Syber Steam Machine

[sheehanje]

So the Syber came in today. Unfortunately only 1 of 2 boxes came - the other is delayed until tomorrow (And UPS complains that delivering to houses is too expensive - maybe they should fix their logistics).

Anwho - I'm not going to do a full review - but some first impressions. I've maybe spent all of 2 hours with the machine.

First thing I noticed was the branding. Unlike the Alienware I got - this is not branded as a Steam Machine at all. It's the Vapor box with all the Vapor inserts. References to Windows and games only playable on Windows. Kind of a let down to be honest - especially seeing I'm becoming a Steam Machine enthusiast.

Second thing I noticed - the only thing in the box was the Steam Machine. No controller, no power cable, no HDMI cable.. Nothing but the machine. I assumed that second box was the Xbox 360 controller I ordered as an add on. Now I'm hoping it contains all the other parts that are listed. I don't even have the invoice with this! Luckily I have plenty of power chords and 3 steam controllers. I took a spare dongle and took one of the controllers paired to the Alienware box.

Third thing - this box is hefty. Unlike the Alienware that you can lift with a thumb and index finger and throw into a backpack - this requires two hands and is going to be a stationary box. I expected it to be big - but it's slightly bigger than an Xbox One and about twice as heavy.

Fourth thing I noticed - the plug for the wireless attenae is loose. It just spins around in the housing. Shoddy.

To be honest - up to this point I was pretty unimpressed. But whereas I bought the alienware to fill a small spot in my kids bedroom - I bought this to be the PC Gaming Rig for the living room for the next 7 - 8 years.

Syber does have a slew of options - and I didn't shy on using them. My rig consists of (assuming the other parts arrive tomorrow):

i5 Processor
16GB RAM (Corsair)
512GB SSD
nVidia GTX 960 4GB Factory Overclock
Steam Controller and Xbox 360 Controller Wireless kit

I got this during the 1 day sale. With the MIR the whole system is $714. Not bad at all.

The initial boot took a bit - SteamOS hardware detection it said. I had to hard wire the network conneciton because I don't have the wireless antenae (again, hopefully it's in the second box) Once in I logged in my account. One real annoying thing with SteamOS is Steam Guard. On windows it's not so bad cause I can jump to a browser and log into my email (or my kids when I'm setting their stuff up). But with SteamOS I had to go dig out a laptop to connect. Not very "Couch Friendly".

Once in I decided to try a few games - Bioshock Infinite and Dirt Showdown. Both played great on high settings. The benchmark on Dirt (all high settings with advanced graphics processing enabled) show average FPS at 64, with the low at 31. Not bad at all. I'm sure Windows would push it higher - but my thinking is SteamOS is only going to improve from here on out. Just like console developers learn to push the platforms over time - I imagine SteamOS will be able to push the hardware more and more.

The SSD is FAST! In fact, Dirt almost seemed like it needed a few seconds to catch up - but loading was real fast. I did a reboot and couldn't believe how fast it went through the whole shutdown and reload. 20 Seconds tops. Just powering off is almost instantaneous. So much for low power mode - it's REALLY not needed. In fact, on my Xbox One I can't even use the low power mode cause my system gets really unstable. Booting that thing from a cold state takes 2 minutes.

So after my initial dismay - I'm really excited about the possibilites of this one. The Alienware has a cool factor too. With initial impressions, I would recommend the Syber for anyone looking for the PC experience. The Alienware I would more recommend for those looking for a console replacement or as an additive PC device.

Hopefully everything missing from the box arrives tomorrow. I will definitely give this thing a proper review in a few weeks. It will be hard not to compare to the Alienware too much. I have both systems - and I don't think I will regret either purchase. Although this one I may be more inclined to put windows on if SteamOS becomes stagnant.

[skinnyraf]

One comment about Steam Guard: I have Steam installed on my mobile, with Mobile Steam Guard enabled and I have never looked back. You don't even have to launch Steam Mobile anymore to read the code. When you attempt to log-in, you get a notification with the code on your mobile. Really convenient.

