Tweet
Steam Machines: The Specs, Prices, and Release Dates
Following Valve's Steam Machine reveal in 2013, the PC games giant retreated for a year and, at GDC this week, returned to the stage with a robust and detailed line-up of 12 systems.
This collection of a dozen living-room PCs--each now with their finalised specs, prices and release dates--together encapsulate Valve's vision for Steam Machines: Scalable, modifiable, attractive units that aren't the typical desktop setup.
Each box will come with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed by Valve, along with a Steam Controller.
Listed below are all twelve current units, with final details and images. Those interested in buying can also find these machines on the Steam Store page.
Alienware Steam Machines
Price: $480 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Gaming laptop specialist Alienware offers a living-room PC with a glowing alien logo on its front panel, which depending on your taste is either a wonderful idea or cast-iron deal-breaker. There are four variants available, with the most basic offering 2GB of video memory, 4GB of system RAM, and an i3 processor. The high-end model doubles the system RAM and swaps the processor for an i7, making it a far more forward-thinking system. Pricing on the more advanced systems, however, is not available yet. All units can play up to 4 Steam Controllers at once.
Specs:
Alienware Steam Machine A
Alienware Steam Machine B
Alienware Steam Machine C
Alienware Steam Machine D
Alternate Steam Machines
Price: $1100 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Alternate is positioning itself for the more affluent PC games enthusiast. Its range of Steam Machines start at $1100, and for this you can expect an NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750Ti and 8GB of system memory. That's not too distant from the more affordable Alienware system, but the key difference is Alternate's Steam box comes with a 500GB solid-state hybrid drive, which will theoretically make things run faster.
Specs:
Alternate Steam Machine
Alternate Steam Machine - Advanced
Alternate Steam Machine - Power
Alternate Steam Machine - Ultra
Asus ROG GR8S
Price: $700 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Hardware jack-off-all-trades Asus offers a compact PC tower with a unique, angular look. As well as being visually arresting, it's also designed to be upgradable with straightforward slide-off panels. The unit starts at $700 for a Intel i5, a GeForce 9 graphics card, and 4GB of system memory. The range on offer has some customisability too, with the option of paying extra of a solid-state hard drive.
Specs:
Digital Storm Eclipse Steam Machine
Price: $700. Release Date November. Steam Page.
One for the traditionalists, the Digital Storm Eclipse comes in a familiar frame that can either stack vertically or horizontally. One of the benefits of this standardised size is that its graphics card can be swapped out, while other key components are upgradable too. Opting for a hard drive instead of solid state, the Digital Storm Eclipse offers 1 terabyte of storage at a reasonable price.
Specs:
Falcon Northwest Tiki Steam Machine
Price: $2000 - $5000. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Just four inches wide and 13 inches tall, Tiki is a premium micro-tower that is described by manufacturer Falcon Northwest as the world's most powerful. It also has a shot at being the most expensive too, with top-of-the-line models fetching $5,000. GPUs range from GeForce 9 series to the Titan-Z class, with up to 8 terabytes of solid-state memory, and a liquid-cooled Intel i7. Comes in a range of colours too, which you can see in the gallery above. One thing worth asking yourself before you give into temptations to splurge: how much would this actually cost if I made it myself?
Specs:
Gigabyte BRIX Pro
Price: $600. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Though some might find its stout body a little uninviting, Gigabyte's BRIX Pro is tiny, measuring just 62mm high and 114mm wide and deep. This barebones unit shrinks its size so rapidly by integrating its GPU onto its Intel i7 chip. The likelihood is you'll need to turn settings down on modern PC games. It also will require additional laptop memory and a 2.5 inch drive before it's up and running.
Specs:
iBuyPower SBX Steam Machine
Price: $460 Upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
If manufacturer iBuyPower's brief was to deliver a PC at the closest price and spec to traditional game consoles, it only just comes short. The entry-level model costs $460 (worth bearing in mind that PC software is far more affordable) and comes with 4GB of memory, and a 1GB Radeon R7. PC games such as The Witcher 3 already have a higher minimum specification than this.
Specs:
Maingear Drift
Price: $850 upwards. Release date: Due November.Steam Page.
It would be somewhat futile to gauge the value of the Drift since Maingear lists the cheapest price and the highest spec, but does not detail the prices relative to the specs. At maximum, the machine offers an i7 processor and a GTX 980, with the option to throw in up to 16GB of system memory, and two 1TB solid-state hard drives. It uses liquid cooling so will likely be quieter too.
Specs:
Materiel.net Steam Machine
Price: $900. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Looking past its curious look (slightly resembling an unfinished washing machine), Material.net's imaginatively titled Stream Machine packs an i5 processor with a GeForce GTX 960, and a 1TB hybrid drive. The system memory spec isn't final yet, so it's hard to determine the true value of this set.
