp=10

Has been an issue since the 3.5 beta/preview builds on October 20th. 0 response from the Valve Team. Not even a “we’re working on it”.

https://github.com/ValveSoftware/SteamOS/issues/1176

Steam Deck OLED is also affected.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/0/7529517132622363506/

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I’ve been closely following this ongoing issue with the Deck since the release of the 3.5 beta/preview builds and the release of SteamOS 3.5.5 Stable. It seems like this bug has been a persistent thorn for many LCD users, and surprisingly, it’s also affecting the new Steam Deck OLED models.

For those unaware, if you are on 3.5.5, your unit may be affected by a GPU clock cycle bug in which the clock speed of the GPU will cycle between 200 and 1040 mhz. This can reduce performance and battery life in some games. You can verify if you have it, and test the performance loss by using the performance overlay, running a heavy game, and manually setting the GPU above 1040.

Associated with this bug is an audio crackling glitch, where it sounds like the Deck was submersed in jelly, with popping and laggy audio. There are also a bug with the Official Dock, in which the DisplayPort does not work for customers.

What’s more concerning is the lack of response from Valve. We’re yet to hear even a basic acknowledgment like “we’re working on it”. Valve has always been receptive and open to their customers, and strange to see, especially for an issue that’s been active for a while now. It’s not just in one place – the Steam Community thread (most active bug report thread for the Steam Deck) and GitHub issue tracker both highlight the severity and spread of this problem. Many users on the community forum feel that the update was rushed out in preparation for the Steam Deck OLED, and are even on the fence of refunding their OLED due to the software issue.

I believe it’s time Valve addressed this. The community’s frustration grows, which is understandable. A little communication can go a long way in this situation.