No Need for a Steam Machine: 4 Options That Are More Powerful or More Interesting

Problem Statement

Many gamers were disappointed by the announced price of the Steam Machine. Yes, it is still an attractive device with a successful form factor, but the price seems too high to many, given that its performance is extremely low by modern standards. We decided to find out: what gaming device can be bought for the same money?

This article contains only real hardware and real prices, which are current at the time of writing.

Disclaimer

All prices are current at the time of writing. By the time you read these lines, they may have changed — don't be lazy, check current figures online. When self-assembling, you control the compatibility of components yourself, so the specifications should also be double-checked.

We do not include the cost of the operating system in the build. The Steam Machine comes with SteamOS. If you wish, you can try to install SteamOS on a self-assembled or purchased PC. And it might even work. Or it might not.

Installing one of the popular Linux distributions, for example, the domestic "Alt Rabochaya Stantsiya" with PortProton or the imported BazziteOS, will create an environment similar to SteamOS. And with the same compatibility problems for many games. If you are going to install Windows, add its price to the total cost of the build.

Prices

The exchange rate of the Russian ruble to the dollar at the time of writing the article: ~77 rubles per dollar.

The cost of the Steam Machine at the time of writing the article, excluding taxes and other fees:

The cost of the Steam Machine at the time of writing the article in Russia:

Steam Machine Specifications

Official specifications published by Valve:

Note: Valve does not officially specify which memory modules are installed in the PC and what their form factor is. Compact SO-DIMM DDR5 modules are used. The Steam Machine can be supplied with either one 16 GB module (single-channel mode) or two 8 GB modules (dual-channel mode).

Steam Machine Performance Evaluation

Although the Steam Machine's hybrid processor is custom, it is based on standard AMD Zen 4 cores. Judging by the 30 W TDP, no desktop processor fits into it. The six-core Ryzen 5 7500F without a graphics core has a TDP of 65 W, but the Ryzen 5 7645HX with a graphics core and a TDP of 55 W is an ideal candidate for a donor. A slightly lower frequency and a cut-down graphics core will provide a TDP of 30 W.

At the time of release, AMD, in a manner typical of all manufacturers, demonstrated how the new processor "tore apart" all competitors of the old generation: it outperformed the Core i5-12500H in tests by 7–9%. The Steam Machine's processor frequency is slightly lower, so here we can talk more about performance comparable to the Core i5-12500H and other budget desktop processors.

The Steam Machine's graphics core has already been "equated" with the Radeon RX 6600. This is an exaggeration. The performance of one compute unit in RDNA 3 is higher than in RDNA 2 at the same frequency.

In the case of the Steam Machine, we can rather talk about a "cut-down" RX 7600 — it's the same Navi 33 with 8 GB of VRAM, but with 28 compute units instead of 32 and a frequency of 2.45 GHz instead of 2.66 GHz. The combination of these factors gives about 80% of the RX 7600's performance.

Based on IXBT.COM video card tests, in which the RX 6600 still appeared and remained somewhat relevant, it can be said that the Steam Machine's graphics core outperforms the RX 6600 by about 10% and is about 10% inferior to the RTX 3060 (in terms of raw performance, without FSR/DLSS).

Scenario 1. Top-tier at the price of an expensive Steam Machine

Task

Create the most productive gaming configuration from components available on the mass market, and stay within the cost of the Steam Machine itself on the Russian market. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be present. We will not include the gamepad in the build cost.

Approach to Solution

Traditionally, let's recall a simple rule that we try to adhere to when building gaming PCs: the cost of the video card should be approximately half the cost of the entire PC. Given the current price increase for components, this figure is now closer to 40% of the total cost. But it is still the most expensive thing in a gaming PC.

Why? Testing processors from three years ago showed that "the most important conclusion for many years has been one – buy the most expensive video card you can afford, and a modern processor like the Core i5-13400(F) will be enough."

Believe me, nothing has changed in three years.

If we focus on the lower price limit of the top-tier Steam Machine configuration in Russia, then 40% of 150 thousand rubles is 60 thousand rubles. This is the starting price for the RTX 5070 video card family. We will select the appropriate remaining components.

Build

A PC assembled at one of the Russian retailers around an RTX 5070 video card looks like this:

Total — 155 092 ₽

If you pay extra

+8 300 ₽ — Intel Core i5-13600KF OEM Processor (22 499 ₽). More performance.

If you save

−5 500 ₽ — MAXSUN B660M GAMING WIFI ICE white Motherboard (7 999 ₽). B660 chipset instead of B760, two memory slots instead of 4, M.2 slot works via PCIe 3.0 (SSD will be slower), fewer ports.

