1000°

Steam Machine offers PC specs for the price of a new Xbox

Valve's official Steam Machine prototype isn't cheap, but it won't be the only Steam-powered video game console available come 2014. This morning, iBuyPower revealed a prototype of its own upcoming Steam Machine, which will go on sale for just $499 next year. For the price of an Xbox One, the computer will offer a multicore AMD CPU and a discrete AMD Radeon R9 270 graphics card — that's a $180 GPU all by itself — and come with Valve's Steam Controller as part of the package deal.

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theverge.com
ChickeyCantor3841d ago

But...but...it is a pc...

It's just modelled to fit with your other media devices under your tv.

ShinMaster3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

$500 next year. The Xbox could drop price by then. So technically it may not be the same price. Also for $100 more, it's about on par with the PS4 and will lack the optimization of the PS4 due to its open nature, aside from first-party games as well, of course.

SteamOS is competing with Windows in the gaming area. What's interesting is that you could still run Windows on a Steam Machine if you want and vice versa, run SteamOS on PC.
It makes it more of a Steam PC than a console really.

Ritsujun3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

As laughable as the OUchYeAh and other Android consoles.

JsonHenry3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

@Shinmaster - you are completely wrong. The GPU in the steam box blows the 7850m based part in the PS4 out of the water. http://www.tomshardware.com...

Also the CPUs in them are not likely to be so down clocked either if they are off the shelf the PC parts.

Simply put, the PS4 is not better shape stacked against this (power wise) than the Xbox1 is.

BlackKnight3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

The PS4 GPU:
18 compute units (1152 cores) clocked at 800MHz

The R9 270: 20 compute unites (1280 cores) clocked at 925mhz

We also don't know the spec of the CPU (Cores and clock speed) nor the amount of system RAM. I assume it is at least 8GB, not counting the R9 270 having 2GB of dedicated video memory (or more if not reference, which is common).

@Ritsujun

You have no idea about computing hardware if you think OUYA is similar to this particular machine.

SilentNegotiator3840d ago

A PC that only plays Linux games.

UltimateMaster3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

The thing that bothers me with this Steam Machine is the lack of Memory. 500Gb isn't enough for something that is 100% digital download.
I would have 2Tb, minimum.

With consoles, you can install your game from the disc which is significantly faster (3 times faster on the Ps4 than the Xbox One due to the disc speed) than downloading it from the internet which takes hours and a lot of bandwidth usage as well.

What I mean by that is that if your HDD is full, then you have to delete a few games. But what if you want to replay those games you've deleted. You have to download them all over again.

Given the fact that it does not have any optical disc player that is something you got rid of. Yeah, 2Tb, minimum.

Also, specs wise of this one isn't that far off from the PS4. 20 computing units as opposed to 18. No exclusive games. No disc media at all.
I just have a hard time justifying buying this particular model.

I am going to buy a Steam Machine, but not this one. I really need more memory and power.
For me, it'll probably be a 4Tb HDD.

mechlord3840d ago

@JsonHenry

Even so, the consoles (the real ones) win because of customization.

These boxes still have to run windows or linux, still have to be programmed generically.

The consoles are single minded pcs (well, the PS4 anyways) so they still have that edge.

mikeslemonade3840d ago

This is gonna fail. Don't buy this!

Since it's playing PC games it has to play by the "PC rules" meaning that the system will only be able to play medium settings after a one year or two. While consoles have a slower aging curves because developers make it specifically for the console.

darx3839d ago

I'll be buying. Have my gaming rig in my office with this under the televison and can go between the two and continue where I left off. Like I said before I'll be passing on consoles from this point on.

awi59513839d ago

@UltimateMaster

This is a current gen pc GPU it will have twice the textures than what the PS4 7850 gpu can produce the clock speeds means nothing. Look up the texture performance on these cards and you will see the diffrence.