[XÆЯO_Vince]

Nice build. I agree that 16GB RAM + GTX 960 4GB Superclocked was the way to go. IIRC, that graphics card upgrade was only $40 above the base model. I wonder if the Syber machines will go on sale again. The SC edition core is clocking at around 1216 MHz (base) / 1279 MHz (boost) and a 7 GHz memory clock. I was reading that you can generally push these clocks even further to like 1366 base and 1429 MHz boost with a 1500+ MHz in-game clock boost. The memory clock can also generally be pushed to between 7.5 to 8 GHz. That would probably add an additional 5 to 10 FPS in most games, should you ever feel the need for speed. You'd get full OC access (with manual fan control, overvoltage control, and clock adjustment) like this:

nvidia-xconfig --cool-bits=28

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2015/08/04/msi_geforce_gtx_960_gaming_4g_video_card_review/3
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-1962-KR

As far as performance goes, it appears the 358.xx driver series has the upper hand over the 352 and 355 series. SteamOS should get a modest boost in some games with a 358 series driver upgrade. Right now, SteamOS has an outdated video driver.

Check this out:

http://boilingsteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/framerate-comparison2.png

This is not to say that the driver will greatly improve performance in all games but it might help in some like it does with GRID Autosport.

You might also check each game to see if GL threaded optimizations helps or not. On the games it helps, leave it enabled to enjoy further framerate increases.

BTW, you can re-enable suspend and hibernation in SteamOS by setting lightdm to boot into the login manager menu or GNOME, rather than SteamOS Session, which artificially blocks the feature.

[sheehanje]

Originally posted by skinnyraf:

One comment about Steam Guard: I have Steam installed on my mobile, with Mobile Steam Guard enabled and I have never looked back. You don't even have to launch Steam Mobile anymore to read the code. When you attempt to log-in, you get a notification with the code on your mobile. Really convenient.

That's great on my account - but I have 2 kids each with an account too and one mobile phone. For most users it's fine. For a family it's an annoyance. Luckily I only have to deal with it once in a great while.

[SHREDDER]

Why ddi you got the 960 and not 970? A 970 overclcoked can destroy 960 in evry game. For ultra 1080p 60 fps and 4k 40+ fps ultrra settings in demanding games a high overclocked GTX 970 or 980 or 980 ti is a MUST. A 960 in 2015? Seriouslly? I got my 970 G1 GAMING on November 2014 and it is twice as fast than a 960. Very bad move. Did you install windows or not yet?

[Shark]

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Why ddi you got the 960 and not 970? A 970 overclcoked can destroy 960 in evry game. For ultra 1080p 60 fps and 4k 40+ fps ultrra settings in demanding games a high overclocked GTX 970 or 980 or 980 ti is a MUST. A 960 in 2015? Seriouslly? I got my 970 G1 GAMING on November 2014 and it is twice as fast than a 960. Very bad move. Did you install windows or not yet?

A 960 is a lot cheaper, though, and runs games just fine.

[sheehanje]

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Why ddi you got the 960 and not 970? A 970 overclcoked can destroy 960 in evry game. For ultra 1080p 60 fps and 4k 40+ fps ultrra settings in demanding games a high overclocked GTX 970 or 980 or 980 ti is a MUST. A 960 in 2015? Seriouslly? I got my 970 G1 GAMING on November 2014 and it is twice as fast than a 960. Very bad move. Did you install windows or not yet?

Wasn't willing to pay the price point for a machine that will be hooked to a 1080p television. The 960 runs about the same as my kids GTX 770 and that plays everything they throw at it.

I figure if I want to go 4K in a few years I'll slap whatever the latest iteration of nVidia is out there. By that time a $200 card will probably do 4K gaming.

I have 3 gamers in my house - I can't buy everyone a top of the line video card.

