[BLOG] Computex 2014: ASUS has two Steam Machines on the way
Posted: 04 Jun 2014, 00:57
This is a blog post. To read the original post, please click here ยป
Even though Steam has put a dampener on Steam Machine plans by announcing that SteamOS will be delayed to at least 2015 "to fix issues with the Steam Controller", partners to the project are still continuing to design, prototype and demonstrate their own Steam Boxes ready for sale as soon as SteamOS officially launches. Taking the stage again to kick off today's action for day two of COMPUTEX Taiwan, ASUS announced two new Steam Machines under it's gaming-orientated brand, ASUS ROG.
While both machines may run SteamOS, the two ASUS ROG Steam Machines share very little in common when it comes to either size or features. We'll start with the smaller machine first - the ASUS ROG GR8 (ten bucks says you'll pronounce that like "great") comes equipped with a Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti graphics card inside, but is incredibly slim - ASUS wouldn't give the exact dimensions, but did state it took no more than "2.5 litres" of space on a desk. The device is also capable of supporting 4K HD output - though you'll have to supply your own screen - and also supports Miracast, making it a plausible console alternative. ASUS claim the device's size-to-power ratio is the best it's ever made.
Meanwhile, the ROG G20 is not only bigger, but more powerful as well. While it keeps the Core i7 Processor of its smaller sibling, the G20 swaps the graphical chippery for the GeForce GTX 780 - truly a gaming machine. ASUS claims that because it uses a hidden airflow tunnel for cooling, it's capable of "near silent" operation; and has supposedly measured it to emit just 25dB of noise while idle. We at Sanitarium.FM point out that an idling machine is always quieter than one actually being used for gaming, which is what SteamOS is primarily about, and the real test for how "quiet" a machine may be is in measuring its loudness during a hardcore gaming session. The hidden airflow tunnel does, however, result in a machine that has no visible exhaust system whatsoever, which is unusual for gaming-orientated computers. For that added touch of class, the G20 also has built-in lighting - and even here ASUS feel the need to show off, claiming that the lighting is capable of cycling through millions of colour shades. Really, ASUS? Millions?
ASUS have decided to withhold further details of both Steam Machines until Valve reveal their own Roadmap for Steam OS' eventual launch, which as stated at the top of this article has suffered some delays. Additionally, as is typical of Computex reveals, ASUS are currently keeping mum on expected retail prices for the machines as well. We expect more details to appear alongside Valve's next announcement.
Even though Steam has put a dampener on Steam Machine plans by announcing that SteamOS will be delayed to at least 2015 "to fix issues with the Steam Controller", partners to the project are still continuing to design, prototype and demonstrate their own Steam Boxes ready for sale as soon as SteamOS officially launches. Taking the stage again to kick off today's action for day two of COMPUTEX Taiwan, ASUS announced two new Steam Machines under it's gaming-orientated brand, ASUS ROG.
While both machines may run SteamOS, the two ASUS ROG Steam Machines share very little in common when it comes to either size or features. We'll start with the smaller machine first - the ASUS ROG GR8 (ten bucks says you'll pronounce that like "great") comes equipped with a Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti graphics card inside, but is incredibly slim - ASUS wouldn't give the exact dimensions, but did state it took no more than "2.5 litres" of space on a desk. The device is also capable of supporting 4K HD output - though you'll have to supply your own screen - and also supports Miracast, making it a plausible console alternative. ASUS claim the device's size-to-power ratio is the best it's ever made.
Meanwhile, the ROG G20 is not only bigger, but more powerful as well. While it keeps the Core i7 Processor of its smaller sibling, the G20 swaps the graphical chippery for the GeForce GTX 780 - truly a gaming machine. ASUS claims that because it uses a hidden airflow tunnel for cooling, it's capable of "near silent" operation; and has supposedly measured it to emit just 25dB of noise while idle. We at Sanitarium.FM point out that an idling machine is always quieter than one actually being used for gaming, which is what SteamOS is primarily about, and the real test for how "quiet" a machine may be is in measuring its loudness during a hardcore gaming session. The hidden airflow tunnel does, however, result in a machine that has no visible exhaust system whatsoever, which is unusual for gaming-orientated computers. For that added touch of class, the G20 also has built-in lighting - and even here ASUS feel the need to show off, claiming that the lighting is capable of cycling through millions of colour shades. Really, ASUS? Millions?
ASUS have decided to withhold further details of both Steam Machines until Valve reveal their own Roadmap for Steam OS' eventual launch, which as stated at the top of this article has suffered some delays. Additionally, as is typical of Computex reveals, ASUS are currently keeping mum on expected retail prices for the machines as well. We expect more details to appear alongside Valve's next announcement.