This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is.

This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is.

      A Chinese Steam Machine alternative boasts unbelievable hardware at an unrealistic price

      Valve's new Steam Machine has already generated significant sticker shock. Therefore, it’s no surprise that numerous lower-priced alternatives are emerging online. Currently, Valve's compact SteamOS PC is priced over $1,000, leading many to seek a similar experience for less.

      One particular listing from China stands out, though it raises some suspicions. According to VideoCardz, a mini PC resembling the Steam Machine has been shared on Reddit, claiming to provide a compact SteamOS system equipped with a 2TB SSD, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor, Radeon RX 6750 GRE 10GB graphics, and 16GB of DDR5 memory, all for about 4,680 RMB, which is approximately $688. This proposition seems remarkable… if it were accurate.

      Why this listing seems implausible

      The first indication of its implausibility is the processor it is claiming. The Ryzen 5500 is an AM4 desktop chip that does not support DDR5 memory, yet the listing presents it alongside DDR5. Additionally, there’s the GPU; the Radeon RX 6750 GRE is a desktop-grade discrete graphics unit, not a compact mobile chip suitable for a mini PC chassis. VideoCardz points out that the image in the listing closely resembles CHUWI’s UBox, which uses mobile APU hardware and lacks space for a desktop GPU.

      Why the price is also questionable

      Chuwi UBOX (for reference) Chuwi

      Even if one accepts the specifications without skepticism, a swift check on component prices in China reveals that the individual parts come close to the overall system price. Factoring in the GPU, SSD, RAM, Ryzen CPU, and motherboard, the total was around 4,375 RMB, roughly $645. This calculation does not even take into account the case, the power supply, the cooling components, or the controller displayed in the promotional image.

      It’s important to note that not all SteamOS-style mini PCs are fraudulent, and a standard small form-factor setup could potentially exist. However, some elements in this case do not seem to match, and the pricing appears excessively low.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience focusing on consumer hardware.

      After the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, the iMac may be next for an OLED screen upgrade

      The iPhone received an OLED panel in 2017, with the iPad Pro following in 2024. Even the MacBook Pro is expected to adopt this technology later this year or early next year. So, what’s next for the iMac?

      According to TrendForce, an OLED upgrade may be in store for the iMac. While there’s no scheduled timeline yet, the trend is evident. Apple aims to substitute its current display technologies with OLED, enhancing color quality for both casual users and professionals.

      This $1,299 gaming PC aims to be a Steam Machine without waiting for Valve

      Valve’s Steam Machine may represent SteamOS, but the platform isn’t limited to it. Following the Steam Machine's announcement, it was revealed that SteamOS would also be available on devices beyond the new hybrid console. MetaPCs is among the first to leverage this by opening preorders for the Steamroller, a new gaming desktop that comes with SteamOS pre-installed.

      The Steamroller is not designed to be a compact console-like device; rather, it is a regular desktop PC featuring standard components and a genuine upgrade path. The system is priced at $1,299, with a preorder date set for July 3, 2026.

      A YouTuber 3D printed an entire outfit, but the comfort and cost are more complicated than expected

      The 3D-printed outfit truly exists. Whether it’s practical is a separate issue entirely.

      YouTuber Matthew Trahan has built a career on 3D printing increasingly unique creations, including musical instruments, bedroom furniture, and, in a particularly memorable project, even himself.

      His latest endeavor involves producing a complete outfit, including a shirt, shoes, belt, and glasses, seemingly unaware that 3D printers are generally used for making engineering prototypes or structures that are otherwise impractical, rather than for fashion week.

This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is. This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is. This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is. This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is. This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is. This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is.

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This affordable Steam Machine replica seems too good to be true, and likely is.

A mini PC listing from China, styled like SteamOS, boasts desktop AMD graphics, 2TB of storage, and an affordable price. However, significant concerns arise regarding the hardware specifications and chassis design.