|
Steam Machines
Type |
Console Hybrid |
Developer |
Valve Corporation |
Release Date |
Jan, 2014 (Beta) |
Region(s) |
Worldwide |
Initial Price |
$499 to $1,499 |
Games Released |
Many (Linux / Steam / Windows
/ OS X) |
|
|
MG FACTS
by Marriott_Guy |
In 2012, Valve Corporation formally announced that it would
develop hardware to augment its wildly popular Steam digital
gaming services platform. This new computing device,
codenamed 'Bigfoot', would provide existing Steam users the
option to experience the openness of the PC platform in the
comforts of one's living room. Valve has decided to take
the same approach as the 3DO Company back in 1993 - develop the
base hardware specifications and partner with other manufacturers to
produce systems to power the experience. This series of
hybrid consoles are collectively known as the Steam Machines.
The driving force behind the Steam Machine is the SteamOS, an
open source Linux based operating system developed by Valve.
The primary focus of this software is to play video games,
though other functions are available including web browsing,
multimedia playback and video streaming (i.e. Netflix). A
desktop mode will also be available for running standard Linux
applications. Systems must meet the following minimum
hardware requirements to run SteamOS: |
• Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor
• 4GB or more memory |
• 500 GB or larger disk
• NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD graphics card |
• USB port or DVD drive for installation
• UEFI boot support |
|
The concept of bringing the freedom of the PC gaming experience
to the Big Screen has been attempted in the past. Many
computers in the late 1970s and 1980s supported video output to
a standard television, including the infamous Commodore 64, Texas Instruments TI-99/4A
amongst many others. These early ventures succeeded in
delivering the audio/video experience to the television, but did
not address simple plug n' play aspect of the video game
console. Tweaks to hardware settings and the like were
still required, functions that could be problematic for the
average living room gamer.
Other companies have attempted a like venture.
Apple gave it a go in 1995 with
their multimedia appliance the
Pippin,
manufactured and released by Bandai and Katz Media.
DISCover technology was embedded in hybrid systems produced by
Alienware in 2004, allowing true Drop 'n Play. Though definitely
advancements were achieved by alleviating the need to perform any adjustments
to the system, a core problem still remained - how to
incorporate the functionality of full size keyboard and mouse
into a game controller. Valve's proposed
solution is the Steam
Controller. |
Original Design |
Latest Version |
Various Steam Controller
Prototypes |
Valve originally planned to release the final specifications,
including the Steam Controller, for third party development and
subsequent launch in 2014. As of this writing,
Valve has postponed full retail
release until 2015 to allow time to further refine the Steam
Controller and SteamOS.
|
|
HANDS
ON REVIEW
by Dark Watcher |
As a console historian, we are always fascinated with how the
market changes. In previous generations when consoles were
at the height of success, computer manufacturers would put their
computers into console shells. When the pendulum of
success swung the other way, console makers gave their devices
computer-like functionality. The eighth generation of
gaming consoles pretty much blurred the lines with both the
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One using the same x86 programming
architecture and features found in PCs. Not immediately
impressed with either next-gen console at the time, we figured
it may be time to venture into PC gaming. We solidified
the decision when we found an Alienware Alpha "Steam Machine"
for at-or-around the same price as the going rate of both
current next-gen consoles. |
|
Now before we take the opportunity to provide our review, we
feel we should put out some info and caveats in order for you to
tweak perceptions accordingly. Our review is based on an
older Alpha model ASM100-1580. This model has the 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i3 processor, and we upgraded the hard drive to a 1GB
SSHD with a bump in RAM to 8GB (up to 16GB possible) DDR3.
We did the upgrades on our own (which is VERY easy to do), but
Dell also does this and have more powerful models (for a price).
