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| MetaPCs has unveiled the first desktop PC with SteamOS preinstalled. |
The $1,299 Steamroller brings Valve's gaming OS to a traditional desktop PC, creating an intriguing alternative to both Windows gaming rigs and console-style Steam Machines.
Gaming PC builder MetaPCs has opened preorders for its latest desktop system, the Steamroller, and it's turning heads for reasons that go beyond the hardware specifications. Priced at $1,299, this compact but powerful desktop represents something increasingly rare in the gaming PC market: a prebuilt system shipping with SteamOS pre-installed right out of the box.
While prebuilt gaming desktops are certainly nothing new, the Steamroller's choice of operating system sets it apart in a market dominated by Windows machines. It draws inevitable comparisons to Valve's ill-fated Steam Machines from the mid-2010s, but MetaPCs is taking a fundamentally different approach with this release.
A Desktop PC, Not a Console Replacement
The most striking difference between the Steamroller and its spiritual predecessor is the form factor. Where Steam Machines were designed as console-like living room devices meant to compete with the PlayStation and Xbox, the Steamroller is unmistakably a traditional desktop PC. It's housed in a Jonsbo D32 black case and designed to sit under or on a desk, not in an entertainment center.
This distinction matters because it signals that MetaPCs isn't trying to reinvent the gaming PC or convince console gamers to switch platforms. Instead, they're offering something more straightforward: a capable gaming desktop that happens to run SteamOS instead of Windows. It's a subtle but important difference in positioning that could resonate with PC gamers who want an alternative to Microsoft's operating system without sacrificing the desktop experience.
Breaking Down the Hardware
Under the hood, the Steamroller packs a capable mid-range configuration built around AMD silicon. The processor is a Ryzen 5 9600X, a 6-core Zen 5 CPU clocking in between 3.9 GHz and 5.4 GHz. This represents a significant step up from the Steam Machine's semi-custom 6-core Zen 4 processor, which topped out at 4.8 GHz.
Graphics duties are handled by a Radeon RX 7600 with 2,048 shader units and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM across a 128-bit memory interface running at 18 Gbps for 288 GB/s of bandwidth. For perspective, the original Steam Machine featured a semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 GPU with 28 compute units and similar 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, roughly equivalent to a laptop Radeon RX 7600M. The Steamroller's desktop RX 7600 should offer notably better performance, particularly in sustained gaming sessions where thermal headroom and power delivery are less constrained than in a laptop or console-style design.
Preorders are now open for the Steamroller at MetaPCs' official website, with shipping expected to begin on July 3.
The rest of the specification sheet reads like a well-balanced mid-range gaming PC: 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, a B850M WiFi motherboard, a 240mm AIO cooler, and a 650W 80+ Gold power supply. This is a complete, ready-to-run system that doesn't cut corners on the components that often get skimped on in prebuilt PCs.
The SteamOS Experience
The software is where the Steamroller truly distinguishes itself. SteamOS is Valve's Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gaming, offering a console-like interface through Big Picture Mode while maintaining access to the underlying Linux desktop for power users. It's the same OS that powers the Steam Deck, and it has matured significantly since the days of the original Steam Machines.
This integration could be particularly appealing to gamers who are already invested in the Steam ecosystem. The OS provides seamless access to the Steam library, built-in Proton compatibility for Windows games that haven't been ported to Linux, and a user experience designed from the ground up for gaming rather than general productivity.
Warranty and Support
MetaPCs is offering what they call "lifetime support warranty" for all products, covering free labor and diagnostics. This is a generous policy that provides peace of mind for buyers, though it's worth noting that parts replacement isn't included indefinitely. For those who want extended coverage on actual components, MetaPCs offers optional Extended Hardware Warranties: two years for $180 or three years for $240.
A Direct Comparison? Not Quite
It would be tempting to draw direct comparisons between the Steamroller and the original Steam Machine, but the two systems are aimed at different audiences. The Steam Machine was a console-first device with a controller focus and living room positioning. The Steamroller is a traditional desktop PC that happens to run SteamOS. It's designed for the user who wants a desk-based gaming experience without Windows.
This distinction is crucial because it suggests that SteamOS might find its most natural home not in living room consoles but in desktop gaming PCs. The desktop form factor also means the Steamroller offers significantly more opportunities for upgrades and customization than the tightly integrated Steam Machines ever did.
Availability and Pricing
The Steamroller is currently available for preorder exclusively to customers in the United States and Canada, with shipping expected to kick off on July 3. At $1,299, it's priced competitively for what you're getting, especially considering the clean build quality, premium components, and the unconventional operating system that eliminates the Windows licensing cost.
For gamers who have been waiting for a way to get into PC gaming without committing to Windows, or for Steam Deck owners looking for a more powerful desktop companion, the Steamroller presents an intriguing option. It remains to be seen whether this represents the beginning of a broader shift toward Linux gaming on the desktop, but for now, MetaPCs is making a bold statement with this release.
Those interested in securing a unit can visit the official preorder page for more information and to place their order. Shipping is expected to begin July 3, with availability limited to the US and Canada.
What do you think about the Steamroller? Is SteamOS ready for prime time on desktop gaming PCs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source : MetaPCs
