When it comes to new consoles and PCs, specifications are usually one of the first things people research, and for good reason! How powerful the system is will determine how well it can run various games, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
Well, the latest to fall under the microscope is the Steam Machine, Valve’s latest attempt at bridging the PC and console market. Sure, it can be used to kick back on the sofa and play your Steam library, but it can also be utilised as a functioning PC.
With such varying uses and a hefty price tag, people are naturally wondering how the Steam Machine compares to other similar systems. So, without further ado, here’s the full list of Steam Machine specs, as well as how it compares to the likes of the PlayStation 5 Pro—the strongest console on the market.
All Steam Machine Specs
From its GPU to RAM, CPU to Storage, there’s plenty to unpack when looking into what makes the Steam Machine tick.
The premise of the Steam Machine is to be a functioning gaming PC in a small package, and judging by its performance and specs, it does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s not a NASA supercomputer worthy of running games at the highest possible framerates, but it does the job of being an easy entry point for potential PC gamers—or for those looking to take gaming away from a desktop.
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You’ll find the full specification table below, encompassing its general specs, software, connectivity and everything in between:
| Specification | Steam Machine Specs |
|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T – up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP |
| GPU | Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs – 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| Power | Internal power supply, AC power 110-240V |
| Storage | Two Steam Machine models – 512GB NVMe SSD – 2TB NVMe SSD Both models include a high-speed microSD card slot |
| Wi-Fi | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 dedicated antenna |
| Steam Controller | Integrated 2.4 GHz Steam Controller wireless adapter |
| Displays | DisplayPort 1.4 – Up to 4K @ 240Hz or 8K@60Hz – Supports HDR, FreeSync, and daisy-chaining HDMI 2.0 – Up to 4K @ 120Hz – Supports HDR, FreeSync, and CEC |
| USB | Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports in the front Two USB-A 2.0 High speed ports in the back One USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port in the back |
| Networking | Gigabit ethernet |
| LED Strip | 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs for system status and customizability |
| Size | 152 mm tall (148 mm without feet) 162.4 mm deep 156 mm wide |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma |
Steam Machine Vs PS5 Pro
For those of you looking to use the Steam Machine for more of a console purpose, you’ll likely want to compare the new system to the PlayStation 5 Pro.
The PS5 Pro is widely considered the most powerful console on the market right now, with PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) and Advanced Ray Tracing offering an optimised and immersive gaming experience. 120fps with near 4K output is obtainable with compatible games, and there’s no denying it’s a titan to compete with, but can the Steam Machine compare?
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Judging by the specs alone, it’s a tough match-up. Here’s how they line-up:
| Specification | Steam Machine (2TB Model) | PlayStation 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T – up to 4.8 GHz, 30W TDP | 8 core, 16 thread AMD Zen 2 |
| GPU | Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs – 2.45GHz max sustained clock, 110W TDP | 16.7 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engine |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM | 16GB GDDR6, 2GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 2 TB | 2 TB |
| Upscaling | N/A | PSSR |
| Price | $1,349 / £1,149 | $899 / £789 |
In some aspects, it’s tough to compare, especially since Valve lists some specs as ‘semi-custom.’ That said, when looking at raw performance, the PS5 Pro trumps the Steam Machine in practically every regard.
Of course, the Steam Machine has other capabilities, such as simply working as a makeshift PC, but if we’re just talking about its gaming potential, it’s no match for the PS5 Pro.
Considering that the Steam Machine costs over $400 more than the PS5 Pro, and the fact that GTA 6 won’t be playable on it at launch, it’s definitely a product aimed at the Steam faithful—at least you won’t have to pay for online multiplayer!
Thinking of buying one? Check out the trailer below one last time before taking the leap.
Will you be buying a Steam Machine at those prices? Share your thoughts in the official Insider Gaming Discord Server.
For more on the Steam Machine, read about how it was initially planned to be cheaper, and don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter.
Charlie is one of Insider Gaming's Guides Writers who's been in the gaming industry for a little over a year. Unfortunately for him, he enjoys every video game genre out…
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