HardwareFreaks

Tag: Steam Machine

  • AMD’s next-gen Zen 6 CPU cores will come in a low-power compact flavour, which should help laptop batteries last even longer

    Featured image AMDs nextgen Zen 6 CPU cores will come in a lowpower compact flavour which should help laptop batteries last even longer

    Three years ago, AMD embarked on a journey to redefine how CPU cores are built by introducing a new architecture for its Zen 4 microarchitecture. The goal? To dramatically reduce the amount of silicon real estate taken up by a single core, paving the way for highly efficient chiplets.

    This compact design philosophy is now central to the Zen family. While this method has been a staple, Team Red is clearly preparing for the next evolution, signaling that another step toward efficiency is on the horizon with Zen 6.

    To formalize this architectural approach, AMD recently rolled out an update to the Linux kernel, detailing how it classifies CPU types. This extension brings the x86 topology classification to support a new category: the Low Power core type, in addition to Performance and Efficiency.

    Understanding these classifications is key to grasping modern CPU design philosophy. In AMD’s framework, performance cores are simply the traditional Zen blocks—the largest, boasting the highest boost clocks. The Efficiency types, like the compact Zen 4c and Zen 5c, are smaller in size, often possessing less L3 cache, and operate with lower boost frequencies.

    AMD‘s approach to defining core roles differs interestingly from Intel’s system. While both companies utilize Performance and Efficiency cores, their internal architectures diverge significantly. This distinction makes thread scheduling—ensuring background tasks land on the right type of core while demanding tasks get maximum resources—a complex balancing act for both AMD and Intel.

    AMD has defined a specific role for its future Low Power (LP) cores. These are designed to consume minimal power during idle or background workloads, identified via specialized CPUID instructions. This mirrors concepts seen in Intel’s LPE cores, which are also tuned to run with strict power limits, though their boost speeds are slightly attenuated.

    The physical implementation offers a telling contrast: AMD’s Zen cores share a unified architecture and instruction set across all types, whereas Intel’s P-cores and E-cores operate on distinct internal systems. This difference creates unique scheduling challenges for operating systems and chip designers alike.

    Looking ahead to Zen 6, AMD is focusing the introduction of these new LP cores primarily on mobile and low-power platforms, such as Ryzen APUs. This targets scenarios where extending battery life and minimizing power consumption are paramount, making future AMD-powered laptops particularly attractive.

    This focus on efficiency is already paying dividends in compact designs. For instance, models like the Ryzen AI 7 350 leverage a mix of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores, while gaming setups utilizing components like Steam Machine feature Zen 4 and Zen 4c cores—a combination that successfully reduces die size and power consumption.

    Despite this direction, there remains a performance consideration. If AMD maintains an eight-unit CCX core complex in mobile Zen 6 processors, swapping some Efficiency cores for the new Low Power ones could lead to performance regression if those LP cores operate at lower boost clocks. However, there is considerable speculation that AMD may move toward a larger configuration, possibly a twelve-unit CCX design for Zen 6, which could offer an exceptional blend of power efficiency and raw performance across their mobile offerings.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Dbrand cancels Steam Machine Companion Cube, confirms it was ‘unlicensed’

    The dream of the perfect gaming accessory hit a sudden, sharp halt. Dbrand has officially cancelled its highly anticipated Portal-inspired Companion Cube case for the Steam Machine, pulling the plug on a project that saw significant investment and huge demand.

    What started as an exciting idea quickly became a complicated legal saga. While the company opened pre-orders earlier this month, the listing was swiftly removed, prompting Dbrand to explain the abrupt end to the venture.

    The core issue, as Dbrand confirmed, lay in intellectual property. The Companion Cube enclosure was developed without explicit permission from Valve. Although Dbrand created an initial concept render when the Steam Machine was first announced in November 2025, the immediate popular interest caused them to turn the concept into a tangible product.

    The journey to this point involved serious commitment. Dbrand invested heavily in the project, spending months redesigning the enclosure and even renting a university campus to film the launch video for the product.

    When the case finally launched on June 22nd, it performed brilliantly, quickly establishing itself as Dbrand’s second-fastest-selling product ever. This success only intensified the legal challenge from Valve.