Specs:
NextBox
Price: $800 - $1300. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Straddling the line between creative inspiration and copyright violation, the NextBox offers a trio of mid-to-high-end systems emblazoned with a green X logo. Word of warning: Some might mistake it for an amp. The low-end unit offers an i3 processor, a GTX 750, 8GB or system memory, and 1TB hard drive for $800.
Specs:
NextBox Steam Machine - $800
NextBox Steam Machine - TBD
NextBox Steam Machine - $1300
Origin Omega Steam Machine
In a game of PC spec oneupmanship, OriginPC's Omega will prove hard to beat. The high-end model offers 32GB of DDR3 system memory, an Intel i7 4770k, up to three Nvidia GTX980 cards, and up to 14TB of disc space. That'll fetch you $5000, while the more modest systems start at $900. It also comes in a range of form factors, from bulky boxes to units that resemble hi-fi seperates.
Specs:
Scan 3XS ST Steam Machine
Price: $1000 - $1300. Release date: Due November.Steam Page.
Offering a console-sized system that's fully upgradable throughout, Scan's 3XS ST range offers three variants of a premium living-room PC. At $1000, the 3XSST offers 8GB of system memory, a GeForce GTX 750 Ti, and Intel i3 processor, and 120GB solid-state drive. Upgrading to the i5 and a GTX 970 will cost about $300 more.
Specs
Scan 3XS ST5 Steam Machine - $1000
Scan 3XS ST10 Steam Machine - $1160
Scan 3XS ST15 Steam Machine - $1300
Syber Steam Machine
Price: $500 - 1400. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Syber is offering the widest range of Steam Machines, from humble $500 units (4GB RAM, AMD Athlon X4, 2GB Radeon R9) to high-end $1400 systems (8GB RAM, Intel i7, GTX 980 4GB). It resembles a PlayStation 2 if it were designed by Batman, with its corrugated plastic available in a range of hues.
Specs
Syber Steam Machine A
Syber Steam Machine I
Syber Steam Machine X
Webhallen S15-01
Price: $950 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
Fans of Fred Perry apparel might have thought the outfitter has expanded into PCs when admiring the designer look of the S15-01. Manufacturer Webhallen says it has built the unit from the ground-up with optimum price in mind. It packs together an Intel i5, a 2GB GTX 960 and a 1TB solid-state hard drive for $950.
Specs:
Zotac Steam Machine SN970
Price: $1000. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.
The SN970 delivers premium specs within a diminutive case, which explains the $1000 price tag. Zotac says the CPU will be Intel 6th gen, but didn't specify, along with a 1TB Laptop-size hard drive, plus a 64GB SSD for zippy booting. Perhaps the standout feature is the 3GB GDDR5 GeForce 970M.
Specs:
More...
This collection of a dozen living-room PCs--each now with their finalised specs, prices and release dates--together encapsulate Valve's vision for Steam Machines: Scalable, modifiable, attractive units that aren't the typical desktop setup.
Each box will come with SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed by Valve, along with a Steam Controller.
Listed below are all twelve current units, with final details and images. Those interested in buying can also find these machines on the Steam Store page.
Alienware Steam Machines
Price: $480 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Gaming laptop specialist Alienware offers a living-room PC with a glowing alien logo on its front panel, which depending on your taste is either a wonderful idea or cast-iron deal-breaker. There are four variants available, with the most basic offering 2GB of video memory, 4GB of system RAM, and an i3 processor. The high-end model doubles the system RAM and swaps the processor for an i7, making it a far more forward-thinking system. Pricing on the more advanced systems, however, is not available yet. All units can play up to 4 Steam Controllers at once.
Specs:
Alienware Steam Machine A
- CPU: Intel Core i3 Dual-Core processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX - 2GB GDDR5
- Memory: 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz
- Storage: 500GB Hard Drive
Alienware Steam Machine B
- CPU: Intel Core i3 Dual-Core processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX - 2GB GDDR5
- Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB Hard Drive
Alienware Steam Machine C
- CPU: Intel Core i5 Quad-Core processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX - 2GB GDDR5
- Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB Hard Drive
Alienware Steam Machine D
- CPU: Intel Core i7 Quad-Core processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX - 2GB GDDR5
- Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3L 1600MHz
- Storage: 2TB Hard Drive
Alternate Steam Machines
Price: $1100 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Alternate is positioning itself for the more affluent PC games enthusiast. Its range of Steam Machines start at $1100, and for this you can expect an NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750Ti and 8GB of system memory. That's not too distant from the more affordable Alienware system, but the key difference is Alternate's Steam box comes with a 500GB solid-state hybrid drive, which will theoretically make things run faster.
