DIY Steam Machine Build with MinisForum HX100G – Performance Review and Valve Comparison
DIY Steam Machine Build with MinisForum HX100G – Performance Review and Valve Comparison
Introduction
Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine has generated a lot of excitement among PC gamers, promising a compact console‑like device powered by a Zen 4 CPU and a custom Radeon GPU. However, the official launch isn’t scheduled until January 2026, leaving a long waiting period for enthusiasts eager to try the concept now.
To fill that gap, I acquired a MinisForum HX100G mini‑PC and installed SteamOS 3.9 on it, essentially creating my own Steam Machine. This article walks through the hardware choices, the setup process, performance testing across several modern titles, and how the DIY build stacks up against Valve’s announced specifications.
Hardware Overview
The MinisForum HX100G
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7848S (Zen 4) – 8 cores / 16 threads, higher clock speeds than Valve’s 6‑core reference CPU.
- GPU: Discrete Radeon RX 6650M (RDNA 2) – 28 compute units, 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM, slightly faster memory than the typical RX 6600M found in other mini‑gaming PCs.
- Memory: 32 GB system RAM.
- Power Supply: Four‑pin connector salvaged from an older HX90 unit – not proprietary, but an uncommon choice for a mini‑PC.
- Form Factor: Small, desktop‑style case suitable for living‑room placement.
Valve’s Official Steam Machine (as announced)
- CPU: Custom Zen 4, 6 cores / 12 threads, up to 4.8 GHz, 30 W TDP.
- GPU: Custom Radeon with 28 compute units, based on RDNA 3, 8 GB VRAM.
- Memory: 16 GB system RAM, upgradeable.
- Target Resolution: 4K @ 60 fps with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) support.
Quick Spec Comparison
| Component | MinisForum HX100G | Valve Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 6 / 12 |
| CPU Architecture | Zen 4 | Zen 4 |
| GPU Architecture | RDNA 2 (RX 6650M) | RDNA 3 (custom) |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB |
| System RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB (upgradeable) |
| TDP (CPU) | Higher than 30 W | 30 W |
While the HX100G uses an older GPU architecture, its higher‑clocked CPU and larger memory pool give it a solid baseline for comparison.
Setup and Operating System
I flashed the SteamOS 3.9 recovery image onto the HX100G, mirroring the software environment Valve intends for its device. The installation completed without issues, and the system immediately recognized:
- Wi‑Fi connectivity (visible in the top‑left corner of the UI).
- Bluetooth functionality, despite occasional driver quirks on newer chipsets.
The BIOS does not allow GPU clock adjustments; any overclocking attempts revert to default values. This mirrors the locked‑down nature of console‑style hardware, ensuring stability but limiting manual tuning.
The desktop environment is fully accessible via the SteamOS interface, offering a traditional Linux desktop, package manager, and the ability to install additional applications or emulators directly from the UI.
Performance Testing
To gauge real‑world capability, I ran a selection of demanding titles at 4K resolution, using FSR and optional frame generation where available. All tests were conducted with the default SteamOS drivers, reflecting the out‑of‑the‑box experience.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Settings: 4K, Medium quality, FSR Balanced.
- Result: Average frame rates in the low‑70 fps range. Switching to FSR Performance pushed the frame count closer to 60 fps but with noticeable visual degradation.
- With frame generation enabled, the game reached 4K High settings and sustained mid‑70 fps, delivering a smooth experience on a modest RDNA 2 GPU.
Marvel’s Spider‑Man 2
- Settings: 4K, Medium, FSR Performance, refresh rate capped at 60 Hz.
- Result: Stable 60 fps performance, though higher settings caused occasional dips below the cap.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Settings: 4K, Medium, FSR Balanced, no dynamic resolution scaling.
- Result: Consistent 60 fps, demonstrating that the HX100G can handle classic open‑world titles at native 4K without aggressive upscaling.
Elden Ring
- Settings: 4K, High, no FSR.
- Result: Initial attempts at Maximum settings dropped the frame rate into the 40s. Reducing to High stabilized performance near 60 fps, with occasional minor dips.
Borderlands 4
- Settings: 4K, Low, FSR, frame generation enabled.
- Result: Frame rates remained well below 60 fps, indicating the game’s poor Linux optimization and the limits of the RX 6650M at ultra‑high resolution.
- Adjusting to 1440p significantly improved smoothness, suggesting 1440p as the sweet spot for this title on the platform.
Overall Observations
- 4K gaming is feasible on the HX100G for many modern titles when leveraging FSR and frame generation.
- RDNA 2 vs. RDNA 3: While the official Steam Machine’s RDNA 3 GPU should offer a modest performance uplift, the HX100G’s higher‑clocked CPU and larger memory pool compensate well.
- Driver Optimizations: Valve’s custom drivers for the Steam Deck have historically extracted extra performance from modest hardware. Similar optimizations could push the official Steam Machine closer to the advertised 4K 60 fps target.
Pricing and Market Considerations
Speculation about the official Steam Machine’s price varies widely, with community estimates ranging from $400‑$500 to $699 for the base configuration, potentially increasing with larger storage options. The DIY route, using a refurbished HX100G (under $500) plus a salvaged power supply, offers a comparable performance envelope at a lower upfront cost.
However, the official device will benefit from:
- Integrated Steam Deck‑optimized drivers and Proton compatibility layers.
- A unified warranty and support experience.
- A streamlined, console‑like form factor without the need for component sourcing.
For enthusiasts comfortable assembling and maintaining a mini‑PC, building a custom Steam Machine remains an attractive alternative, especially when waiting for the official launch.
Conclusion
The MinisForum HX100G equipped with SteamOS 3.9 proves that a DIY Steam Machine can deliver solid 4K performance across a range of modern games, thanks to FSR, frame generation, and a powerful Zen 4 CPU. While Valve’s upcoming device will likely benefit from tighter hardware‑software integration and newer RDNA 3 graphics, the DIY approach offers a cost‑effective way to experience console‑style gaming now.
As the release date approaches, the community will gain a clearer picture of how Valve’s driver optimizations and pricing strategy will shape the market. Until then, building your own Steam Machine remains a viable and rewarding path for gamers who value flexibility and immediate access to high‑resolution play.