A YouTuber's DIY Steam Machine: Cheaper, Faster, and Better?
A content creator, Zac Builds, has taken the initiative to construct a personalized Steam Machine, contending that his version offers superior value, speed, and overall performance compared to what Valve might eventually release. This endeavor stemmed from the perceived delay in Valve's official product and the desire to create a more efficient and cost-effective gaming solution.
Initially, Zac faced significant challenges in sourcing components that were both affordable and suitable for a compact build, particularly for a device comparable in size to the anticipated Steam Machine. He encountered a "rude awakening" as initial attempts to acquire new parts pushed the project well over budget, not even accounting for minor, miscellaneous components. This hurdle led him to explore the second-hand market for more economical options.
Through diligent searching in the used parts market, Zac successfully acquired key components at a considerable discount. His shopping spree yielded an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor, an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB graphics card, a Gigabyte B550I motherboard, a Gen 3 XPG 2TB SSD, and 16 GB of DDR4 memory, all powered by a 650-watt PSU. The total cost for these components amounted to $1135 CAD, which translates to approximately $835 USD. With the internal hardware secured, the next challenge was finding an appropriate enclosure, which he ultimately decided to fabricate himself.
Zac’s custom case design involved 3D scanning all the components to create a meticulously fitted structure. He engineered a multi-layered case, with a base layer housing the primary components and subsequent layers accommodating additional parts, all secured by screws. To manage the thermal output within the compact, Steam Machine-sized chassis, a single Noctua fan was positioned above the CPU, with the PSU situated directly above it. A specially designed custom connector was integrated to draw cool air from outside the system, ensuring efficient heat dissipation despite the tight internal layout.
The aesthetic appeal was not overlooked. After priming and applying multiple thin coats of matte black spray paint, Zac incorporated magnets into the front of the case, allowing for interchangeable faceplates. He further customized the device by crafting a unique walnut wood faceplate, complete with his own etched branding, which snaps securely into place. This level of customization aligns with Valve's encouragement for users to personalize their Steam Machines. Although he omitted an SD card slot due to the lack of a suitable peripheral cable, the numerous ports on the rear of the device mitigated this minor compromise.
Upon booting the system, Zac encountered a minor setback: the graphics card proved to be too new for SteamOS. While a beta version of SteamOS initially functioned, it eventually failed, prompting him to switch to Bazzite, a Linux distribution. Despite the CPU being potentially less powerful than that in the official Steam Machine, the robust GPU largely compensates for this difference. He also acknowledged that the DDR4 memory and Gen 3 SSD, while not top-tier, represent acceptable compromises for a dedicated gaming machine.
In terms of performance, the custom-built machine demonstrated impressive capabilities. It achieved an average of 60 frames per second at 4K resolution in titles such as Arc Raiders, Cyberpunk 2077, and Spider-Man 2, utilizing a mix of medium and high settings, alongside FSR upscaling. With frame generation enabled, the frame rates reportedly climbed to 100 fps. Zac confidently asserted that his GPU’s raw power, which is more than double that of the Steam Machine's anticipated GPU, combined with a non-bottlenecked CPU, would allow his custom build to outperform Valve's official offering by 50% to 100%.
The total expenditure for Zac’s project, including parts and case fabrication, was approximately $1,301 CAD, or about $950 USD. While his creation is slightly larger than the rumored dimensions of the official Steam Machine, measuring about 50 mm wider and 50 mm deeper, Zac believes it can still fit comfortably in most desired locations. He concluded by acknowledging that the primary advantage of an official Steam Machine lies in its convenience, as users avoid the complexities of custom building and operating system configuration. However, given the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the Steam Machine's pricing and supply, particularly in light of current memory market conditions, Zac’s innovative approach highlights a viable alternative for enthusiasts who possess the necessary skills and resources, such as 3D printing capabilities, to create their own bespoke gaming rigs.