Updated FAQ (markdown)

NGnius (Graham) 2023-01-14 04:59:34 +00:00
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FAQ.md

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# Functionality
## How does PowerTools work?
PowerTools interacts with the system in roughly the same way as outlined in [here](Equivalent-Commands).
Unicorn and fairy dust were initially the plan, but unfortunately none could be located and ground into suitably fine powder.
Instead, PowerTools interacts with the system in roughly the same way as outlined in [here](Equivalent-Commands).
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.
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That's why frequencies fluctuate depending on the processor load.
## What is PowerPlay?
An AMD marketing term for their GPU (and APU) power management settings.
It's that thing in hockey where one team has a member sitting in a box because a millionaire couldn't follow the rules. Sounds funny until you realize that they probably made more money in that 2 minutes than you did all day.
Oh, you mean AMD PowerPlay! It's an AMD marketing term for their GPU (and APU) power management settings.
PowerPlay is a Table (hence the initialism PPT) of power limits.
Basically TDP.
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## Can this overclock my Steam Deck?
No, and please don't overclock your Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck is designed to run safely with ~20W of sustained power, so giving it more heat to deal with is a surefire way to reduce the lifespan of the device.
If you design a custom cooler or dock for safe overclocking and want PowerTools to support it, send one to NGnius.
The Steam Deck is designed to run safely with ~20W of sustained power, so giving it more heat and voltage to deal with is a surefire way to reduce the lifespan of the device.
If you design a custom cooler or dock for safe overclocking and want to send one to NGnius, feel free to get in touch.
## Does this work on SteamOS Beta versions?
Probably. It isn't tested on Beta because NGnius only has one Steam Deck, but the differences are usually too minor to cause major issues with PowerTools. Using PowerTools on SteamOS Beta isn't officially supported, which means bugs probably won't get fixed until they make it to stable SteamOS.
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Not really. The only analytics are what GitHub collects (I wish I could turn those off but I can't, sorry) and the [visits counter on the limits server](http://limits.ngni.us:45000/powertools/count). No user-identifying information is collected, and you can turn off the online portion of PowerTools to avoid adding to the counter.
## Does this work on \<other handheld>?
No. Consider trying out HandyPT instead, since it has better support for other devices.
If you're the manufacturer of \<other handheld> and you want PowerTools to support it, send the device to NGnius.
Or, if you've got way more money than sense, buy an extra device to send to NGnius.
Maybe. If it can run SteamOS 3, it can probably run Decky and PowerTools. Though I'm unable to test on \<other handheld> because of this darn inconvenient thing called capitalism.
By the way, if you're the manufacturer of \<other handheld> and you want PowerTools to support it, send the device to NGnius.
Or, if not but you've got way more money than sense, buy an extra device to send to ~~a random stranger on the internet~~ NGnius.
## Why am I stuck in an unhappy marriage?
Because your failure to communicate and/or get a divorce have left you trapped in a prison of your own creation.
## This is really great, how can I support you?
I already make enough mo[n](https://liberapay.com/NGnius/)ey, thanks. If you really want, donate to some FOSS foundation and/or support a project that's mission critical.
I already make enough mo[n](https://liberapay.com/NGnius/)ey, thanks. If you really want, donate to some FOSS foundation and/or support a project that's mission critical, like the KDE Foundation.