New Linux patch could reduce stuttering on Steam Deck thanks to improved 1% lows performance
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The Steam Deck already delivers a solid gaming experience thanks to SteamOS and Valve’s ongoing software updates. On top of that, Linux developers continue to find new ways to improve performance. Now, a newly proposed Linux kernel patch could make games feel much smoother on the Steam Deck by significantly improving 1% low frame rates, which are often responsible for stuttering during gameplay.
The new feature, called epp_boost, has been developed by Linux kernel contributor David Vernet. It targets AMD’s P-State driver and focuses on improving how the CPU handles gaming workloads. Instead of trying to increase average frame rates, the patch is designed to reduce frame time spikes and make gameplay more consistent.
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The issue comes from the way the CPU lowers its performance whenever a game’s main thread briefly pauses. These short pauses happen frequently while waiting for the GPU or other tasks to finish. As a result, the CPU can take a moment to return to full speed, leading to frame time spikes and lower 1% lows.
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Rather than forcing the CPU into maximum performance all the time, which would increase power consumption, the new patch takes a smarter approach. It monitors each CPU core individually and temporarily boosts only the cores that are actively handling demanding workloads. Once the heavy work ends, the CPU automatically returns to its previous power-saving behavior.
According to benchmark results using Civilization VI on the Steam Deck, the patch improved 1% low frame rates by as much as 31.8%, while also reducing the 99th percentile frame time by 4.1%. Although average FPS remains largely unchanged, smoother frame delivery can make games feel much more responsive and reduce noticeable stutters.
The improvements are not expected to benefit only the Steam Deck. Other Linux-based gaming handhelds and PCs powered by modern AMD Ryzen processors (such as the Steam Machine) could also see similar gains once the feature becomes available.
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