Modder transforms Steam Deck with broken display into a mini PC, and you can too

A Valve x Framework collaboration would be awesome.

When ifixit originally leaked repair part prices, they actually did have a motherboard listed as a replacement part that was intended to be purchasable. However, it was priced at $350, which obviously isn't worth it compared to the price of a full deck (especially when on sale).

It's possible they could sell it for cheaper now that the Deck's production volume is higher, but basically with the normal Deck's being originally priced to sell at a loss, major repair parts like the motherboard cost too much individually to be worth buying at standard price + ifixit markup.

... if they can design and print a case they probably already owned a 3d printer. The amount of plastic used to make the small case is likely just a few grams. Probably around $1 of plastic total.

Yes, the article is pretty light on details since it's just a rehash of a couple of comments with no actual reporting, but don't blame the person for designing and printing a neat little case for their hobby. This is a perfectly acceptable way to repair and continue to use some broken electronics.

Sometimes, you just do things because you can.

Here's the Steam Brick, a very similar project. To quote the maker:

I was so preoccupied with whether or not I could that I didn’t stop to think if I should.

This method makes it smaller and saves you the hassle of a battery that will degrade despite being unnecessary. Obviously you wouldn’t buy a 3D printer just to make a plastic box for your steam deck. You would only use it if you already had one. I agree that the article is shit.