Since Valve announced its open source Linux SteamOS distribution and Steam Machines prototype in late September, numerous questions remain. Valve has yet to unveil a photo of the prototype or name the multiple hardware licensees that will build various console-like embedded variations of Steam Machines starting next year. Valve’s unusual, haptic and touchscreen-enabled Steam Controller has been more fully divulged, but is still a bit of a mystery, as well.
Last week, however, Valve released more details on the Steam Machines prototype. The PC-like device will run SteamOS Linux on different 4th Generation Intel Core “Haswell” processors, including Core Intel i7-4770, i5-4570, and an i3 model, as well as various Nvidia GPUs, including the Titan, GTX780, GTX760, and GTX660. The computers will ship with 16GB of DDR3-1600 RAM and 3GB GDDR5 RAM for the GPU, plus a 1TB hard disk and 8GB SSD. Powered by a 450-Watt 80Plus Gold power supply, the prototype will measure 12 x 12.4 x 2.9 inches.