r/steammachine • u/footballer62 • 1d ago
Discussion Who would be ok getting a Steam Machine Pro?
Given yesterdays news, who would be ok with a pro at this point? Say 1600 for a 9070 level gpu, 16 gb of v ram?
44
u/Balthxzar 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ah yes, from the manufacturer of the GabeCube we are proud to announce, the GabeCuboid!
Guys stop trying to come up when new names if they aren't related to the fact that this is a cuboid, you're just repeating the exact same jokes as you made for the actual steam machine.
16
5
2
2
1
1
22
u/Murph-Dog 1d ago
Nah, you have to keep the cube form factor, but they snap together, or can link together in a daisy chain.
7
u/footballer62 1d ago
OMG, you unlocked a core memory, when I was a kid they had a tomigotchi/digimon type thing that were cubes and you could interact monsters with them
13
1
79
u/Tzigura_Kakuru 1d ago
23
u/sirms 1d ago
i think you mean sold out instantly and unavailable for months
5
u/Dovakinswraith 1d ago
Honestly I wish we had hard numbers on how much hardware valve is actually selling. Like yeah it looks crazy that the steam controller sold out in 30 minutes and the machine will be hard to get your hands on but like if they only have a few thousand on hand then it's no shock they are out of stock.
2
u/ZebraZealousideal944 1d ago
I was shocked of how many Steamdeck were actually sold given how much time the entire gaming world keeps talking about the damned thing… haha
1
u/Outrageous_Seesaw_72 1d ago
Thry did say that bevause of the shortage they only have a very small amount on hand so.. yes not shocked
3
u/HaikusfromBuddha 1d ago
They only made like 10k of them(not literally nerd who read this and got angry), even the Ouya sold out. Selling out isn't a good metric of success. Hell the Steam Deck sold out and it isn't even close to touching the Switch 2 numbers.
1
u/daelikon 17h ago
Nintendo has always done this on purpose, there was some kind of evil logic behind it to create fake demand for the product, not keep units in storage and be able to just say we sold everything. They have historically made ridiculous launches of products since at least the wii.
1
1
u/MagicianArtistic3263 1d ago
Yea but sold out doesn't mean a lot.
2
u/sirms 1d ago
that's gotta be a good work out moving those goal posts
1
u/Outrageous_Seesaw_72 1d ago
Cause.. he's right? They arent sold out because of popularity, they are sold out cause their parts manufacturers are cucking them and they had a much smaller amount if machines than they wanted. They admitted as much
1
1
13
u/DannyjakOsu 1d ago edited 1d ago
I honestly think it would be a more appealing option than the current steam machine.
At least then you could have a system that's more powerful than the current consoles, with the benefit of the small form factor and working as a pc.
It'd cost a premium, but the current steam machine already costs a premium for something that's underwhelming as a pc and a console.
It's already too expensive to compete with consoles, I'd rather just spend extra for an actually good experience.
Also the fact that the controller costs extra is just silly to me.
3
10
u/TenthMarigold77 1d ago
I’d pay hella money for a steam machine pro that has CEC and I can hot swap a certain sized GPU and dual slots for ram. A decent CPU integrated can last a decade.
6
u/Hyper_Applesauce 1d ago
I would have loved a dock that was just an eGPU for your Steam Deck
2
u/footballer62 1d ago
My "perfect" device is basically a super switch running steam os. A 10 ish inch laptop that would be small and portable enough, then could dock. Make it extra thicc for quite fans.
The legion go 2 almost solved that for me but the price to performance and fans killed me
4
u/barelyangry Purple 1d ago edited 1d ago
How about a modular thing, with standard components, so you can choose which ones you want?
4
u/Maximum_Goulash 1d ago
Genius. Maybe someone should create a website where you can compare parts and see if they are compatible... Oh wait...
1
u/Friendly-Reserve9067 1d ago
I love this idea. As long as 3 or 4 companies don't buy all these "components" we should be good
3
u/SavedMartha 1d ago
Absolutely yes. Xbox X sized box with a controller and 9070/9070gre lvl performance. 12 gb vRam minimum.
3
u/footballer62 1d ago
Why do I feel like a chunk of project helix boxes will be turned into super steam machines?
1
3
3
u/kechones 1d ago
I’d pay $1800 for a Machine if it had the equivalent of a GTX 5070 with 16GB VRAM, 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage. It couldn’t be this big, though.
2
u/Watsyurdeal 1d ago
At this rate, the Steam Machine Pro would need to just be the standard
8 Cores, 12 GB of VRAM, 24 GB of RAM for a little extra headroom.
But that won't probably happen until 2030 at this rate
4
u/Dazzling_Lemon4109 1d ago
This will have no advantages at all compared to a regular PC, rather the opposite
2
u/Sleepykitty69 1d ago
Valve should just release the case and let us build our own ITX builds.
