When comparing Alienware Steam Machine vs Syber Steam Machine, the Slant community recommends Alienware Steam Machine for most people. In the question“What are the best Steam Machines?” Alienware Steam Machine is ranked 3rd while Syber Steam Machine is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Alienware Steam Machine is:
There have been posts claiming the R2 version of this system does support an amplifier port like the Alpha R2 but is covered by the plastic casing. It can be cut through but that will void the warranty. You could also take off the chassis entirely and use the port that way but that will look ugly and can attract dust. If you don't mind cutting through the plastic or remove the case to use the amplifier port and get yourself a desktop quality GPU then by all means.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro The R2 model may have an amplifier port
There have been posts claiming the R2 version of this system does support an amplifier port like the Alpha R2 but is covered by the plastic casing. It can be cut through but that will void the warranty. You could also take off the chassis entirely and use the port that way but that will look ugly and can attract dust. If you don't mind cutting through the plastic or remove the case to use the amplifier port and get yourself a desktop quality GPU then by all means.
Pro A reasonable price point
The R1 models are now on sale and can cost $300 for a base model I3 and $500 for the top of the line I7. The R2 versions, although a bit more expensive, still make it in a range that people can afford the machine to be in their homes alongside their Xbox Ones, Playstation 4s, and Nintendo Switches.
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 with the supposed hidden amplifier port.
Pro User replaceable components
The CPU, RAM and hard drives can all be replaced by the user meaning the machine can be upgraded easily. Sadly the GPU cannot be replaced though, so keep that in mind.
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.
Pro Takes up less shelf space
Along with being able to keep playing brand new games, it only takes up one section of shelf space while consoles have many iterations and can take up more than ample room. This box is one and done.
Pro Completely upgradable
Unlike some of the smaller Steam Machines, this one is completely upgradable like a normal desktop.
Pro Long life on original specs which were....
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4690K CPU @ 3.50GHz 3.50 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB
1 x 128gb SSD
1 x 1TB SSD
Nvidia GeForce GTX960
Windows 10 Pro
Pro Tons of options
When you visit their website, the machine comes with whatever you want inside the system (from their options list) and what you would like to come alongside with the unit like a steam controller, Xbox controller, monitor, mouse, and more.
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.
Cons
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 Controller does not turn on the system
Unlike regular game consoles the Steam Controller is unable to turn the machine on. This means the user will have to get up and press the power button on the actual box, which may be frustrating.
Con Steam OS
This box comes with Steam OS as the operating system, which is based off of Linux. This means that there is less support for games and has a much smaller library when compared to Windows.
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.
Con GPU can not be replaced
Sadly there is no way to swap GPUs (like a regular tower PC) and so will detract from the longevity of this device.
Con Gets pretty hot under load
Playing more demanding games makes the fans spin up which can be fairly noisy.
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 fingerprints, you might want to ask if glossy finishes will be a deal breaker for you or not.
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 and longevity of the system compared to spending an additional $400 after the few years of the console lifespan has ended and doing that same buying again and taking up shelf space, the Steam Machine is still a better investment even with this con.