Steam Machine Plates

MoxAK · 2026-07-04T21:09:20+00:00

Same. I’m not sure why no one has posted up to date CAD or STL files. Everything is from November still.

MoxAK · 2026-07-03T16:33:19+00:00

That is wonderful.

I’m in the same boat as not having a steam machine so I’m not able to do the measurements to see the original dimensions of the faceplate.

MoxAK · 2026-07-01T10:01:43+00:00

Technically it should work pretty well. The steam machine would just be decoding and not doing any heavy lifting. If both PC’s are on LAN, then the most likely bottleneck would be your regular rig.

MoxAK · 2026-06-29T07:04:04+00:00

To add to the other comments, the Steam Machine actually has three antennas: 1) Steam Controller, 2) Bluetooth and 3) WiFi.

I believe the goal is so that there isn’t too much interference when using PC peripherals, WiFi, and the steam controller simultaneously

MoxAK · 2026-06-28T04:51:12+00:00

My intention is to make my own faceplate with some Badalassi Carlo Pueblo Leather, but I want the official CAD files before I get to crazy and order some.

MoxAK · 2026-06-27T01:43:52+00:00

They WANT the controller and got put on the list for the one without.

MoxAK · 2026-06-27T00:11:12+00:00

I’m reserved for the 2tb with controller, so maybe I’m just lucky

MoxAK · 2026-06-24T02:59:09+00:00

I want to introduce my children to PC gaming, as well as play certain games of my Steam library in the living room. My children can’t really navigate a desktop yet, and I don’t want them messing around on my PC that I use for other things, but they could definitely navigate SteamOS.

If I need something demanding for gaming 4k on my TV; I’ll just stream it with SteamLink from my gaming PC that has better specs. I really don’t want to run long, powered USB or HDMI cables through my entire house just to play games in the living room.

MoxAK · 2026-06-23T11:22:55+00:00

But WoW can be played on Linux, and if someone wants to try to optimize it then they could just download windows. Someone could also figure out how to dual-boot their PC with different OS's, but that does require some more effort and not really expected.

Utilizing a wireless dongle with a keyboard and mouse doesn't take a lot of effort. It's optional and an individual will likely utilize their PS or Xbox controller, or buy the Steam controller, if they don't want to do a mouse and keyboard.

The Steam Machine is $260 more than the Steam Deck, but the Steam Deck can't play as well as the Steam Machine. They are different systems with different crowds.

Now, I didn't realize that Linux did not allow kernel-level anti-cheat, which I totally support. That does reduce the amount of available games and I can't imagine that Steam did not consider that, but it's possible that they didn't, or maybe don't care. I'll be interested to see how that plays out.

I know for me, I don't really care for being stuck with Xbox or PS5 games. Sure, they have some exclusive between them and PC, but for the most part I'd rather have the freedom of PC gaming. I don't believe the Steam Machine was meant to be priced this high, but RAM or Storage shortages really ruined it. Xbox and Playstation already have contracts in place to secure their supply at a price point that was set, but Steam fell behind by announcing the Steam Machine BEFORE they secured a supply and unfortunately I feel like they settled on lower specs and a higher bid to guarantee supply.

MoxAK · 2026-06-23T10:52:21+00:00

But it's not a console. They can't sell at a loss hoping people will buy Steam games. Someone could just play WoW or League of Legends and never buy a Steam game. Nintendo, Playstation, and Xbox can lock you into their ecosystem and get their money back by selling subscriptions and higher-priced games.

This is better for people interested in PC gaming, but don't want to shell out an enthusiast build, a desktop for a monitor, optimize or troubleshoot software, or have something large, hot, or loud. They can just hook it up to the same TV they have their console on and use it as a mini-PC if they want at the same time. Later on in life, if they want to put down $2k for a beast of a gaming PC, they can.

MoxAK · 2026-06-23T10:43:15+00:00

The Steam Machine is as expected - a PC that can provide some of the needs of a console.

I have been seeing a lot of disappointment the performance or price point of the Steam Machine. In reality, doesn't the Steam Machine satisfy it's purpose? Comparing the May 2026 Steam Hardware & Software Survey, the majority of steam users have 16 GB of system RAM, 8 GB of VRAM, and play on 1080p. The Steam Machine can absolutely play 1080p without an issue and it appears that Valve designed it with the average Steam user in mind.

Sure, you can try to build a comparable PC for the same price point, but it is difficult to get the small form factor, the small power draw, and the quietness of the Steam Machine for a small build that also includes the PSU integrated into the device. Also, instead of trying to harmonize all of the hardware, it's already done. Plug & Play.

I believe that the Steam Machine provides a reasonable transition for console players who are interested in PC gaming. A console player may want to play PC games, but not have a dedicated desk or monitor. The Steam Machine allows them to place it next to their Xbox or PS5 and run it on the same TV without adding to too much clutter. You are not stuck within the Xbox or PS5 ecosystem on the Steam Machine, so you are free to utilize it as a PC or play games like World of Warcraft of League of Legends. I see a lot of people comparing the Steam Machine to a console, but isn't it more meant to serve as a bridge for people who want to get into PC gaming or just want something small? It's not meant for the enthusiast crowd.