kevnb3839d ago (Edited 3839d ago )

its actually much more powerful than the ps4 or xbox one. In a year when new parts come out they can build a better machine for cheaper. Consoles will be stuck with the same hardware, advancements in tech won't reflect on them. @mikeslemonade even if that were the case, the console wouldn't be doing any better just because you can't change the settings... Usually mainstream graphics cards last a good 3-4 years on atleast high settings if you don't jump up in resolution. 3-4 years ago pc gamers where gaming around 900p, now they are up to 1080p. When they make the jump to 2k or 4k, they will have to upgrade... but atleast they can actually upgrade :)

Kleptic3839d ago (Edited 3839d ago )

^awi5951...they're very close...a 270x will hardly do 'twice the textures'...

the the r9 270x and 280x are both rebrands, the 280x 'tahiti' core has been around for two years...

a 270x is the 'replacement' for the 7800 line...the 280x the replacement for the 7900s...

the only advantages that 270x will have is in clock speed, and possibly a larger memory buffer (no idea how that is allocated on a PS4)...as well as NOT having 2 CU's disabled like it is on the PS4...but, they're still roughly the same cards...they both share the same core architecture...

think of that steam machine like an OC'd PS4 gpu, which is effectively exactly what it is...it very much will be faster, but not by some 2x margin...

JsonHenry3839d ago

@@UltimateMaster - The 270 has a lot more going for it than just two more compute strings running than the 7850m in the PS4. It is a much better card and the benchmarks prove it. It isn't twice as fast as some have claimed but it is most certainly a better card.

My only concern about this is the games. Without installing windows (which you can easily do and Valve has said they have no problems with you doing this) this will only play Linux based games. Valve has promised that a lot of the newer games will support Linux and I certainly see this as a trend with upcoming releases. But if most of the big multiplat games do not release with linux support I see the Steambox failing.

Visiblemarc3839d ago

@BlackKnight, you're describing a performance difference, potentially smaller than that between PS4 and XB1...with many different unknowns regarding performance as per hardware access, lack of closed/fixed system optimization...plus that controller...it looks...awful, there I said it.

I used to adore Valve...I counted the days till the release of the first half-life..but over the years an odd energy has taken over this company. I know, Steam did shape up to be awesome, but I dunno, I feel like leaving us waiting to finish a cliffhanger story in the Half-life series in favour of trying to take over the world in the pc-meets-console space is odd, disrespectful and a huge risk.

Don't get me wrong, this kinda thing might be the future...maybe... I just think you owe it to people to finish the friggen story they individually paid like $200 on, so far. It's that EXACT money they used to build this strange empire. I just feel like Valve doesn't care about the fans that made the company and are potentially chasing a dream that might sound better on paper than in practice.

Rubberlegs3839d ago

@SilentNegotiator

Its not a closed off system. Its comes with SteamOS which is being offered for free for anyone to use but you can always install Windows on it as well.

Reibooi3839d ago

I think the biggest problem is that with a Linux based OS you will not be able to play the majority of the games you have on Steam. I have about 200 games on Steam and only about 10-20 have Linux versions. It's nice that in the future devs might be making Linux versions of the games they are releasing but if they are not making ports for the games they already have on Steam it's kinda pointless as you will not be able to play most of the games you want to.

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 3839d ago
Conzul3840d ago

Idk where people get off on saying that $500 isnt cheap - I built a $1700 gaming rig about 2yrs ago.

THAT wasn't cheap.

Pisque3840d ago Show
kB03840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

@Pisque

Who are you to come and judge how a person spends his money on his own entertainment?

I hate people like you, you judge behind a screen and think ur big tough Sh!t because you seem to know more than any1 else.

He's right, 500$ for a gaming isn't cheap, if you got your head out of your ass once in while you'd see that.

A completely rude, and un-called for comment towards a user on a website named NEWS FOR GAMERS. You have the balls to use the word toy.

If mommy or daddy ever stops paying for your shit you might know what money is and you can spend it on what ever you want not what they give you.