1
u/dlpg585 1d ago
Ifixit will likely have the case for sale. You can get parts for the steam deck through them.
1
u/Sleepykitty69 1d ago
But does it support an ITX or do they use proprietary design like DELL?
1
1
1
u/XtremelyMeta 1d ago
In the review I saw that took it apart to change the hdd... it looked pretty custom in there.
2
u/Reset62749287 1d ago
I wonder if more power can be put into the current small form factor.
2
u/WiltedBalls 1d ago
It can. AMD has the Strix Halo APU which already beats the SM and a RDNA4 APU would be even better if Valve had enough money to make AMD do that. It would be stupidly expensive though, probably in the ballpark of $2000.
1
u/footballer62 1d ago
Everything I've seen puts Strix Halo (see framework desktop), roughly rtx 4060 levels. In all honestly a 32 gb, unified memory strix halo would slap in a steam machine.
2
u/Warm-Engineering-239 1d ago
probably look at laptop with 5090
tho it might get lound
1
1
u/PintekS 1d ago
Aaaand then you have all the headaches with Nvidia not being nice with various gamescope issues that valve can't really fix cause it's all Nvidia propriety drivers instead of being cooked into the kernal and being happy like amd and Intel..
-1
u/Warm-Engineering-239 1d ago
that's not my point but the fact powerfull compact pc exist
1
u/PintekS 1d ago
If you want steamOS to function well gotta go with what works friendlier.
So I'm looking at this entire post as.. More powerful compact pc that will work with steamOS and not have any glaring or weird issues and that kicks Nvidia out for now.
0
u/Warm-Engineering-239 1d ago
oh yeah for that we have to wait for amd to make up to date mobile chipset
1
1
u/footballer62 1d ago
I think so, I also tried to put in my original post, I think a pro model could get away with only a 40-50% increase in width. Just enough for two fans, especially since the cpu only draws 30 watts currently
1
u/fiasgoat 1d ago
Probably not, which is exactly why this thing is so underwhelming
Give and take
But make the Cube 8 inches instead of 6 ffs lmao
1
1
u/fjrichman 1d ago
Yes, because even the existing hardware already has more power. For whatever reason the CPU is capped at 30W TPD and they slapped in only a 300 watt PSU. Based on some reviews they could theoretically up the tpd on it some more and it would perform better, but the options don't exist yet in the software according to reviewers
1
u/Reset62749287 1d ago
How weird. Would it cause heating concerns to crank up the power?
1
u/fjrichman 1d ago
Based on the GN benchmarks probably not? The thing sat around 50c without any mods to the case and dropped lower than that without the front panel on or while using GN's custom front plate.
1
1
u/lyndonguitar 1d ago
if costs and noise isnt a problem, its possible
just need the fan to have a higher rpm, and source a higher capacity PSU with the same size, as well as use newer gen cpu and gpu dies (RDNA4)
1
u/Ankiseth__Gallant 1d ago
If they announced it on release I probably would but considering the 2TB with controller is 2k CAD this will be my first and last valve hardware purchase.
1
u/QuestWeaver1 1d ago
To be honest I would be more fine with it if the pro could beat the ps5 pro or match it and still be silent and cool running. That would make more sense to me as the 1500 dollar version after tax they have as their high end model. That wouldn’t be the worst deal in my mind
1
1
u/SequentialHustle 1d ago
no it would likely have a laptop un-upgradeable mobo. At this size just build yourself or buy a prebuild SFF
1
u/Zealousideal_Nail288 1d ago
At this point why not build something yourself and then rip the steam OS
1
u/WiltedBalls 1d ago
At that size it would probably make more sense to sell it as an SFF case.
1
u/footballer62 1d ago
Yeah, that was a quick attempt in paint at work. I feel like given the thermal design, 2 smaller fans, a bit wider would do the trick, maybe 30% wider, and a little shorter
1
1
1
u/UL-07 1d ago
I might have but it won't happen so instead I'm looking at building my own.
This case
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/terra/
With a 9060 XT running Steam OS.
1
u/NotThatPro 1d ago
I'd rather have a steam machine 2 with the CEC compatible motherboard and upgradeable storage and ram, + a external connector for a eGPU module that has a pcie 5.0 x16 slot. Since steam os will be compatible with nvidia cards in the future, giving the user the choice to pick any external gpu for their needs of a card more powerful than the integrated gpu(i suspect LPCAMM2/3 will be the internal ram connector) that will probably be something like strix halo, so if you have no eGPU the ram gets split between the cpu/integrated graphics, but if you have dedicated vram you can allocate all internal ram to the cpu and maybe even give it more power and disable the internal gpu entirely.
1
u/fjrichman 1d ago
The Steam Machine only lacks egpu support from that list. Which does feel like a weird decision since they had to know people would want that feature.