We also tinkered with the idea of keeping it as a legitimate
SteamOS running "Steam Machine", but eventually chose to keep it
WINDOWS 10 running "Alpha" (We'll cover the why later in the
review). With the "techy" mumbo jumbo out of the way, we
are going to review the Alpha as a gaming console following the
established guidelines in our
What Makes it a
Console? article. Let's get to it. |
|
The Alpha comes in a sleek and compact form factor somewhere
between the size of the Sega Dreamcast and the Nintendo Wii. It
runs quiet and is easy to take on the road. It features LED
lights at the front that can be customized into different colors
using the Alpha UI settings. There are two USB 2.0 ports
in the front for controllers, mice, or keyboards. In the
back, you have HDMI ports for pass-thru (similar to the Xbox
One), two USB 3.0 ports for expansion and added storage, optical
audio out (Toslink) and GB Ethernet. Of course, the Alpha
also has wireless and Bluetooth 4.0 (our old model has
802.11bgn, but newer models have 802.11ac). |
|
The Alpha is capable of producing impressive 1080p resolution
graphics with good frame rates. 8th gen games such as Far
Cry 4, Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 look better and run smoother then
optimized versions on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The
Alpha uses a custom NVidia Maxwell GPU that is somewhere near a
GeForce GTX 860M and GTX 750 Ti, and could potentially
outperform or at a minimum keep pace with current console
releases (but fall short of serious computer gaming graphics
performance). The Alpha can also pass multi-channel audio
via optical or HDMI, and of course pass higher-resolution audio
through HDMI. Under the Alpha and behind a trap door is a
hidden USB 2.0 port. This recessed port could be used for
any small USB dongle, but the main purpose is for the Steam
Controller.
Alienware did not want to delay their launch since the Steam
Controller was not initially ready for prime time. So our
model came with an Xbox 360 controller and USB receiver (may not
come with newer models). Most games on Steam work natively
with the XB360 controller and technically the Alpha can use any
USB controller. We did eventually purchase the Steam
Controller and we have to say this sucker is a beast all unto
itself. |
|
The Steam Controller is a wild technical experiment meant to
bridge the gap between standard console controllers and KEYB /
Mouse PC gamers. Imagine the standard 7th / 8th generation
16-button controller with your bumper shoulder buttons,
dual-stage triggers, analog pressure, etc. Now invert the
ergonomic design, add two high resolution trackpads with haptic
feedback, two paddle buttons in the back and a high accuracy and
low latency gyroscope for motion control. Now make
everything customizable, to include virtual buttons on the
trackpads and you have one foreign beast as pictured above.
Like many of the early adopters, we were at a loss as to how
utilize the controller. We imagine it was akin to handing
a modern Dual-Shock controller to someone of the Atari 2600
generation. However, thanks to user-generated per game
controller configurations, we are slowly beginning to enjoy the
Steam Controller. Once you are in Steam Big Picture, the
controller receives firmware updates, custom start-up sounds and
downloadable configurations based on the game being played.
You can tweak your own controls or adopt top rated
configurations. The controller can last 80 hours on two AA
batteries. The downside is that these controller
configurations only work on games or programs launched from
Steam (although users have found some work arounds). |
|
Regarding software, the console boots straight into Steam Big
Picture mode, which is a clean interface where all purchased
Steam games are available. However, we kept it Alpha.
In 'Console Mode', the Alpha boots right into the Hivemind user
interface (displayed above) similar to Playstation's XMB™ (XrossMediaBar).
Alienware built their Alpha UI Hivemind using the Open Source
Kodi (XBMC) code, which retains many customizations (and
compatibility with all Kodi add-ons) and makes navigating menus
very user friendly. From the UI, you can select music,
pictures, settings, videos, programs and of course games. You
can simply navigate to your game of choice using your controller
and the games boots right up similar to a game downloaded onto
your Xbox or Playstation. You can also still boot into
Steam Big Picture mode straight from the Alpha UI. Between
the interface, the Steam launcher, an add-on for NVidia's
GeForce Experience and other apps that run silent in the
background, the Alpha does a good job of keeping a console-like
venture. You just connect to your television via HDMI and
you're on to playing games.
Our initial draw to the idea of a 'Steam Machine' was the
ability to play modern games without having to choose between a
particular console platform. Ole DW also has a great
fondness for Indie games. SteamOS would give us access to
over 1500+ games and the ability to stream other games.
However with the Alpha UI WIN10 config, we have full access to
the over 6500+ game Steam Library (damn Steam sales…but much
love from DW to Humble Bundle and the charities they support!).
Alpha Hivemind also allowed us to add games from other sources
and has program launchers for EA’s Origin, GOG and more. This
alone gives the Alpha tremendous gamer value, but the media
center capabilities also make it an impressive home theater PC (HTPC).
