When comparing Alienware Steam Machine vs Digital Storm Eclipse, 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 Digital Storm Eclipse is ranked 12th. 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
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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 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 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 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.