−2 449 ₽ — Thermaltake Versa H16 TG ARGB white Case (2 650 ₽). Smaller volume.

−14 300 ₽ — ADATA XPG GAMMIX S60 512GB Drive (9 699 ₽). Smaller volume.

−29 500 ₽ — GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5060 Ti EAGLE OC Video Card (34 499 ₽).

Conclusion

For 155 thousand rubles — slightly more than the lower limit of the cost of a top-tier Steam Machine in Russia — you can assemble a full-fledged gaming PC based on the RTX 5070. This video card provides performance significantly exceeding the capabilities of the Steam Machine's graphics core (at the level of a "cut-down" RX 7600). At the same time, the Core i5-13400F processor and 32 GB of RAM ensure that the system will not be a bottleneck in modern games. If you need to stay strictly within 150 thousand, you can save on some components.

If you go all out on savings and fall below the cost of the junior Steam Machine model, even such a configuration will be many times more powerful than the Steam Machine:

IXBT.COM rating without RT enabled

IXBT.COM rating variant with RT and/or DLSS/FSRXeSS enabled

Scenario 2. I want something like a Steam Machine, but cheaper

Task

Create a configuration as close as possible to the Steam Machine from components available on the mass market, and save money compared to the original. If possible, maintain the image of a gaming PC.

Approach to Solution

The first desire is to build a PC with integrated graphics. But tests show that even in AMD processors, integrated graphics do not come close to the performance of desktop and custom graphics cores. On the one hand, it's not all bad: "If the graphics of Ryzen 5 8500G and Intel Core Ultra 200 almost reached the level of Arc A310 and are slightly slower than GTX 1050 Ti, then Ryzen 7 8700G is even faster than this model and is already closer to the level of GeForce GTX 1060". But this is not a Steam Machine.

The second desire is to assemble a PC in an extremely compact ITX case. But given the size of desktop video cards, it's easy to get into trouble here — the video card simply might not fit into the case due to its dimensions. So we bite our tongue. Yes, the build won't be as elegant as the Steam Machine, but the main thing is what's inside. Isn't it?

At the same time, in the build, we will try to emphasize the aesthetics of a geeky gaming PC. We will overpay a little, but we will install a liquid cooling system for the processor to free up a little internal volume of the compact case and give the build an elegant look. Especially since the Ryzen 5 7400F heats up more than the technically indistinguishable Ryzen 5 7500F (it's all about the thermal interface).

The RAM in this build is 16 GB in one module. The same volume as the Steam Machine. Installing one module is a controversial decision. But, firstly, some Steam Machines also come with one module, so it's canon. Secondly, compact motherboards usually have only two slots for RAM modules. By occupying both, you lose the ability to buy more memory without changing the modules themselves. If you don't plan to upgrade, install two 8 GB modules. If you have enough money, install two 16 GB modules.

Build

A PC assembled at one of the Russian retailers around a Radeon RX 9060 XT video card with an AMD processor and DDR5 memory looks like this:

Total — 117 392 ₽

If you pay extra

+900 ₽ — AMD Ryzen 5 7500F OEM Processor (10 799 ₽). Slightly higher frequencies.

+15 200 ₽ — Apacer Panther 32 GB (2×16 GB) RAM (37 999 ₽). Dual-channel mode and larger volume.

If you save

−1 800 ₽ — GIGABYTE B650M GAMING WIFI6E Motherboard (11 499 ₽). Simpler B650 chipset instead of B840.

−3 649 ₽ — JONSBO CR-1400 EVO Color White CPU Cooler (1 150 ₽). Air cooling instead of liquid.

−14 300 ₽ — ADATA XPG GAMMIX S60 512GB Drive (9 699 ₽). Smaller volume.

Conclusion

For 117 thousand rubles, we assembled a compact and stylish PC that is significantly cheaper than the top-tier Steam Machine in Russia. At the same time, thanks to the discrete Radeon RX 9060 XT video card, it easily outperforms Valve's console in gaming performance, providing comfortable gameplay at 1080p and even 1440p. Yes, we had to compromise with single-channel memory in the hope of a quick upgrade with a second module, and in economy mode, abandon liquid cooling, but the aesthetics of a compact gaming PC are preserved. This is an excellent option for those who want a device "like a Steam Machine".

At the same time, the RX 9060 XT video card is #1 in the IXBT utility rating (price-performance ratio) without accelerators (FSR) enabled. However, enabling FSR/DLSS on RTX 5070 and RTX 5060 Ti drops it to #3. At the same time, it remains the most affordable in this trio.

However, if desired, a decent amount can easily be shaved off the resulting 117 thousand rubles by switching to a 512 GB drive, as in the basic Steam Machine. In this case, the build will retain both performance and price.

