Latest news with #SteamOS
Tom's Guide
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Our favorite gaming accessories, consoles, controllers and more
There's never been a better time to be a gamer, especially now that there are so many ways to play your favorite games. Whether it be on a console in front of your TV, on the go with a handheld, fully immersed in your favorite virtual world in VR or even just on your phone through a cloud gaming service, you have plenty of options and we've tried them all. From massive curved gaming monitors, to magnetic-powered keyboards and comfortable gaming headsets that let you hear every footstep, there are also plenty of great accessories to elevate your gaming experience across any platform. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed the latest consoles, handhelds and gaming accessories for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025. Below, we highlight the gaming devices and accessories that kept our play sessions going over the last 12 months and have made even the best games more fun to play. There are really only two candidates at the table when it comes to selecting the best console you can buy in 2025: the PS5 and the Nintendo Switch 2. While the latter is a fantastic hybrid and may well be a recipient of this award in the future, its launch library is too trim at present to take the win, and so Sony's flagship console, especially its improved PS5 Slim variant, holds its crown for another year. Almost five years into its lifecycle, and with two refreshed models on the market (PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro), this console is finally hitting its stride after a slow start to the generation. The Slim reduces the mammoth size of the chunky launch model, and it currently delivers the all-around console experience. While the Pro is a great pick for performance obsessives. The best PS5 games now include some truly phenomenal titles, including must-play exclusives like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Astro Bot. And we can't forget just how impressive the speedy SSD continues to be. It's relegated lengthy loading screens to a thing of the past. The DualSense is also the best console controller on the market, with its unique features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers still novel. The PS5 Slim also offers great value at $499 (often bundled with a game), and it drops even lower during major sales events. The Lenovo Legion Go S is the handheld we've been dreaming of. It combines the impressive specs of the ROG Ally X with the smooth experience of SteamOS. Unless another SteamOS device with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip somehow shows up this year, the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is easily the best handheld gaming console of 2025. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This device is a huge step forward for gaming handhelds, but it's also fantastic all on its own. If you've thought about getting a handheld, this is definitely the one to grab. Of course, if you're happy with your current Steam Deck or find SteamOS a bit limiting, the Windows 11 version of this handheld might be more up your alley. While you can't go wrong with any version of the Legion Go S, the SteamOS version is the best one for most people. The Meta Quest 3S offers a premium VR experience at an affordable price, featuring excellent AR capabilities and access to hundreds of Quest 3 games and apps. It's one of the best VR headset thanks to its Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor and 8GB of RAM, which ensures smooth performance with a variable 90-120Hz refresh rate that's comparable to the Quest 3. That said, it differs from the Quest 3 by using Quest 2's fresnel lenses, which results in a smaller field of view, lower resolution, and bulkier design. Despite these differences, the Quest 3S is a fantastic, low-cost alternative to the Quest 3 that's great for VR newcomers looking for an affordable entry-level device, unlike the costly Apple Vision Pro. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED maintains the excellent features of its predecessor while introducing significant improvements. The new flat stand conserves desk space, and the elegant "interstellar indigo" chassis ensures it looks fitting in both a gaming setup and a professional office environment. The display retains its impressive 1800R curved panel and ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, offering a deeply immersive gaming experience. Performance-wise, it boasts a fast 240Hz refresh rate and a low 0.03ms response time. These specs, coupled with its sharp 1440p resolution and vivid colors, deliver a visually stunning and incredibly smooth gaming experience with virtually no input lag. So, Lemokey finally showed up for the party. And by that we mean in 2025 it finally made a gaming keyboard worthy of mixing it with the big boys and that board is the Lemokey L5 HE — the best gaming keyboard from 2025. Lemokey is a sub-brand of Keychron, which makes some of the best mechanical keyboards for productivity. But Lemokeys have usually just been rebranded Keychrons with gaming-focused keycaps and some 'gamer' branding. The L5 HE changed all that: Hall Effect switches, 8K polling, tons of gaming features, as much modding potential as you could possibly need, and beautiful build quality. It's fully customizable with the epic Lemokey Launcher software, where you can adjust actuation, key binds and advanced features like Rapid Trigger and Last Key Prioritization (A.K.A 'Snap Tap'). The L5 HE is also an 8,000Hz polling board, making it suitable for elite-tier gaming and challenging boards like the Wooting 80HE. Lemokey might be late to the party, but better late than never. With AAA titles finally running smoothly on macOS machines, the Corsair M75 is the most capable gaming mouse for Apple today. Sporting a minimalist design that makes it look almost as elegant as a Mac, the M75 comes in a beautiful Glacier Blue colorway. But if that isn't enough to win you over, we love this mouse's 26,000 DPI and 1,000Hz polling rate, making it a stellar performer in Cyberpunk, Lies of P and others. Its optical switches are extremely responsive and comfortable to use for long periods of time. It's the easiest mouse to customize, and we don't mean that just in terms of its software. The side buttons can be replaced with different textured ones as they're magnetic, making modding the M75 a walk in the park. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 received a wireless update this year, and as soon as we tested it, we knew it would be hard to beat. That's thanks to its extremely comfortable design and fit, plush and spacious earcups, and elastic headband that lends the headset a lightweight feel. It also excels in the sound department. 40mm Neodymium drivers and 200 game-tailored presets ensure you hear every single sound, regardless of the title you're playing. It creates immersive soundscapes thanks to directional and spatial audio. In fact, we love it so much that when we stopped using the headset, real life started sounding boring. Its multi-platform compatibility is the cherry on top, as is its loud and clear mic that ensures everyone can hear you exclaim with joy when you take down an enemy or mumble under your breath in frustration when you fail to lockpick. The DXRacer Martian immediately stands out from other gaming chairs we've reviewed in the past. For starters, it has a firmer seat, less aggressive curves and only comes in a very sleek all-black design. When it comes to customization, the only real choice you need to make is whether you want the chair with a leatherette or fabric finish. While the DXRacer Martian may seem simple at first glance, it's packed with innovative tech we've yet to see on any other gaming or even office chair for that matter. What gives the Martian an almost out-of-this-world feel though is that DXRacer has equipped this gaming chair with a 5,000 mAh battery. For what purpose you may be wondering? Well, the Martian has an electric adjustable backrest. With the push of a button, you can instantly change its recline angle from 90° to 135°. That's not all though as the Martian also comes with built-in airbags which can inflate or deflate depending on how much lumbar support you need. They're powered by that same internal battery and when combined, the Martian's airbags and electric backrest really make it feel like you're sitting in your car instead of at your desk. Xbox Cloud Gaming may be the talk of the town (I'm still left having an existential crisis about whether I am, indeed, an Xbox after that ad campaign). But really, Nvidia GeForce Now is the clear leader in game streaming for three key reasons. First, Nvidia has optimized the service to a point that you won't feel any latency from your controls to what's on-screen, while the visuals are crispy without any of that glitching you get with bandwidth, and the demand on network connection is relatively minor at 35 Mbps. Second, the ways you can play are ever-expanding — most recently breathing new life into my Steam Deck, alongside apps being available on Mac, Meta Quest and even TVs. Having this service wherever you are is significant given how good the games look running on a remote gaming PC! And finally, it comes down to the games you can play. Beyond being able to play Game Pass games through streaming, you can connect other game libraries like Steam and play the titles you own too. There is one condition that Nvidia GeForce Now has to support the game. But given the service supports over 2,000 games, I highly doubt you'll ever run into a problem! Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
The Verge
30-07-2025
- The Verge
Today I learned the Steam Deck lets you go Inception on its desktop mode.
Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and more: all the news about the handheld PC gaming revolution See all Stories Posted Jul 30, 2025 at 7:29 PM UTC Today I learned the Steam Deck lets you go Inception on its desktop mode. Why reboot your whole SteamOS handheld to desktop when you can visit the desktop from inside the gaming mode? Nested Desktop does have limitations (no file management, no Steam-within-Steam) but gosh are there times this'd come in handy. Jacob at XDA calls it 'the best Steam Deck feature you aren't using'. Setup: In desktop mode, tap Steam logo on taskbar > scroll down to Lost and Found > Right-click 'Nested Desktop' > 'Add to Steam.' Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Sean Hollister Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All PC Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Today I Learned
Engadget
30-07-2025
- Engadget
Legion Go S powered by SteamOS review: A purpose-built OS makes all the difference
Earlier this year, Lenovo released a more streamlined and potentially affordable take on its flagship gaming handheld in the Legion Go S . Unfortunately, the Windows 11 version came first, which wasn't the one we were most excited about. Now, the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS has arrived, and oh my, what a difference an operating system can make. Not only does this model feature a UI that's much better suited for a portable gaming machine, it has faster performance as well. But the best part is that the SteamOS variant is less expensive than its Windows sibling. All of this makes for a handheld that's a welcome alternative to the Steam Deck, especially for anyone who's not a fan of Valve's hardware. For fans of SteamOS, this version of Legion Go S makes for an interesting and more powerful alternative to Valve's Steam Deck. $830 at Best Buy Like its sibling, the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S features a very straightforward design. A big difference between the two is that this model features a dark purple body instead of the white shell on the Windows variant. Thanks to its large 8-inch 1200p display and sizable grips, it's a bit chunkier than rivals like the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally X. At 500 nits, brightness is above average compared to typical handheld PCs. However, because Lenovo uses an LCD panel, colors aren't quite as vibrant and you don't get those pure inky blacks like you do on a system with an OLED screen such as the original Legion Go. Sam Rutherford for Engadget I like that Lenovo included Hall effect sensors for its joysticks, along with a toggle that lets you adjust the pull depth of the triggers. Plus, the addition of a second USB-C port allows you to charge the device while keeping other accessories plugged in. There's also a pair of programmable paddles on the back and a handy microSD card slot for expandable storage. The biggest departures from the flagship Legion Go are that this model's joysticks and buttons cannot be detached and its built-in touchpad is significantly smaller. This means the latter is better suited to moving the cursor around SteamOS in desktop mode or to navigating menus than it is as a true alternate control scheme while playing games. You also don't get a fingerprint reader, which I think should be a standard inclusion on handheld gaming PCs at this point. Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Legion Go S powered by SteamOS is available in multiple configurations. Our $830 review unit features an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Unfortunately, this means I wasn't able to run true apples-to-apples performance tests with the Ryzen Z2 Go-equipped version of the Windows Legion Go S I reviewed earlier this year. But given the lackluster results from that model, I generally wouldn't recommend any handheld powered by that chip, even though that version is significantly more affordable. If budget is a concern, Valve's Steam Deck remains the better option. Even though the Go S with SteamOS features the exact same chip, I actually saw slightly better performance here compared to the original Legion Go. With both systems set to a 15-watt TDP (total device power), the Legion Go S edged out the Windows model in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium graphics by pumping out 58 fps versus 54 fps. By comparison, the Steam Deck OLED managed 53 fps. And in Control at 800p on medium, it was a similar situation, though the gap was even smaller. The Legion Go S hit 29 fps, beating out the OG Legion Go (27 fps) and the Steam Deck OLED (24 fps). Sam Rutherford for Engadget The cause of the SteamOS model's improved horsepower is hard to pinpoint — especially as performance varies from title to title — but it's generally due to Valve's platform having less overhead and system processes than Windows-based rivals. And if that wasn't enough, the SteamOS UI is better designed for a dedicated gaming machine, as turning on the system boots you right into your game library as opposed to spitting you out into Microsoft's classic desktop view. There are also some minor tweaks in Valve's OS to support features like the built-in RGB lighting on the Legion Go S — something the Steam Deck doesn't have. For fans of SteamOS, the main reason aside from price to pick a Steam Deck over the Legion Go S (or vice versa) is that each system features different performance targets. Valve's handheld has a TDP that tops out at 15 watts, and at lower power levels, it features better energy efficiency than the Legion Go S. This makes it more suitable for people who regularly play older games or less demanding 2D fare. Alternatively, Lenovo's handheld has a max TDP of 33 watts (or 40 when plugged into the wall), which makes it more adept at handling resource-intensive modern titles. So if you want higher frame rates (which you probably do), a Z1 Extreme Legion Go S with SteamOS has way more headroom to push pixels even harder. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Featuring a mid-size 55WHr battery, longevity on the Legion Go S when running SteamOS doesn't really stand out. However, I found that on average, it runs up to 30 minutes longer than its Windows counterpart across a number of titles. When playing Metal Slug Tactics, it lasted just shy of three hours (2:50) compared to closer to an hour and a half for the Windows 11 model (2:33). It was a similar situation in Elden Ring , where the SteamOS version was able to continue for an extra 15 minutes after its sibling conked out. The Legion Go S powered by SteamOS is a simple and well-built gaming handheld with an even bigger screen than Valve's portable and arguably better ergonomics. When configured with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, it's a better choice for playing more demanding modern games without feeling forced to switch to a Windows-based device. It also has a more optimized UI than its Microsoft-powered rivals while retaining handy features like Hall effect joysticks and dual USB-C ports. Sam Rutherford for Engadget With Z1 Extreme models starting at $830 instead of $600 for the Z2 Go configs, though, it's not quite as affordable as I thought it would be back when it was first announced at the beginning of the year. But even so, it's nice to have options. And as just one of two handhelds on the market that come with SteamOS pre-installed, the Legion Go S makes an interesting argument as a bigger and more powerful upgrade to the Steam Deck.
