The first Steam Machine prototype has been unveiled by iBuyPower, with a release scheduled for 2014.
iBuyPower has showcased its Steam Machine prototype which looks a lot like a boxier, white PS4 console, complete with coloured LED lights.
The US company says it currently has two prototype models named Gordon and Freeman after the Half Life character, which are pretty much identical apart from the light bar around the middle. One of the is clear when not illuminated, while the other has a black version.
Both prototypes are already running an early SteamOS build, but are far from finished. iBuyPower wouldn’t confirm the specs of its Steam Machine but said it would run Steam games in Full 1080p HD resolution at 60fps.
iBuyPower will be showcasing its Steam Machine prototype at CES 2014 in January 2014.
Earlier this month Valve revealed its own Steam Machine prototype, but Valve’s version looks a lot more like the Xbox One than iBuyPower’s unit.
Valve won’t ever release its own Steam Machine as the developer will only be providing the Linux-based SteamOS on which the machines will run.
The Half Life developer announced Steam Machines at the end of September and 300 prototype units will ship to a select group of beta testers before 2014.
The 300 prototype units will ship with a rather beefy set of components:
- GPU: some units with Nvidia Titan, some GTX780, some GTX760, and some GTX660
- CPU: some boxes with Intel i7-4770, some i5-4570, and some i3
- RAM: 16GB DDR3-1600 (CPU), 3GB GDDR5 (GPU)
- Storage: 1TB/8GB Hybrid SSHD
- Power Supply: Internal 450w 80Plus Gold
- Dimensions: approx. 12 x 12.4 x 2.9-inches high
“Beginning in 2014, there will be multiple SteamOS machines to choose from, made by different manufacturers”, said Valve when unveiling the Steam Machine concept. “At Valve we always rely on real-world testing as part of our design process. The specific machine we’re testing is designed for users who want the most control possible over their hardware. Other boxes will optimize for size, price, quietness, or other factors.”
Read more: Xbox One vs PS4
Via: Engadget
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
