Build Your Own Steam Machine Rival PC
▼ Summary
– The Steam Machine’s price remains unannounced, but Valve claims it will cost roughly the same as a PC with equivalent hardware.
– Steam Machines use mobile-class hardware, making direct desktop PC comparisons imperfect due to differences in power and performance.
– Building a comparable PC is currently more expensive due to recent RAM price increases caused by a NAND shortage.
– Key components like the CPU and GPU in a desktop build are more powerful than the Steam Machine’s mobile equivalents, with higher TDPs and clock speeds.
– Building a custom PC allows for flexibility in components but lacks the Steam Machine’s integrated features, such as wireless connectivity for multiple Steam Controllers.
Two weeks after the initial reveal of the Steam Machine, its final price remains a mystery. While we wait for Valve to share that crucial detail, you can assemble a gaming PC that closely mirrors the Steam Machine’s intended performance, though it won’t be an identical match. Valve has consistently stated their console will be priced similarly to a PC with comparable hardware, so let’s explore what building that equivalent system actually costs today.
The challenge lies in the Steam Machine’s reliance on mobile-class components, similar to those found in high-performance gaming laptops, rather than standard desktop parts. For instance, selecting a desktop Radeon RX 7600 means you’re getting a more powerful card than the mobile 7600M variant expected in Valve’s system. This performance gap applies to most components in this build. Think of this project not as a perfect replica, but as a practical way to gauge the potential cost of a similarly capable gaming computer.
A significant hurdle right now is the recent spike in memory prices. Constructing this PC is noticeably more expensive than it would have been just a month ago. We can only hope Valve secured its RAM supply before the current NAND shortage began impacting the market.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor built on the Zen 4 architecture, available for $184.00 at Amazon. It shares its core configuration with the semi-custom chip in the Steam Machine, but this desktop version operates at a 65W TDP, double the 30W of Valve’s design. This higher power budget translates to superior clock speeds and more robust boosting capabilities during intensive tasks. Achieving the Steam Machine’s strict power envelope would require opting for mobile parts or substantially less powerful desktop CPUs.
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black
For a compact gaming PC, you need a cooler that efficiently manages heat without consuming much space. The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black, priced at $79.87 at Amazon, is more than capable of handling the Ryzen 5 7600 and can even support more demanding chips if you upgrade later. Its sleek black finish will look excellent inside a case like the Cooler Master MasterBox N200. If size isn’t a constraint, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Pro remains a top budget recommendation, offering even better cooling performance for the Ryzen 7600.
GPU: Powercolor Fighter Radeon RX 7600
Valve’s system uses a scaled-back mobile version of the Radeon RX 7600. The Steam Machine’s RDNA 3 GPU features 28 Compute Units and a 110W TDP. The Powercolor Fighter Radeon RX 7600 for desktop, available for $239.99 at Amazon, is also an RDNA 3 GPU but comes with 32 CUs and a 165W TDP. While not a revolutionary difference, the desktop card does deliver a noticeable performance uplift.
RAM: Kingston Fury Beast DDR5 5600, 16GB
Under normal circumstances, a RAM kit like this would be one of the most affordable parts of the build. These are not normal times. This 16GB kit of Kingston Fury Beast DDR5 currently costs $177.99 at Newegg, nearly matching the price of the graphics card. It gets the job done but isn’t the fastest or lowest-latency option available. With prices far above the typical $60-$80 range, it’s a tough pill to swallow. If you have the opportunity to source memory from another avenue, now is the time to do so.
The Samsung 990 Evo Plus remains a favorite for its reliable performance and accessible price point, available for $104.99 at Amazon. It offers an excellent blend of speed and value, with capacities reaching up to 4TB. While the base Steam Machine model starts with 512GB, limiting yourself to that small amount only makes sense if you’re desperately trying to save money. For this build, a 1TB drive is a sensible choice, freeing up some cash to help offset the high cost of RAM.
Motherboard: MSI MPG B650I Edge Wifi
This compact MSI MPG B650I Edge Wifi motherboard, available for $169.99 at Amazon, provides everything necessary for a mini PC build. It may lack the premium features of a high-end X670 board, but for a system without overclocking ambitions, it’s perfectly sufficient. You get all the essential connectivity in a form factor that fits snugly into a small case. One feature you will miss by building your own is Valve’s custom wireless solution, which allows for connecting up to four Steam Controllers without extra dongles. Be aware that Mini-ITX boards like this one generally carry a higher price tag than standard ATX models. If you’re building a traditional tower, a more affordable option like the ASRock B650 PG Lightning is worth considering.
Power Supply: Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold
Selecting a power supply for this build meant finding a unit that fits in a small chassis while maintaining affordability and reliability. The Cooler Master V750 SFX Gold, priced at $139.99 at Amazon, offers a 750W capacity, ensuring you operate well within its limits for optimal power efficiency. Its 80 Plus Gold certification provides confidence in its long-term reliability. If matching the Steam Machine’s compact form factor isn’t a priority, the Cooler Master MWE Gold 750 delivers the same wattage and efficiency for about $50 less.
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox N200
Completing the build is the Cooler Master MasterBox N200, a case designed to house all these components in a streamlined, compact form.
(Source: IGN)
