Tag: Linus Tech Tips

  • Windows 11 Xbox Mode: Less RAM, No Gaming Boost

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox mode for Windows 11 shows no gaming performance improvement over standard mode.
    – It does reduce RAM usage (about 600 MB less), but this doesn’t translate to higher FPS.
    – The feature is a positive sign that Microsoft is taking competition from SteamOS and Linux gaming seriously.
    – Future development is uncertain due to Microsoft’s history of abandoning features.

    Xbox Mode for Windows 11 Hits a Performance Snag

    Pressured by the growing popularity of SteamOS and increasing fan outcry over Windows 11’s bloatware problem, Microsoft officially began rolling out “Xbox mode” for Windows 11 at the end of April. Xbox mode logs users into a controller-friendly UI that makes it easy for gamers to jump strait into their games. On top of this, Xbox mode aims to deliver better gaming performance by only running critical Windows processes and unloading things like the Windows Desktop to free up recources.

    Testing Reveals No Real Gains in Frame Rates

    Linus Tech Tips has tested the Windows 11 Xbox mode to see how big or little of a performance gain you can expect from enabling the Xbox Mode. The answer? Xbox mode appears to make no difference at all while gaming. across a variety of games tested at 1080p and 1440p, gaming on Windows 11 with and without Xbox mode yielded practically the same results.

    Consistent Results Across Multiple Titles

    For instance, LTT ran Forza Horizon 5 on a PC in and outside of Xbox mode. In both cases, the results were 1% Lows of 108/109 FPS and an average FPS of 123. LTT saw the same pattern in games like Cyberpunk 2077, F1 24, and Doom: The Dark Ages. This is dissapointing to see, as Xbox mode does reportedly use less RAM than the standard Windows 11 UI.

    RAM Usage Shows a Noticable Reduction

    For instance, LTT measured that Windows 11 used only 4,493 MB of RAM in Xbox mode and 5,101 MB running the Xbox App outside of Xbox mode. So, we can conjectur that either Xbox mode frees up negligible resources for them to make a difference, or the results are highly dependent on the game you are running. Whatever the case may be, it can be argued that the mere existance of Xbox mode is a good thing for Windows gamers.

    Microsoft’s Move Signals a Positive Shift

    It shows that Microsoft is taking the threat of Linux gaming and SteamOS seriously. Fingers crossed that Microsoft keeps on working on the feature and does not abandon it halfway. But it is Microsoft we are talking about. So, we never know what they are going to do next. The Asus ROG Ally features a 7-inch 1080p display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $699.99.


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  • YouTuber Explains Why Valve Steam Machine May Cost $50 Less than PS5 Pro

    YouTuber Explains Why Valve Steam Machine May Cost $50 Less than PS5 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve has not confirmed the price of the upcoming Steam Machine, leaving speculation open.
    2. Estimates suggest the Steam Machine may be priced at around $699 to ensure profitability.
    3. Unlike traditional console makers, Valve intends to price its hardware without subsidies for long-term profitability.
    4. The Steam Machine could be priced just below the PlayStation 5 Pro, which is currently priced at $648.99.
    5. Despite concerns over its price, the Steam Machine may offer good value compared to the rising costs of DIY PC setups, potentially exceeding $800.

    The cost of Valve’s eagerly awaited return to the Steam Machine platform remains unclear. So far, the company has only shared a few vague hints, which we have discussed in a separate article. However, some insiders have been providing estimates based on what they know.

    Pricing Speculations

    For example, it has been reported that Valve quickly ruled out the possibility of the Steam Machine being priced at $500. Recently, Linus Sebastian shared his thoughts on what the price might be when Valve’s gaming desktop becomes available next year. In a broader discussion featured in a Linus Tech Tips video, he suggested that due to the limited profit margin for PC makers, Valve might need to set the price of the Steam Machine at $699 to make any profit at all.

    Market Comparisons

    Traditionally, companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony subsidize the prices of their consoles, banking on sales of accessories, games, and services to cover the costs. However, since Valve aims to operate its hardware division as a profitable venture, Sebastian believes it’s unlikely that the Steam Machine will be priced around $600 at launch. Essentially, the Steam Machine could fall just below the PlayStation 5 Pro, which is currently priced at $648.99 on Amazon, even though it might offer lesser performance.

    Value Considerations

    While the Steam Machine priced at $699 doesn’t sound like an attractive deal, especially given the flexibility SteamOS provides, Sebastian and his team caution that the current prices of PC components could push a similar DIY setup over $800. Therefore, the Steam Machine might actually represent a decent value at $699 next year, particularly considering the trends in memory pricing as we move toward 2026.

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  • Steam Machine Price Could Exceed PS5 After Valve Rejects $500 Offer

    Steam Machine Price Could Exceed PS5 After Valve Rejects $500 Offer

    Key Takeaways

    1. The price of the Steam Machine is currently undisclosed, which will affect its competitiveness against the PS5.
    2. Valve’s gaming system does not follow the traditional console pricing strategy, impacting its potential profitability.
    3. A suggested price of $500 could make the Steam Machine a strong competitor, but Valve’s reaction was not positive.
    4. Unique features of the Steam Machine include flexible SteamOS software and the absence of a disc drive, but streaming experiences may vary.
    5. Estimated prices for the Steam Machine range from $400 to over $1000, with concerns about its ability to deliver consistent 4K/60fps performance.

    One major question surrounding the Steam Machine is its undisclosed price tag. This cost will significantly influence its ability to attract potential buyers of the PS5. During a discussion on the WAN Show podcast, Linus Tech Tips hinted at this when he spoke with Valve, revealing that the response to a suggested $500 MSRP was not overly positive.

    Concerns About Pricing Models

    In the broadcast, Linus Tech Tips raised alarms about whether the cube would adhere to a traditional console pricing strategy. Unlike Xbox and PlayStation units, which can offset some hardware expenses, Valve’s new gaming system does not benefit from this model. The sales of games are typically where these companies make their profits, but that won’t apply here.

    Price Implications for Competitiveness

    Linus suggested that a price point of $500 would position the Steam Machine as a serious rival to current consoles. However, Valve’s reaction to this suggestion was less than optimistic. The content creator, who got a firsthand look at Valve’s new gear, remarked, “Nobody said anything, but the vibe in the room wasn’t great”.

    Post the recent price hike for the PS5 in the U.S., the digital model now costs $499.99, while the disc version is priced at $549.99. Analysts believe that the Steam Machine’s specifications should match the performance of Sony’s console. Still, if it is closer to the pricier $749.99 PS5 Pro, prospective buyers might not see it as a worthy investment.

    Unique Features of the Steam Machine

    The WAN Show then discussed what unique features the Steam Machine could offer that set it apart from its console competitors. Its SteamOS software is notably more flexible, allowing users to install third-party applications and even Windows. However, as with many gaming PCs, streaming movies from platforms like Netflix might not be a flawless experience. Linus Tech Tips also highlighted that Valve is not planning to include a disc drive, thus avoiding physical media altogether.

    Estimates for the price of the Steam Machine range from $400 to over $1000 for the 512GB variant. Valve appears to be aiming for a price similar to that of an entry-level gaming PC. Nonetheless, there are ongoing concerns about whether the device can consistently achieve 4K/60fps visuals with a GPU limited to 8GB of VRAM. If FSR 3 or possibly FSR 4 upscaling proves effective, it could become a more appealing option compared to the PS5 or a prebuilt gaming PC.

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