Steam Machine vs. PS5: When PC hardware power isn't enough to overcome console optimization.
Despite costing more than double, the Steam Machine is still outpaced by the PS5 in terms of frame rates in many AAA games, demonstrating the advantage of specialized hardware optimization.
A recent performance review from Digital Foundry has revealed surprising results in a showdown between Valve's Steam Machine and the PlayStation 5 (PS5). Despite being positioned as a high-end gaming PC with a starting price of $1,049, the Steam Machine consistently lagged behind Sony's basic console in real-world tests.
Real-world performance: PS5 dominates in frame rate.
Tests were conducted on various games compatible with Linux or via the Proton switch layer. The results showed that the Steam Machine's GPU had power comparable to the desktop version of the AMD Radeon RX 7600, but this didn't always translate into superior performance compared to the PS5.
Specifically, in the gameBlack Myth: WukongIn performance mode, the PS5 leads by about 3%. This gap widens significantly in other games:
| Game title | Performance difference (PS5 vs. Steam Machine) |
|---|---|
| Alan Wake 2 (Stress Test) | PS5 is 9% higher. |
| Crimson Desert | PS5 is 17% higher. |
| Forza Horizon 5 | The PS5 excels at 4K resolution. |
Notably, withForza Horizon 5Steam Machine struggled to maintain a stable frame rate at 4K. Experts had to lower the resolution to 1620p to achieve 60 fps, a level comparable to what the PS5 could smoothly achieve thanks to its dynamic resolution downscaling feature.
The advantage of the Steam Machine: Power from the Zen 4 CPU.
Despite its overall graphics processing capabilities, the Steam Machine still has its strengths. Thanks to its 6-core Zen 4 processor, the device excels in CPU-limited bottleneck situations. This is especially true in crowded areas like cities.Baldur's Gate 3or the Bug Hill areaCrimson DesertThis is where Valve's hardware comes into play.
However, Sony compensated for this with greater memory bandwidth, allowing the PS5 to maintain stability in most real-world gaming scenarios.
Economic considerations and target users
With a starting price of $1,049 and not including the controller, the Steam Machine is significantly more expensive than the $599.99 price tag of the PS5 Digital. This price difference makes it difficult for Valve's product to attract traditional console users who prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Instead, the Steam Machine targets PC enthusiasts – those who appreciate flexible customization, a compact design, and the ability to upgrade components in the future. Additionally, the upcoming FSR 4 supersampling technology is expected to significantly improve 4K gaming performance on these mini PCs.
