Steambox Builds

[FlyingMongoose]

So, since I have no intention of being part of the next generation of consoles because they are bad for the industry I decided to put together a list for building a Steambox for LESS THAN $500.

Basically I want to use my controllers games on a TV for a lower cost than next gen consoles.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/FlyingMongoose/saved/28yv

Feel free to tell me if it sucks or if you have your own idea. I any for smallest form factor possible and highest power for price.

If you wish to post your own, remember, total initial cost MUST be less than $500. (You can leave room for upgrades later, example: I have an APU so a GPU is included, but a better one can be added later, Also, I have 1 8GB stick of RAM but the mono has support for up to 32 GB, after the fact purchases are not included such as peripherals, or displays).

Side note: OS and Game costs not included. Intent to launch Steam on boot and big picture on Steam launch. Big Picture has system shutdown and reboot options.


Sent from my Neo Geo Pocket

[Surf314]

I'm curious about this as well. I think you would need something that could run everything in your steam library though, which would mean a decent GPU.

[FlyingMongoose]

I'm curious about this as well. I think you would need something that could run everything in your steam library though, which would mean a decent GPU.

Not if, like me, you only intend to play the games that you can use a controller with, and don't intend to run high/ultra-high graphics.

The APU I have selected here has a Radeon HD 8670D series AMD GPU integrated which supports DirectX 11 and Shader 5.0. It should run most of the games that use controllers for me on low to medium graphics, but the Mobo also supports a PCI-E x16 slot in case I wish to upgrade later, would need a low-clearance card though due to the case.

Basically the intent of my Steambox is to have a small gaming computer meant for controller use exclusively that I intend to plug into a TV via HDMI (the mobo has HDMI out that uses the APU Graphics.

It would most likely run Windows due to maximum compatibility with games, but have no specific user login (no password on launch), and would be set to run Steam on Launch, with Steam set to launch Big Picture on Windows boot.

The Big Picture interface has had Shutdown/Restart/Sleep options for some time now too. With that, once it's all configured to be used this way, I can just remove the keyboard and mouse, though I might just get wireless ones for windows updates and the like. HOWEVER, there are drivers you can get that allow you to interface mouse-style using controller analog sticks... but I probably wouldn't use them.

[StolenToast]

I'm curious about this as well. I think you would need something that could run everything in your steam library though, which would mean a decent GPU.

You can pick up a GTX 650 BOOST for $180.  That is the definition of "decent gpu".

Sent telepathically