The new Steam Machine surprises with an internal design as compact as that of Xbox Series X

The ventilation system of Valve's new machine is reminiscent of that of Microsoft's console.

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Valve wants to surprise the world of hardware once again. This time, it’s doing so with a device that seems to be looking directly at what Microsoft achieved with Xbox Series X. The recently unveiled Steam Machine aims to offer the power of a desktop PC in a tiny body, but the most interesting thing is not its size, but how it has solved the heat issue.

At first glance, its cubic format already evokes the Xbox console, but when you open it, the similarities are even greater. Valve has adopted an internal structure very similar to that of Series X, betting on a vertical ventilation system, a modular distribution, and a top air outlet that distributes the flow with precision.

Steam Machine and Xbox Series X: two approaches, one goal

Inside the chassis are custom AMD CPU and GPU, separated by thermal chambers that channel air from the base up, just like in Microsoft’s console. The large top fan is responsible for expelling hot air with minimal noise, allowing the device to maintain stable power even in demanding games.

• Vertical air flow: both devices move air from the bottom up, creating a natural current that prevents heat buildup inside the chassis.

• Divided thermal chamber: both Steam Machine and Xbox Series X separate the CPU and GPU into independent compartments, optimizing airflow and reducing temperature in critical components.

• Top extraction fan: in both cases, a large and silent fan constantly pushes hot air out, minimizing noise even under heavy loads.

• Compact and vertical design: both machines opt for a stacked layout, where the motherboard and cooling system are distributed in levels, allowing for stable thermal performance in a reduced format.

• Positive air pressure: like Microsoft’s console, Steam Machine uses a pressurized air flow that forces heat expulsion without relying on multiple fans, ensuring stability and silence.

• Custom aluminum heat sinks: both systems employ large heat dissipation blocks to maintain thermal balance, even with high-consumption components.

• Silent and efficient approach: the result in both cases is surprisingly silent operation, even when running demanding games in 4K resolution.

The result is a small monster capable of running titles in 4K at 60 FPS without breaking a sweat, and with a level of silence comparable to that of Xbox Series X. All this in a cube of just 16 centimeters, smaller but just as ingenious. It’s no wonder many are already calling it the “Gabecube”, a nickname that perfectly summarizes the mix of power, efficiency, and humor that characterizes Valve.

Check it out in images:

the inside of the Steam Machine is just as compact as the Xbox Series X in an even smaller cube. The gabecube, if you like pic.twitter.com/Dq6cY6tnl9

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) November 12, 2025