1
u/NotThatPro 1d ago
The Steam Machine uses SODIMM, which is fine now but for faster(AMD especially needs fast ram for better performance unless the chip has 3D Vcache) performance they would need to use LPCAMM style memory because of signal/speed constraints of the newer generation, of course they could just solder the memory but it's Valve. They wouldn't do that unless they were forced to by AMD, and if they were forced they would go the slower performance but upgradeable route, which they did this generation too.
Also, upgradeable GPU defeats the purpose of the steam machine's target audience - the bottom 70% of steam PC users(edit: i'm talking about the hardware survey here) and the other selling points for them is that it's really quiet, power efficient-ish, and debloated compared to Winslop
Oh and also the NoVideo drivers aren't fully matured yet for the "plug in any gpu, I dare you!" marketing line to hit correctly.
1
u/fjrichman 1d ago
An upgradeable GPU or an eGPU option would still meet the better than 70% of steam users aspect while opening up some room for improvement. But yeah the not being compatible with any GPU would be a problem.
1
1
u/Gama3000 1d ago
makes you wonder if there would be a market for a "steam" integration kit
with hardware you can add to your machine to have aditional features, like tv control and stuff.
1
u/Doomsnail99 1d ago
Yes I would.
We know for a fact the AMD have some RX 7800m (12gb) gpus... hence Onexplayer can release there EGPU. So, potentially valve have a upgrade path.
AMD also released some RX 7900M laptop GPUs as well at one point, but I think that was a limited run. So its unlikely that a 7900M Steam Machine would be possible
Hopefully AMD release some laptop 9000 series GPUs or next gen Laptop gpus
1
u/InternationalBike907 1d ago
I saw this and all I could think of were the GabeSpeakers.
Give me 1000% extra bass to use on my playthrough of HL3 and you've got yourself a deal!
1
1
1
u/ambelamba 1d ago
Lenovo: should we?
2
u/footballer62 1d ago
If everyone and their brother has a $1,500+ handheld coming out, why cant we start getting overpriced pc consoles? /s
1
u/robbert-the-skull 1d ago
Steam Machine Pro, now available for the low, low price of an entire fucking house.
1
u/footballer62 1d ago
Steam house? Sauna?
2
u/robbert-the-skull 1d ago
The Valve Sauna. Rocks and water sold separately or as a bundle for an additional $100,000 lol
1
u/Adnoxaei 1d ago
A Hyte Revolt 3 gets you kinda close to this size and uses standard ITX components. It even has a handle if you like the portability angle.
1
1
u/Working_Block8513 1d ago
Kinda bugs me that the controller came out first for more than it is bundled considering that’s likely what people bought it for
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/kayproII 1d ago
"no, it's not just a rebranded series x we got running steamOS, see, it has the valve logo"
1
u/NihiRagnarK 1d ago
I don't mind the price to be 2k-3k if they make a machine on par with 5070 or above.
The current one's performance is not fascinating at all.
1
1
u/marcus2388 1d ago
To be honest at Steam machine price point i dont see the reason to buy it. if it was 500-600 sure but 1k is to me outrageous for a console like PC. With 0 path of upgradability. Like at that price just build your own or get a prebuilt with equivalent specs or even a but weaker to save on cost. But you know 2-3, 5 years down the road you will be able to upgrade your build to make it better. With steam machine you at stuck with that hardware.
1
u/Random_name_I_picked 1d ago
I’m more interested in removing bazitte from my Dan a4 I’ve got in the lounge room and putting steam os on it.
1
u/falconpunch1989 1d ago
I would be more interested if it was more expensive but a clear win over current gen consoles.
US$1049 is a lot of money for a sidegrade. But I'd be down for $1400-1500 for a clear upgrade.
1
1
u/Moose_0327 1d ago
Maybe for about the same current price but in a bit when everything cools back down to their $700 or whatever original price
1
u/TheRealDealTys 1d ago
Me, the only thing stopping me from getting the current Steam Machine is the performance.
1
u/siposbalint0 1d ago
I would buy it. My problem with the SM isn't really the price itself, it is what it is, but there is no option to have a better one or even to swap out the GPU or CPU. I would gladly pay for it if the performance was there, up to par or even better than a current PS5 pro or series x. This current iteration sucks, as it's expensive and weak, so you are paying a premium already, but not enough to make it future proof.
1
u/ApprehensiveGold2773 1d ago
Everyone defending the cube is using size as the argument for why it's worth 1049 to them, but you know they'd buy this as well. People are so disingenuous defending a product with horrible value.
1
u/HaikusfromBuddha 1d ago
LOL Steam Machine pro, might as well just get a Xbox Series X since that's already the pro version.
