LDLC Offers a More Powerful Gaming PC Alternative to the Steam Machine at the Same Price
The French electronics retailer LDLC has introduced a new piece of gaming hardware designed to be a direct competitor to Valve’s Steam Machine. Initially announced as the “Stim Machine,” the system has since passed trademark checks and is now called the LDLC PC Box. The standout feature? Despite its superior hardware components, the price is nearly on par with Valve’s flagship console.
Valve Backpedals on Performance Promises
On June 25, 2026, Valve unexpectedly halted pre-orders for the Steam Machine. Simultaneously, the company removed previously advertised performance specifications from official documents. Where once there were claims of 4K gaming at 60 frames per second with FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), the messaging has now softened to state that the device supports 4K gaming with FSR 4.1.
This change follows independent hardware tests that exposed significant weaknesses. In demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth Wukong, the Steam Machine struggled, achieving less than 30 FPS at 1080p Ultra settings. The system relies on a semi-custom RDNA-3 graphics chip featuring 28 compute units—comparable to a Radeon RX 7600—housed within a compact 3.8-liter case.
The LDLC PC Box: Specs and Pricing
In contrast, LDLC utilizes the newer RDNA-4 architecture. At the core is an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 8 GB of VRAM, working in tandem with an AMD Ryzen 5 8400F processor (Zen 4).
The system comes in two variants:
– Self-assembly kit: €999.99
– Pre-built model: €1,039.99
As a comparison, the base version of the Valve Steam Machine with 512 GB of storage is also priced at €1,039 in the Eurozone.
Additional specifications of the LDLC PC Box include:
– RAM: 16 GB DDR5-5600 (upgradable to 128 GB)
– Storage: 500 GB NVMe SSD with additional SATA ports
– Case: SilverStone SG13B-Q with a volume of 11.5 liters
– Power Supply: 350 Watts, 80+ Bronze certified
While Valve’s Steam Machine is expected to ship by June 30, 2026, LDLC is positioning its system as a traditional, upgradable PC, complete with support for the latest FSR-4 technology.
Compromises in Size and Software Integration
Higher performance comes at a cost—not just financially. The most notable difference is that the LDLC case is 11.5 liters, almost three times larger than the compact Steam Machine (3.8 liters).
In gaming communities, opinions are divided. Some users swear by the compact, console-like experience of the Steam Machine, while others prefer the higher frame rates and modern RDNA-4 architecture of the LDLC alternative, accepting the larger form factor as a trade-off.
The Installation and Operation Experience
Moreover, the LDLC PC Box is delivered without a pre-installed operating system. Although it is compatible with SteamOS, users will need to handle the installation themselves. Also lacking are user-friendly features like HDMI-CEC support and the “Instant Sleep” function found on Valve’s console.
In a nutshell, while Valve retracts promises, LDLC delivers. With RDNA-4 graphics capable of delivering real 4K FPS, enthusiasts can look forward to building their own gaming rig. The provided assembly guide shows how to assemble the PC Box in just two hours and set up SteamOS.Get the assembly guide via email.
