Unlocking the Full Potential of the Steam Deck: Using it as your primary personal computer

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Unlocking the Full Potential of the Steam Deck: Using it as your primary personal computer
My own Steam Deck as a main PC running Pop!_OS Linux.

The Steam Deck, often praised for its portability and gaming prowess, offers more than meets the eye. While the standard benefits—such as portability, gaming performance, and seamless integration with your Steam library—are well-known, there’s a deeper layer of functionality waiting to be explored.

Versatility Beyond Gaming

The Steam Deck isn’t just a gaming device; it’s a versatile tool for everyday computing. Its Linux-based SteamOS allows you to run Windows games through the Proton compatibility layer. But did you know you can also use it as your primary personal computer? As a casual gamer, I found this dual-purpose approach appealing. Instead of investing in a high-end PC or console, I opted for the Steam Deck—a cost-effective solution that combines gaming and productivity.

How do I use it as my primary computer?

The quickest and easiest method would be to use it in Desktop Mode, but I don't believe it's the best option nor is it advisable because it would blur the lines between functions. There would be limitations with a read-only system, requiring restricted usage or working around in all of these limitations, which could pose security and performance risks.

So, what was the solution? For me was to use a separate external SSD for my operating system and leave the internal disk of the Steam Deck dedicated to its gaming-focused system. This way, things are kept separate, and I don't run the risk of one affecting the other.

Having a separate OS on the external SSD allows you to keep your gaming environment isolated.

Advantages:

  • The Steam Deck combines the functionality of a handheld gaming console and a PC. By investing in a single device, you avoid the need to purchase both a gaming console and a separate PC.
  • The Steam Deck’s SSD will last longer, ensuring years of gaming without performance degradation.
  • You won’t clutter your personal or work files with game installations.
  • An external SSD provides faster read/write speeds compared to SD card.
  • Your personal/work OS remains unaffected, allowing you to maintain productivity without gaming distractions.

My setup

This is my use case gaming and productivity setup:

  • Steam Deck 512GB OLED: The Steam Deck, with its powerful hardware and portable design, serves as your handheld gaming console and mini PC. It’s a versatile choice for gaming on the go.
  • Samsung 32" M7 4K smart monitor: The 4K resolution and smart features of your Samsung monitor provide a stunning visual experience. Whether you’re working or gaming, those crisp pixels will make everything pop.
  • Ugreen Docking Station with 2 10Gbps USB ports: The Ugreen docking station adds connectivity to your setup. With high-speed USB ports, you can connect peripherals, external drives, and more. It’s a convenient hub for expanding your device capabilities.
  • 1TB Sandisk Extreme Pro external SSD with 1Gbps of Write/Read speed: A lightning-fast SanDisk SSD ensures quick data transfers with its impressive 1Gbps read/write speeds. It’s perfect for storing games, media, and work files.

Conclusion

The Steam Deck, when paired with an external SSD and a separate OS, offers a compelling solution. By combining the functionalities of a handheld gaming console and a PC, you can save money on hardware expenses. The versatility, reduced need for multiple devices, and seamless transition of your existing game library make the Steam Deck an attractive choice. Whether you’re gaming on the go or working on productivity tasks, this all-in-one device provides convenience without compromising performance.