Valve's Steam Machine has inspired a compact DIY alternative that challenges the prebuilt console's footprint and performance balance. This comparison matters to builders who want a small form factor PC without paying a premium for proprietary hardware integration. A new build demonstrates that standard components can fit into a similar space while delivering competitive graphics power.
Compact PC uses 3D-printed chassis and 400W power supply
The DIY system centers on a Mini-ITX motherboard and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card. This configuration mirrors the core hardware strategy of Valve's official machine. The builder, AMD engineer Jacob Terkelsen, assembled the unit to test the limits of compact gaming PCs.
Specifications
- Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 5060
- Motherboard Form Factor: Mini-ITX
- Case Dimensions: 167 × 168 × 225 mm
- Power Supply: 400W Flex PSU
- GPU TGP: 145W
The chassis is a 3D-printed design called the SFF Mini ITX Steam Machine Case by 3DCatt. It measures 167 by 168 by 225 millimeters, which is slightly deeper than the official Steam Machine. The build utilizes a 400W Flex power supply unit to power the 145W total graphics power of the RTX 5060.
NVIDIA recommends a 550W system power supply for this GPU, but the builder argues that component selection allows for lower wattage. Terkelsen stated that technical knowledge turns manufacturer recommendations into suggestions. A complete build with all new parts may struggle to stay under $1,000, though it offers similar GPU performance to the Steam Machine in the same price range.
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