Those lucky 300 users who will participate in a beta test for Valve’s Steam Machines later this year won’t have to worry about the company “nailing down” a specific design for the platform. It appears that it’s playing around with various ideas, and sending out different models to each of the users.
Among these units, some will feature various components in a “mix and match” variety. Some will include a Nvidia GTX 660 processor, while others will have a GTX-760 and the new Titan. In addition, CPU’s will also be varied, between the Intel i7-4770, the i5-4570 and the 83. The specifics don’t always need to stay this way either, as users can swap out parts however they please.
“The prototype machine is a high-end, high-performance box, build out of off-the-shelf PC parts,” stated Valve about the equipment. “It is also fully upgradeable, allowing any user to swap out the GPU, hard drive, CPU, even the motherboard if you really want to.
“Apart from the custom enclosure, anyone can go and build exactly the same machine by shopping for components and assembling it themselves. And we expect that at least a few people will do just that. (We’ll also share the source CAD files for our enclosure, in case people want to replicate it as well.)
The full specs are as follows…
GPU: some units with NVidia Titan, some GTX780, some GTX760, and some GTX660
CPU: some boxes with Intel : i7-4770, some i5-4570, and some i3
RAM: 16GB DDR3-1600 (CPU), 3GB DDR5 (GPU)
Storage: 1TB/8GB Hybrid SSHD
Power Supply: Internal 450w 80Plus Gold
The Steam Machines beta test will begin later this year.
Source: MCV UK
