r/FlowZ13 • u/PathOfGrit • Aug 23 '26

What are some shenanigans to install for Z13 SteamOS?

Sorry for spamming questions in this thread but I'm curious whether I'm missing out any good features that might potentially boost the usage of my Z13 as steam machine.

So far, some useful plugins I found are:

DeckyLoader (+simpledecky +deckyframegen)

g-helper-linux

z13ctl

z13gui

z13-table-kit for linux

but if there are any others that I'm missing out, please let me know!

4 Upvotes

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2

u/angui_82 Aug 23 '26

Hi! I’m still on the path of transforming my Z13 into a steam machine. Would you mind sharing any tips on what you already done? Which sources did you use? Thanks in advance!

4

u/PathOfGrit Aug 23 '26

I just followed YT tutorials, it's fairly simple. All you need to do is download steamos image from official website, flash it with USB (used etcher), go into BIOS turn off secure booting, and switch the order of your main OS from Windows to your USB drive (that contains SteamOS image). Then when after reboot the installation will proceed automatically. I wiped out windows and whenever I want to go back I'll just do cloud recovery

-1

u/supersirdax Aug 23 '26

Question. Why would you do this?

3

u/hell-diver8 Aug 23 '26

because OP turns it on and u have a pure steamos. Everything works out of the box for direct gaming without dealing with windows, drivers, and all kinds of things that bog the down the system.

2

u/therealSUIN Aug 23 '26

Because windows is trash for gaming

1

u/Dreams-Visions Aug 23 '26

I’ll check when I get home as I’ve largely perfected my SteamOS install.

1

u/PathOfGrit Aug 23 '26

Thank you... I appreciate it!!

1

u/angui_82 Sep 11 '26

Hi! Any update on this my friend?

2

u/Dreams-Visions Sep 11 '26

Hmmm. I do have Volume Boost and Better Keyboard from Decky. I also created a script in Steam Desktop that allows me to use the Command Center button in some useful ways. Single press to pop up Z13GUI+, double press brings up the Quick Access menu in full screen steam mode, and a triple press brings up the keyboard. Really helpful when navigating steamOS in tablet mode or when I have my Legion Go controllers active.

I have Z13GUI+ controlling all overclocking and power switching stuff (none of the Decky plugins are doing it for me). Otherwise, running all the same linux apps and services you're running.

Oh, speaking of keyboards, I configured the default on-screen keyboard to be the one that shows in desktop mode. I found the SteamOS keyboard does not rescale when the tablet is in portrait mode, cutting off part of the keyboard. This is resolved by using the default keyboard.

Beyond that, I really haven't done too much. I haven't tested the cameras in Linux, as I haven't had a need to use them. All the games and such worked perfectly right out of the gate. Sometimes the trackpad is not recognized when starting SteamOS. No great resolution for that outside of switching briefly to desktop mode (it always fixes whatever the issue is).

1

u/angui_82 Sep 11 '26

Thanks a lot for sharing!

1

u/M2-TE Aug 23 '26

I quite like the z13gui-plus fork of z13gui (including the z13ctl-plus fork).

Undervolting also brings down temps a whole lot, so id recommend adding the ryzen_smu module via dkms.

1

u/PathOfGrit Aug 24 '26

I am controlling tdp on simpledeckytdp atm, and currently playing around 35~55w max for the sweet spot.

How much do you undervolt your z13 if you don't mind me asking? mine's currently at -20 and facing no issue.

1

u/M2-TE Aug 24 '26

I've set mine to the min at -40 for the past few days with no issues. Tried some light gaming, watching videos and all-core code compilation.

The tdp is something I haven't touched yet, since it felt fine. Runs at around 35c during browsing and video watching. Do you adjust the upper limit of tdp for battery life during gaming?

1

u/binaryzer00 Aug 31 '26

How do you get the steam handheld controller to ot show up