- An AMD engineer built his own personal Steam Machine-style Mini-ITX PC.
- It features an RTX 5060, a 400W Flex PSU, and a small-form 3D-printed case.
- The system can be built around the same price range but requires a 3D printer and a lot of technical know-how.
Mini PCs have always been popular among gamers because they deliver hefty performance in an ergonomic form factor. The Steam Machine was meant to be a mainstream realization of that niche, but its weak system specifications and high price tag make it inconvenient.
However, some gamers are creating their own mini PCs that are more powerful but scratch the same small form factor itch. An AMD engineer built his own Mini-ITX PC that packs a whole RTX 5060 under a 3D-printed body. Yet, it looks identical to a Steam Machine.
Why it matters: Steam Machine struggles with weaker system specifications and high pricing, but the engineer’s DIY build shows that enthusiasts can pull off more impressive builds in a similar ergonomic form factor.
The AMD engineer, Jacob Terkelsen, specializes in AI GPU board validation. He showcased the ‘Terk Box v1.1’ on Twitter. Despite resembling a Steam Machine, it should be more powerful in AAA games, but the engineer did not share any gaming benchmark results yet.
It comes with a 400W Flex PSU, which is not enough to reach the RTX 5060’s recommended 550W system power.
Jacob simply clarifies that recommendations become suggestions once you understand how things work. Actual power usage also varies with CPU, GPU, power limits, and PSU quality, so the recommendation is not a strict requirement for every configuration.
Regardless, Terk Box v1.1 is reportedly built around the same $1000 price tag, although it might be a bit costly if you don’t use old PC hardware or rely on great deals. Having access to a 3D printer is also a must if you want to pull off something similar.
Jacob also shared the 3D print files for the “SFF Mini ITX Steam Machine Case” by 3DCatt.
Do you think creating your own small form factor PCs is a better alternative to buying a Steam Machine at its exorbitant pricing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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