5 Mini PCs Under $500 That Beat Valve’s Steam Machine
▼ Summary
– Valve is launching three new hardware devices in 2026: the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame wireless VR headset.
– The Steam Machine is a compact PC running SteamOS, designed for 4K60 gaming on a TV with a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 processor and RDNA3 graphics.
– This marks Valve’s second attempt at Steam Machines, as the original 2014 version struggled with third-party hardware and limited SteamOS game support.
– The new Steam Machine features advanced cooling with a 120mm fan and multi-directional airflow to maintain performance in enclosed spaces.
– Several affordable mini PC alternatives are available, such as the Minisforum Elite Mini M1-1295 and Aoostar GEM12+ Pro, offering similar capabilities and current discounts.
While Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine promises a dedicated living room gaming experience, its potential high cost and limited functionality might give budget-conscious gamers pause. Fortunately, the current market offers several powerful mini PCs under $500 that not only run SteamOS effectively but also handle a wide range of other computing tasks, providing far greater versatility for your money.
Valve is preparing to launch a new Steam Machine in 2026, marking a second attempt at the living room PC concept after its initial effort a decade ago faced challenges. The new model is built around a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 processor paired with RDNA3 graphics, targeting 4K gaming at 60 frames per second. It comes equipped with 16GB of DDR5 memory and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM. The device features comprehensive connectivity including DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, along with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth. A distinctive design element is its substantial cooling system, which incorporates a 120mm fan that draws air from the sides and base to maintain performance even in enclosed entertainment centers.
Despite these impressive specifications, the Steam Machine’s pricing remains undisclosed and is expected to be substantial. Additionally, it lacks dedicated entertainment applications beyond gaming, which may limit its appeal as an all-in-one living room solution.
For those seeking capable alternatives that won’t break the bank, here are five excellent mini PCs currently available for under $500, with some featuring Black Friday discounts.
Minisforum Elite Mini M1-1295: $464 at Amazon This compact powerhouse delivers exceptional performance with its Intel Core i9-12950HX processor, 32GB of RAM, and a spacious 1TB SSD. It supports triple 4K displays through its combination of HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C connections. Networking capabilities include fast 2.5GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E. With robust cooling and additional storage expansion options, it stands as a compelling alternative to the upcoming Steam Machine.
Aoostar GEM12+ Pro: $499 at Amazon Priced right at the $500 mark, the Aoostar model features an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS processor with integrated Radeon 780M graphics. It comes with 32GB of DDR5 memory and includes both 1TB of NVMe storage and dual M.2 slots for future expansion. Connectivity is comprehensive with USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, dual 2.5GbE ports, and notably, an OCuLink port for connecting high-bandwidth external graphics cards.
Minisforum NAB9 Mini PC: $479 at Amazon Another strong contender from Minisforum, the NAB9 utilizes an Intel Core i9-12900HK processor with 14 cores, backed by 32GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. It can drive four separate 4K displays simultaneously through dual HDMI and dual USB-C ports. The inclusion of dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports makes it suitable for networking applications, while upgraded cooling ensures stable performance during extended gaming or media editing sessions.
GMKtec K12 Mini PC: $500 at Amazon Currently available at a significant discount, the GMKtec K12 features an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 processor with Radeon 780M graphics. It includes 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB SSD, plus three M.2 slots for storage expansion. The device offers extensive connectivity including USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, dual 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, and an OCuLink port, making it exceptionally versatile for both gaming and productivity tasks.
Bosgame P3 Plus: $419 at Amazon With an applied coupon bringing its price down to just $419, the Bosgame P3 Plus represents outstanding value. It runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor with Radeon 780M graphics, coupled with 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The system supports triple 4K output through its HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C connections, and includes dual LAN ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and an additional NVMe slot for storage expansion.
Each of these compact systems delivers substantial computing power that rivals what the Steam Machine promises, while costing significantly less and offering broader functionality beyond just gaming. Their ability to handle streaming, productivity applications, and creative work makes them smart investments for anyone building a versatile home computing setup.
(Source: techradar)