    Shortly thereafter, Valve’s legal team reached out to the company. They asserted that the Companion Cube is intellectual property belonging to Valve and demanded the removal of all listings and promotional material. Despite Dbrand’s attempt to negotiate a proper license, Valve declined the request.

    Dbrand reflected on the situation, noting that their approach—building first and seeking permission later—was ultimately a fair answer given the circumstances. They have since announced that refunds for all orders will be processed by the end of the week.

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    Credit: KitGuru

  • Valve’s unreleased Steam Frame VR headset gets first game compatibility rating

    The future of virtual reality is about to get a compatibility check, and Valve is setting the standards before the official launch even happens. The unreleased Steam Frame VR headset has begun testing its integration capabilities, and the first results are already signaling how well legacy gaming handles the transition into new hardware.

    In a move that speaks volumes about Valve’s commitment to cross-platform experience, the game Portal 2 received an initial compatibility rating on the Steam platform for the forthcoming VR setup. This listing is more than just a score; it’s the first concrete indicator of how well Valve’s vision will translate old classics into cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.

    The testing focused on core functional elements: ensuring that familiar controls, such as Steam Frame button glyphs, rendered correctly, and text remained legible. Crucially, the game was assessed for stable operation using default graphics configurations on the new hardware. This preliminary assessment confirms that even older titles can meet the baseline requirements for virtual reality integration.

    However, as with any major technological shift, there are nuances. The system noted that while Portal 2 successfully passed many benchmarks, its age created some friction. Specifically, the title does not match the native resolution of the Steam Frame, leading to a warning that players might experience degraded performance due to these mismatches.

    This finding highlights an important challenge: bridging the gap between beloved legacy games and brand-new VR technology. While the functional elements were sound, developers will need to address the resolution issues to ensure a truly seamless visual experience for long-time fans diving into virtual space.

    Despite these technical considerations, this compatibility layer is a massive step forward. It shows that Valve is thoughtfully building the necessary framework ahead of the official hardware release, allowing the community to anticipate how their favorite titles will perform in immersive new environments.

    With the Steam Controller already launched and pre-orders for the Steam Machine open, the stage is set for a revolutionary shift in how PC gaming interacts with virtual reality. Valve’s proactive approach to compatibility testing ensures that as VR evolves, the foundational games of yesterday will continue to play at the forefront of tomorrow.

    Credit: KitGuru

  • ‘99% of the work was already done in a sense’: Valve says it has less to fix with the Steam Machine because they already fixed it on the Steam Deck

    In the world of hardware development, especially gaming, there’s a golden rule: iteration is everything. You simply cannot imagine the Steam Machine without the Steam Deck; they are fundamentally connected by the same engineering DNA.

    When we sat down with Valve engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais, we explored this connection, asking if the ongoing work on the Steam Deck meant less need to fix the Steam Machine. The answer was a resounding yes. While the Steam Machine had unique challenges, the majority of the foundational work for both platforms was already complete.

    The core similarity stems from shared challenges. Engineers noted that many of the complicated technical hurdles—such as managing discrete GPUs, VRAM performance, and ray tracing—were addressed in the context of the Steam Deck. Essentially, the other 99% of the necessary groundwork for the larger Steam Machine had already been laid.

    The experience of the Steam Deck itself, while brilliant, was not without its growing pains. When the handheld gaming PC debuted, it encountered typical teething troubles: concerns over fan noise, stick drift caused by software issues, and bugs within the docking system. Yet, through incremental steps, Valve successfully ironed out these kinks, demonstrating a commitment to continuous refinement.

    This philosophy of incremental progress carried directly into the development of the Steam Machine. Engineers felt that they were essentially working on the same problems—input handling, controller design, and general system functionality—just adding little more steps each time. It was an iterative journey, constantly building upon existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch.

    Despite this solid foundation, the path for the Steam Machine wasn’t always smooth. Valve faced further hurdles, including lingering concerns about stock availability and the significant impact of the global memory supply crisis on hardware production. Making the Steam Machine more affordable and accessible remained a key goal for the development team.

