The first reviews of the Steam Machine revealed an unexpected compromise that Valve had to make to maintain production volumes and keep the device's cost down. Some mini-PCs will be shipped not with two 8 GB DDR5 memory modules, but with one 16 GB module.
According to company engineers, this decision is due to the ongoing component shortage caused by high demand for memory from the artificial intelligence industry. 8 GB DDR5 modules have become significantly less available, so Valve was forced to change the configuration of some devices already during the production process.
The problem is that a single memory module operates in single-channel mode. Unlike a dual-channel configuration, it provides lower bandwidth, which can negatively affect performance in games that heavily utilize the processor. Among such projects are Crimson Desert and Baldur’s Gate 3. However, Valve itself claims that internal tests showed only a minor difference between the two options.
At the same time, buyers will not be able to know in advance which memory configuration is installed in their Steam Machine. The specific set of components depends on the availability of parts at the time of device assembly. Some units are still equipped with two 8 GB modules and operate in dual-channel mode.
Valve notes that the presence of a single 16 GB module leaves users with the option for an upgrade. Since the mini-PC is equipped with two SO-DIMM DDR5 slots, owners will be able to install a second similar module later and activate dual-channel mode. However, given the current high memory prices, such an option is unlikely to become popular in the near future.
In an interview with Gamers Nexus, company representatives also admitted that Valve was not prepared for the large-scale DRAM shortage. Unlike major electronics manufacturers, the company does not have long-term contracts with memory suppliers such as Samsung and SK Hynix, and therefore faced the same limitations as small PC manufacturers.
According to engineers, the alternative was either to further increase the price of the Steam Machine or to reduce production volumes. Nevertheless, critics note that such compromises may cause dissatisfaction among buyers, especially given the high cost of the device and the lack of a noticeable advantage over current-generation consoles.