Key Takeaways
1. Valve may develop a Steam home console, but a DIY gaming console is possible now using AMD Ryzen AI Max series chips.
2. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU shows significant performance improvements for laptops and mini-PCs.
3. The Framework Desktop mini-PC running the Bazzite OS is close to functioning as an official Steam console.
4. Game performance tests showed Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered at 66 FPS and Cyberpunk 2077 at 75 FPS on the Framework Desktop.
5. The Framework Desktop maintained low temperatures and minimal fan noise during gameplay, enhancing the user experience.
I recently shared news about Valve possibly developing a Steam home console. Although the actual Steam console may not be available for several years, you can create your own DIY gaming console using modern chips from AMD and various OEMs, such as Framework.
AMD Ryzen AI Max Series
The AMD chip series I’m referring to is the AMD Ryzen AI Max series, especially the Max+ 395 APU. This chip is becoming a significant advancement for both laptops and mini-PCs. I reported on its performance when the YouTuber ETA PRIME tested it in the soon-to-be-released AIM MAX+ laptop, running both Windows 11 and Bazzite.
Framework Desktop Testing
We also observed the chip’s capabilities in the newly launched Framework Desktop with Windows 11. The YouTuber has now tested this mini-PC, installing the popular Linux gaming distribution, Bazzite, on it.
ETA PRIME claims that the Framework Desktop is very close to functioning as an official Steam console because of its small size and the user-friendly nature of the Bazzite OS for controllers. If you want to try Bazzite on your main PC, don’t fret; it also includes a desktop mode for doing work in Linux.
Game Performance
In their testing, the YouTuber started with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, running it at a 1440p resolution on high settings with FSR set to Quality. The game averaged 66 FPS, slightly lower than the 72 FPS it achieved in Windows 11, based on ETA PRIME’s findings.
The Framework Desktop maintained a TDP of 99–100W, with the processor temperature remaining under 65 degrees Celsius, which is impressive for thermal management.
More Game Tests
Next, ETA PRIME ran Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with high settings and FSR set to Balanced. The game performed at about 75 FPS. One notable aspect mentioned by the YouTuber was the absence of distracting fan noise: “It’s a pretty silent experience even with this boosting up to 100W,” they remarked.
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