The Steam Deck features a custom AMD APU with an RDNA 2 GPU and Zen 2 CPU, delivering solid gaming performance. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 and a 60Hz refresh rate.
This article will explore how you can easily check how well a game is running on the Steam Deck without installing any extra software. The device allows you to monitor performance directly, providing real-time insights into your gaming experience.
What Is Performance Overlay on Steam Deck?
The Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck is a built-in tool that shows important information while you play games. It displays data like frame rates, CPU and GPU usage, and temperatures.

This helps you see how well a game is running and if the device is getting too hot. You can turn the overlay on or off in the settings, making it easy to monitor your gaming experience without extra software.
How to see Steam Deck FPS and performance?
To see the FPS and performance on your Steam Deck, go to the settings. Open the game you want to play, then press the Steam button. Select Settings, then go to Gameplay and turn on the Performance Overlay.
It displays your frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, and temperature levels as you play. You can easily check how well your game is running without needing any extra software.
Quick Access button:
The Quick Access button on the Steam Deck lets you easily open a menu while playing games. You can use it to change settings, check performance, and manage your games. This button helps you quickly get the information you need without stopping your game.
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Performance Overlay Level:
The Performance Overlay Level on the Steam Deck allows you to choose how much information to see while gaming. You can set it to show basic data like FPS or detailed stats like CPU and GPU usage. This helps you understand your game’s performance better based on your needs.

Move the slider:
To adjust settings on the Steam Deck, you can move the slider in the menu. This lets you change options like volume, brightness, or performance levels. Just click and drag the slider left or right to find the best setting for your gaming experience. It’s simple and easy to use.
Framerate Limit:
This framerate Limit on the Steam Deck allows you to control how many frames per second a game runs. Setting a limit can help save battery life and reduce heat. You can adjust this in the settings to improve your gaming experience based on your preferences and needs.
Back out with B:
To go back to the Steam Deck menu, you can press the “B” button. This lets you return to the previous screen or exit a menu easily. It’s a quick way to navigate without having to start over, making it simple to find what you need.
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Using the Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck
Using the Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck is easy and helpful. To turn it on, go to the game settings and select Performance Overlay. Once it’s active, you can see important information like your frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, and temperatures while you play.

This data helps you understand how well your game is running and if the device is getting too hot. You can turn the overlay off anytime if you want a clearer screen.
How to Enable Performance Overlay on Steam Deck?
To enable the Performance Overlay on your Steam Deck, start by opening the game you want to play. Press the Steam button to open the menu, then go to Settings. Next, select “Gameplay” and find the option for Performance Overlay.
Turn it on, and you will see important stats like frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, and temperatures while gaming. You can adjust the overlay settings based on what information you want to see while playing.
The Different Performance Overlay Levels on the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck offers different Performance Overlay levels to show various details while you play. You can choose a basic level to see just the frame rate or a detailed level to see CPU and GPU usage, temperatures, and more.

This helps you customize what information you want while gaming, based on your needs.
Level 1 Performance Overlay:
Level 1 Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck shows basic information while you play games. It shows only the frame rate, helping you see how smoothly your game is running. This level is great for players who want quick and simple feedback without extra details.
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Level 2 Performance Overlay:
Level 2 Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck provides more detailed information while gaming. In addition to showing the frame rate, it displays CPU and GPU usage.
This level helps you understand how your device is performing and if it’s handling the game well, giving you better insight.
Level 3 Steam Deck Performance Overlay:
Level 3 Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck gives you the most detailed information while playing. It shows the frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, temperatures, and other important stats.

This level is useful for players who want a complete view of their device’s performance during gaming.
Level 4 Overlay:
Level 4 Performance Overlay on the Steam Deck provides the most complete information while you play. It shows the frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, temperatures, and even power consumption.
Check that Steam Deck performance data
To check the Steam Deck performance data, first, enable the Performance Overlay while playing a game. You can do this in the settings under “Gameplay.” Once activated, you will see important information on your screen, like frame rate, CPU and GPU usage, and temperatures.
This data helps you understand how well your game is running and if your device is working hard. Monitoring this information can help you adjust settings for a better gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is The Performance Overlay Restricted to Video Games?
No, the Performance Overlay is not just for video games. You can use it to check performance data in other applications as well. This feature helps you see how your Steam Deck is performing during different tasks, not just gaming.
2. Can We Use The Performance Overlay In Desktop Mode?
Yes, you can use the Performance Overlay in Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck. This allows you to check performance data while using other applications. It helps you monitor CPU and GPU usage, making it useful for tasks beyond gaming.
3. How do I see CPU usage on Steam Deck?
To see CPU usage on the Steam Deck, enable the Performance Overlay while playing a game or in Desktop Mode. The overlay will display real-time CPU usage, helping you understand how much power your device is using during tasks.
4. Why is my Steam Deck showing GPU?
Your Steam Deck shows GPU usage to help you monitor how hard the graphics card is working while you play games or use apps. This information helps you understand performance and can indicate if your device needs adjustments for better gameplay.
5. How do I get rid of CPU overlay on Steam Deck?
To get rid of the CPU overlay on the Steam Deck, press the Steam button, go to Settings, then select Gameplay. From there, turn off the Performance Overlay. This will remove the overlay from your screen while you play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Steam deck’s performance overlay is a valuable tool for gamers, providing real-time insights into GPU and CPU usage, frame rates, and temperatures. This feature helps you optimize your gaming experience and adjust settings for better performance.