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Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the motherboard in your Steam Deck OLED.

Remember to follow general electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety procedures while repairing your device.

These steps only describe how to physically remove and replace your console’s motherboard. You may need additional software tools and calibration procedures to get the replacement motherboard to function as intended.

You'll need replacement thermal paste to complete this repair.

What you need

  1. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Prepare your Steam Deck for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Prepare your Steam Deck for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Prepare your Steam Deck for disassembly: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Turn on your Steam Deck and allow the battery to discharge below 25% before starting your repairs, as a charged lithium-ion polymer battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.

    • As an extra precaution, Valve recommends putting your Steam Deck into battery storage mode within the BIOS before starting any internal repairs. Read how to do that here.

    • Power down your Steam Deck and unplug any cables.

    • If you have a microSD card installed, make sure to remove it before opening the Steam Deck. If you attempt to remove the back cover with it still installed, it could snap right in half.

    • During your repair, it can be helpful at times to lay the Steam Deck face-down in its case to protect the thumbsticks and prevent wobble.

    Edit

  2. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the back cover screws: step 2, image 1 of 2 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the back cover screws: step 2, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • Use a T6 Torx driver to remove the eight 5.8 mm‑long screws securing the back cover.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    Edit

  3. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip a handle: step 3, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip a handle: step 3, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip a handle: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick at an upward angle between the back cover and the front shell near one of the triggers.

    • If you can't insert your pick here, try along the top or bottom edges of the Steam Deck OLED before sliding it toward the handle.

    • Slide your pick along the edge of the handle to release the clips securing it to the front shell.

    Edit

  4. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip the top and bottom edges: step 4, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip the top and bottom edges: step 4, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Unclip the top and bottom edges: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Reinsert your pick and slide it along the top and bottom edges until the back cover feels loose.

    Edit

  5. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the unclipped handle and pull it away from the front shell to release the remaining clips.

    • Remove the back cover.

    Edit

  6. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the battery cable pull tab, located to the left of the battery.

    • Firmly pull the battery cable straight away from the motherboard shield (toward the battery) to disconnect it.

    • This bundled cable is fairly stiff. If you're having trouble, re-grip the pull tab close to the head of the connector and gently walk it side-to-side as you pull.

    • If the cable pull-tab feels fragile or rips during this process, remove the motherboard shield and disconnect the cable using a spudger.

    • When the battery cable comes free, it might push up on the motherboard shield. Don't worry, as this won't damage anything.

    Edit

  7. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 7, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 7, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 7, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a spudger to flip up the small white locking flap on the right button board interconnect cable ZIF connector.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grip the cable's pull tab and slide it straight out of its socket to disconnect it.

    • The pull tab may be labelled C‑R.

    Edit

  8. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • The interconnect cable is adhered to the motherboard shield.

    • Insert an opening pick between the interconnect cable and the motherboard shield.

    • Be careful not to crease or tear the cable.

    • If you're having trouble inserting a pick, lightly heat the cable using an iOpener or a hair dryer.

    • Slide your pick along the shield to separate the cable.

    Edit

  9. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Move the interconnect cable: step 9, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Move the interconnect cable: step 9, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Move the interconnect cable: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • During the rest of the repair, it may be helpful to move the interconnect cable over the battery and out of the way of the motherboard shield.

    • Be careful not to crease or strain the cable, as it's still adhered to the battery.

    • Tape the cable in place away from the motherboard shield.

    Edit

  10. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard shield screws: step 10, image 1 of 2 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard shield screws: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use your T6 Torx driver to remove the two 3.8 mm‑long screws securing the top left and bottom left corners of the motherboard shield.

    Edit

  11. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard shield: step 11, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard shield: step 11, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard shield: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • If the speaker cable is taped to the bottom edge of the motherboard shield, gently peel it off.

    • Remove the motherboard shield.

    Edit

  13. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Reassembly instructions: step 12, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Reassembly instructions: step 12, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Reassembly instructions: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to slide the battery connector into its socket on the motherboard.

    Edit

  14. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 13, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 13, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use your T6 Torx driver to remove the 3.3 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.

    • The SSD will pop up to a slight angle as you remove the screw.

    Edit

  15. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the end of the SSD and pull it away from its M.2 board connector to remove it.

    • Remove the SSD.

    • During reassembly, insert the SSD at a slight angle into its socket and hold it against its screw post as you install its screw.

    Edit

  16. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Soften the sticker adhesive: step 15, image 1 of 2 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Soften the sticker adhesive: step 15, image 2 of 2
    Edit

  17. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink sticker: step 16, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink sticker: step 16, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink sticker: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Try not to tear the heat sink sticker, as you'll reuse it during reassembly.

    • Slide the tip of an opening pick under one edge of the heat sink sticker.

