Slant community chat on Discourse| 13 Recommended Products | Recommendations | CPU | Storage | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Build your own Steam Machine | 14 | 2 | – | – | – |
| #2 ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970· · · | 3 | 0 | Intel Core I5-6400T 2.2 GHz | 1 TB | GTX 960 3 GB GDDR5 |
| #3 Alienware Steam Machine· · · | 2 | 0 | – | – | – |
| #4 Alienware Alpha· · · | 2 | 0 | – | – | – |
| #5 MSI Trident 3· · · | 1 | 0 | – | – | – |
| #6 ASUS Vivopc X· · · | 1 | 0 | Intel Core I5 | 1 TB | GTX 1060 |
Pro Get more bang for your buck
You can save a significant amount of money by building your own machine. Many prebuilds come with an over 30% markup, severely undercutting the value of a PC.
Pro More control over your operating system
You can install SteamOS, another version of Linux that supports Steam, or Windows to suit your needs.
Pro Fun DIY activity
Plus the satisfaction of using something you created.
Con More work and time
This will take more time to research hardware components, and assemble the system.
Con No warranty
Your warranties will be on a part by part basis.
Pro Very nice design
The design looks like it can actually throw some people off thinking that this small form factor PC is a next gen system. It looks great underneath your TV and is about the size of a Sega Dreamcast. In other words, it just fits in perfectly.
Pro Quiet operation
For a machine that will most likely be used in the living room, fan noise is a concern. Luckily the machine is made to be silent while being used so this is not an issue here.
Con GPU cannot be upgraded
Like an Alienware Steam Machine, the Zotac's GPU cannot be upgraded. It may have a decent card inside now but a few more years down the road will make that card unattractive if you wish to buy something better to keep up with future titles.
Con No GPU amplifier at this time
Unlike Alienware, Zotac has not created a GPU amplifier for their Steam Machine so that if someone were to want to upgrade externally with a desktop GPU like an RX 580, they cannot do so.
Pro R2 variants have reasonable GPUs
When you get away from the base model of the R2 variant and pay higher for the other I3 with 1 terabyte, the I5, or the I7, you're dealing with a GTX 960 that packs a bigger punch than the base model's custom GTX 860M. It can last you for awhile until you need to upgrade which is possible...
Pro Good form factor for living room
The box is quite small, a lot smaller than an XBone or PS4. It is square shaped and looks like many other set top boxes meant for a living room. So will fit in quite nicely with any other peripherals being used for a TV.
Con Under-powered GPU
The GPU used is the equivalent of an 860m, which is a mobile GPU fr laptops and when compared to GPUs for a desktop is pretty under-powered. So many graphic intensive games may have trouble holding 60fps at 1080p
Con Steam controller dongle is weak
There is a hidden port where the Steam Controller dongle is placed in the machine, this obstructed eye of sight gives issue with the connection to the wireless controller when used past 10 feet. Luckily the dongle can be moved to a front USB port on the machine, which does help.
Pro Windows OS
This machine launched before the Steam OS was released which means it is built on the Windows OS. This means all of the games available for Windows are able to be played on the machine. With Windows having a much larger amount of games available over Linux, which is what Steam OS is based on.
Pro The R2 model
The Alpha had undergone a revision which was later called the R2. This version opened up the possibility to allow you to use Alienware's official Amplifier add on on that could handle desktop quality GPUs, like a GTX 1060, as a way of upgrading what you currently had in your system. It can bre...
Con The R1 model
If you purchased the R1 model you're pretty much screwed in terms of upgrading, or amplifying, the GPU since this machine does not have an amplifier port for you to use the Alienware amplifier and be able to use something like a GTX 1080 or 1070 inside. There is one method that had been shared...
Con Some UI problems with the controller
Being that this is a Windows OS machine there are some parts of the UI such as the log in screen which are not optimal for controller support. It can be difficult to type in ones password when logging in.
Pro You can upgrade your machine
This machine can be upgraded by replacing hardware such as the GPU and storage. Just be aware that it will void the warranty if you decide to upgrade during the warranty period. If you're doing so after the warranty has expired, then that sticker inside won't matter.
Pro Unique design
One of the most unique cases among the rest, this small form factor PC is a perfect 5.5 litters in length and bold architecture that is guaranteed to stick out from the rest.
Con Some limitations on upgrades
Unfortunately, until NVIDIA decides on making smaller versions of some of the powerful GPUs like they did with the 1070 and 1060, you can't fit something like a Titan X inside. Make sure, when you upgrade, to put a single fan based card inside.
Con There is a cheaper model that has an external power brick
If it's a deal breaker for you, there is the $990 version has an external power brick. If not, you can get the the higher up models with power supply inside.
Pro VR Ready
With the specs it has inside, this baby can play decently with some VR titles and there is even a limited time offer on Oculus bundles with this thing.
Pro Sleek looking design
It fits in well with your living room setup and is pretty subtle about it. Not too bulky and not too tiny. Just right.
Con Not upgradable
If you plan on buying this, be sure to get another computer after it had served its use because this baby isn't upgradable internally or externally with any amplifier's help. If you want any sort of upgrade, be sure to let an ASUS technician know about your requests. Other than that being...
Pro Nice design
Origin is another company that has also been able to jam capable hardware is a sleek design with the red O on the tower that it just can't help remind you of a certain super computer in an older film. Regardless, it looks really nice.