@conzul Power to you, and your right, 500$ is cheap when it comes to a PC. Especially if you factor in how many more features it has and multitasking. This will definitely push PS4 and Xbox one to perform at their best and we should see great yields from the companies.

ZeroX98763840d ago

@Pisque

ok let me ask you this, what are you typing on right now?

you surely got a PC somewhere in your house. Let's guess and say it's a 500$ laptop. you can't game much on it, in 2-3 years it'll be slow and not on par with most computers. PLUS you bought a 500$ Xbox one and 60$ Xbox live as a gaming machine. so totals you at 1060.00, for that price you can get an pretty good PC. I'm not considering the monitor or TV since a console also needs it to play.

MidnytRain3840d ago

I think it's safe to say Pisque needs to lose a bubble or two for personal attacks!

KillrateOmega3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

@Pisque

Watch out, we got a bad*** over here.

But seriously, where do you get off by calling him stupid and immature for how he spends his own money? If you disagree with that kind of expenditure, then fair enough, but the personal attacks are unnecessary and show a disappointing lack of maturity on YOUR part.

Also, please articulate your reasoning behind your claim that he probably works at MacDonald's. Go on. I'll wait.

I don't why your butt is causing you such agony, but please take your rage somewhere else.

MadLad3840d ago

@Pisque

Such a badass you are, protected by the anonymity of a username and computer screen.
I take it your parents still pay for everything you own, yes?

kB03840d ago

Wait he just added to his comment, because he thought he didn't mask his insecurity enough.

He had to mention that user might be working @ McDonald's in order to pay for his stuff.

Clap Clap

Man you really got him...what an insult. Man working hard for his money. I mean my god what society we live in where people work at a job they might not like!

LOL ridiculous...

3840d ago
jackdaniels3840d ago

@pisque

Very un-cool, not nice....

Also, why the attack on MacDonalds - at least the people working there, are working and earning their own money!

Again, very un-cool.

SpecialSauce3840d ago

haha Pisque you're such a dick!

Conzul3840d ago

@Pisque

Sure, it is a toy, but PC'S are also invaluable, indispensable tools that are at the forefront of every technological advance of the last 20-30 years. I use it for much more than gaming.

Also, I'm a computer engineering major and I've never worked for less than $11/hr. So....yeah.

Thanks guys. @others

LocutusEstBorg3840d ago

I built a $7000 gaming rig.

Parasyte3839d ago

@KurianofBorg

Specs pl0x?

Ewok3839d ago

In reply to Pisque's point mostly,

Yeah, I too spent a lot of money on my PC-based entertainment setup. I've invested a bit over £2K on my gaming setup - not including games, which I dread to think about. But so what? Like most people, I work hard for my cash and deserve to splash out on things I get enjoyment out of.

SteamBox probably isn't for me. I've already got a PC hooked up to the TV and it'll be cheaper to focus on upgrades rather than replacement, and easier given the good-sized case I've got. For a new PC gamer though, it's a decent enough price for the hardware even thinking about what the next few months will bring.

I doubt it's going to take a significant slice of the market from console gaming, but I think Valve will do alright out of it for the niche that it is targeted at. I certainly wouldn't get on my high horse and try and lay down judgement on those who choose to buy one!!

I'll consider Steam OS if it takes off and gets supported, and I'm intrigued by the demo's I've seen of the new controller. Looks like I may finally be able to ditch the wireless M&K for strategy titles, as it's much more comfortable playing games on the big screen with a controller.

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3840d ago Replies(2)
JsonHenry3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

The OS is built to auto-update firmware, software, services, apps, and games JUST like a modern console. It has custom built low overhead OS just like current consoles. It comes with a (completely unheard of before now) game-pad as well.

This is a console with PC parts very much like that of the new x86 based PS4/Xbox1.

