Valve has released SteamOS 3.8.6 Beta under the Second Clutch branch, bringing preliminary HDMI Variable Refresh Rate support to devices with native HDMI output. This update targets upcoming Steam Machine hardware and improves frame pacing for smoother visuals.
Valve updates the gaming operating system with preliminary Variable Refresh Rate support for upcoming hardware and improved desktop display handling.
The operating system now includes AMDGPU driver updates that add HDMI 2.1 Fixed Rate Link and Display Stream Compression patches. These changes enable high-bandwidth display modes like 4K at 240Hz, expanding the range of compatible monitors and TVs.
SteamOS 3.8.6 Beta also adds support for external HDR displays and enables Variable Refresh Rate in Desktop Mode. This release enhances the desktop experience to better support daily tasks alongside gaming.
Desktop Mode now runs on KDE Plasma 6.4.3 with Wayland active by default for better display handling. Valve also adds controller support for several new handhelds, including the MSI Claw A1M, Claw 7 AI+ A2VM, Claw 8 AI+ A2VM, Claw A8 BZ2EM, OneXPlayer APEX, and OneXPlayer X1 series devices.
The update prioritizes display enhancements and expanded device support over new game-related additions. These changes expand SteamOS functionality across various hardware configurations including upcoming devices.
Discussion
0 comments
Log in to join the thread with a thoughtful take, question, or correction.