    Looking ahead, the timeline for new hardware iterations is often dictated by larger industry shifts. While there is no end in sight for memory scarcity, which some predict won’t ease until around 2028, expectations for a Steam Machine sequel or a direct Steam Deck follow-up are likely to be incremental rather than immediate.

    Valve’s approach has been to focus on these smaller increments, continually refining the experience and building a robust platform. It’s a perfect example of how iterative development—treating hardware like an evolving game—can lead to truly groundbreaking products.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Steam Machine Companion Cube case cancelled because Dbrand didn’t ask Valve for permission to make it: ‘We’re going to regret that decision for a very long time’

    In late 2025, the world of PC hardware was buzzing with anticipation for the Steam Machine. Amidst this hype, a design idea—bold, clever, and undeniably appealing—emerged: a custom enclosure for the gaming cube, the Portal Companion Cube.

    Dbrand, known for crafting distinctive and high-quality PC cases, decided to take the plunge and tease a rendering of this Companion Cube case. The initial concept was met with significant attention, drawing thousands of sign-ups and fueling massive creative energy. Dbrand poured “more than a thousand hours” into engineering the project, involving multiple redesigns and custom tooling, even renting out a university campus just to film the launch video.

    The enthusiasm quickly turned into commerce when sales launched. The Companion Cube case became one of Dbrand’s fastest-selling products ever. But this creative journey collided with legal reality, leading to an unexpected and dramatic halt.

    The trouble lay in the process: Dbrand had developed the concept without obtaining necessary permissions from Valve, who owns the foundational IP behind the game franchise. When Valve’s legal team contacted the company to assert ownership over the Companion Cube, Dbrand was faced with a difficult choice. They ultimately did not have the license required.

    Dbrand maintained that while they respected Valve’s position, their initial approach—building first and seeking permission later—was flawed. The core issue became clear: the design, which perfectly matched the Steam Machine itself, was proprietary property. As one observer noted, it felt absurd that Valve hadn’t simply offered a license for such an obvious pairing.

    This situation highlighted a significant lesson in product development: the risk of prioritizing creative execution over due diligence. The project, which had generated immense excitement and financial investment, was essentially sidelined. The result was a substantial loss of time, money, and potential revenue—a cautionary tale about taking shortcuts in proprietary environments.

    Despite the setback, Dbrand managed the fallout with professionalism, offering apologies to both fans and Valve. It served as a reminder that even the most brilliant designs require respecting the established legal boundaries when entering new creative spaces.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Valve softens 4K performance claims after early Steam Machine benchmarks

    When it comes to new hardware launches, expectations often soar higher than reality. However, in the world of gaming PC components, a crucial adjustment has been made regarding performance claims for Valve’s Steam Machine, signaling a shift from marketing optimism to grounded technical accuracy.

    Valve recently revised its marketing language surrounding the Steam Machine, pulling back from earlier promises about delivering seamless 4K/60FPS gameplay using upscaling technologies like FSR. This change reflects a commitment to better representing what the hardware can actually achieve in real-world scenarios.

    Instead of hyperbolic claims, the updated description now states that the device supports “up to 4K gaming with FSR 4.1.” This more conservative phrasing grounds potential buyers in the hardware’s true capabilities and sets expectations based on observed performance rather than aspirational targets.

    This adjustment is particularly relevant when looking at early testing. Initial reviews demonstrated that while the Steam Machine delivered strong performance at 1080p resolution, pushing it to 4K required careful management. The revised language acknowledges this distinction: the system is capable of upscaling to 4K using FSR 4.1, but it manages expectations by framing it as a capability rather than a guaranteed outcome.

    The original specifications for the Steam Machine were set in 2023, largely targeting the most common desktop resolution on the Steam platform—1080p. This context makes sense, as early benchmarks showed that achieving true high-fidelity 4K performance with the machine and upscaling technology remains an area of ongoing development.

    The change ensures that interested consumers have a clearer picture of what they can expect when diving into AAA titles on the Steam Machine. It moves the conversation away from theoretical peak performance toward practical, achievable gaming experiences facilitated by modern upscaling techniques.