[XÆЯO_Vince]

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Why ddi you got the 960 and not 970? A 970 overclcoked can destroy 960 in evry game. For ultra 1080p 60 fps and 4k 40+ fps ultrra settings in demanding games a high overclocked GTX 970 or 980 or 980 ti is a MUST. A 960 in 2015? Seriouslly? I got my 970 G1 GAMING on November 2014 and it is twice as fast than a 960. Very bad move. Did you install windows or not yet?

He chose the factory overclocked GTX 960; I believe the EVGA GTX 960 4GB SC is offered by Syber. He could further overclock the GPU on Linux with the basic info I gave (if he ever wanted in the future) and add additional 5 to 10 FPS to games, making the super overclocked card almost as fast as a stock GTX 970 at no additional cost. Furthermore, the 358.xx series drivers show some performance improvements in certain Linux games and so hopefully SteamOS adopts the latest drivers soon or he can manually install them.

[SHREDDER]

Originally posted by sheehanje:

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Why ddi you got the 960 and not 970? A 970 overclcoked can destroy 960 in evry game. For ultra 1080p 60 fps and 4k 40+ fps ultrra settings in demanding games a high overclocked GTX 970 or 980 or 980 ti is a MUST. A 960 in 2015? Seriouslly? I got my 970 G1 GAMING on November 2014 and it is twice as fast than a 960. Very bad move. Did you install windows or not yet?

Wasn't willing to pay the price point for a machine that will be hooked to a 1080p television. The 960 runs about the same as my kids GTX 770 and that plays everything they throw at it.

I figure if I want to go 4K in a few years I'll slap whatever the latest iteration of nVidia is out there. By that time a $200 card will probably do 4K gaming.


I have 3 gamers in my house - I can't buy everyone a top of the line video card.

Ι also have my pc on a 2014 21,5'' 1080P IPS monitor but i have the highest overclocked 970(GTX 970 G1 GAMING) and to play at 4k i use DSR so i dont need to buy a real 4k monitor for now.i have this monitor http://www.lg.com/africa_en/monitors/lg-22MP55HQ-P Since my pc can not fit near tv and i dont have a 4k tv 4K DSR is the best solution .. When 23'' 4k monitors drop in price i might consider buy one. But your 960 dosent have the power to run 4k DSR so you are limited to native 1080p only while my 970 can run evrything at 1440p DSR and some games(not all but some like MGS 5 Alien Isolaytion Mad max all 2d and 2,5 d games, e.t.c) at 4k/4KDSR 30 fps that is perfectly playble. To play all of them at 4k i wll need a 980ti or to overclock it even morer than the already very high factory overclock it has but i dont want to risk overclocking such a good card that is one year old.

[Shark]

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Ι also have my pc on a 2014 21,5'' 1080P IPS monitor but i have the highest overclocked 970(GTX 970 G1 GAMING) and to play at 4k i use DSR so i dont need to buy a real 4k monitor for now.i have this monitor http://www.lg.com/africa_en/monitors/lg-22MP55HQ-P Since my pc can not fit near tv and i dont have a 4k tv 4K DSR is the best solution .. When 23'' 4k monitors drop in price i might consider buy one. But your 960 dosent have the power to run 4k DSR so you are limited to native 1080p only while my 970 can run evrything at 1440p DSR and some games(not all but some like MGS 5 Alien Isolaytion Mad max all 2d and 2,5 d games, e.t.c) at 4k/4KDSR 30 fps that is perfectly playble. To play all of them at 4k i wll need a 980ti or to overclock it even morer than the already very high factory overclock it has but i dont want to risk overclocking such a good card that is one year old.

What point are you trying to make here? He already has the 960.

[Tiberius cafezeiro pezinhos]

Originally posted by SHREDDER:

Originally posted by sheehanje:

Wasn't willing to pay the price point for a machine that will be hooked to a 1080p television. The 960 runs about the same as my kids GTX 770 and that plays everything they throw at it.

I figure if I want to go 4K in a few years I'll slap whatever the latest iteration of nVidia is out there. By that time a $200 card will probably do 4K gaming.


