While some of us are still on Valve’s waiting list for a Steam Controller, others are growing rather impatient as we await the arrival of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Occasionally, the Steam Machine specs get re-shared on various social media platforms, just to spark interest and discussion.
This has been the case for months, and since it’s recently happened again, I figured now was a good time to share some thoughts. Before diving too deep, here’s a refresher for those who don’t know (or remember) the Steam Machine specs.
Steam Machine Specs
| Hardware | |
| CPU | AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T (Semi-custom) |
|---|---|
| GPU | AMD RDNA3 28CUs (Semi-custom) |
| RAM | 8GB GDDR6 (VRAM), 16GB DDR5 |
| Additional Details | 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs |
| Storage | |
| Internal Storage | 512GB, 2TB |
| External Storage | microSD |
| Battery | |
| Additional Details | AC power 110-240V |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A 2.0, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Additional Details | Integrated 2.4 GHz Steam Controller wireless adapter; HDMI up to 4K @ 120Hz w/ HDR, FreeSync, and CEC; DP1.4 Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K @ 60Hz w/ HDR, FreeSync, and daisy-chaining |
| Video Out | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 157 x 162.4 x 156mm |
| Weight | 2600g |
| Software | |
| Operating System | SteamOS |
| Additional Details | Arch-based, KDE Plasma |
One Question Remains
When comparing the specs of the Steam Machine to components that are already available, it’s pretty similar to building a mini PC of your own with the Ryzen 5 7600X and a Radeon RX7600M. Clearly, that places it firmly in the “entry level to mid-range” sector of the market in terms of performance. However, given that we’ll have SteamOS instead of Windows, it’s safe to say that Valve has optimized its software to take full advantage with as little overhead as possible
Unfortunately, the big question that remains unanswered is just how much the Steam Machine is going to cost. Valve’s already confirmed that it was forced to delay the release due to the ongoing memory and storage shortage. It’s seemingly trying to just sit back and play the waiting game in hopes that the market will recover.
Despite a few blips here and there, that hasn’t been the case, and now, we’re all waiting with bated breath. Valve doesn’t want to sell the Steam Machine at a loss by pricing it far below the market rate, but if the price is too high, then it’ll likely be DOA.
For reference, something like the MINISFORUM AI X1, configured with the Ryzen 7 255, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, retails for $939 (but is currently on sale for $679). There are some obvious differences, such as the AI X1 not being user-upgradeable. However, I think that $700-$800 price point for the Steam Machine is likely where we’re going to end up.
If Valve wanted to be really aggressive, MAYBE we could see a starting price of $600 for the base model, and then $800+ for those who want the extra storage. Nevertheless, it’s a far cry from the earlier reports suggesting that the Steam Machine could be priced as competitively as the Steam Deck.
Until we get official word, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a lower price, but that excitement starts to wane with every passing day.