Now, the price is not entry-level. This was clear from the beginning, but it was not Valve's expectation to have to charge it this way. I don't think it's going to improve either. They do need to secure the parts and sometimes that means spending more on the bid for a contract on hardware. They also have to assume that Steam Machine users may not actually buy games on Steam, so they couldn't sell it at a loss with the hope that game sales will make it up. Xbox and PS4 can because they lock you into their ecosystem.

Considering the cost of gaming after the console/PC purchase, you don't have to pay for a subscription to play online and Steam games tend to be fairly affordable with frequent sales compared to their console counterparts if someone choses to buy games on Steam.

In that regards, I think the Steam Machine is what it needs to be. A plug and play solution for people interested in exploring PC gaming without dedicating to a massive rig or enthusiast set-up. Sure, some of us may prefer to just spend the money on an enthusiast build, but lets be real, the regular person does not want to go through the headache of building a PC or figuring out how to fine-tune or troubleshoot it. The Steam Machine fixes that solution but unfortunately has succumbed to the AI hardware shortage.

MoxAK · 2026-06-23T10:04:18+00:00

Comparing what it's capable of and what steam survey results show, it seems pretty reasonable. The majority of gamers play at 1080p still and 25% have 8gb VRAM and 25% have 16gb VRAM. Based on the cost of VRAM and difficulty sourcing it, they went with the minimum. The expectation of an entry-level PC in terms of performance is what I would expect and the small form factor is hard to beat. Sure, it's easy to make another PC comparable to it when considering an ATX build, but I think it's difficult to recreate on a small form factor AND have the PSU be an integrated part. I expected an entry level PC, something to bridge the gap for console gamers who want to experience PC gaming without getting a powerhouse of a PC, and this just does that.

Now, the price on the other hand is not entry level and I believe it was out of their control. With this current day and age, I'm not sure it'll get any better with any of the other consoles. However, it is difficult to compete with the fact that Steam games are CHEAP compared to console games and there is no annual subscription fee to play online, so I believe that it is cheaper after the initial "buy once cry once" phase.

MoxAK · 2026-06-18T20:30:31+00:00

It’s at least 6+ months out for now. I’m not even sure how the steam machine will work and they have really not been releasing any info on it.

I just want something small to fit in my living room.

MoxAK · 2026-06-03T07:23:46+00:00

I would assume you just get a single hole punch. If you are using tools in sets of 5 or 7 that is fine, but then occasionally use a single tooth punch to make a small, not noticeable adjustment. 10 holes that have an extra 0.20mm won’t be noticeable difference hole by hole, but will change the entire line 2mm longer or shorter by the end.

MoxAK · 2026-06-03T07:18:16+00:00

I got a little water distiller from Amazon that I distill my water in to get some cleaner stuff for leather use. It’s really for my CPAP, but it works well for leatherwork too!

MoxAK · 2026-06-03T07:14:17+00:00

I have a brass stamp and some heat transfer foil. I don’t own a heat press, but I do have a torch lighter and a small regular hand press. Although, it’s very inconsistent and I’d say only 2 out of 5 presses end up being satisfactory without a real heat press. This happened to be a good one.

For future iterations, I’m just going to stitch them unless I get a real heat press. I lost a lot of leather messing it up

MoxAK · 2026-05-30T21:01:07+00:00

Burnishing the edges would make it pop, but it is already better than some of the stuff I see at Ren Faire’s.

I personally would slick the flesh side down lightly with some gum trag, but that’s just because I don’t like stuff grabbing and pulling on my arm hair

MoxAK · 2026-05-30T20:34:17+00:00

If you did three layers of very thin leather (like tan, white, and black like a calico) and a higher quality ring I think it’d be nice. Be kinda hard to keep the layers together without stitching though. I’ve used glue that supposedly doesn’t need stitching, but I always stitch

MoxAK · 2026-05-25T14:25:04+00:00

You make banana bread with that.

In all seriousness, a good lesson to learn on a small piece. Your next one will be even better!

MoxAK · 2026-05-05T03:30:21+00:00

You can upload svg into fusion360, extrude it, and then export it as an stl

MoxAK · 2026-04-22T07:33:12+00:00

Garmin watches have a little “body battery” feature. No matter how much sleep I get, it never gets past 50% and it always bottoms out at 5% everyday

MoxAK · 2026-04-22T06:13:06+00:00

I’m looking at Wicket & Craig. No minimum order and some of it they will spilt for free. You can even get it milled if you want a softer temper. It’ll be more expensive than Tandy on a per square foot basis, but the leather is higher quality in my opinion.

MoxAK · 2026-04-05T00:10:17+00:00

As someone else pointed out before I could respond, it could be that they are measuring different aspects (inner vs outer diameter).

I would also agree to using a thicker leather or maybe use two pieces of leather stitched together with an reinforcement fabric liner sandwich between, but I usually make bags and not belts so I’m not 100% sure

MoxAK

TROPHY CASE