Image Credit – Valve
Article written by Christopher Moine, SFFN Senior Editor
The long awaited Valve Steam Machine reviews have been released. The long-story-made-short of it is that the hardware design is impressive, but the pricing is not. It’s true that we are in the the middle of an AI-induced RAM and NAND shortage, but starting at $1,049 for 512GB units, and rising to $1,428 for 2TB units, the Steam Machine is not going to attract anyone looking for value. Valve, to their credit admitted this, and many other compromises they have made. It’s not we or they wanted it to be. The Steam Machine arrives with just 16GB of single-channel memory, a relatively weak Zen 4 based hex-core CPU, and a GPU that falls well behind anything capable of 4K gaming in modern releases. It’s basically on par with Radeon RX 6600 with only 8GB of VRAM. Unfortunately for Valve, this lands the performance right in the striking distance of the PS5 base model, and the Xbox Series X; both of which can outperform the Steam Machine depending on the game.
Well, that’s the bad. What about the good?
The form factor is simultaneously peak small form factor while also hitting all the good vibes and memories of the Nintendo Gamecube. Every millimeter of space inside Gabe’s compact cube is used to an extremely satisfying degree. The custom motherboard is smaller than ITX, and the cooling system is massive for the form factor. The unit can be upgraded for RAM and storage, and you can load any OS your heart desires. SteamOS 3, the default OS, is perfectly capable of working as a console style interface, and supports desktop mode should you want to use the Steam Machine as an actual PC. Plus, it’s going to help push the Linux gaming and software market forward. Finally, there are lots of ways to customize the Steam Machines case itself. These range from front covers, to complete makeovers. dbrand has a complete Portal Companion Cube makeover for the unit.
It’s about as consolized as you can make a PC. Simple interface. Mostly plug and play. No intrusive Microsoft style marketing. It’s just that it would have been a lot better at the original rumored $699 to $799 price.
Here are the reviews below:
