<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3KwNJr_0wPT4gBG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3KwNJr_0wPT4gBG00" width="1173" height="682" ></figure>Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. The big picture: A crafty tinkerer has managed to build a full-fledged Linux gaming PC that's roughly the size of a Wii and runs the same console-like interface as the Steam Deck. We think it could make a compelling alternative gaming console you can connect to your TV, given that its operating system is specifically designed for controllers. We've previously covered how this same talented individual (Eta Prime) converted a busted Steam Deck into a mini gaming PC. But this newer build stands out as it's an actual PC build packing an Intel i7 chip and even a dedicated GPU – AMD's Radeon RX 6400. Fitting that GPU into the compact Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis is quite the achievement. The previous Steam Deck conversion relied on the handheld's original motherboard, limiting it to the AMD APU sans a discrete GPU.Usually, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q with its i7-8700T (6 cores, 12 threads) functions fine with basic cooling vents. But since Eta Prime was building a compact gaming beast, he opted for the Radeon RX 6400 and had to drill a side hole for improved airflow using a step drill bit. The hole aligned perfectly with the GPU's fan, and the GPU itself fit snugly inside the compact case – a larger unit wouldn't have made it.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2JayRW_0wPT4gBG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2JayRW_0wPT4gBG00" width="1613" height="1090" ></figure>Apart from the GPU, Eta Prime also upgraded the RAM and storage. The desktop supports up to DDR4 2667MHz RAM, which isn't blazing fast compared to RAM touching 10000MHz speeds nowadays, but should get the job done. He managed to cram in 16GB of RAM along with a 1TB M.2 SSD.With the hardware squared away, the YouTuber proceeded to install the operating system – the Bazzite distro. Bazzite is an OCI image serving as an alternative Steam Deck OS and a ready-to-game SteamOS-like for desktop PCs. The website lets you configure the OS per your CPU and GPU, and you can even choose to boot directly into the Steam Gaming Mode for that authentic console gaming experience.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0bODBs_0wPT4gBG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0bODBs_0wPT4gBG00" width="1280" height="718" ></figure>Next, he wanted to test his contraption's gaming chops. He first tried pushing the RX 6400 to its limits with a couple of games at 1440p. Since the RX 6400 is an entry-level 2022 GPU, getting modern AAA titles to run well at high resolutions would be tough, so Eta Prime had to start with older games. He tried Left 4 Dead 2 at 1440p, which ran around 120fps on very high settings.Meanwhile, Street Fighter 6 averaged 60fps at 1080p medium with FSR frame generation. Elden Ring ran at 1080p low settings, almost hitting a steady 60fps. The well-optimized Doom Eternal exceeded 100FPS at 1080p. And Cyberpunk 2077 ran at 1080p low with FSR balanced mode, averaging around 56fps held back by 4GB VRAM.It's a sleeper build, really. Standing straight up on a tabletop, you'd never guess it could handle titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom Eternal – let alone boot into a SteamOS flavor. But it does just that, and surprisingly well, too.</div></body>

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Tinkerer converts ThinkCentre into compact Steam OS-powered gaming console

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. The big picture: A crafty tinkerer has managed to build a full-fledged Linux gaming PC that's roughly the size of a Wii and runs the same console-like interface as the Steam Deck. We think it could make a compelling alternative gaming console you can connect to your TV, given that its operating system is specifically designed for controllers.