This is a console. No doubt about it. It is just a console that sucker punches the new generation in the mouth in terms of power. But does it have the games and/or exclusives people want to buy it in addition to the Xbox1/PS4 that you most likely will already own when this is released? That is the big question.

starchild3840d ago

You get it. This is made for console gamers that previously were intimidated by the idea of building their own PC.

The PC has lots of exclusives that the consoles miss out on, so this will be a great way for many people to experience those games. Not to mention better looking multiplats, mods, and free online gaming.

solar3840d ago

bubbles for Henry and Star.

Section83839d ago

I really don't like pc's but I'll tell you what. They get that machine running every playstation and xbox game, then I'll be a glorified pc gamer. Legitimately running. For real. That's part of the reason I don't game on pc. Consoles have better games.

JsonHenry3839d ago

No Section8, they don't. You just don't game on both so you have no idea what you are missing.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3839d ago
TBONEJF3840d ago

Who care u can build one for yourself even cheaper. why buy this when the xbox one cost the same and the PS4 is 100$ cheaper.

KiLLeRCLaM3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

does it use windows? can you upgrade the cpu and graphics card memory and all that? if not then it's not a pc

JsonHenry3840d ago

I remember reading an article where they said that yes, you can take it apart, upgrade it, do whatever you want to with it in the spirit of DIY PC builders as well as dual boot install other OSes. Although obviously if you get rid of SteamOS you also get rid of anything you were guaranteed by having it installed.

I don't know if this has changed or not since that interview but they basically said once you buy it it is yours and do what you wish with it.

SonyPS3603839d ago

It doesn't "require" windows (like a PC), and can be upgraded (like a PC).

So yes it's essentially a PC.

Sony_Fan3840d ago

PS4/xboxne obsolete confirmed,i guess PS4 will make an alright side console, i'll play the 1 or 2 good exclusives for it that come out every year, other than that my ps4 is going to collect dust once steam machines release.

PSX043840d ago

for gaming ps4 still the winner with cheaper price and powerful performance

SonyPS3603839d ago

Wait until at least one decent game comes out for it before making such a claim.

Murad3839d ago

That is still very hard to do, even with a mini-itx. My guess is that not only can this "pc" do what a pc can do, but it's made to use a controller, sit on a couch and enjoy a nice long gaming session.

SonyPS3603839d ago

So the "but gaming PCs are more expensive" argument will be out the window soon.

Section83839d ago (Edited 3839d ago )

You'll still have to eventually upgrade it before you'll need a new console. And consoles don't get viruses.

SonyPS3603839d ago

Upgrading ones doesn't cost nearly as much as buying an entirely new one.

Also my PC doesn't get viruses either, because I'm not a derp without anti virus software.

Kemistri3839d ago (Edited 3839d ago )

Although I think this is going to be a great product, it's still not clear how or if they will be implementing any sort of game balancing odds.

At least on consoles, 99% of the people playing online are all using the same controller, same visual fidelity, etc.

With the steam machine, I presume it's really not going to be any different than playing on my pc. Giving you access to change the graphics settings, writing scripts, running hacks (cheats) etc. Which is fine, but I would feel odd hooking this up to my tv, and having to use a wireless keyboard and mouse on my coffee table. I suppose I would use the steam controller, but I don't think it's enforced. Not the most ideal gaming setup. I would naturally just use it on my desk with my monitor, but I already would have gaming rig setup and ready to go.

Anyway, great start, but I'm curious how things will pan out.

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 3839d ago
hiredhelp3841d ago

HTPC Home theatre personal computer.
The thing i like about these steam boxes is last time i checked it had a fully fledged PCI Card.
Not sure how handle heat

thisismyaccount3840d ago ShowReplies(1)
Malice-Flare3840d ago

heh, no problems with 1080p here...

Belking3840d ago

not with 60FPS though....lol

DragonKnight3840d ago

Killzone multiplayer says hi.

