This week Valve launched its Steam Machine gaming computer with Linux-based SteamOS, in an effort to transfer PC gaming to the living room. However, some recent testing by ArsTechnica showed that major speed is sacrificed for the couch potato convenience. The SteamOS performed drastically slower than Windows 10 in terms of actual gameplay, and can result in a drop of dozens of frames per second (fps) based on factors such as the gaming rig's game and settings.
Valve first mentioned the development of its "Steam Box" around three years ago. The big question in the tech world was its overall effect on PC gaming performance.
ArsTechnica decided to run tests to learn how the SteamOS performed versus Microsoft's Windows 10. It used a special SteamOS/Windows machine it had constructed almost two years ago, according to ArsTechnica.
In the benchmarks that tested real gameplay, the Windows 10 OS performed significantly better than SteamOS. That was for single and multi-core standards.
The second battery of tests measured the average fps. Windows 10's figures were significantly higher (21 to 58 fps) than SteamOS'.
The speed differences are based on optimization. Games and video drivers are less polished for Linux than Windows, thus the software does not allow the hardware to function at its full potential, according to Engadget.
ArsTechnica admitted that its 6-game testing on one hardware set-up was not comprehensive. Linux-centered games and new graphics hardware could give SteamOS a gaming performance edge over Microsoft's Windows 10.
The situation could change in the future based on one key driver. It is possible if Steam Machines sell like hotcakes, which would force developers to fine-tune their coding for the gaming rig.
However, it is not clear if that will happen. For now Steam Machine owners will have to deal with gaming computers in their living rooms that are slower than the desktop/laptop games in their bedroom or basement.
Here is a first look at the Steam Controller: