Valve places its new machine well above consoles on the only ground that matters: price. In return, we are talking here about a SteamOS mini PC with a semi-custom AMD base and a graphics level located between Radeon RX 6600 and RX 7600.
Steam Machine : un ticket d’entrée à plus de 1 000 $
The 512 GB model is shown at 1 049 $ in the United States and 879 £ in the United Kingdom, approximately 970 € For information only, excluding local taxes and exchange rate variations. The high configuration goes up to 1 428 $ or 1 208 £or approximately 1 320 €.
This 2 TB version includes a Steam Controller as well as two additional facades, one in red fabric, the other in solid walnut. Digital Foundry does not mention a 2TB variant sold alone, without this bundle.
An AMD Zen 4 and RDNA 3 base in compact format
Valve does not give exact CPU and GPU references. The machine is based on a semi-custom AMD processor Zen 4 à 6 cÅ“urs et 12 threadsassociated with a graphic part RDNA 3 Navi 33 dotée also 28 Compute Unitswith a frequency that can reach 2,45 GHz and of 8 Go de GDDR6.
According to Digital Foundry, the GPU is connected via an interface PCIe 4.0 x8. The performances are between Radeon RX 6600 et Radeon RX 7600 depending on the games.
The parallel with mini PCs which aim for 1080p without breaking the budget helps to measure where Valve really places its machine: less on the initial price, more on the balance between compact format, integration and comfort of use.
Memory, storage and SSD compatibility
Memory configuration includes 16 Go de DDR5-5600 in SODIMM unique. For storage, Valve offers 512 Go or 2 To in M.2 2230with support for replacements in 2230 as in 2280.
SteamOS 3.8 prépare déjà le terrain
Valve is clearly selling this product as a compact PC running SteamOS, not as a subsidized console. SteamOS 3.8 already adds support for upcoming hardware, as well as waking from sleep via a Steam Controller connecté.
The price positioning actually limits the comparison with a classic console. On the other hand, for a ready-to-use SteamOS mini PC, with custom AMD APUs, replaceable storage and a GPU target close to the RX 6600/RX 7600 segment, Valve is mainly looking to sell consistent software and hardware integration, not an aggressive performance-price ratio.
Source : VideoCardz
