Valve Releases Windows Drivers for Steam Machine: Benchmark Insights
Valve has officially released Windows drivers for its latest Steam Machine living room console, and early performance benchmarks are promising. According to recent tests conducted by ETA Prime, a well-known gaming hardware reviewer, installing Windows 11 on the Steam Machine is a straightforward process. All hardware components functioned seamlessly, and the GPU was correctly identified as an AMD Radeon RX 7600 in both Windows Task Manager and AMD’s Radeon Adrenaline software.
Performance Comparison: SteamOS vs. Windows 11
The Steam Machine used in these benchmarks was upgraded to 64 GB of memory, which may influence performance results, particularly as more applications accumulate over time. When comparing gaming and productivity benchmarks, both SteamOS and Windows 11 deliver competitive results, with each operating system holding specific advantages.
In productivity benchmarks, Windows 11 demonstrates a clear lead. For example, in the Geekbench 6 multi-thread test, Windows outperforms SteamOS by 22%, while single-core performance remains nearly identical. Cinebench 2024 results show the Steam Machine achieving 99 points in single-core and 554 points in multi-core tests, which trails behind higher-end processors like Apple’s M1 Max and AMD’s Ryzen 5800X in multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming Benchmarks: Resolution Matters
Gaming performance between SteamOS and Windows 11 is closely matched, with minor differences depending on the game and resolution. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Windows 11 holds a slight edge at both 1080p (1.7% faster) and 4K (4.3% faster), while SteamOS is 2.4% faster at 1440p. For Cyberpunk 2077 on Ultra settings, SteamOS leads by 8.8% at 1080p and 4.7% at 1440p, but both systems struggle at 4K, delivering unplayable frame rates (18 FPS on SteamOS, 20 FPS on Windows).
In Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered with High graphics settings and no FSR, the results are similarly close. Windows 11 is 7.1% faster at 4K, while SteamOS is 2.1% faster at 1440p. At 1080p, Windows regains a 1.7% advantage.
Is Windows 11 on Steam Machine Worth It?
These benchmarks confirm that running Windows 11 on the Steam Machine is not only possible but also delivers competitive performance across a range of applications and games. Valve has emphasized that the Steam Machine is fundamentally a PC, offering users the flexibility to install and use any operating system they prefer.
While Windows 11 provides certain performance benefits, especially in productivity tasks, SteamOS remains a strong choice for users who prioritize a streamlined gaming experience or prefer Linux-based environments. The decision ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences, as both operating systems offer unique advantages for the Steam Machine platform.
