Valve’s Steam Machine has drawn attention for its compact form, but it is not the only small PC trying to win over buyers. On paper, several retailer-built and modded systems are now looking more aggressive, with hardware that can outpace Valve’s machine while staying in a similar price range.
The comparison is striking because Steam Machine is positioned as more capable than over 70% of PCs running Steam, based on Valve’s own hardware survey. Even so, its six-core Zen 4 CPU and built-in graphics remain modest for the price bracket it occupies.
Its graphics performance is described as roughly equal to the RX 7600, an entry-level card that is already about three and a half years old. That makes the machine’s appeal depend more on its compact design than on raw performance.
Retailer and modder builds are moving the goalposts
One of the most eye-catching alternatives comes from AMD engineer Jacob Terkelsen, who shared his build on X. He used the SFF Mini ITX Steam Machine Case by 3DCatt, a 3D-printed design measuring 167 x 168 x 225 millimeters.
Inside that case, Terkelsen managed to fit a mini-ITX motherboard and an RTX 5060. The system also uses a Flex 400W PSU, although the CPU was not specified and would likely need to stay efficient enough to leave room for the GPU.
The full parts cost was not broken down in detail. Still, the total was said to be around $1,000, which keeps it near Steam Machine territory while offering a stronger graphics card.
LDLC’s ready-made “Stim Machine” goes further
A clearer retail alternative comes from French retailer LDLC, which sells a compact PC called the “Stim Machine.” It uses the Silverstone Sugo SG13B-Q case and pairs a Ryzen 5 8400F with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and an RX 9060 XT.
The CPU choice stays in the same efficiency-minded class as Steam Machine, with 6 cores and 12 threads. But the rest of the package is more assertive, especially the graphics card, which LDLC says is nearly 50% stronger.
LDLC also highlights upgrade-friendly parts. The SSD and memory can be replaced, RAM can be expanded up to 128GB, and shipping is claimed to take less than 48 hours.
Lower price, but not a fully assembled experience
With that configuration, the total price is said to fall below €1,000. In Europe, that makes it cheaper than Steam Machine, although the comparison is not the same in the U.S. market.
There is one important trade-off, however. LDLC’s kit arrives unassembled, which leaves Valve with a major advantage for buyers who want a ready-to-use device without building it themselves.
The broader message is simple: small form factor no longer has to mean weaker hardware. When modders and retailers choose parts more freely, compact PCs can move into a higher performance class while staying close to the same price level.