Specs:
Alternate Steam Machine
- Price: $1,099 USD
- CPU: Intel Core i3-4130
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750Ti
- Memory: 8GB DDR3-1600MHz
- Storage: 500GB SSHD
Alternate Steam Machine - Advanced
- Price: $1,299 USD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4570
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960
- Memory: 8GB DDR3-1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB SSHD
Alternate Steam Machine - Power
- Price: $1,499 USD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4570
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970
- Memory: 8GB DDR3-1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB SSHD
Alternate Steam Machine - Ultra
- Price: $1,899 USD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 980
- Memory: 8GB DDR3-1600MHz
- Storage: 2TB SSHD
Asus ROG GR8S
Price: $700 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Hardware jack-off-all-trades Asus offers a compact PC tower with a unique, angular look. As well as being visually arresting, it's also designed to be upgradable with straightforward slide-off panels. The unit starts at $700 for a Intel i5, a GeForce 9 graphics card, and 4GB of system memory. The range on offer has some customisability too, with the option of paying extra of a solid-state hard drive.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 processors
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 9-series graphics
- Memory: DDR3 4GB ~ 16GB
- Storage: 500GB/1TB 7200rpm HDD, or 128GB ~ 512GB SSD
- Audio: ROG SupremeFX 5.1 HD audio
- Network: Intel Gb LAN with 802.11 ac Wi-Fi
Digital Storm Eclipse Steam Machine
Price: $700. Release Date November. Steam Page.One for the traditionalists, the Digital Storm Eclipse comes in a familiar frame that can either stack vertically or horizontally. One of the benefits of this standardised size is that its graphics card can be swapped out, while other key components are upgradable too. Opting for a hard drive instead of solid state, the Digital Storm Eclipse offers 1 terabyte of storage at a reasonable price.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Pentium G3220
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960 2GB
- RAM: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB 7200RPM Machnical
Falcon Northwest Tiki Steam Machine
Price: $2000 - $5000. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Just four inches wide and 13 inches tall, Tiki is a premium micro-tower that is described by manufacturer Falcon Northwest as the world's most powerful. It also has a shot at being the most expensive too, with top-of-the-line models fetching $5,000. GPUs range from GeForce 9 series to the Titan-Z class, with up to 8 terabytes of solid-state memory, and a liquid-cooled Intel i7. Comes in a range of colours too, which you can see in the gallery above. One thing worth asking yourself before you give into temptations to splurge: how much would this actually cost if I made it myself?
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core up to i7-4790K
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 900 series, including Titan and Titan-Z class
- Memory: Up to 16GB of DDR3-1866 MHz
- Storage: Up to 8 TB of SSD or SSDs and a standard HDD
- Completely customizable configurations
- Liquid cooled CPU
- Overclocking available
Gigabyte BRIX Pro
Price: $600. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Though some might find its stout body a little uninviting, Gigabyte's BRIX Pro is tiny, measuring just 62mm high and 114mm wide and deep. This barebones unit shrinks its size so rapidly by integrating its GPU onto its Intel i7 chip. The likelihood is you'll need to turn settings down on modern PC games. It also will require additional laptop memory and a 2.5 inch drive before it's up and running.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-4770R
- GPU: Intel Iris Pro graphics 5200
- Memory: 2 x SO-DIMM DDR3L slots 1600 MHz
- Storage: Supports 2.5” SSD/HDD (1 x 6Gbps SATA3)
iBuyPower SBX Steam Machine
Price: $460 Upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.If manufacturer iBuyPower's brief was to deliver a PC at the closest price and spec to traditional game consoles, it only just comes short. The entry-level model costs $460 (worth bearing in mind that PC software is far more affordable) and comes with 4GB of memory, and a 1GB Radeon R7. PC games such as The Witcher 3 already have a higher minimum specification than this.
Specs:
- CPU: AMD Athlon X4 840
- GPU: ATI Radeon R7 250X 1GB GDDR5
- RAM: 4GB Ram (Up to 8GB Ram)
- Storage: 500GB HDD (Up to 1TB HDD)
Maingear Drift
Price: $850 upwards. Release date: Due November.Steam Page.It would be somewhat futile to gauge the value of the Drift since Maingear lists the cheapest price and the highest spec, but does not detail the prices relative to the specs. At maximum, the machine offers an i7 processor and a GTX 980, with the option to throw in up to 16GB of system memory, and two 1TB solid-state hard drives. It uses liquid cooling so will likely be quieter too.
