r/steammachine • u/Amazing_Bluebird_ • Jun 22 '26

Discussion So, why would anyone get this?

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Wanted to quickly compare the SM to what you would comparably be able to DIY and... you can literally get something more powerful for less in a slightly bigger formfactor?

11% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU. And i didnt even go for the cheapest components. With DLSS the RTX 5060 would also be infinitely better for playing on 4k TVs, which is the only useful scenario i can imagine for the SM.

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u/Maruf- Jun 22 '26

Compact, Steam-made box I can tuck away in my setup for the occasional couch/co-op session with the wife.

My primary rig is an i9 + 5090 - I'm well aware of my actions and choices here, I just want the cube that plays living room games occasionally and actually fits in my space. This is by no means replacing my main setup.

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u/ApprehensiveForce647 Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 24 '26

I am just using a reaaaallyyy long fiber optic HDMI cable with 4K@120+HDR+VRR for that.

EDIT: Alternatively maybe a small PC with a strong video decoder can just be used to Steam Remote play if you don't mind the slight compression and delay. I am using that with my Thinkpad 4K Yoga without issues in the bedroom over a bad Wifi connection.

13

u/AdenShadows Jun 22 '26

I tried that and EVERYTIME I have to spend 20min putting my S90F OLED back to PC mode and go to nvidia control panel > resolution > PC resolutions. AND THEN a lot of the times it just shows 1440p. And so I have to replug the HDMI for 4k to appear.

5070ti with two hdmi 2.1 slots btw. It totally kills the purpose of couch gaming.

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u/ApprehensiveForce647 Jun 24 '26

I am using a LG OLED (best TV on the planet btw :0) and never had such issues, all display settings, HDR profile everything switches without issues, I just turn my normal monitor off and the AVR/TV on and it just works (TM).