Alienware Steam Machine Review – Is the Retro Gaming PC Still Worth It?

The Alienware Steam Machine was launched in 2015 as a high‑end, Linux‑based gaming console. Six years later it lives on the second‑hand market, and many enthusiasts wonder whether the hardware can still hold its own against modern titles. In this review we look at the design, performance, thermals, and overall value, using a unit we sourced from eBay and refreshed with new thermal paste.

Where We Found the Machine

Searching on the eBay I found this particular model listed for under $150. We decided to browse eBay for another old Alienware unit to compare, and the seller’s description matched the original specs: an Intel Core i7‑4770, 16 GB DDR3 RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 970M. The listing included the original power brick and a set of Dell‑branded accessories.

Welcome to my latest video where I buy, fix, and test out an old Alienware Steam Machine – the video walks through the disassembly, thermal upgrade, and gaming benchmarks. For readers who prefer to buy a fresh‑in‑the‑box version, you can Buy it at Dell (Affiliate Link).

Design and Build Quality

Alienware’s signature sci‑fi aesthetic is instantly recognizable. The chassis is a compact, matte‑black tower with brushed aluminum accents and a subtle LED strip that glows when the system powers on. The build feels solid; the internal layout is organized with cable‑management cut‑outs that make serviceability easier than most pre‑built gaming PCs.

The machine was designed to sit on a desk or be tucked into a living‑room entertainment center, making it a hybrid between a console and a PC. The front panel includes a power button and a small status LED, while the rear panel offers easy access to the power supply and expansion slots.

Performance and Thermals

Does the Alienware Steam Machine still deliver playable frame rates on modern titles? After installing the latest SteamOS 3.0 and updating the GPU drivers, we ran a series of benchmarks on games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Control