See below for the updated Hivemind interface. |
|
The Alienware Alpha has quickly become one of our favorite
consoles…er…computer…er...HTPC. It successfully allowed us
to bridge the worlds between console and PC gaming. It may
not please hardcore console / PC enthusiasts, but it pleases us
as a gamer. As a console historian, we feel it is the best
example of a true game console-like experience. Kudos to
both Alienware and Valve… |
|
|
MODELS
Officially licensed releases |
Valve Steam Box Prototype (300 Released to existing Stream
users for Beta Testing) |
|
|
|
|
|
Third Party Steam Machines with Specs and Pricing as released
by Valve at CES 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLONES
Non-licensed hardware releases |
This system will be an open-source machine, with many third
party developers.
|
CONSOLE RATINGS
by
Dark Watcher |
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being
excellent. |
Above images courtesy of
CNET
Above images courtesy of
Toms Hardware |
CRITERIA |
RATING |
NOTES & COMMENTS |
Console Design |
09 |
Sleek and compact form factor with colorful and
configurable LED lighting. Numerous ports for
expansion. |
Console Durability |
08 |
Smooth durable exterior that is easy to keep clean.
The console also runs quiet. |
Controllers |
09 |
Can use any corded console and some Bluetooth
compliant controller. The Steam Controller is
a unique technical marvel. |
Graphics |
08 |
Alpha is capable of full 1080p resolution.
Graphics and frame rate quality match or outperform
8th generation systems like the Xbox One and
PlayStation 4. |
Audio |
07 |
Alpha is capable of multi-channel audio via optical
or HDMI with higher-resolution audio through HDMI.
No 3.5mm analog though. |
Media |
N/A |
Only uses downloadable media. |
Game Library |
10 |
Enormous game libraries from Steam, Origin, GOG,
etc. |
Gamer Value |
08 |
Good value at $350 but ranging up to $699.99.
Value increased for modders, those who want a small
PC and media center enthusiasts, with growing game
library, but no console platform exclusives |
Collector Value |
N/A |
Difficult to discern at this point, especially with
other similar devices springing up within the
market. |
|
SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love. |
Unlike traditional gaming systems, Steam Machines will come in a
variety of configurations. The only requirement will be
meeting minimum specifications to support the SteamOS operating
system. The machines are designed to be upgradable,
allowing the individual the opportunity to customize their unit
as they see fit.
The following are the base specifications for the prototype
Steam Box released to 300 lucky Beta Testers. Valve
purposely varied the configuration to gain user insight for both
high-end units in addition those with less than start-of-the-art
hardware. The data below has been confirmed via the
teardown performed by
iFixit. |
Processor Type |
Processor
Speed |
Other
Processor Information |
RAM \ Video RAM |
Intel Core i7-4770
Intel Core i5-4570
Intel Core i3 (i3-4130?) |
3.9 GHz
3.6 GHz
3.4 GHz |
GeForce GTX Titan
GeForce GTX 780
GeForce GTX 760
GeForce GTX 660 |
16 GB DDR3-1600 (Main)
3 GB GDDR5 (Graphics) |
Screen Resolution
|
Color Palette
|
Polygons \ Sprites
|
Audio |
720p, 1080p, 2160P (4K UHDTV) |
32-bit |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Media Format
|
Media Capacity
|
Games Released
|
Other Supported Formats
|
Digital (optical drive is not included with the
prototype system) |
Varied |
3,000+ (Steam)
PC / Linux/ OS X compatible |
Many (Linux-based machine), Windows and OS X (via
streaming) |
Internal Storage
|
External \ Removable Storage
|
Game Controllers
|
Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
|
1 TB HDD / 8 GB SSHD |
Cloud based storage |
Hybrid controller with Dual Trackpads, Center Touch
Screen, 4 Primary Action buttons, 3 System Buttons,
4 Shoulder Triggers |
Mouse, keyboard, etc. |
Controller Ports |
Network Ports |
Other Ports
|
Audio \ Video
|
Two (2) USB 3.0 ports (wired)
|
RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet
Port for External Wi-Fi Antenna |
PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, Two USB 2.0 and four USB
3.0 ports, eSATA port, Mic port |
HDMI,
Dual-link DVI,
DisplayPort, S-PDIF
(digital optical audio out) |
Power Supply - Internal
|
Other Outputs
|
Other Details \ Notes
|
SilverStone SST-ST45SF-G 450W SFX12V SLI Ready
CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD 450W 80 Plus Gold |
3.5 MM Audio I/O, C/Sub,
Rear Speaker Jack |
NXP LPC11U24F 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 microcontroller,
SteamOS |
Manuals |
Alienware Alpha Service Manual (PDF) - 8.69 MB
Alienware Alpha Quick Start Guide (PDF) - 0.23 MB |
|
OTHER MEDIA
Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc. |
Steam Machine Presentation Videos by Valve and Development Partners |
|
|
|
WEB RESOURCES
Highly recommended websites for this system |
Steam
Official website |
iFixit
Teardown of the prototype Valve Steam Box
|
|
|