People love PCs that don't run Windows. They just don't tend to call them PCs.
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Valve reveals specs for prototype Steam Machines.
- Thread starter Silky
- Start date
People love PCs that don't run Windows. They just don't tend to call them PCs.
That's why these aren't the baseline machines, just the one's valve is using for testing.
Ludicrous Speed
Banned
Build vs buy. That's the point. Most people do not want to build. Thus this is for them.
DeFiBkIlLeR
Banned
But how does that move things on for PC gaming?
They may as well just release the OS and stop there, without a standard, non upgradeable fixed spec box, we're back to where the PC market was.
Backfoggen
Banned
Sell me the Titan one for $499 thanks
Imperfected
Member
It's a Hybrid Drive - a 1 TB standard HDD with 8 GB NAND integrated, basically - meaning that in theory it distributes the specific high-access files to the 8 GB and everything else gets shoveled into the 1 TB, automatically. As in, your OS installation isn't only in one or the other, the high-priority/use files are in the 8 GB and the rest gets kicked to the traditional disc.
Not sure about it for a Steam Machine, though. 8 GB is fine if you only play a couple of games on your computer (as high-use files from games can get prioritized for the SSD, too), but with the number of games most Steam users have...
DirgeExtinction
Member
So what's the difference between making your own steam Machine and buying one premade?
I love how loads of people are ignoring the 660 and i3s.
They're getting a range of testing configs for their Steam Machines and SteamOS.
Not much other than potential for OEMs to create enclosed, very small systems as they can tightly design around thermal limits. Look at laptops, they can thin them down by creating their own proprietary motherboards, etc - something similar could happen here for the premade Steamboxes.
They're getting a range of testing configs for their Steam Machines and SteamOS.
Not much other than potential for OEMs to create enclosed, very small systems as they can tightly design around thermal limits. Look at laptops, they can thin them down by creating their own proprietary motherboards, etc - something similar could happen here for the premade Steamboxes.
time and expertise
The huge amounts of RAM might be for file caching.
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
I have a sff case and my gpu sits vertically. I'm not sure how much bigger the Titan is compared to a 680, but my card is at least ten inches deep. Though my case literally couldn't hold anything bigger, the power cable on the end touches the floor of the case.
"You are already Steamed."
flamingotripod
Member
These are going to be like 2000 dollars
iJudged
Banned
Probably price...
it'd be a major mistake to pack a dual core in with a modern gaming machine.
A better question is what is the difference between buying a Steam machine and buying an Alienware/Northwest Falcon/Origin PC PC and turning it into a Steam machine. Is Steam a more recognized and mainstream brand? Will Valve be seeking to minimize profit margins for the cheapest selling price and market penetration?
Kibbles
Member
Those are way exaggerated. I have a 7850 in my alienware x51 with a 330w power brick and people have put in more power hungry cards in the x51 than that
Also these will be using steamOS right? That should reduce costs since they don't have to license windows.
SpookyFries
Member
I'm using a Titan with a SilverStone 450w SFX PSU. No problems here.
DirgeExtinction
Member
If people already have a gaming rig, won't they just have to install SteamOS and BAM! Steam Machine?
DeFiBkIlLeR
Banned
But surely the whole point of a steam box was to have a standardised box with their custom OS on it.
All we're really getting is a regular, upgradeable PC, which means developers still don't have a set spec to programme to.
exactly the same situation as PC games have always been.
You just described a console, right?
it might be interesting if they implement this in the OS
I call them garbage.
[/poor joke]
D
Deleted member 125677
Unconfirmed Member
Woah! They're not kidding around. I thought they were going for a a bit more low specs and focus on the stream future.
Sounds expensive!
Sounds expensive!
Krusenstern
Banned
12 x 12.4 x 2.9 inch
For the rest of the world that means 30.5 x 31.5 x 7.4 cm. Small I must say. Wonder how it looks like.
For the rest of the world that means 30.5 x 31.5 x 7.4 cm. Small I must say. Wonder how it looks like.
PandaPedinte
Member
Except you can't upgrade console parts.
iJudged
Banned
Yeah of course, but he was talking about the difference between building a machine and buying a steambox.
SteveWinwood
Member
The OS and the controller are the moving forward. The Steam Machines are the moving out and expanding.
If you're already "in" they don't give a fuck if you buy a Steam Machine or not.
variability is not the problem they are trying to solve with this, and indeed isn't really a "problem" at all. pc gaming has done absolutely fine with no set spec for decades and will continue to thrive.
what they're attempting with steam os is to make living room PC gaming easier, reach out to people who might be interested in the steam ecosystem but who want something easier to deal with than windows, and to wean the PC away from microsoft's hostile teat
I thought that's what the PS4/XB1 was for
Or potentially a Steam machine? The point of these is not for Valve to make a console, it is to make the PC a more attractive proposition to console players.
It won't win most people around, but it has the potential to grow the Steam user base if they do it well.
Some of the advantages of consoles and all of the advantages of an open platform like the PC.
what do they lack compared to windows pcs other than legacy software? it'll still be an open system that allows sideloading applications, mods, upgradeability, and all the things people love about pcs.
H_Prestige
Banned
What, you think it will be even less?
Mobius and pet octopus
Member
MAAAN, seeing those specs made me go finish up the beta candidate "quest"
Imperfected
Member
That's a good point. The amount of RAM does appear otherwise excessive for a box that's not otherwise concerned with extensive future-proofing.
they're giving away the CAD files for it, i imagine if the license for them is open any company that wants to sell it could do so
PandaPedinte
Member
Felix Lighter
Member
Valve is not trying to establish a fixed spec for PC gaming. Developers are not going to develop PC games against a set spec. They are not creating a console. They are offering new options for those not willing to build their own machine and at the same time taking the first early steps to decrease their dependence on MS's operating system. The are not trying to convert existing PC gamers and steam users here.
iJudged
Banned
Shoot, we don't know the price yet. Hey, if the price is right I'll be the first one to get one of these beasts for my vacay home.
FinalStageBoss
Banned
Those are going to be expensive. Rather go the route of building my own steam machine.
iJudged
Banned
I just think since AMD filled up the consoles Nvidia is probably desperate.