    • Peel the sticker up until you can grab it with your fingers.

    • Gently remove the sticker from the heat sink and fan.

    • During reassembly, place the sticker back in its original location. The residual adhesive should stick well.

    • If the residual adhesive isn't sticky anymore, tape the outside edges of the sticker to the heat sink and fan with small strips of tape.

    Edit

  18. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink screws: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Use your T6 Torx driver to remove the three 3.3 mm‑long screws securing the heat sink.

    • During reassembly, install the screws in the order marked on the heat sink mounts: 1, 2, then 3.

    Edit

  19. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 18, image 1 of 2 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the heat sink from the motherboard and remove it.

    • Depending on the age of your device, this might require some force. A twisting motion may help loosen the thermal paste.

    • Before reinstalling the heat sink, follow this guide to clean the heat sink and APU and reapply thermal paste.

    Edit

  20. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 19, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 19, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the right button board: step 19, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use the point of your spudger to flip up the small black locking flap on the right button board ZIF connector in the bottom left corner of the board.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grip the pull tab and slide the cable straight out of its socket to disconnect it.

    Edit

  21. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 20, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 20, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Separate the cable adhesive: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Adhesive secures the right button board cable to the speaker.

    • Slide an opening pick between the left side of the cable and the speaker.

    • If the adhesive feels stubborn, lightly heat the cable with an iOpener or hair dryer.

    • Slide your pick toward the motherboard to separate the adhesive securing the cable.

    Edit

  22. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the fan: step 21, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the fan: step 21, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the fan: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Use blunt nose tweezers to grip the edges of the fan connector and walk it side-to-side out of its socket to disconnect it.

    • Don't pull on the cables—only pull on the connector body.

    • During reassembly, insert the connector gently. Make sure the exposed colored wires within the connector face away from the fan.

    • Don't force the connector into the socket, as you might damage the fragile internal pins.

    Edit

  23. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the audio board: step 22, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the audio board: step 22, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the audio board: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of your spudger to flip up the small locking flap on the audio board ZIF connector in the upper right corner of the motherboard.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grip the cable's pull tab and pull it straight out of its socket to disconnect it.

    Edit

  24. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Slide one arm of angled tweezers under the metal neck of the gray antenna cable connector in the bottom right corner of the motherboard.

    • Gently lift the connector to disconnect it.

    • Don't lift the cables themselves—lift only on the metal necks of the connectors.

    Edit

  25. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the previous step to disconnect the white and black antenna cable connectors.

    • During reassembly:

    • Note the correct socket for each connector—the white cable connects to the top socket, the black cable to the middle socket, and the gray cable to the bottom socket.

    • Hold each connector in place over its socket and press down with the flat end of your spudger until the connector snaps into place.

    Edit

  26. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the speakers: step 25, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the speakers: step 25, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the speakers: step 25, image 3 of 3

    • Use blunt nose tweezers to grip the edges of the speakers connector and walk it side-to-side out of its socket to disconnect it.

    • Don't pull on the cables—only pull on the connector body.

    • During reassembly, insert the connector gently. Make sure the exposed colored wires within the connector face away from the motherboard.

    • Don't force the connector into the socket, as you might damage the fragile internal pins.

    Edit

  27. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard screws: step 26, image 1 of 2 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard screws: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Use your T6 Torx driver to remove the three 3.7 mm‑long screws securing the motherboard.

    Edit

  28. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Flip over the motherboard: step 27, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Flip over the motherboard: step 27, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Flip over the motherboard: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Be careful not to strain the screen cable, as it's still connected to the underside of the motherboard near the bottom right corner.

    • Lift the top edge of the motherboard and flip it over the bottom edge of the frame to access the screen cable underneath.

    Edit

  29. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 28, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 28, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 28, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of your spudger to flip up the locking flap on the outside edge of the screen ZIF connector.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grip the screen cable pull tab and slide the cable straight out of its socket to disconnect it.

    Edit

  30. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 29, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the motherboard.

    Edit

  31. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the tape: step 30, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the tape: step 30, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the tape: step 30, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to peel and remove the protective tape covering the motherboard cable ZIF connector.

    Edit

  32. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the interconnect cable: step 31, image 1 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the interconnect cable: step 31, image 2 of 3 Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement, Remove the interconnect cable: step 31, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of your spudger to flip up the small white locking flap on the interconnect cable ZIF connector.

    • Pull the cable straight out of its socket to remove it.

    • During reassembly, insert the end of the cable labeled MB into the socket, facing upward.

    Edit

  33. Steam Deck OLED Motherboard Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1

    • The motherboard is all that remains.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Steam Deck OLED answers community for help.

Author

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Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 09/19/22

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2 Comments

Can I get the motherboard through here?

ArcaneAutumn - Reply

それでマザーボードはいくらで売ってるの❓❓

長内純功 - Reply

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