When comparing ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970 vs Digital Storm Eclipse, the Slant community recommends ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970 for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970 is ranked 2nd while Digital Storm Eclipse is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970 is:
Steam has developed their own gaming controller which comes packed with this machine and is part of the price. This is convenient for those looking for an all in one solution.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Comes with new Steam controller
Steam has developed their own gaming controller which comes packed with this machine and is part of the price. This is convenient for those looking for an all in one solution.
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.
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 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 Matte finish
Some other Steam Machines like glossy finishes that make the system look pretty, but can get fingerprints easily. Luckily, the Eclipse has a matte finish that doesn't stain easily just from touching it.
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.
Cons
Con Steam OS
The machine comes pre-installed with Steam OS as the main OS, this is based off of Debian Linux and as such Linux has less games than on Windows. This means that many AAA games will not be available on the system as they tend to be Windows only.
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.
Con A bit on the expensive side
Like the Maingear DRIFT it's base model reaches in the $1000 range from the get go. Plus, with all your choices adding up, it can be tied in a race against the DRIFT as being one of the more expensive options out there for a Steam Machine.
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 that chassis is getting a warranty on the unit and the pretty sweet lightning bolt on the front.
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. Unfortunately, Digital Storm does not have that option for this particular system and that sucks to those who love Linux.