ABizzel13840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

@Belking

The games on Steam for Lunix aren't that demanding. Left 4 Dead 2 is probably the most demanding game on there so that claim of 1080p @ 60fps isn't really impressive right now until we get games like Crysis 3 running on Steam for Linux. On a side note the PS4 uses a under-clocked R9 270 for it's APU, backed by 8GB of GDDR5, so pound for pound the PS4 is on par with this Steambox.

On the flip side this is SERIOUS trouble for the XBO. Games like TitanFall are using Source engine which means they are HIGHLY likely to be running on this Steambox, and better than the XBO version. This Ps4 / Steambox combo could knock M$ out of the console business.

I was unsure about Steambox doing well because of the Intel and NVIDIA hardware in Valve's, but if they can hit a $500 price point and outpower the XBO they can take a large chunk of XBO potential market share.

GDDR6_20143840d ago

@"Killzone multiplayer says hi."

While killzone singleplayer hides in the corner

AndrewLB3840d ago

ABizzel- The PS4's GPU has 2 less compute-units and is 250mhz slower. AMD claims the R9 270 can output 2.69tflops. Last I checked, that was about 50% faster than the PS4.

And to think... that's not even one of the "fast" steamboxes.

DragonKnight3840d ago

"While killzone singleplayer hides in the corner."

Hmm, a multiplayer match with more going on screen outputting at 1080p/60FPS, or a single player campaign with less going on on screen outputting at 1080p/30FPS.

Yeah, the PS4 is sooooooooooooo weak. /s

webeblazing3840d ago

@Andrew
They are not gonna listen to common sense they just want to downplay everything that doesn't make Sony look like the gaming world's savior

Anomander3839d ago

@Abizzel1
You do know that Metro Last Night is going to be available on the Steam OS as well as to the 300 Beta Testers? That game is a bit more demanding the Left 4 Dead 2.
http://www.escapistmagazine...

webeblazing3839d ago

Metro LL is graphically better n more demanding than all next gen games right now. Play it you understand why people are not blown away buy these gfx their good tho

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3839d ago
Blackdeath_6633840d ago

well no ofcourse not if the game is not running on the highest settings

ExCest3840d ago

The nice thing is that you can change those settings as you please.

TheEnigma3133840d ago

That's a pretty sweet price. I figured they would run with AMD because the price is lower. I went with AMD for the same reason.

Kayant3840d ago (Edited 3840d ago )

Actually not a bad price. Am guessing since they weren't specific on the CPU then it might be a Kaveri APU? I would buy one if I was an average consumer but I would rather build one myself :p

ABizzel13840d ago

Agreed this is for console gamers to get into PC gaming.

AndrewLB3840d ago

No. It's going to be a steamroller desktop processor. No point going with an APU since it's got a discrete graphics card.

Kayant3840d ago

That is why I said kaveri.... There is no word on if they will release one without the on-board graphics like the new Athlons also there is no signs of there being an AM3+ steamroller CPU coming out.

Show all comments (219)
130°

What Happens to Your Steam Account When You Die?

The Outerhaven writes: While Steam has come out recently, stating that Steam accounts can't be transferred, we need to think about it since we all will eventually kick the bucket. But if Valve is denying transferring accounts, what can be done? Plenty, actually.

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theouterhaven.net
thorstein2d ago

It goes to my kids because I gave them the passwords.

To Steam: Missio has a song that conveys my feelings about you stealing my purchase after I die. It's called "Middle Fingers"

shinoff21831d 14h ago

Pretty much. My son knows my info.

Abear211d 14h ago

Yeah worrying about digital ownership when you’re on the other side of the grass seems a little strange, but also on brand for these millennial journalists to worry about.

qalpha23h ago

I'm sure Keith will be happy to hear he's a millennial journalist.

Goodguy011d 18h ago

I suppose if I have kids, I'd just give em my account details by retirement age. If I die young then...idk lol.

