Custom Steam OS PC Build That Outperforms Valve’s Upcoming Steam Machine

Introduction

Valve’s long‑awaited Steam Machine has sparked a wave of speculation about the ideal hardware for a dedicated Steam OS gaming console. While the official device is still under wraps, a recent DIY build demonstrates that a compact, high‑performance x86 PC can not only run Steam OS flawlessly but also deliver superior performance compared to the upcoming console. This article breaks down the components, assembly process, and real‑world gaming results of the build, offering a practical blueprint for enthusiasts who want a powerful Steam OS rig without waiting for Valve’s release.

System Overview

The goal was to create a small‑form‑factor PC that runs Steam OS 3.9 out of the box, remains fully compatible with other Linux distributions and Windows, and maximizes performance by using desktop‑grade parts rather than mobile equivalents. The final system balances size, power, and cost while staying within the constraints of the chosen case.

Core Components

Motherboard and CPU

• Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B860I Gaming Wi‑Fi – an Intel‑based board that supports the latest Core Ultra processors and includes Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth.
• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 245K (14 cores, 14 threads) – six performance cores boost up to 5.2 GHz and eight efficiency cores up to 4.6 GHz. Although it is a K‑variant, the build runs stock without overclocking, ensuring stability under Steam OS.

Memory and Storage

• RAM: 32 GB DDR5‑6000 (Kingston Fury Beast) – purchased before the recent price surge, providing ample bandwidth for modern games and multitasking.
• Primary Storage: 2 TB Crucial M.2 NVMe SSD – fast read/write speeds for quick OS boots and rapid game load times.

Cooling Solution

• CPU Cooler: John’s CR1400 – a single 90 mm fan with four copper heat pipes, recommended by the cooler manufacturer for the Core Ultra series. It fits comfortably within the case while keeping temperatures in check.

Case and Aesthetics

• Case: Jonbo NV12 – a compact chassis with a tempered‑glass side panel, built‑in cable management, and support for full‑size ATX power supplies. The model ships with two RGB front fans, which can be swapped for non‑RGB units if desired.
• Additional Cooling: A slim 90 mm rear exhaust fan was added to ensure proper airflow.

Power Supply

• PSU: Thermaltake Smart BX1 550 W – sufficient for the system’s power draw, especially given the modest GPU choice. The PSU mounts beneath the motherboard, freeing up space for other components.

Graphics Card

• GPU: XFX Radeon RX 7600 (non‑XT) 8 GB – a desktop variant rather than a mobile part, rated at 130 W with a single 8‑pin power connector. This card aligns closely with the GPU expected in Valve’s Steam Machine, providing a realistic performance baseline.

Assembly Highlights

The mini‑ITX board fits comfortably inside the NV12, with the power supply tucked under the motherboard. Cable routing is straightforward thanks to the case’s dedicated management channels. The CR1400 cooler sits atop the CPU, and the rear exhaust fan completes the airflow loop. After installing the SSD, RAM, and GPU, the system powers on without issues, and Steam OS boots cleanly.

Steam OS Configuration and Performance

The system runs Steam OS 3.9 with the following specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 245K @ up to 5.2 GHz
• RAM: 32 GB DDR5‑6000
• Storage: 2 TB NVMe SSD
• GPU: Radeon RX 7600 8 GB (130 W)
• Network: Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth via the motherboard

The built‑in CSS Loader allows for custom UI profiles, and the performance overlay provides real‑time metrics such as GPU power draw and clock speeds. Notably, the RX 7600 consistently reaches its full 130 W rating under load, confirming that the power delivery and cooling are adequate.

Intel Integrated Graphics Test

An attempt to run games using the CPU’s integrated Arc graphics resulted in a black screen after game launch, indicating limited support for Intel Arc within the current Steam OS release. Consequently, the discrete RX 7600 remains the primary graphics solution.

Gaming Benchmarks

All tests were performed at a native 1440p resolution unless otherwise noted. Settings ranged from Ultra to High, with FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) applied where appropriate.

• Spider‑Man 2 – Ultra settings, no FSR. The GPU sustained well over 60 fps, fully utilizing its 130 W power budget.
• Cyberpunk 2077 – Ultra preset with FSR set to Quality. The system handled the demanding title comfortably; a switch to Balanced would provide additional headroom.
• Marvel Rivals – Ultra settings, FSR Quality. Frame rates consistently exceeded 60 fps, demonstrating the RX 7600’s capability for fast‑paced shooters.
• Elden Ring – Max settings, no FSR. The game maintained a stable 60 fps, confirming the build’s suitability for demanding RPGs.
• The Witcher 3 – Ultra, no FSR, with Nvidia Hair Works disabled (as it’s not supported on AMD hardware). The title ran smoothly above 60 fps.
• Borderlands 4 – High settings, FSR with frame generation. Average frame rates topped 80 fps, though some ghosting artifacts were observed—a known issue with frame generation on Linux.

Overall, the build delivered consistent 60 fps performance across a range of modern titles, often surpassing the expectations for a Steam OS‑only device.

Conclusion

This custom Steam OS PC showcases that a compact, desktop‑grade system can not only match but exceed the performance likely offered by Valve’s forthcoming Steam Machine. By selecting a powerful Intel Core Ultra CPU, high‑speed DDR5 memory, a robust NVMe SSD, and a desktop‑class Radeon RX 7600, the build achieves smooth 1440p gaming across a diverse library of titles.

The NV12 case provides a sleek aesthetic while accommodating the necessary cooling and power components. Although the integrated Intel Arc graphics are not yet viable for Steam OS gaming, the discrete GPU fills that gap perfectly.

For enthusiasts eager to experience Steam OS now—without waiting for Valve’s official hardware—this configuration offers a practical, high‑performance solution that can also double as a Windows machine if desired. The build proves that the future of dedicated Linux‑based gaming consoles lies in well‑engineered, modular PCs rather than proprietary, closed‑off devices.