Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam Machine living room console, enabling users to install Windows 11 with full hardware compatibility. According to benchmarks from hardware reviewer ETA Prime, the device functions as a standard PC, with the GPU identified in Windows Task Manager and AMD Radeon Adrenaline as an AMD Radeon RX 7600.
Windows 11 Performance vs. SteamOS Benchmarks
Windows 11 offers a distinct advantage in productivity tasks over SteamOS. In the Geekbench 6 multi-thread benchmark, Windows outperforms SteamOS by 22%, while single-core performance remains roughly equal between the two operating systems, according to ETA Prime.
Cinebench 2024 results place the Steam Machine in a middle tier of performance. The device scored 99 points in single-core tests and 554 points in multi-core tests. These figures trail significantly behind the AMD Ryzen 5800X and Apple’s M1 Max in multi-thread categories.
Pro Tip: If you prioritize multi-tasking or non-gaming software, the 22% lift in multi-thread performance makes Windows 11 the more viable choice for this hardware.
Gaming Framerates: Resolution and OS Impact
Gaming performance is largely a toss-up, though Windows shows a slight edge at specific resolutions. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Windows provided a 1.7% uplift at 1080p and a 4.3% increase at 4K. However, SteamOS was 2.4% faster at 1440p, according to ETA Prime’s data.
The results vary by title. In Cyberpunk 2077 on Ultra settings, SteamOS holds an 8.8% advantage over Windows, with a 4.7% lead at 1440p. At 4K, both systems struggled, with Windows averaging 20 FPS and SteamOS averaging 18 FPS.
Comparative Gaming Data
| Game | Resolution | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 4K | Windows | +4.3% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p/General | SteamOS | +8.8% |
| Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered | 1080p | Windows | +1.7% |
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered tests on High graphics without FSR showed a 7.1% win for Windows in some scenarios, while SteamOS was 2.1% faster at 1440p.
Hardware Flexibility and the “Just a PC” Philosophy
Valve has marketed the Steam Machine as a standard PC, suggesting users can do anything with the hardware they would do with any other computer. ETA Prime confirmed this by installing Windows 11 in a process described as “fairly painless,” noting that all hardware functioned without issue.
The specific unit tested by ETA Prime featured a memory upgrade to 64 GB. This increase in RAM may influence performance stability as more background programs are installed on a Windows environment compared to the leaner SteamOS.
Did you know? The Steam Machine’s GPU is recognized by Windows as an AMD Radeon RX 7600, confirming the underlying hardware architecture used for the console.
Choosing Between SteamOS and Windows
While Windows offers a performance edge in multi-threaded benchmarks and specific 4K gaming scenarios, SteamOS remains competitive in titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The choice often depends on whether the user requires a living room console experience or a general-purpose computing environment.
For those weighing the options, considering the differences between Linux-based systems and Windows is essential. You can read more about our comparison between Fedora Linux and Windows 11 in gaming tests to see how different kernels handle GPU workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows 11 on a Steam Machine?
Yes. Valve has released the necessary drivers, and reviewers report the installation process is straightforward with full hardware compatibility.
Which OS is faster for gaming on the Steam Machine?
It depends on the game and resolution. Windows tends to lead at 4K in some titles, while SteamOS shows advantages in others, such as Cyberpunk 2077.
What GPU is inside the Steam Machine?
According to Windows Task Manager and AMD Adrenaline drivers, the device uses an AMD Radeon RX 7600.
Would you switch your Steam Machine to Windows for better productivity, or stick with SteamOS for the console experience? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more hardware deep dives.
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