Daily Mirror
26-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) review – OS upgrade delivers mind-blowing performance boost
Lenovo's latest handheld is the first officially licensed device to run SteamOS, and that's a big deal. The first gaming handheld with Steam OS, that isn't called a Steam Deck, is here, and it's excellent. This is the Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam OS, the world's first officially licensed handheld powered by SteamOS, an operating system built specifically for gaming. In my Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows) review, I said that "you're probably better off either waiting for the SteamOS version of this handheld or getting a Steam Deck OLED", rather than committing to buy one. So, now the SteamOS version of Lenovo's device is here, is it worth the wait? The Legion Go S with Steam OS can be configured with up to an AMD Z1 Extreme processor and up to 1TB of internal storage, but the version we're testing here is the model with the AMD Z2 Go processor and 512GB of storage, and is priced at £499 / $599 / AU$$903 (rough conversion). That's just £20 more than the Steam Deck OLED, and on paper, the Legion Go S has better specs. Lenovo Legion Go S (Steam OS) design and features Just like the Windows version that we tested a few weeks ago, the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S has an 8-inch, 1920x1200 resolution display, which is 120Hz, 500 nits peak brightness, and has a variable refresh rate. In fact, this device is identical to the Legion Go S with Windows we tested previously, apart from two things: the colour and the operating system. This is the exact same device from a technical point of view, other than it runs Steam OS instead of Windows 11. It's even got the same design, with Hall Effect joysticks, a very small touchpad, a D-pad, four menu buttons, triggers, bumpers, and an SD card slot, along with two USB 4.0 ports on the top of the handheld. The colour, which is Nebula Nocturne, a blue/purple colour, is absolutely stunning, and I much prefer this to the white of the Windows version and the black design of the Steam Deck OLED. Although I really liked the retro MSI Claw 8 AI+ colour, I'd say this is the best-looking handheld I've tested to date. It really is stunning in person. Lenovo Legion Go S (Steam OS) performance But, the big selling point of the device is that it's the world's first officially licensed handheld powered by SteamOS. SteamOS is Valve 's Linux-based operating system that's optimised for gaming, while retaining access to the power and flexibility of a PC. By default, the Steam Client serves as the user interface and provides connectivity to Steam online services, but you can still access the standard Linux desktop by switching to desktop mode and using it as a PC. If you didn't know, only the original Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED, both manufactured by Valve, are the only other handhelds running this OS right now. So, with Windows 11 being very much not optimised for gaming, or gaming handhelds in general, in my previous experience, will SteamOS actually lead to better performance? Well, in a nutshell, yes, absolutely. It's benchmark time, baby, and strap in, because this is wild. Here's the Legion Go S Windows 11 version against the Steam OS version in four popular Steam games: Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows 11) vs Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarking tool (Medium graphics setting) The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered (Medium graphics setting) Elden Ring (Medium graphics setting) Black Myth: Wukong benchmarking tool (low graphics settings, FSR 100% resolution scale) For context, here's the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) against the Steam Deck OLED running at the lower resolution of 1280x000, which matches the latter's native resolution. Lenovo Legion Go S vs Steam Deck OLED Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarking tool (Medium graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 47fps (average) Steam Deck OLED: 34fps (average) The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered (Medium graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 28fps (average) Steam Deck OLED: 21fps (average) Elden Ring (Medium graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 46fps (average) Steam Deck OLED: 38fps (average) Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmarking tool (highest graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 49fps (average) Steam Deck OLED: 40fps (average) Black Myth: Wukong benchmarking tool (low graphics settings, FSR 100% resolution scale) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 39fps (average) Steam Deck OLED: 30fps (average) Finally, here's the Lenovo Legion Go S compared to the MSI Claw 8 AI+, a device that's almost double the price. Lenovo Legion Go S vs MSI Claw 8 AI+ Cyberpunk 2077 benchmarking tool (low graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 32fps (average) MSI Claw 8 AI+: 42fps (average) Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmarking tool (high graphics setting) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 36fps (average) MSI Claw 8 AI+: 46fps (average) Black Myth: Wukong benchmarking tool (low graphics settings, FSR 100% resolution scale) Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS): 22fps (average) MSI Claw 8 AI+: 30fps (average) Now, although the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is clearly the better device in terms of performance, you'd expect that, considering there's a £400 difference between the two devices. So, when you look at price-to-performance metrics, even in the games it performed worst in, comparatively against the MSI Claw 8 AI+, with the Go S, you're clearly getting better price-to-performance, as you're definitely not getting double (or half) the performance. In terms of battery life, I was a bit disappointed to see really similar performance levels between the Windows and the Steam OS versions. The Windows version managed just about an hour and a half on Cyberpunk 2077 in performance mode, which matches what we saw with the Windows version. However, this is around half an hour less than the Steam Deck OLED manages, which is still the king of efficiency, even if it is at a lower resolution. Lenovo Legion Go S (Steam OS) final thoughts In conclusion, then, the Legion Go S with SteamOS retains the strong design and hardware choices made with the Windows version, but adds a truly gaming-optimised operating system, giving it better performance pretty much across the board. I can confidently say, if you're going to buy the Legion Go S, don't get the Windows version, get this one! But, there are compromises. SteamOS doesn't do everything perfectly; it can't play games from other launchers, for example, and it can't play every game in the Steam library. For example, on the Windows version, I could boot up F1 25, or EA FC 25 for that matter, but EA 's anti-cheat doesn't play nice with Linux, and you just can't get them to launch in SteamOS. Then there's the price, too, which, yes, is only £20 more than the Steam Deck OLED. But you get half the storage and half the brightness, you don't get an OLED display, you get a smaller battery, and it's quite a bit heavier than its Valve rival, almost 100g in fact. But you do get the higher resolution and higher refresh rate display. If performance at a value is all you care about, the Legion Go S with Steam OS is the handheld to go for right now. In terms of the value that it offers, it really is a compelling option for the price, and it should certainly make you think twice about spending £899 or £799 on more expensive handhelds, when this is available for under £500. It's a bit trickier against the Steam Deck OLED, though. If you choose the Go S, there are tradeoffs and compromises to be made, so it's going to come down to personal preference and what you want from a handheld. But, there's no denying that this device is a serious rival to the Steam Deck OLED in the more value-oriented gaming handheld space, and I'm really excited to see which other brands can work with Valve to get SteamOS on their handhelds in future. Because the world's first licensed one is pretty damn sweet.