Pro Upgradable
Like many listed, this Steam Machine can be upgraded to the desired specs that you'd like to see inside during production, and what you'd like to replace inside when it's time for an upgrade.
Con Heat
There have been some tests relating to heat and it doesn't seem to be doing so well reaching some high degrees compared to the other small form factors.
Con Another expensive machine
It shouldn't be a surprise due to the company behind this product is known to having high quality products with a high quality price tag. The base model reaches to $1268 before checkout. Of course if the base model without lights inside doesn't cut it, you can always upgrade from the websi...
Pro There is a price range meter
Some companies do not have this but Material.net actually has a meter that allows you to set it at the range you want to spend for your Steam Machine. Keep in mind they are using the € so it will cost more here in the States.
Pro Simple design
It's not too distracting or in your face if you like simpler designs that still can contain some serious power.
Con Simple design
Even if it has a non distracting design, it still is pretty boring to look at and wouldn't fit well with your other consoles or even be something you'd really be proud to call your PC.
Con Not in the US
This particular Steam Machine can be bought from Material.net's site but they are located in France. You will have to deal with some hefty shipping fees to get it over here (if they even do international shipping).
Pro You can upgrade your machine
Since this Steam Machine has the same chassis as the Digital Storm Eclipse, it too is a fully upgradable system that lets you replace all the hardware to create a more powerful PC console.
Pro Can be shipped overseas
Although these machines are produced in the UK, the company ships them overseas, given you pay extra amount for the shipping and have great patience.
Con Non unique chassis
Even though the chassis is nice, it isn't unique. In fact, you can easily purchase the Silverstone Raven chassis on multiple outlets like Amazon and Superbliz for around $79.99 and make a cheaper build with that exact chassis. The only things you won't get from building it yourself is the...
Con Not located within the US
This is somewhat of a deal breaker since the manufacturers of this powerful computer with all of the upgradability options are located within the UK and do not currently have any warehouses in the States. This all adds up to extra costs for the customer.
Pro Sleek design
Just slightly taller than an Xbox 360, this Steam Machine is an extremely attractive piece of tech in your choices of colors and designs. Heck, you can even throw in a custom design that you made or want on your Tiki. It's a beautiful looking system that you just have to take a double glance at
Pro It can demolish your benchmarks
It's no wonder why this thing has such a hefty price tag; it destroys most modern games with it's more than capable hardware that can last you what would feel like an eternity with options like the Titan X or the NVIDIA Quadro P6000.
Con Most expensive choice on the market
If you thought the Maingear DRIFT or the Digital Storm Eclipse were the most expensive Steam Machines, then you haven't opened up the configuration tab that gives you your choice of Tiki. This machine easily can demolish your wallet with it's base configuration of $2,191. And with the more...
Con No SteamOS
Some people actually enjoy using Linux for their gaming and other casual usage. But, this option is no longer available for the Tiki and thus you are stuck using Windows as your main choice of operating system.
Pro Fully upgradable
Another Steam Machine that allows extensive flexibility in upgrades. You have mini ITX options like the power supply and motherboard, you can add two SSD storage units down the line, and you can even fit a desktop quality graphics card in this machine. Pretty impressive.
Pro Fits in anywhere
The Eclipse, like it's fellow Steam Machine brethren, is also a perfect form factor PC that can fit in your living room space or game room alongside your current and past gen consoles.
Con Non unique chassis
Even if the chassis is nice, it isn't unique. In fact, you can easily purchase the Silverstone Raven chassis on multiple outlets like Amazon and Superbliz for around $79.99 and can make a cheaper build with that exact chassis. The only things you won't get from building it yourself with th...
Con No SteamOS
To some, this is a killer. Because, believe it or not, not everyone is a Windows enthusiast. Some love to use Linux for they find it easier, simpler, and they find SteamOS to be the closest OS to match that console feel they're looking for. Plus it's a cheaper alternative to Windows. Unfor...
Pro Quality over quantity
It may be among one of the most expensive Steam Machines on the market; but, this system does contain more than capable hardware such as the choices between three Intel Processors, vast options in graphics cards, customizable paint jobs, water cooling, freebies, storage and more. All bundled within
Pro Fully upgradable
Like the Syber Steam Machine, this Steam Machine is also completely upgradable. I would recommend calling Maingear themselves in order to fully understand how you should proceed when the time has come to plug in your new sweet components. Luckily, from what has been stated in various reviews, they...
Con Among one of the most expensive options
This Steam Machine is a quality product and it shows in it's price point. A system with an initial $899 when launched now took an elevator to a couple floors up to reach $1299 for the base model alone (not counting shipping). You only get free shipping once you reach the $2,000 price range and...
Pro Completely upgradable
Unlike some of the smaller Steam Machines, this one is completely upgradable like a normal desktop.
Pro Longevity
Unlike a console, this particular Steam Machine can still get the latest and greatest and all you need to do in order to play those titles is to upgrade the components.
Con Glossy finish
Although it sports a pleasing architecture, the glossy finish is something that makes you want to facepalm. We all know that with glossy finishes, leads to dirty fingerprints. Unless you're among those who won't touch the console without latex gloves or something in order to not get finger...
Con Relatively expensive
It is more powerful than a console but that power also shows in the cost. Whenever you upgrade to the desirable specs to last you for quite awhile, it can cost a couple hundred dollars more than the consoles. Making it not so competitively priced with the current gen systems. But, for the price...
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