Scenario 3. You don't understand! The Steam Machine's trick is its form factor!

Task

Find a PC in the Steam Machine form factor or as close to it as possible.

Approach to Solution

The first thought is to break the mold and completely abandon the system unit. An all-in-one! No case. But all-in-ones are "office" workhorses, almost not designed for games. And placing powerful gaming hardware in a compact case is quite a challenge. Ruled out.

Mini-PC? Yes, there are options. For example, the ROG NUC from ASUS. Laptop RTX 5060 on board, 16 GB of memory, 1 TB drive, Intel Core Ultra processor. Dimensions — 282.4 × 187.7 × 56.5 mm. Compact! But the price goes over 200 thousand rubles. A bit expensive.

However, there are other options. The AceMagic Tank 03, introduced in 2023 (two years before the Steam Machine!). Several configurations: from Core i7-12700H and GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop to Core i9-12900H and RTX 3080 Laptop.

Dimensions 167 × 167 × 161 mm (like the Steam Machine!), 16 or 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, two additional M.2 slots for drives, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a decent set of ports: Thunderbolt 4, six USB 3.2 Gen 2, two HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, two RJ45 2.5GbE, and an SD card slot.

Just a second: Steam Machine announcement — November 2025. Tank 03 — 2023. Should we buy it? It's practically not sold in Russia. Although…

Buying

Meet the brainchild of a large Russian retailer DNS — Ardor Gaming Cyber Cube.

Does it remind you of anything?

Configuration:

Price — 135 499 ₽.

Conclusion

Yes, you won't be able to save money. But in tests, the RTX 4060 outperforms the RX 7600. The Cyber Cube has a mobile version of the chip, but the Steam Machine also has a "cut-down" RX 7600. So you can expect slightly more performance from the Cyber Cube.

An important nuance: in a compact case, the TDP of the mobile RTX 4060 can be cut, so the actual performance will depend on the specific implementation of the cooling system. But even in this case, we get a level comparable to the Steam Machine.

And most importantly, Ardor Gaming is a Russian brand, there is a warranty from the seller, and the devices themselves are already on sale. You don't have to wait months for delivery from abroad, you don't have to deal with customs and possible return problems.

Another aspect not to be forgotten: the Cyber Cube runs on Windows.

The Ardor Gaming Cyber Cube is, in essence, a "Steam Machine à la Russe". The same form factor, comparable performance, but with a warranty, Windows, and no availability issues. If you need a Steam Machine in Russia and now, here it is.

Scenario 4. What else?

Task

Find other devices suitable for gaming no worse than the Steam Machine, but not more expensive, and preferably cheaper. The main thing is no self-assembly!

Approach

We have already considered and discarded all-in-ones, and we have already found mini-PCs in the Steam Machine format. What's left? Laptops, consoles, smartphones, portable gaming devices.

Buying

Laptop with discrete graphics card ASUS V16 V3607VM:

A laptop is a versatile device: you can play, work, and take it on the road.

PlayStation 5 Pro Console:

The classic answer to the question "what to play on". PS5 Pro guarantees the launch of all Sony exclusives. Yes, Steam is absent, but GTA VI and many former Microsoft exclusives are present.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 512 GB Smartphone:

Yes, modern smartphones can already play full-fledged games like Resident Evil Village. Convenient: always with you, excellent screen, powerful hardware. Although it's still a smartphone. So it's better for Genshin Impact or Honkai StarRail.

Portable gaming device ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X 1024 GB

SteamDeck from ASUS, running Windows and integrated with the Xbox ecosystem. Xbox Play Anywhere support means that some games can be launched on both PC and Ally X after buying them once. Convenient format!

Conclusions

But let's be frank and serious. None of these devices will, of course, replace the Steam Machine, although almost all of them (except perhaps the Xbox Ally) are faster than Valve's device. But you can play on them — especially if you need some new sensations from the form factor or a change of scenery after a hard day's work.

So what's the bottom line?

And yet, are there real alternatives to the Steam Machine?

Yes, there are. All the scenarios considered in this material are real alternatives, even those we considered in scenario 4. Of course, everything depends on your preferences, the thickness of your wallet, and what you are looking for in games.

Does this mean that the Steam Machine is not needed? No. It also has its niche.

This niche is for Valve fans and the Steam ecosystem. People who believe in Gabe Newell's vision and want a device created specifically for SteamOS, with native Steam Controller integration and without the compromises that have to be made when installing Linux on a regular PC. For them, the Steam Machine is not just hardware, but an ideological choice.

But for everyone else, the answer is simple.

However, if your heart belongs to Valve — wait for the Steam Machine. You are unlikely to be disappointed if you understand its weaknesses and strengths.