Valve’s Prototype Steam Machine Is Showcased, GTX Titan and Core i7 In A HTPC Case

Valve showed off their new Steam Machine prototype to the Verge yesterday and it all looks pretty impressive. While the specifications of the Steam Machine will vary – for instance lower end models will have a GTX 660 and an Intel Core i3 – the top end model is quite an impressive creation. Given that from the outside the Steam Machine doesn’t look that different to your average chunky entertainment centre or HTPC you’d be surprised to know you can cram in up to a GTX Titan and a full desktop class Intel Core i7.

The secret to being able to cram such high end hardware in to a small space comes with Valve’s decision to let each component operate in its own individual cooling area. The graphics card, power supply and CPU cooler are all separated and can all intake and exhaust air separate from one another allowing the inside of the Steam Machine to stay relatively cool. At 12.4 x 12 inches and 2.9 inches the Steam Machine is similar to a slim Xbox 360 but with a tonne more power.

The top end system comes with a GTX Titan and Core i7 4770, the middle system comes with a GTX 780 or GTX 760 and a Core i5 CPU while the entry system comes with a GTX 660 and Intel Core i3. All three systems will share 16GB of RAM and a 1TB hybrid drive that uses 8GB of SSD with a 1TB HDD platter.

Hardware side there are an absolute tonne more features and details to cover. We encourage any interested readers to go and check out the Verge’s exclusive hands on with the Steam Machine, the Steam controller and how it all performs in some real world gaming. You can check out the very interesting report here.

Images courtesy of the Verge