ZOTAC Steam Machine Takes PC Gaming Beyond the Computer

[btarunr]

ZOTAC International, a leading innovator and manufacturer of graphic cards and mini-PCs, today rewrites the definition of PC gaming with the ZOTAC Steam Machine SN970. The groundbreaking gaming platform finally conjoins uncompromising graphical experience with the television, unchaining gaming from the desk to the home entertainment center.

"We are honored to be working closely with Valve to bring gamers a system that will redefine PC gaming. The ZOTAC Steam Machine delivers a fully optimized gaming platform with full emphasis on graphics. We have employed the latest Intel CPU and NVIDIA GPU technology so gamers can keep the graphics sliders on ultra, and enjoy smooth, 4k gaming," says Tony Wong, CEO, ZOTAC International.



Inspired design
With a fresh new design that is inspired by the ZBOX signature form, each aspect of the ZOTAC Steam Machine's aesthetics is the conceptual combination of futurism and the practicality of modern home designs. This is the Steam Machine with a distinct personality. With rounded edges and slightly elevated for greater airflow, it is fashion and function integrated.

Connect up to 4 displays
With cutting-edge NVIDIA graphics and technology powering the unit, up to 4 displays can be connected simultaneously. NVIDIA Surround and Steam Big Picture bring the immersive experience to users on the big screen. All the next generation technologies are fully employed - including VXGI, MFAA and DSR - and take full advantage of the beautifully designed in-game sceneries.

The ultimate unboxing
"The ZOTAC Steam Machine is the first in the foray of PC gaming away from the desk, and we have dedicated our efforts in designing the perfect gaming system that will define the next generation. We are equipping the ZOTAC Steam Machine with Intel's 6th generation CPU and a discrete GTX level graphics card with NVIDIA's latest Maxwell GPU to provide gamers the means for an incredible visual experience. Each component is carefully selected and tested to ensure the greatest optimization, and we will strive to ensure users game with the best," reveals an excited Jacky Huang, Director of Product Management, ZOTAC International.

Each unit comes with a Steam controller to give users better control in action and storage also comes included in the form of a 64GB M.2 SSD and a 2.5" 1TB HDD. Equipped with 802.11ac wireless, you can enjoy a blazing fast connection to the network for a smooth gaming experience.

SteamOS experience on the big screen
Valve's much anticipated SteamOS now brings you the full Steam platform experience along with many innovations. Pre-loaded with the ZOTAC Steam Machine, the unit will boot up the OS when it is powered on for the first time, saving precious gaming time. Some of the innovations brought by the SteamOS are in-home streaming, multimedia playback, and library sharing capabilities; making the unit living room-friendly for the entire family.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[xfia]

Key Features

• 
  
  
  • SteamOS preloaded
  • NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 970M MXM graphics
  • 4 x HDMI 2.0, supports 4K UHD @ 60Hz

Specifications

• 
  
  
  • 6th Gen Intel Processor (skylake)
  • NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 970M 3GB GDDR5
  • 8GB DDR3 SODIMM
  • 64GB M.2 SSD
  • 1 x HDMI in
  • 2D/3D NVIDIA Surround
  • Dual Gigabit Ethernet
  • 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x 2.5” 1TB HDD
  • 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Mic-In, Stereo Out
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Reader

optimistic for 4k gaming with a 3gb 970m? are they even going to let people dual boot windows? no gsync support. just don't see these selling that well for what I am sure they will cost.. I mean this thing seems really limited and only 1tb of storage so if this where to go in a living room for a whole family it would be filled up pretty fast.

 

[revanchrist]

Did Zotac magically gain access to Skylake processor months ahead of everyone else or did Zotac simply trying to follow Nvidia footstep in light of GTX 970 incident?

 

[xfia]

Did Zotac magically gain access to Skylake processor months ahead of everyone else or did Zotac simply trying to follow Nvidia footstep in light of GTX 970 incident?

suppose to be q2 for the mobile skylake apparently and I don't see these on zotacs website so no stocking just yet
manufactures get engineering samples ahead of time

 

[atomicus]

"...gamers can keep the graphics sliders on ultra, and enjoy smooth, 4k gaming"

On a single 970??! Do Zotac actually WANT to be sued? What they are saying is LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE!!

 

[bogami]

Matter is pretty strong and satisfying for HD gaming and not ultra HD( cood do, and not for all games). M.2 64GB card can be increased . I hope that it does not overheat.

 

[xfia]

"...gamers can keep the graphics sliders on ultra, and enjoy smooth, 4k gaming"

On a single 970??! Do Zotac actually WANT to be sued? What they are saying is LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE!!

I doubt that it is impossible with a number of the linux games on steam to run a preset max at 4k with a 30fps target but not all and yeah tony must not be a gamer or care about the misleading information he spreads to sell products.
not really like tony is alone.. hell if zotac went to court for this one there should be like 100 tech manufactures there too if all things are equal and there is a remote chance of that.

 

[atomicus]

I'm sure SOME games will run 4K... but newer titles will not. No way never. This is crazy talk. Even though I'm sure these Steam machines will be more efficient than bloated Windows PC's, they will not be running the likes of GTAV at 4K smoothly. Seriously, what is this guy smoking?!

That said, this is designed for living room use where most people have 1080p TV's anyway... 4K sets are becoming more popular, but nowhere near mainstream yet.

 

[rtwjunkie]

Did Zotac magically get their hands on the Steam Controller? Last I heard Valve was still trying to get the design "just right."

 

[GhostRyder]

I think its funny how they are stating that its 4K ready on a single GTX 970m (Not even a desktop variant) mostly because even a GTX 980 overclocked is not fully 4K ready (For at least decent framerates at ultra). That being said, many to most steam games are not that extreme in graphics requirements so I could definitely see at least a nice margin of games running nice with its purpose since this is not designated for an extreme gaming desktop.

I think my favorite part is that they are using an MXM 970m, just means that it is possible to upgrade it down the line with other MXM GPU's which is a nice selling point from my perspective at least.

 

[manofthem]

I like the pic, looks very nice

 

[Caldazar]

PR speak aside, that's a decent machine for what it's meant to be.
Linux ports get less and less expensive, that shouldn't be too much of a concern on the long run.

Don't forget, from the market perspective it's not a PC. It's a console that you can upgrade, tinker with, use as a PC or as a TV or hack to your heart's content.

Options and the freedom to use them, that's what Steam is betting on to find a market for.
Sony or Microsoft would sue you for half the things you can easily do with a Steam machine and I can see them having a hard time ahead because of this.
Especially if specs like this one come with a fair price.