The French retailer LDLC has launched its new product, the “PC Box,” positioning it as a serious competitor to Valve’s Steam Machine. This new system boasts more advanced graphics technology and offers superior performance at a similar price point.
From “Stim Machine” to PC Box
Initially, LDLC introduced the device under the catchy name “Stim Machine,” clearly referencing Valve’s Steam Machine. However, just two days later on June 26, the company had to rename it to the “PC Box” for legal reasons. The official launch took place on June 28, 2026.
Technical Superiority with Newer Architecture
The main advantage of the PC Box lies in its core components. While Valve’s Steam Machine utilizes a semi-custom chip with RDNA-3 graphics architecture, LDLC has opted for the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 8 GB based on the more updated RDNA-4 architecture. Accompanying this powerful GPU is an AMD Ryzen 5 8400F processor and 16 GB DDR5-5600 RAM, which can be expanded to a staggering 128 GB.
This hardware configuration allows the PC Box to run demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth Wukong much more smoothly. In tests, Valve’s Steam Machine struggled at 1080p and Ultra settings, barely achieving 30 frames per second. LDLC, on the other hand, takes advantage of the new features of RDNA-4 and supports FSR 4.
In response to this mounting performance pressure, Valve revised its marketing language on June 26, removing claims of “4K-gaming at 60 FPS.” They now cautiously refer to “up to 4K” via FSR 4.1 while citing increased component costs as the reason for this tempered approach.
Pricing Comparison
Steam Machine or PC Box? LDLC’s new contender equips itself with RDNA-4 graphics and promises significantly greater performance. To help potential buyers, LDLC offers a free performance check that compares both systems to see which better suits their needs. Request your performance check via email.
LDLC’s pricing places the DIY kit at €999.99 and the fully assembled version at €1,039.99, positioning it directly alongside Valve’s entry-level model. The Valve Steam Machine with 512GB of storage retails at €1,039.
Valve will officially begin sales on June 29, with prices ranging from €1,050 for the 512GB model to €1,350 for the 2TB version. It is worth noting that Valve halted pre-orders as of June 25 and is now employing a lottery system for interested customers in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and the EU. In contrast, LDLC offers free home delivery and provides a five-year warranty on its finished products.
Trade-offs in Compactness and Software
However, higher performance does come at a cost—not just in euros. The PC Box is housed in a relatively hefty 11.5-liter SilverStone SG13B-Q case (222x285x181 mm), while Valve’s Steam Machine fits comfortably in a compact 3.8-liter case.
Software choices also diverge significantly. The Steam Machine comes pre-installed with SteamOS, offering features like Instant-Sleep and HDMI-CEC for TV control. In contrast, the PC Box is shipped without an operating system, meaning users must install SteamOS or Windows themselves, missing out on Instant-Sleep and HDMI-CEC features.
Is the PC Box worth it for you? A free checklist can help weigh the pros and cons of the Steam Machine against the PC Box, including potential upgrade options. Request your checklist.
The larger case of the PC Box offers a significant advantage: future-proofing. With a standard Mini-ITX motherboard socket, future upgrades are feasible, including two SATA ports for additional storage and the option to replace the graphics card. Valve’s closed architecture does not allow such modifications.
Ultimately, the choice between these systems boils down to priorities: plug-and-play compactness with Valve, or higher performance and upgrade potential with LDLC.
