Comment by embedding-shape
5 hours ago
The only thing I'd like to know, if the CPU/GPU will be replaceable? The specs say "Semi-custom AMD Zen 4" and "Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3", but I don't see "soldered" anywhere, so I guess maybe they'll be switchable? If not with off-the-shelves components, maybe Valve will offer their own upgrade kits in the future?
RDNA 3 is going to hold this machine back. DLSS is far and away better, but Nvidia's apathy towards Linux has made playing on something like Bazzite a worse experience. Nvidia has little reason to keep investing in Windows gaming drivers given the AI race, so seeing DLSS 4 or something on Linux is a pipe dream.
I think this machine will be decent for most people, but it's no-one with a 3080 is going to be looking at this and thinking "this is worth it", as it's probably coming in at about $750. The question is whether it'll have power parity with whatever the next Xbox is.
I thought DLSS4 did work on Linux, and a quick glance at r/linux_gaming seems to say the same.
I agree about RDNA3 holding it back; given its specs I’m hoping its significantly cheaper than $750.
Unless AMD/Valve pull a rabbit out of a hat it'll also be missing FSR4 which needs RDNA4, and is AMD's pretty-damn-close catch up to DLSS.
Given the memory configuration it seems extremely unlikely that it's socketed. It's certainly not AM5.
You mean "16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM" or something else? I took it just as they didn't want to put VRAM next to the GPU for some reason, rather than them actually being linked somehow. Maybe I misunderstand.
Soldered, not upgradable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWUxObt1efQ&t=591s
Shame, but makes sense. Thanks for finding it out for us!
You happen to know if the same is true for the RAM? Video seems to mention soldered CPU and GPU only, I skimmed the video but didn't see it mentioned.
I'm seeing conflicting info on the RAM. Some are saying its soldered, others are saying its replaceable.
1 reply →
Pretty much all (non-Apple) computers in this form factor have a soldered CPU and GPU (and of course soldered VRAM), and slots for DIMMs and M.2.
Unless you made a typo here-- Apple's equivalent to this is Mac Mini, which has soldered CPU, GPU and RAM (and also the SSD as its not soldered, but it's not standard).
Yes, that was my point, Mac Mini solders components that are not soldered on most other computers of that form factor, but a socketed CPU or GPU would be extremely unusual.
> I don't see "soldered" anywhere, so I guess maybe they'll be switchable
Unfortunately that's quite a logical jump...
Yeah, I mean my comment is all speculation, guesses and opinions. Given the limited information, some jumping is required, if at least in order to ask questions :)
I mean, honestly, do you ask the same question about a PS5/Xbox? At a certain point, just build an upgradable PC. I'd equate this product more to a home console than a PC at this point
I do not, my expectations are also way lower for Sony and especially Windows (still, happy PS5 owner here). I already have a PC, thanks for asking!
Steam specifically pitches this as a console+PC so I thought asking clarifying questions about the PC part of the product made sense.