Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago

Steam Frame is repairable, but its cooling fan is hard to reach

Valve’s Steam Frame is a virtual reality headset that starts at $1,059.

An iFixit teardown found that many parts are accessible, including the head strap, cushions and lenses.

But the cooling fan sits deep inside the headset, behind optical parts, cables and other hardware.

Dust can build up in fans, and they can wear out, so reaching this one may make routine cleaning or replacement difficult.

The battery is also stuck in place, and the controllers’ thumbsticks are soldered to their boards, which can complicate repairs.

iFixit plans to sell replacement parts, but batteries and displays will not be available when the store opens.

Valve offers warranty repairs for covered devices, but the teardown highlights the limits of fixing some parts yourself.

Sources

Engadget · 2 hrs ago