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FAQ
PowerTools interacts with the system in roughly the same way as outlined in the README. PowerTools does not save any data by default; it reads and writes to the SteamOS system (mostly the Linux kernel). Since no data is saved, a reboot will reset all PowerTools settings back to default.
There's a few reasons for this, depending on the values in question:
- CPU Max Frequency: These are the only values the CPU supports
- GPU PPT Wattage: The rest of the values can already be set from SteamOS's Performance settings in the QAM
- Others: logical limits coming from the specs of the Steam Deck
Restart your Steam Deck. Nothing in PowerTools is persistent, unless you enable persistence (in which case: turn off the toggle, then restart your Deck).
I don't know, ask Valve. Most of the defaults are pretty logical, so none of them should be too objectionable.
The SMT toggle in PowerTools doesn't actually disable SMT. Instead it disables every second CPU, since every group of two CPUs is one logical CPU core.
Central Processing Unit: the main processor, the Steam Deck uses one with Zen2 architecture
Graphics Processing Unit: the graphics processor, the Steam Deck uses one with RDNA2 architecture
PowerPlay Table: AMD's power settings for their GPUs
Simultaneous MultiThreading: The generic term for making one logical core act like more than one core, equivalent to Intel's "hyperthreading".
Generally, software can't damage hardware unless there are already existing issues. Of course, always use responsibly; don't be surprised by a fresh hole in the wall when swinging a hammer at it.
I already make enough money, thanks. If you really want, donate to some FOSS foundation and/or support a project that's mission critical.