    Ultimately, the update serves as a reminder that in technology, setting realistic expectations is often the most effective form of marketing, allowing players to focus on the exciting potential of the hardware rather than chasing unreachable benchmarks.

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    Credit: KitGuru

  • Steamroller becomes first prebuilt gaming PC to ship with SteamOS — Ryzen 9600X, Radeon RX 7600, 16GB DDR5 RAM system available for preorder at $1,299

    The Steamroller Arrives: Meta PCs Launches Preorders for a Flexible Gaming PC

    Gaming hardware just got a little more flexible. Meta PCs has officially announced preorders for the Steamroller, a prebuilt gaming computer designed to run on SteamOS, promising enthusiasts the freedom of standard PC components without the hassle of custom assembly.

    Priced at $1,299, the Steamroller isn’t just another boxed system; it’s an entry point into a world where you own and control every piece of hardware. While Valve’s Steam Machine offers a streamlined console-like experience, the Steamroller is engineered for those who crave customization and longevity.

    The core appeal lies in its build quality and component selection. The system is built around standard PC architecture, allowing buyers access to components that offer unmatched future upgrade potential. This is a significant departure from more rigid console approaches, empowering users to tailor their machine exactly how they envision it.

    Under the hood, the Steamroller packs powerful, modern specifications. It features an AMD Ryzen 9600X CPU, a capable six-core, twelve-thread processor that can boost up to 5.4 GHz, paired with a robust AMD Radeon RX 7600 graphics card built on the RDNA 3 architecture.

    For memory and storage, the system includes 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM running at 5600 MT/s, along with a speedy 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD. Cooling is handled by a 240mm AIO liquid cooler, complementing the 650W Gold power supply unit, ensuring stable and efficient performance.

    The chassis itself utilizes the Jonsbo D32 m-ATX design, offering a well-ventilated space for these powerful components. While Meta PCs noted that motherboard branding will vary across units, the performance integrity remains consistent, ensuring that every Steamroller delivers top-tier capability.

    So, how does this stack up against the compact approach of the Steam Machine? The answer lies in philosophy. While the Steam Machine excels in space efficiency, measuring a mere 152 x 162 x 156 mm, the Steamroller prioritizes component flexibility. It provides a full PC experience running on SteamOS, giving users the power and potential for expansion that true PC enthusiasts demand.

    The difference is subtle but profound: the Steamroller trades some of the streamlined convenience features found in the Steam Machine, such as HDMI CEC or instant standby functions, for the invaluable ability to upgrade almost any component down the line. For gamers who want an operating system experience combined with full PC hardware flexibility, the Steamroller positions itself as the ultimate path forward.

    Preorders are open now for the $1,299 system, with shipping scheduled to begin on July 3, 2026. Buyers also have the option to secure an extended warranty, with two-year and three-year plans available for $180 and $240, respectively.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware

  • Memory prices are predicted to rise as much as 50% in Q3 and it only gets worse from there

    The invisible cost of artificial intelligence is starting to materialize in your hardware wallet, manifesting as a dramatic surge in memory chip prices. The era of cheap components is officially over, and venture capitalists are warning that the AI data center boom has triggered what some are calling the memory apocalypse.

    Big finance predictions paint a stark picture for anyone planning a new setup. Analysts suggest that the memory market will experience brutal inflation: expect prices to jump by between 40 and 50 percent in the third quarter of 2026, followed by another 30 to 40 percent in the fourth quarter. This escalating trend is projected to continue into 2027 with a further 40 to 45 percent year-on-year increase.

    While some voices predict an earlier end to this crisis—citing increased manufacturing capacity in China as a mitigating factor—the current reality suggests the memory vendors are holding firm. The myth that DDR5 is cheap is proving elusive; industry experts confirm that prices are aligning with those of major competitors like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.

    This financial turmoil isn’t just happening in distant boardrooms; it’s hitting consumers directly. For the average user looking to build a new PC or invest in a Steam Machine, these soaring component costs translate into significant hurdles. The memory crisis is currently a major drag on the hobbyist and the builder community.

