Steam Machine
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Machine.
Latest coverage
New Steam Machine red light warning isn't anything to worry about — an overzealous overheating warning is…
A solid red light warning on the Steam Machine, indicating overheating, is often a false alarm caused by a bug in the current BIOS. Valve support has confirmed that the device's temperatures can be normal even when this warning light is displayed. A forthcoming BIOS update will increase the temperature threshold for the warning and throttling to 100C for both CPU and GPU.
Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating
Valve has introduced Steam Machine compatibility checks to game store pages, allowing users to see how titles perform on the SteamOS platform. While many games are rated, some, like Black Myth: Wukong, are still listed as unknown due to ongoing evaluation or performance concerns. Users can also run SteamOS on alternative hardware like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
Valve is switching up its Steam Machine error codes to be more helpful, starting with its scary red overheating light
Valve is updating the Steam Machine's BIOS to address inaccurate red LED error codes, particularly those related to overheating. The fix will adjust temperature thresholds to 100°C for both CPU and GPU, preventing false alarms that previously triggered at lower temperatures. This change aims to provide more accurate warnings and prevent unnecessary performance throttling or shutdowns.
You can now easily find out if a game is compatible with the Steam Machine
Information on Steam Machine compatibility for games can now be easily found on individual game pages within the Steam store. Users can check the Steam page to determine if a particular title supports the Steam Machine.
E-Ink faceplates for the Steam Machine are coming, but not from Valve
Peripherals brand Jsaux is developing E-Ink faceplates for the Steam Machine, a feature initially shown by Valve but not produced by them. Jsaux plans to offer Color E-Ink, Mono E-Ink, and Color Dot Matrix versions, though pricing and release dates are not yet announced. Valve has stated they do not have plans to produce more faceplates but will release CAD files for users to create their own.
Steam Machine Verified medals appear on games' store pages overnight, as if left by the Compatibility Fairy
Valve has enabled the display of Steam Machine game compatibility ratings on store pages, mirroring the system used for the Steam Deck. Games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Palworld have received 'Verified' status, while Dota 2 is marked as 'Playable' due to minor issues. This update aims to clarify how Windows games will perform on Valve's SteamOS hardware.
‘Lies about driver support’: Valve now lets you install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine, but many people…
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to install Microsoft's operating system on the console-like PC. However, the article argues against this, citing potential performance degradation due to Windows 11's heavier nature compared to SteamOS, and Valve's historically poor track record with Windows driver updates for its devices.
Valve Steam Machine review: This would've been perfect five years ago
The Valve Steam Machine is not recommended due to its high price point, making it a poor value proposition. The article suggests that the hardware would have been more competitive if released several years prior.
Morning Tech Bits
Valve has clarified that the 'Red Line of Death' on Steam Machines indicates a memory training issue rather than GPU failure. The company has released drivers and notes to assist users experiencing this problem on Windows.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced can run smoothly aboard both Steam Deck and Steam Machine - with the right settings
This article analyzes the performance of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced on the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, detailing optimal settings for smooth gameplay. While the Steam Deck requires careful adjustment of graphics options and upscaling for playable framerates, the Steam Machine demonstrates surprisingly strong performance at 1080p, even rivaling higher-end desktop GPUs in some scenarios.
Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam machine, y'know for the three people who managed to buy one and…
Valve has released official Windows drivers for the Steam Machine, allowing users to switch from SteamOS to Microsoft's operating system. This move aims to increase game compatibility, particularly for online shooters, though dual-booting is not yet supported. Users will need an Ethernet connection for initial Windows product key entry as Wi-Fi drivers are installed later.
Morning Tech Bits
A fix for the 'Red Line of Death' issue affecting Steam Machines has been officially released. Additionally, Intel's upcoming Nova Lake CPUs are expected to reintroduce AVX-512 support.
If you're a sicko, you can now run Windows on the Steam Machine
Valve has released official Windows 11 drivers for the Steam Machine, enabling full hardware support for Microsoft's operating system on the device. While this allows users to install Windows 11 and gain wider compatibility with PC storefronts and services like Xbox Game Pass, it requires wiping the existing SteamOS. The release is seen as a potential precursor to dual-booting functionality, which could make the Steam Machine a more competitive console-like PC hybrid.
Steam Machine review - it's all about the games you play
The Steam Machine offers a premium hardware design with a slick SteamOS interface ideal for living room gaming, but its high price and performance limitations hinder its appeal. While capable of 1080p gaming and some 4K upscaling, it struggles with demanding titles and ray tracing, making it a niche product for specific game types and users.
Steam Machine users are reporting 'red line of death' issues, but there's now an official fix - and…
Valve has provided an official fix for the 'red line of death' issue affecting some Steam Machine users, which prevents the device from booting. The troubleshooting steps involve unplugging the unit, discharging residual power, and initiating a CMOS reset via specific power button sequences.
Steam Machine with the dreaded "Red Line of Death" has healed itself after a good night's rest
A Steam Machine experiencing the 'Red Line of Death' error, typically indicating GPU failure, has reportedly resolved itself after being left unplugged overnight. The owner, who initially tried various power cycling methods without success, found the issue cleared after a 24-hour period. This suggests a potential firmware glitch rather than a hardware fault, with Valve expected to address similar issues in future SteamOS updates.
How To Use Discord On Your Steam Machine And Steam Deck
This guide explains how to install and configure Discord on Valve's Steam Deck and Steam Machine devices. The process involves switching to desktop mode, installing Discord via Discover, and adding it as a non-Steam game. It also provides instructions for adjusting controller settings for a better user experience.
The Steam Machine’s Red Line Of Death Is Less Scary, And More Useful, Than You Might Think
The Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' error, reminiscent of the Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death, is discussed as a useful diagnostic tool rather than a catastrophic failure. Valve has implemented a system where different LED bar colors and animations indicate specific hardware issues, aiding users in troubleshooting and communicating problems to support.
Valve shows you how to build your own e-paper display for the Steam Machine – and it’s a case mod I never…
Valve has released open-source files for users to build their own e-paper display, dubbed 'inkterface', for the Steam Machine. This modification allows the device to show component temperatures and performance information, embracing PC gaming's customizability.
"If anyone encounters the same error, don't panic like I did" - Steam Machine suffering "red line of death" comes back to life
A user's Steam Machine, which experienced a "red line of death" error after a system update, has been revived. The issue, initially feared to be a graphics card failure similar to the Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death, was resolved by unplugging the machine overnight and performing BIOS resets. The user shared their experience on Reddit, advising others not to panic and to try similar troubleshooting steps.