CrimsonWing691d 15h ago

Yea, I mean just give someone the password to your account. Is that difficult to do or something? Like, I’m legit asking because I don’t know.

anast1d 13h ago (Edited 1d 13h ago )

It's not difficult but It's against the policy. If they find out, they will lock the account permanently.

CrimsonWing691d 12h ago

Ah ok, I had a feeling there was something like that. It seems kind of weird that you can’t just hand your account over to a family member or friend and let them take over the account.

Show all comments (15)
220°

Ghost of Tsushima PC has 84% positive reviews and a peak online audience of 72 thousand people

On 16 May, the long-awaited release of the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima took place. And the game proved to be a great success on the first day.

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gagadget.com
PrinceOfAnger14d ago

69,477
all-time peak 3 minutes ago.

thorstein14d ago

Nice. It's really cool that PC players get to play this masterpiece.

PrinceOfAnger14d ago

It has surpassed spider man now
it's 71k+
game did this with way shorter time than spider man.

itsmebryan13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

@prince
I'm confused. Does that number mean total players at one time playing like a snapshot
or total sales? If it's the former that's not very accurate because I know I'm not the only person that buys games and plays them later and that number is not included.

RNTody14d ago

Great, I loved this game. Definitely think it's Sucker Punch's best work to date!

rippermcrip14d ago

Is this going to be the new thing thing? Articles about Steam reviews? Which of course was in response to the false article about the review bombings in the first place.

Christopher14d ago

Hey, just a heads up that the new owners did open news to Steam updates, but we try our best to not allow them to go on daily updates unless relevant to some other news. I understand this isn't everyone's cup and tea and sympathize, but the door has been open. If you feel it's 'too much' please do PM me or submit a ticket to the mod team. Thank you.

14d ago
shinoff218314d ago

I came here to post this link in that specific article. 84 perce t is pretty good. How many bad reviews were there like 5

GamerzElite14d ago

This is good game and Ghost eliminate all fake outrage.

CrimsonWing6914d ago (Edited 14d ago )

I always get confused by this, but is 72k good sales numbers for a game? I keep seeing games fail at selling 2.5 million and that they need to be on multiple platforms but is an additional 72k adding much?

Fishy Fingers14d ago

Im not sure how its confusing :\

72k actively playing. Not 72k sold.

A good example is Helldivers 2, 6m sold, 450k (at its peak) active players.

But how many swords swung is what we're all really waiting for.

shinoff218314d ago

Lmao. How many swords swung. I was hoping for how many steps

wesnytsfs13d ago

And its how many years old from initial release.

Crows9014d ago

72k is concurrent
...that is not the sold figure.

Michiel198914d ago

for one they already had a huge launch on the playstation, they don't need to sell 5m to make the porting to pc profitable and as pointed out below that number you see is just the people playing it at this moment.

Plague-Doctor2714d ago (Edited 14d ago )

Also from the insomniac leak we know these PC ports are a quick turnaround and budgeted around $2-4 million. At 100k sales they break even including Steams cut. They may not sell millions but they are a great ROI

elazz13d ago (Edited 13d ago )

72k concurrent. That is a global number. People who bought the game are not playing at the same time because of timezones, working schedules, holidays, events... There is no good rule of thumb but you can extrapolate based on other games that also released sales data. Then it is clear that the PC release alone accounts for at least 500K copies sold on steam, maybe closer to 700-800K. Probably will sell over a million this extended weekend.

According to steamspy and other data gathering sites games like Days Gone, Spider Man, God Of War, Horizon Zero Dawn have sold 2 to 5 million copies on Steam. So I expect Ghost to reach similar numbers. Probably even surpass it.

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60°

VR MOBA 'Mecha Party' Is Now Available On Steam & PSVR 2

Mecha Party brings the VR MOBA to Europe and Asia on PSVR 2 and Steam, while the Quest 3 version targets a summer release.

Read Full Story >>
uploadvr.com
Babadook713d ago

This looks pretty good. RIGZ made me queasy but I've got better VR legs now (I think).