Specs:
- CPU: Up to Intel Core 4790K
- GPU: Up to NVIDIA Geforce GTX 980 and AMD R9 290X
- Storage: Up to 2x 1TB SSD and 1x 6TB 3.5’ HDD
- RAM: Up to 16GB of DDR 3 Memory
- Other: Epic 120 Liquid Cooling
Materiel.net Steam Machine
Price: $900. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Looking past its curious look (slightly resembling an unfinished washing machine), Material.net's imaginatively titled Stream Machine packs an i5 processor with a GeForce GTX 960, and a 1TB hybrid drive. The system memory spec isn't final yet, so it's hard to determine the true value of this set.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core 4440
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960 OC
- Memory: TBD
- Storage: SSHD - 1TB To (8GB Nand)
NextBox
Price: $800 - $1300. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Straddling the line between creative inspiration and copyright violation, the NextBox offers a trio of mid-to-high-end systems emblazoned with a green X logo. Word of warning: Some might mistake it for an amp. The low-end unit offers an i3 processor, a GTX 750, 8GB or system memory, and 1TB hard drive for $800.
Specs:
NextBox Steam Machine - $800
- CPU: Intel Core I3 4160
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750
- Memory: 8Gb DDR3
- Storage: 1TB
NextBox Steam Machine - TBD
- CPU: Intel Core I3 4160
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960
- Memory: 8Gb DDR3
- Storage: 1TB
- CPU: Intel Core I5 4460
NextBox Steam Machine - $1300
- CPU: Intel® Core™ I5 4460
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970
- Memory: 8Gb DDR3
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Origin Omega Steam Machine
In a game of PC spec oneupmanship, OriginPC's Omega will prove hard to beat. The high-end model offers 32GB of DDR3 system memory, an Intel i7 4770k, up to three Nvidia GTX980 cards, and up to 14TB of disc space. That'll fetch you $5000, while the more modest systems start at $900. It also comes in a range of form factors, from bulky boxes to units that resemble hi-fi seperates.Specs:
- Price: $899 - $4,999+ USD
- CPU: Up to an Intel Core i7 4770k
- GPU: Up to 3-WAY Nvidia Geforce GTX 980
- Memory: Up to 32GB of 1866Mhz
- Storage: Up to 14TB
Scan 3XS ST Steam Machine
Price: $1000 - $1300. Release date: Due November.Steam Page.Offering a console-sized system that's fully upgradable throughout, Scan's 3XS ST range offers three variants of a premium living-room PC. At $1000, the 3XSST offers 8GB of system memory, a GeForce GTX 750 Ti, and Intel i3 processor, and 120GB solid-state drive. Upgrading to the i5 and a GTX 970 will cost about $300 more.
Specs
Scan 3XS ST5 Steam Machine - $1000
- CPU: Intel Core i3
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750 Ti
- Memory: 8GB of Corsair DDR3 as standard, with 16GB available
- Storage: 120GB SSD as standard, with larger options available
Scan 3XS ST10 Steam Machine - $1160
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960
- Memory: 8GB of Corsair DDR3 as standard, with 16GB available
- Storage: 120GB SSD as standard, with larger options available
Scan 3XS ST15 Steam Machine - $1300
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970
- Memory: 8GB of Corsair DDR3 as standard, with 16GB available
- Storage: 120GB SSD as standard, with larger options available
Syber Steam Machine
Price: $500 - 1400. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Syber is offering the widest range of Steam Machines, from humble $500 units (4GB RAM, AMD Athlon X4, 2GB Radeon R9) to high-end $1400 systems (8GB RAM, Intel i7, GTX 980 4GB). It resembles a PlayStation 2 if it were designed by Batman, with its corrugated plastic available in a range of hues.
Specs
Syber Steam Machine A
- Price: $500
- CPU: AMD Athlon X4 840
- GPU: AMD Radeon R9 270 2GB
- Memory: 4GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Storage: 500GB 7200 RPM HDD
Syber Steam Machine I
- Price: $700
- CPU: Intel Core i3 4150
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 750Ti 2GB
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB 7200 RPM HDD
Syber Steam Machine X
- Price: $1400
- CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 980 4GB
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB 7200 RPM HDD
Webhallen S15-01
Price: $950 upwards. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.Fans of Fred Perry apparel might have thought the outfitter has expanded into PCs when admiring the designer look of the S15-01. Manufacturer Webhallen says it has built the unit from the ground-up with optimum price in mind. It packs together an Intel i5, a 2GB GTX 960 and a 1TB solid-state hard drive for $950.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4460
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 960 2GB
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz
- Storage: 1TB SSHD
Zotac Steam Machine SN970
Price: $1000. Release date: Due November. Steam Page.The SN970 delivers premium specs within a diminutive case, which explains the $1000 price tag. Zotac says the CPU will be Intel 6th gen, but didn't specify, along with a 1TB Laptop-size hard drive, plus a 64GB SSD for zippy booting. Perhaps the standout feature is the 3GB GDDR5 GeForce 970M.
Specs:
- CPU: Intel 6th Gen Processor
- GPU: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 970M with 3GB GDDR5
- Memory: 8GB DDR3 SODIMM bundled
- Storage: 2.5” 1TB HDD + 64GB M.2 SSD
More...