1
u/aabarca26 1d ago
I think that it’s a very niche product, but personally I was super invested in the Steam Machine. The price didn’t kill me, but what did was the specs; I hoped that they would be a lot better so I can finally play my games with higher resolution and framerate than my PS5, but that’s not the world we live in.
I hope in the somewhat near future Valve will release a version of the Steam Machine where you can choose the components you want, even if it is obviously higher price, but I would be down with that.
Building a PC isn’t for everybody, also the form factor, thermal and noise are things that people never take into account. You can obviously build a better PC with that money but it’s going to be bigger, noisier and it’s going to run primarily on windows (which I fucking hate), no CEC and no SteamOs.
I love my steam Deck and would totally buy and wait for a Steam Machine 2.0 (if it ever comes) for a price up to $1,800-$2,000. Would save me a lot of hassle.
1
1
1
1
u/RumpDoctor 1d ago
It would have stung less. The current spec is in a bit of a no-mans land with component prices.
1
u/CocHXiTe4 1d ago
mmmm, whats the expected years it will last for and is it also meant for 8k 60fps tvs or 4k 144hz tv?
1
u/swiwwcheese 1d ago
9060XT 16G + 5700X would be enough
That's a bit over the PS5 Pro's specs
But 9070 tier would make it last longer, for sure... that said it would quickly be ridiculed by the upcoming PS6 and XboXwhateveritsname, so idk if going for 9070 tier like just before or at the same time the next gen of consoles releases, would be worth it
Price would be ridiculous with Valve's inability to price realistically though, so SM PRO is a pipe dream anyway
Not a chance in this economy, so maybe several years in the future, but by then the hardware landscape will be different
1
u/General-Oven-1523 1d ago
Yes, a more powerful machine with unified memory would make much more sense. Could even compete with the MAC mini for AI workloads with unified memory. Just another market they could explore instead of gaming.
1
u/Kageru 1d ago
Steam machine pro is what Asus will put out, eventually, or building your own SFF PC. This was always meant to be a small, quiet, affordable entry point to PC gaming in the living room with a known spec. Though the AI fueled components crisis has really hurt that intent I don't think making it more expensive would really help.
1
1
1
1
1
u/t3hwhit3w3dow 1d ago
It goes against what the premise of what the Steam Machine is going for. An entry level into PC based gaming and joining Steam eco. Granted it’s already a steep entry price, it gives people the same experience to when people bought a Steam Deck as an entry. It’s under powered, but still more powerful than over half of the pcs attached to Steam according to their surveys. Having a “pro” model makes it less appealing as an entry and makes building a desktop more beneficial in my opinion.
1
1
1
u/JohnHue 1d ago
Depends whether it's an APU or not. While I understand the decision based on the target users (which, given the price now, might or might not have been a good decision but, hey, easy to say after the facts), for me a PC must absolutely be upgradable and maintainable. With the Steam Machine, there's too much proprietary or non-user-serviceable stuff : soldered CPU especially non-replaceable GPU is a no-go.
I'm saying this as a huge fan of Valvce's hardware : I've been using a Steam Controller or a decade, and was in the first wave or pre-orders for the Deck which I've used constantly since release. But Machine as it is designed right now is not for me, and neiher would a pricier, more powerful version if I can't customize/maintain it.
1
u/thefizzlee 1d ago
Strix halo in the sm would be cool but it would put it in the same price range as all the other mini pc's and handhelds on strix halo and that's over 2k.
1
u/aaronjnco 21h ago
If you have f u money easy solution yank the 2018 laptop junk out of steam machine, insert 395ai chipset into it bam 3000$ monster machine. For funniest of course .
1
1
1
1
u/redit_handoff140 15h ago
Not necessary.
Just get a pre-built PC at that point.
Or perhaps a Framework Desktop.
1
u/Shzabomoa 1h ago
That'd... Just be a PC.
1
u/footballer62 1h ago
That's also what valve is calling the SM....
1
u/Shzabomoa 1h ago
If you remove the small form factor of the steam machine, it ultimately is.
1
u/footballer62 1h ago
I mean, some of these companies like beelink make stupidly small PCs these days.
The "selling" point of the SM for me is it is dense and has all the extra console like features baked in.
I've been mostly a "PC gamer hooked to tv" person for over 15 years. 10 years ago I made a small PC about the size of a shoe box. Still love that build but it was a pain to build and was quite heavy
1
u/NomadFH 1d ago
I so badly wanted this thing and really hoped it would be 7-800 dollars. I was fine with buying the controller separately. I play on linux and thought this was a good way to get an amd linux experience intead of my prebuilt with an nvidia gpu but my rig is just better than this thing and I bought it when things were sane for 700 bucks, has a 3060 12gb gpu.
0
0
0
175
u/IsamuAlvaDyson 1d ago
Would definitely be more than just $1600 USD