This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't.

This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't.

      A clone of the Chinese Steam Machine claims to have unachievable hardware at an unrealistic price.

      Valve's new Steam Machine has already generated a significant amount of sticker shock. It's no wonder that numerous cheaper alternatives are flooding the online marketplace. Valve currently lists its compact SteamOS PC at over $1,000, prompting many to seek to replicate the experience at a lower cost.

      One particular listing from China is quite intriguing but raises suspicion. According to VideoCardz, a mini PC listing modeled after a Steam Machine shared on Reddit purports to offer a compact SteamOS system equipped with a 2TB SSD, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor, Radeon RX 6750 GRE 10GB graphics card, 16GB of DDR5 memory, all for the price of 4,680 RMB, or about $688. This sounds amazing… if it were indeed accurate.

      Reasons this listing is questionable

      The first warning sign is the listed platform. The Ryzen 5500 is an AM4 desktop processor, which does not support DDR5 memory. However, the listing claims compatibility with DDR5. Then there's the matter of the GPU. The Radeon RX 6750 GRE is a desktop-grade discrete GPU, not a compact mobile chip suitable for a mini PC case. VideoCardz also points out that the listing image resembles CHUWI’s UBox, which uses mobile APU hardware and lacks the space for a desktop graphics card.

      Concerns regarding the pricing

      Even assuming the specs are accurate, a quick review of component prices in China shows that the cost of the parts alone is far too close to the listed system price. Adding the GPU, SSD, RAM, Ryzen CPU, and motherboard totals around 4,375 RMB, which is approximately $645. This price does not even factor in the case, power supply, cooling components, or the controller depicted in the promotional image.

      It's worth noting that not all SteamOS-style mini PCs are fraudulent, and such hardware combinations could indeed exist in a typical small form-factor system. The issue lies in the fact that some components don't align, and the overall pricing is suspiciously low.

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

      After the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, the iMac may be the next to receive an OLED screen upgrade.

      The iPhone transitioned to an OLED panel in 2017, followed by the iPad Pro in 2024. The MacBook Pro is also anticipated to follow suit soon. But what about the iMac? According to TrendForce, an OLED upgrade for the iMac is possible. While there’s no specific timeline available, it’s clear that Apple aims to replace its existing display technologies with OLED, enhancing color quality for both everyday users and professionals.

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

      Valve’s Steam Machine may represent the face of SteamOS, but the platform is not limited to it. A key announcement following the unveiling of the Steam Machine was that SteamOS would be coming to systems outside of the new hybrid console. MetaPCs is one of the first to leverage this by taking preorders for the Steamroller, a new prebuilt gaming desktop that comes with SteamOS pre-installed.

      However, the Steamroller isn’t designed to resemble a tiny console-like cube. Instead, it is a standard desktop PC featuring typical components and an actual upgrade path. The system is priced at $1,299, with a preorder date set for July 3, 2026.

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

      The 3D-printed outfit is real, but its practicality is another discussion altogether.

      YouTuber Matthew Trahan has made a name for himself by 3D printing increasingly unconventional items. He's created musical instruments, bedroom furniture, and even printed himself in one standout video. His latest endeavor is a complete outfit, including a shirt, shoes, belt, and glasses, seemingly unaware that 3D printers are typically used for making engineering prototypes or structures that aren’t feasible, rather than for fashion week.

This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't. This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't. This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't. This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't. This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't. This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't.

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This inexpensive Steam Machine replica seems too good to be real, and that's likely because it isn't.

A listing for a SteamOS-style mini PC from China asserts that it features desktop AMD graphics, 2TB of storage, and an affordable price, but the specifics of the hardware and the design of the chassis raise significant concerns.