I have 3 gamers in my house - I can't buy everyone a top of the line video card.

Ι also have my pc on a 2014 21,5'' 1080P IPS monitor but i have the highest overclocked 970(GTX 970 G1 GAMING) and to play at 4k i use DSR so i dont need to buy a real 4k monitor for now.i have this monitor http://www.lg.com/africa_en/monitors/lg-22MP55HQ-P Since my pc can not fit near tv and i dont have a 4k tv 4K DSR is the best solution .. When 23'' 4k monitors drop in price i might consider buy one. But your 960 dosent have the power to run 4k DSR so you are limited to native 1080p only while my 970 can run evrything at 1440p DSR and some games(not all but some like MGS 5 Alien Isolaytion Mad max all 2d and 2,5 d games, e.t.c) at 4k/4KDSR 30 fps that is perfectly playble. To play all of them at 4k i wll need a 980ti or to overclock it even morer than the already very high factory overclock it has but i dont want to risk overclocking such a good card that is one year old.

I'm sorry mate, but you it sounds like you are just bragging about your hardware.

[sheehanje]

More in line with my original post - the second box came and included both controllers (Steam and Xbox 360 wireless kit), the missing antennae, and the rest of the chords.

For now the steam machine is put away till next weekend. Once I get a few days with it I will write a proper review.

[skinnyraf]

Do you plan to leave SteamOS on, or do you treat Syber Steam Machine as a bargain Vapor and will install Windows immediately?

[SHREDDER]

Of course he will install Windows and delete or keep Steam Os but dont use it.

[sheehanje]

Originally posted by skinnyraf:

Do you plan to leave SteamOS on, or do you treat Syber Steam Machine as a bargain Vapor and will install Windows immediately?

I'm keeping SteamOS. I thought about Windows - but SteamOS is more kid proof.

There are 2 major drawbacks to SteamOS:

Performance is less than windows.

Lack of Apps outside of games (Netflix, Vudu, etc.).

I don't consider the library not having all the Windows titles a drawback. It has more than enough quality titles to keep the kids busy a long time. It's good to see plans for other top titles being released (Street Fighter V). That tells me the Steam Machine numbers may be better than people think...


There are a few advantages to SteamOS, especially for the living room:

A) It's fast. Boot is fast. Navigation is fast. Less clutter, more focused purpose - it's just a fast way to launch games.

B) It doesn't get in it's own way. I've tried windows in the living room a few times. Something ALWAYS happens to take me out of the game. Whether it's a notification or some process running in the background... SteamOS hasn't done that. Also, while Windows doesn't blue screen like it used to, it still starts to run like crap after a while. Even when I disable all the unnecessary stuff - Windows behaves like a toddler throwing tantrums...

C) the update process is streamlined. It works well. Been very impressed even with frequent updates - they happen fast and it's been a very refreshing experience. Compared to the broken dependency hell Linux can be at times.

D) It's not as breakable as windows (from the kids perspective). I spend a good portion of my week playing IT guy at home. Other than setting up some caveats on their steam machine (Minecraft) - I haven't had much to fix with SteamOS. GREAT!

E) It's exciting to vest in something and watch it grow up. As a IT professional for over 30 years, I enjoy watching (and being part of) emerging platforms.



Remember, Valve has only been in the OS game for 2 years. Yes, they are building on a proven platform - but just like Google with Android, it's going take them another year or two to really get SteamOS to where it needs. Most people will Opt for Windows - some of us will stick it out and watch SteamOS grow up.

[skinnyraf]

Wow, mate, you have just written the most stellar (and yet not fanboyish) review of SteamOS I have ever read :)

I'm currently dual-booting Debian and Windows and sure, even with typing my password in, I get to the point when I can launch a game in Steam/Linux in 1/3 of the time it takes for Windows to boot and finish whatever magic it does in the background after booting before Steam window appears.

I would buy a Steam Machine right away, but I have so many legacy Windows games in my backlog, the machine would stay unused most of the time. That said... kids... :)