Valve Unlocks SteamOS 3.8 for Custom Desktop PC Builds

Ekhbary News Agency | 2024-05-15

Valve has finally given PC enthusiasts the green light to construct their own "Steam Machines" by officially supporting SteamOS 3.8 for desktop installations. The 3.8.10 release, rolled out last week, brings crucial improvements in compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms. This move empowers gamers to install Valve's Linux-based operating system on a wider array of personal computers, marking a significant shift in the company's hardware strategy.

Expanding Graphics Support and Future Prospects

Pierre-Loup Griffais from Valve confirmed the company is actively "rolling out improvements to [SteamOS] so it's more compatible with desktop hardware," including eventual support for Nvidia graphics cards. A dedicated and growing team is collaborating closely with Nvidia to integrate the necessary drivers. While full Nvidia support might not materialize this year, Griffais emphasized it remains a background priority. As it stands, this commitment signals Valve’s ambition to make SteamOS a viable option for diverse PC configurations.

Installation Experience and Current Limitations

Previously, installing SteamOS on custom hardware was technically possible but largely limited to AMD systems and required a less-than-straightforward Steam Deck recovery image process. The latest iteration aims to simplify this, particularly for console-like PC setups connected to a TV. However, the current installation method is designed for a fresh OS on a new PC, not for dual-booting alongside another operating system. Valve envisions a future where SteamOS can coexist more seamlessly with other OS installations, offering greater flexibility to users.