1. A DIY Steam Machine clone with higher performance and lower cost (~$950) has been created using used PC parts and 3D printed components.
2. The build runs modern games at 60 FPS or higher at 4K with AMD’s FSR 4.0, outperforming the expected Steam Machine performance by 50-100%.
3. The DIY device consumes significantly more power (~300W) compared to the Steam Machine’s anticipated 110W, but offers better upgradability.
First Look at DIY Steam Machine Clone
There is no exact release date for the new Steam Machine yet, but source suggest valve got their first big shipment of the new Steam Controller, which means they’re getting close to launching the device. Meanwhile, an inventive YouTuber from Toronto named Zac Builds came along with a homemade version that kicks the original’s **butt** in performance and cost less then what Valve’s going for. This clone is based on rumored specs and prices of the upcoming Steam Machine, but it shows what enthusiasts can achieve on their own.
Build Specs and Cost Breakdown
In Zac’s latest video, which is quite popular, he builds a “Steam Machine-like” box using used parts from PC hardware along with some 3D printing magic. The overall cost was around $950 USD, based on Canadian dollar prices shown, which is quite a steal considering the official Steam Machine price is expected to be above $1,000 for the 2 TB version. The hardware includes a Ryzen 5 5600X, a Radeon RX 9060XT with 16 GB VRAM, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 2 TB NVMe SSD for storage—all assembled on a tiny Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro X Mini ITX motherboard, powered by a Corsair SF600 power supply. Interesting enough, Zac bought most parts used from Facebook Marketplace, cutting the costs down but still packing a punch. The case itself is a custom design made from 3D printed pieces combined with a wooden faceplate that attaches with magnets.
Design and Hardware Compatibility
The front of Zac’s build has a nice touch with a light bar, two USB Type-A ports, and a power button, mimicking the official Steam Machine looks. However, the entire thing feels a bit larger than the real thing. Tried and tested with SteamOS, it didn’t quite work because of hardware issues, but Zac found a workaround with a custom OS called BazziteOS, which was styled to look exactly like SteamOS, and it ran smoothly. Zac built in a pretty straightforward aesthetic, but the actual dimensions and hardware choices give it a slightly bulkier feel overall.
Game Performance & Technical Insights
On gaming front, Zac tested titles like Arc Raiders, Cyberpunk 2077, and Spider-Man 2. Impressively, all games hit or went beyond 60 FPS at 4K resolution with mixed ‘High’ and ‘Medium’ visual settings. AMD’s FSR 4.0 tech played a vital part in boosting frame rates across the board. Valve’s official Steam Machine is expected to have a Radeon RX 7600M-level GPU, meaning this DIY version’s GPU is actually quite powerful in comparison, with Zac claiming performance boosts anywhere from 50% to 100%. Of course, this higher performance comes with a power draw of just over 300W, especially versus the Steam Machine’s 110W limit—so it’s less energy efficient but offers easier upgrades and modifications, apart from lacking features like Wi-Fi 6E and microSD slots.
Final Thoughts and Comparison
In conclusion, Zac’s homemade PC might surpass the commercial Steam Machine in raw power, but it also consumes more electricity and is marginally bigger. Still, it shows that enthusiasts can build more capable gaming consoles or PCs at less cost with a bit of effort and creative thinking, highlighting the potential for custom gaming systems in the future.
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