Budget Steam Machine Build

[FlyingMongoose]

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/FlyingMongoose/saved/3mDt <-- This should support the current iteration of SteamOS

It's set to Micro-Center because I wanted to see if it was one I could pick up all the parts in one place and one trip and in a retail setting (you can always turn that off though, turning it off also opens more options for savings through diff products). Before discounts cost is about $664.

You can probably reduce the processor to something cheaper (like an Intel Core I3), but I wanted a little more power than that in this.

As you can see is uses MiniITX for a smaller form factor, and has a 1TB HD as is recommended by the "SteamOS" first installer option. It also includes an NVidia GPU (since SteamOS doesn't support built in GPU's, or AMD GPU's right now).

Just remember Steam Machines are not meant to replace consoles, they're suppose to supplement PC's in a living room environment, and that being the case they ARE PC's at heart. That being the case, I believe I have solid hardware here for a decent price.

Also a UEFI Bios is required (This MiniITX does have one)

The PSU is low power because honestly the GPU and CPU are the only things that will really be using a lot of power and that SHOULD be as far as I can tell enough power for the both (and it might even leave a little wiggle room albeit not much)

Went with 8GB of RAM, SteamOS calls for 4GB of more, I figured 8 would be solid.

So... this wouldn't be a bad little build for those who want to make one.

Lastly, make note, that if SteamOS did support APU unit types (CPU/GPU units, like is included in Intel i5, i7, and all AMD APU's) this build would cost LESS than $500. (I would exclude the GPU)

[HeK]

If you goal is to build a Gabecube, you may wish to look at what vendors are putting together for prebuilt systems.
Along with access to the gamepad, you can also take advantage of their bulk buying power.

[FlyingMongoose]

If you goal is to build a Gabecube, you may wish to look at what vendors are putting together for prebuilt systems.
Along with access to the gamepad, you can also take advantage of their bulk buying power.

I was just toying around with "what SteamOS supports right now" if I were to DIY it.

Have to wait on Valve to open orders for the controller. But from what I understand that controller will support Windows as well as SteamOS and *nix on Steam.

[Greatbacon]

Gabecube

Now I really want to make a stream capable steambox that fits in a GC case.

[FlyingMongoose]

[quote author=HeK link=topic=7182.msg275162#msg275162 date=1389135512]
Gabecube

Now I really want to make a stream capable steambox that fits in a GC case.
[/quote]

hmmm... there are those really small micro-boards that will run atom processors, but ultimately I don't think they'd have enough GPU output.

[StolenToast]

[quote author=Greatbacon link=topic=7182.msg275168#msg275168 date=1389195795]
[quote author=HeK link=topic=7182.msg275162#msg275162 date=1389135512]
Gabecube

Now I really want to make a stream capable steambox that fits in a GC case.
[/quote]

hmmm... there are those really small micro-boards that will run atom processors, but ultimately I don't think they'd have enough GPU output.
[/quote]
Splice in a Tegra 5.  It's a real Kepler gpu for mobile devices!