    The pressure extends even to major tech players. Apple, for instance, has recently seen its pricing strategies reflect this inflationary environment, increasing the cost of essential devices like iPads and MacBooks by hundreds of dollars, as well as iPhones.

    It raises an interesting paradox: while some programmers seek massive data centers to ease coding burdens, many ordinary folks are now grappling with the reality that the AI bubble doesn’t seem to be deflating quickly enough to bring prices back down. The tension between massive technological ambition and personal affordability remains palpable.

    Even in the realm of corporate finance, the story isn’t entirely settled. Following reports that OpenAI experienced significant losses in 2025, there is a flicker of hope that a market correction might occur. However, whether this could translate into falling memory prices or simply establishing a new, higher baseline remains to be seen.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • AMD engineer 3D-prints Steam Machine-a-like with diagonal mobo mounting — parts include a Mini ITX motherboard, RTX 5060, and a flex ATX PSU

    The quest for accessible, high-performance gaming hardware often leads enthusiasts down fascinating and challenging paths. While mainstream alternatives frequently fall short of the vision set by giants like Valve’s Steam Machine, a dedicated community is continually pushing boundaries, seeking ways to blend cutting-edge components with creative design.

    One such initiative is the Terk Box v1.1, a compelling piece of DIY engineering that attempts to capture the spirit of custom PC building within a compact, accessible form factor.

    This project is the result of collaboration between Jacob Terkelsen, an expert with AMD, and the 3D printing community member 3DCatt. Their goal was to create a solution that addresses the physical limitations inherent in smaller form factors, aiming for a machine that feels both functional and thoughtfully designed.

    The creation of the Terk Box v1.1 is not just about aesthetics; it’s a deep dive into the realities of component compatibility. As with any miniaturized build, fitting massive graphics cards and adequate ventilation presents unique hurdles. Builders found themselves navigating tight constraints, particularly concerning GPU length and the necessary space for airflow.

    The finished v1.1 model measures 167 x 168 x 225mm. While this size is a compromise compared to official Mini-ITX standards, it represents a significant step forward in realizing a functional, custom gaming experience using accessible methods. The process highlighted real-world engineering challenges—like ensuring proper component positioning relative to the power supply and managing the tricky placement of essential cooling elements.

    Despite these practical compromises, the effort demonstrates a commitment to innovation. Feedback from the community noted that refining the design for future iterations is crucial. The ongoing discussion points toward improvements in ventilation and component accommodation, suggesting that version 2.0 will undoubtedly be smoother and more optimized.

    Ultimately, the Terk Box v1.1 stands as a testament to the power of open-source design and community collaboration. It reminds us that even when faced with commercial constraints, ingenuity can lead to groundbreaking hardware solutions, providing a blueprint for how we can continue to redefine what compact PC gaming can look like.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware

  • SteamOS Release Is A Game-Changer For Building Your Own Steam Machine

    Valve is continuing its revolution in PC gaming by not just delivering incredible games, but also by opening the door to true hardware mastery. Beyond the powerful Steam Machine, Valve has released a fundamental operating system that promises to redefine how we interact with our gaming rigs: SteamOS 3.x.

    This operating system made its debut on the popular Steam Deck, immediately showcasing its potential for portability and streamlined performance. But the real game-changer is the promise of cross-platform accessibility. With version 3.8, SteamOS is no longer confined to handheld devices; it’s ready to be installed on any modern desktop, laptop, or handheld PC.

    The core of this flexibility lies in its hardware requirements. Currently, SteamOS is optimized to run seamlessly on systems utilizing AMD GPUs. This focus allows the operating system to deliver a highly tuned and efficient experience for gamers looking to build their own custom machines.

    However, Valve isn’t stopping there. They are actively working toward broader compatibility, with support for NVIDIA GPUs already slated for future development. This commitment signals a clear direction: making SteamOS the versatile operating system for anyone who wants complete control over their gaming environment.

    The journey toward complete customization is ongoing. Alongside the OS updates, Valve is also driving forward the ecosystem with the launch of the second Steam Controller and continuous development efforts. These additions further enhance the user experience, cementing SteamOS’s position not just as software, but as a comprehensive gaming platform built for the future.

    Credit: HotHardware