[DigitalToday reporter Choi Jae-won] Valve's VR headset Steam Frame generally has a structure that is easy to repair, but replacing the cooling fan appears to require a complicated teardown.

On Oct. 11 (local time), IT outlet Engadget reported that repair specialist iFixit cited the fan’s deep placement inside the device as the biggest drawback during the Steam Frame teardown. To reach the fan, users must remove the optical module, cooling components and various cables in sequence.

It is an advantage that the fan and heat pipe are separate parts, but iFixit pointed out that many components must be disturbed for dust cleaning or fan replacement. With the Steam Frame equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 16GB of memory, ease of servicing the cooling fan is important for managing internal heat.

Repairability for other parts was relatively good. The head strap can be removed easily, so the display does not need to be dismantled when handling the rear battery. The cushions that touch the face and head, as well as the nose rest, can also be replaced individually.

The lens module is held by magnets on rails that adjust interpupillary distance (IPD). Screws and cables must be loosened, but the optics can be removed without lifting the main board, which helps when repairing the display and eye-tracking device.

Some parts have limitations. The battery lacks pull tabs for easy adhesive removal, so iFixit removed it using isopropyl alcohol and tools. The controller’s joystick is also soldered to the circuit board, making replacement difficult. The controller power supply instead uses replaceable AA batteries.

Parts supply is also a challenge. iFixit, which works with Valve, plans to sell repair parts for the Steam Frame, but it will not provide replacement batteries and displays at the outset.

The Steam Frame is a streaming-focused wireless VR headset and hybrid device, with prices starting from $1,059 (about 1,421,200 won).