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| For having a cut-down PlayStation 5 APU, the BC 250 handles games quite well at the 1080p resolution. Pictured: the board running Bazzite. |
Remember the dream of a cheap, compact Steam Machine? It might be hiding in an unlikely place: a former cryptomining motherboard. Popular tech YouTuber ETA Prime has reignited interest in the ASRock BC-250, demonstrating how this obscure board can be transformed into a shockingly capable 1080p gaming rig with the right tweaks.
While the board first surfaced in news cycles back in March 2022 as part of ASRock's mining lineup, its potential for gamers is just now coming into full view. Let's break down why this piece of hardware is turning heads and whether it's still a bargain in today's market.
From Mining Rig to Gaming Machine: The BC-250's Secret Sauce
So, what exactly is the ASRock BC-250? Originally sold as part of a dedicated cryptomining system, this motherboard has a fascinating core: a cut-down version of the custom AMD APU that powers the PlayStation 5. It features fewer CPU cores and a scaled-back GPU compared to its console sibling, but as showcased by creators like ETA Prime and Budget-Builds Official, the silicon still packs a serious punch.
The key to unlocking its potential lies in software. ETA Prime chose Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming OS, over the official SteamOS for its flexibility and relaxed hardware permissions. This open-door policy allowed for the crucial system tweaks needed to morph the board into a viable "$100 Steam Machine" alternative.
The Performance-Unlocking Tweaks
Simply installing an OS wasn't enough. To squeeze every drop of performance from the BC-250, ETA Prime made two critical adjustments:
- VRAM Allocation: The board comes with 16GB of unified GDDR6 memory. ETA Prime dedicated a full 8GB of this to the GPU, ensuring modern games have plenty of high-speed video memory to work with.
- Undervolting & Overclocking: Perhaps the most impactful change was pushing the GPU clock speed from its base 1,500 MHz up to 2,000 MHz, paired with an undervolt for efficiency. According to the testing, this delivers a substantial 30% performance gain.
For a visual guide through this entire transformation process, from unboxing to benchmarking, check out ETA Prime's full video.
Gaming Performance: How Does It Actually Handle Games?
The results of these optimizations are nothing short of impressive for a budget-oriented setup. Testing five demanding titles at 1080p, the BC-250 proved it's more than a novelty. Here’s a snapshot of the gaming performance:
- Left 4 Dead 2: Flawless performance at over 150 FPS on Max settings at 1080p.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (via emulation): With frame generation enabled on the High preset, it achieved a smooth average of 100 FPS.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Consistently delivered over 60 FPS on the High visual preset.
- Forza Horizon 5: Playable and smooth, with frame rates ranging between 70-95 FPS on Medium settings.
- Cyberpunk 2077: A near-locked 60 FPS experience was possible with FSR enabled and settings on High.
This level of performance suggests a system that can comfortably handle both classic and cutting-edge titles at 1080p, making it a compelling option for a living room PC or a secondary gaming station.
The Big Caveat: Is the "Cheap" Dream Still Alive?
Here's the catch that every savvy buyer needs to know. When ETA Prime's video hit, the premise was a "$100 Steam Machine." However, popularity has a way of influencing the market.
Due to the exposure from these YouTube showcases, prices have climbed. As of now, finding the BC-250 motherboard at that original sub-$100 price point is very difficult. On eBay, listings are frequently seen over $150. On marketplaces like AliExpress, the price can drift even higher, sometimes exceeding $200 for the board alone.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're considering this project, factor in the total cost. You'll still need a power supply (a 350W unit is sufficient), system memory (it uses laptop SO-DIMMs), storage, a cooling fan, and a case or creative mounting solution.
The Verdict: A Niche Project with Serious Rewards
Even at the current elevated price of around $150-$200 for the motherboard, the ASRock BC-250 project remains a uniquely rewarding venture for tinkerers. It offers a glimpse into console-like hardware repurposed for PC gaming, with performance that legitimately challenges budget dedicated graphics cards.
Who is this for?
- The DIY enthusiast who loves optimizing and tweaking.
- Gamers targeting solid 1080p performance on a tight budget.
- Anyone fascinated by the idea of building a compact, living-room-friendly PC from unconventional parts.
Who should avoid it?
- Those seeking a simple, plug-and-play experience.
- Gamers demanding 1440p or 4K performance.
- Anyone uncomfortable with BIOS tweaks and Linux-based operating systems.
If you're intrigued and ready to hunt for the board yourself, you can often find listings on global marketplaces. You can search for the ASRock BC-250 on AliExpress here.
Ultimately, the ASRock BC-250 story is a testament to the creativity of the PC building community. It transforms a board built for a fleeting mining boom into a lasting, capable gaming machine. While the "cheap" tag might be fading, the "clever" and "powerful" labels are firmly intact.