Geeky Gadgets
21-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Build a Gaming PC for Under $450 : High Performance, Low Cost
What if you could build a gaming PC that delivers smooth performance on modern titles, fits neatly into your living room setup, and costs less than $450? It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to the power of Steam OS and carefully selected components, this dream setup is entirely within reach. In a world where gaming PCs often come with hefty price tags, this budget-friendly alternative challenges the notion that high-quality gaming requires breaking the bank. By ditching Windows and embracing the Linux-based Steam OS, you can create a system that's not only affordable but also optimized for gaming and everyday use. ETA Prime reveals how to assemble a low-cost, high-performance gaming PC that rivals pricier setups. From selecting the right hardware—like the versatile AMD Ryzen 7 5700G processor and Radeon RX6600 graphics card—to installing Steam OS for a seamless gaming experience, this guide will walk you through every step. You'll also discover how this compact build excels in practicality, offering quiet operation, efficient cooling, and the ability to handle tasks beyond gaming. Whether you're a seasoned PC builder or a curious beginner, this project promises to redefine what's possible on a budget. Could this be the perfect fusion of affordability and performance? Let's find out. Budget Steam OS Gaming PC Key Components for Your Build Choosing the right components is essential for balancing performance and affordability. A small form factor case, such as MiniITX or MicroATX, is ideal for creating a compact and space-saving design. Below is a breakdown of the essential hardware: Processor: The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G offers excellent processing power with integrated graphics, making it a versatile choice for gaming and multitasking. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G offers excellent processing power with integrated graphics, making it a versatile choice for gaming and multitasking. Graphics Card: The AMD Radeon RX6600 provides reliable gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making sure smooth gameplay for modern titles. The AMD Radeon RX6600 provides reliable gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making sure smooth gameplay for modern titles. Memory: Opt for 16GB of DDR4 RAM for a cost-effective build, or upgrade to 32GB if your budget allows for enhanced multitasking and future-proofing. Opt for 16GB of DDR4 RAM for a cost-effective build, or upgrade to 32GB if your budget allows for enhanced multitasking and future-proofing. Storage: A 1TB M.2 SSD ensures fast load times and ample storage space for games, applications, and media files. A 1TB M.2 SSD ensures fast load times and ample storage space for games, applications, and media files. Power Supply: A 550W PSU delivers stable and efficient energy, supporting the system's components without overloading. This configuration strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it suitable for gaming, streaming, and general desktop tasks. Its compact design also makes it an excellent choice for living rooms or small spaces, blending seamlessly into entertainment setups. Installing Steam OS Steam OS, a Linux-based operating system, serves as the backbone of this gaming PC. It is designed to optimize gaming performance while offering a full desktop experience. To install Steam OS, you can use the Steam Deck recovery image, which provides a straightforward setup process. The operating system is highly customizable. Tools like Decky Loader and CSS Loader allow you to personalize the interface to match your preferences. Additionally, the built-in Discover Store offers access to a wide range of applications, emulators, and utilities, allowing you to expand the system's functionality beyond gaming. Steam OS supports everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, document editing, and even 4K video playback. Its intuitive interface ensures a smooth experience, even for users unfamiliar with Linux-based systems. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and general use. Building a Low-Cost Steam OS Gaming PC Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into Steam OS with other articles and guides we have written below. Gaming Performance: What to Expect This budget-friendly build delivers impressive gaming performance, capable of running most modern titles at high settings. At 1440p resolution, you can expect smooth gameplay with the help of FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which enhances frame rates without sacrificing visual quality. For an even more fluid experience, 1080p at ultra settings is a great alternative. Popular games such as Spider-Man 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart perform exceptionally well on this system. While performance may vary slightly compared to Windows-based systems, Steam OS often matches or exceeds expectations, particularly for Linux-optimized titles. This makes it a viable option for gamers seeking a seamless and cost-effective gaming experience. Efficient Cooling and Quiet Operation Thermal management is a critical aspect of any gaming PC, and this build excels in maintaining optimal temperatures. During extended gaming sessions, the CPU averages a temperature of 56°C, while the GPU operates at approximately 67°C. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the cooling system, even under heavy loads. In addition to efficient cooling, the system operates quietly, making sure an enjoyable gaming experience without distracting noise. This makes it an ideal choice for shared spaces or living room setups where noise levels are a concern. Practicality and Everyday Use This gaming PC is designed with versatility in mind. Its compact size and controller-friendly setup make it a perfect addition to your entertainment center, eliminating the need for a keyboard and mouse in many scenarios. This design is particularly appealing for those who prefer a console-like gaming experience. Beyond gaming, the system handles everyday tasks with ease. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on light productivity tasks, this build offers reliable performance. Its ability to seamlessly transition between gaming and general use makes it a practical choice for users seeking a multipurpose device. Building a Cost-Effective Gaming Solution Assembling a Steam OS gaming PC on a budget is a smart way to enjoy high-quality gaming without overspending. By combining affordable components with the efficiency of Steam OS, you can create a system that excels in both performance and practicality. Whether you're a casual gamer or a tech enthusiast, this build offers a user-friendly and versatile solution for your computing needs. Its compact design, quiet operation, and ability to handle everyday tasks make it a valuable addition to any home setup. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
