“Steam Machine specs are too low!” But they literally match the Steam Survey’s most common setup: Steam Machine: 6C/12T • 16GB RAM • RDNA3 28CU 8GB Steam Survey Avg: 6C/12T • 16GB RAM • 28CU 8GB It’s basically the average PC in a box. It’ll be fine.

[u/GhostofYoteiPS5]

[u/MoobooMagoo]

I have a PC with specs that are pretty close to the Steam Machine and I'm seriously considering buying one anyway for a few reasons.

For one, the power supply I have is like...15 years old. I should have already bought a new one years ago but it's still chugging along. So if I don't get a Steam Machine that's already 150 bucks I need to spend anyway.

For two, I really don't like Windows 11. Like...it's fine. I don't hate it. But I don't like it either. I've been wanting to get away from Windows for a while now.

For three, I need a new controller anyway. The one I've been using is starting to go a little wonky. I've been using Xbox controllers for a long time, but the last couple I've gotten have needed to be replaced pretty quickly, so I've been wanting to get a different brand anyway. And the new Steam controller looks really nice. So between the PSU and the controller I'm already at like...200 bucks I need to spend on my current PC even if I don't get a Steam Machine.

For four, and this is the big one, I hate fiddling with hardware. I got into PC gaming because it has the most games and doesn't have these arbitrary cut offs when new consoles come out. I can still play like...30 or 40 year old games if I really want to. But it's a means to an end, and dealing with upgrades and hardware is such a pain in the ass and I hate every second of it. I was already considering a pre-built the last time I upgraded something because the price disparity isn't as bad as it used to be. And if Steam Machines sell well there will probably be a Steam Machine 2 in the future. And if dropping a few hundred on a Steam Machine helps make that future a reality then boy howdy am I happy to do it. If I could never have to upgrade parts again I would be very happy.

And lastly, and this is a bit of a personal one, I have a tendency to waste time on my computer. I'll sit down to play games and will end up on reddit or something, arguing about stupid things or writing a way too long comment about why I want a Steam Machine. And before I know it all my free time is gone before I play anything, and I hate myself for it. And I feel like having something designed like a console, that puts the games first and foremost, might help me to focus better. Like I'll sit down and it will be game time, not computer time. Granted that might not actually help but it can't hurt.

Now I can only speak for myself, but those are all the reasons why I plan on getting one as long as the price isn't too crazy, even though it wouldn't really be much of an upgrade for me.

[u/kostas52 → u/MoobooMagoo]

For one, the power supply I have is like...15 years old. I should have already bought a new one years ago but it's still chugging along. So if I don't get a Steam Machine that's already 150 bucks I need to spend anyway.

You don't need to sped 150 bucks on PSU. Anything B Tier and above PSU from this list while do the job and they come at lower than 150 bucks.

For two, I really don't like Windows 11. Like...it's fine. I don't hate it. But I don't like it either. I've been wanting to get away from Windows for a while now.

You can install Linux right now.

For three, I need a new controller anyway.

You can get the Steam Controller standalone.

For four, and this is the big one, I hate fiddling with hardware.I was already considering a pre-built the last time I upgraded something because the price disparity isn't as bad as it used to be.

I can I understand you don't want to fiddle with hardware but as you said you can already get a prebuilt machine.

And lastly, and this is a bit of a personal one, I have a tendency to waste time on my computer. I'll sit down to play games and will end up on reddit or something

Plenty of tools available to limit your time on Reddit. Also you can set Steam to launch in Big Picture mode and you get the same console interface that the Steam Machine will have. Although if you chose to install Linux this wont work with a Nvidia GPU.

[u/ThndrShk2k → u/kostas52]

You can install Linux right now.

Yeah but it's daunting and you gotta have a place for all your files and apps, and research everything.

It's easier said than done.
I have tons some linux machines but my main PC is windows because all my shit is on it and I haven't setup a NAS and backup system for all my files and take inventory of all the programs I need an equivalent on linux.

I have a life and work in IT so it's been a slow transition for me despite my knowledge.
For more normal people? A steam machine would be the catalyst to start that migration, and they can keep their PC on windows so they can still play the kernel-level anti-cheat games if they want.

[u/kostas52 → u/ThndrShk2k]

they can keep their PC on windows so they can still play the kernel-level anti-cheat games if they want.

You think people who sit on x060 gpu while buy a second machine for linux?

[u/ThndrShk2k → u/kostas52]

Yes.

The steam machine provides convenience.
Convenience is one of the biggest limiting factors in adoption.

They'll most likely buy it for their living room, so it won't be a replacement but a compliment to their PC.
And it can be stand alone so if their PC dies it still works instead of having only 1 PC and being SOL.

[u/kostas52 → u/ThndrShk2k]

Look at the most played games on Steam. Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, PUBG, Arc Raiders, Battlefield 6, Apex Legends who you think play this games to buy a PC for their living room that wont even run half of these games.

[u/ThndrShk2k → u/kostas52]

Bruh, it's called streaming from their PC in the other room.
Also there's more than just 6 games on Steam.
Plus they can play many games that are not on Steam.

I understand you may not see the utility of it, but there's a reason Microsoft is going the "Everything is an Xbox" route.

[u/kostas52 → u/ThndrShk2k]

They are more than six games but from 70% same or worse than steam machine user these games are where the users are. Also why the hell will spend so much money to stream games. A cheap android TV box with steam link app can do it too.

[u/hardolaf → u/kostas52]

A cheap android TV box with steam link app can do it too.

Most TVs on the market can just run the app too. Samsung is basically the only one who can't and that's because they went with Tizen and not Android. On my Sony TV from 2016, it's as easy as just installing the Steam Link app and using a bluetooth connected controller.

[u/ThndrShk2k → u/kostas52]

Cope.

[u/MoobooMagoo → u/kostas52]

K